11 Holiday Hairstyles for Women That Look Festive and Feel Easy

Every December I have the same problem. The outfit is planned, the shoes are ready, and then I look in the mirror an hour before the party and think: what do I do with my hair? After a lot of rushed curling iron sessions, I learned that the best holiday hairstyles are simple ones with one festive detail.

So here are 11 real holiday hairstyles worn by real women and done by real stylists in the US and UK. No AI pictures, just hair you can actually copy. For each one I share what the style is, where to wear it, how to do it at home and who it suits best.

Bows, buns, waves and blowouts are all here, so you can pick one for every party on your calendar.

1. Half Up Curls With a Red Velvet Bow

This look came from a stylist at the Headmasters salon in Woking, and it is the most “Christmas” hairstyle on this list. Big soft curls, the top section pulled back, and a deep red velvet bow tied right in the middle. It looks special but it takes about 15 minutes once your curls are done.

• Curl your hair with a 1.25 inch wand or a curling iron.
• Pull the top half back and secure it with a small clear elastic.
• Clip a red velvet bow over the elastic and loosen the curls with your fingers.

2. Loose Waves With a Big Red Bow

Sophie shared this in her “December to remember” post from London. Her dark hair is in loose, lived in waves with a big red bow pinned at the back, and she matched it to a red coat. If you want one festive detail that does all the work, this is it.

• Do loose waves with a flat iron or big curling wand.
• Take two small sections from each side and pin them together at the back.
• Clip a big satin or velvet bow over the pins.

3. A Bouncy Ponytail With a Cream Satin Bow

Ali captioned this “tis the season for bows and bubbly” at a holiday party, sitting by her Christmas tree with a glass of champagne. Her ponytail is soft and bouncy, and a cream satin bow makes it look dressy instead of gym ready. Easy, cute and so wearable.

• Tie a mid height ponytail and wrap a piece of hair around the elastic.
• Curl the ponytail in big sections for bounce.
• Tie or clip a cream or champagne satin bow on top of the elastic.

4. A Flipped Bob With a Long Velvet Bow

Bows are not just for long hair. This photo shows a chin length bob with a glossy outward flip and a long black velvet bow with ribbons that fall past the shoulders. Gold earrings finish it. It feels a little vintage and very elegant.

• Blow dry your bob with a round brush, flipping the ends out.
• Pin one side back behind the ear with a bobby pin.
• Clip a velvet bow with long tails over the pin.

5. A Sleek Low Ponytail With a Black Bow

Amber is a hairstylist who shares easy tutorials, and this was one of her three easy holiday hairstyles. A super sleek low ponytail with a black velvet bow at the nape. It is polished, classic and works with any outfit, from a sequin dress to a simple black sweater.

• Brush your hair back smooth and add a little hair cream or gel.
• Tie a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
• Add a black velvet bow over the elastic and smooth flyaways with hairspray.

6. A Soft Half Up With Curtain Bangs

Selin shared five holiday hairstyles to wear to a Christmas party, and this soft half up is my favorite. The bangs and front pieces stay loose to frame the face, while the back is pulled up with a black bow. It is pretty from every angle.

• Leave your curtain bangs or front pieces out.
• Pull the rest of the top section back loosely, not tight.
• Add a black or burgundy bow and pull out a few strands for softness.

7. A Twisted Half Up With a Skinny Ribbon

This is another look from the Headmasters team, posted between Christmas and New Year. The top section is twisted and pinned in a soft loop, a thin black ribbon is tied over it, and the rest falls in big glossy curls. It looks salon made but it is easy to copy.

• Curl your hair in big sections and let it cool.
• Twist two side sections and pin them together at the back.
• Tie a thin velvet ribbon in a small bow over the pins.

8. A Textured Low Bun

Nikita, a bridal and occasion stylist from Lancashire, called this a “sleek but textured bun for a Christmas party.” The top is smooth, and the bun is loose and twisted at the nape. It looks expensive and stays put all night, even when you are dancing.

• Smooth the top with a brush and a little hair oil.
• Tie a low ponytail, then twist and wrap it into a loose bun.
• Pin it with U pins and pull small pieces loose for texture.

9. A Soft Messy Updo With Face Framing Pieces

Abby, a bridal stylist and co owner of a salon in Paisley, shared this for Christmas party season. It is a high, loose updo with curled pieces falling around the face and neck. Romantic, a little undone and perfect for a dressy night.

• Curl all your hair first so the updo has texture.
• Gather it loosely at the crown and pin sections in place.
• Pull out face framing pieces and curl them again.

10. Glam Waves With Curtain Bangs

London colorist Josh Wood posted this look as last minute party hair inspo. Blonde hair, soft curtain bangs and big glossy waves. No accessories needed. If you want old Hollywood glamour for New Year’s Eve, this is the one.

• Curl your hair away from your face in big sections.
• Brush the curls out gently with a wide brush for soft waves.
• Finish with shine spray so the waves look glossy.

11. A Big Bouncy Blowout

Bre shared this on a little coffee date and Christmas shopping day, with full, bouncy hair that looks fresh from the salon. A good blowout is the easiest holiday hairstyle because it goes with everything and lasts two or three days.

• Blow dry with a round brush or a hot air brush, lifting at the roots.
• Wrap big sections around velcro rollers while still warm.
• Take the rollers out after 15 minutes and shake out the curls.

Quick Guide: Which Holiday Hairstyle Should You Pick?

• Short on time: a bow ponytail or a sleek low ponytail.
• Short hair: a flipped bob with a long velvet bow.
• Fancy party: a textured low bun or a soft messy updo.
• New Year’s Eve: glam waves or a twisted half up with a ribbon.
• Casual holiday days: a big bouncy blowout.
• Family photos: half up curls with a red bow.

Holiday Hairstyle FAQs

What is the easiest holiday hairstyle?

A ponytail with a bow is the easiest. Tie a mid or low ponytail, curl the ends if you want, and clip a velvet or satin bow over the elastic. It takes about 10 minutes.

What hairstyle is best for a Christmas party?

Half up curls with a bow, a sleek low bun or soft glam waves all look great at a Christmas party. Pick one that matches your outfit and how much time you have.

How do I make a bow stay in my hair?

Add a little dry texture spray where the bow will go, and clip it over an elastic or crossed bobby pins. This gives the clip something to grip.

What are good holiday hairstyles for short hair?

Try a flipped bob with a velvet bow, sleek tucked back sides with a clip, or soft waves with a deep side part. Bows with long tails add drama to short hair.

How do I make holiday curls last all night?

Let each curl cool before you touch it, then brush out gently and finish with a flexible hold hairspray. Pinning curls up while they cool makes them last longer.

Finish the look with one of these Christmas nails.

Planning past Christmas? Here are my favorite New Year’s Eve outfits.

My Last Word on Holiday Hairstyles

The best holiday hairstyle is one you can do in your own bathroom, in a hurry, and still feel great about. Start with clean, smooth hair, add one festive detail like a bow or soft waves, and you are ready for every party this season.

Planning the full look? Pair these with my Christmas outfit ideas, my winter date night outfits or my Thanksgiving outfits for women. And save this post to Pinterest for your next party.

Finish the look with one of these holiday makeup looks, from soft glam to a classic red lip.