Holiday Hairstyles That Make Getting Party-Ready So Much Easier

Back view of a woman with long hair tied with a large red holiday bow, festive background with blurred lights, holiday hairstyles for party-ready looks.

Holiday parties, Christmas dinners, and New Year’s Eve celebrations are the perfect excuse to do something a little extra with your hair. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or keeping things casual with friends, the right hairstyle can pull your entire outfit together. This season’s holiday hairstyles are all about bouncy blowouts, glossy waves, festive ribbons, and sparkling accessories. The best part? You don’t need an elaborate updo or hours of styling to get your hair ready for the occasion.

From velvet bows to classic Hollywood curls, these 17 holiday hair ideas offer a ton of inspiration for every celebration on your calendar.

17 Holiday Hairstyles You’ll Want to Copy This Party Season

1. Half-Up Waves With A Velvet Bow

Back view of a woman with long wavy hair styled with a red velvet bow, perfect for holiday party hairstyles.

Nothing says holiday hairstyles quite like a velvet bow. Loose, cascading waves secured in a half-up style strike a lovely balance between casual and dressy. Choose black velvet for a classy result, or go with burgundy or emerald green for a seasonal pop of color.

2. Voluminous ’90s Blowout

Beautiful woman with long, voluminous wavy hair in a cozy, festive indoor setting with Christmas lights and candles.

Big, full-bodied hair is back on the holiday party scene, and the ’90s blowout delivers impressive volume without needing additional accessories. Think sweeping face-framing layers, rounded ends, and plenty of lift through the roots. Use a round brush or jumbo rollers to build fullness and maintain that airy, bouncy shape.

3. Old Hollywood Waves

Elegant woman with long, wavy auburn hair and natural makeup, wearing a dark green top, in a warm, softly lit setting with bokeh lights in the background.

For a more formal affair, it’s hard to beat Hollywood waves. A deep side part and glossy waves bring vintage movie-star appeal to holiday hair. Tuck one side behind your ear or secure it with a clip to show off statement earrings.

4. Half-Up Hair Bow

Long, wavy brunette hair styled in a half-up, half-down hairstyle, showcasing healthy, shiny hair with soft curls, in a salon setting.

Why add a bow when you can make one using your own hair? This half-up hairstyle turns sections of hair into a bow-shaped detail while leaving the remaining length flowing down your back. To form the bow, create two loops of hair and secure them with pins in the center with a small section. Wear the rest of your hair straight or curled for a hairstyle that’s anything but ordinary.

5. Coquette High Bun With Mini Bows

Elegant updo hairstyle with multiple small burgundy bows, perfect for festive occasions or special events.

A textured high bun adorned with tiny ribbon bows brings a playful, feminine aesthetic to your party hairstyle. Gather your hair into a loosely styled bun near the crown, leaving a few wispy strands around the face. Place several miniature satin bows in burgundy, blush, or black around the bun to complete the coquette-inspired hairstyle.

6. Intricate Braided Half-Up Hairstyle With Bows

Elegant braided hairstyle with ribbons, perfect for festive occasions, showcasing intricate hair styling and long, wavy blonde hair.

For something more unique, try a braided half-up hairstyle decorated with satin bows for Christmas parties and winter celebrations.Twisted and braided sections come together at the back, flowing into a braid with small ribbon bows placed along its length. Let the remaining hair fall in gentle curls to balance the intricate details.

7. Sleek Low Bun

Elegant woman with sleek, low bun hairstyle, wearing a tan coat and black top, in natural sunlight, showcasing beauty and hair styling for skincare and beauty blog.

A sleek low bun is a reliable choice when you want your hair secured and out of the way all evening. A side part, neatly pressed roots, and a compact knot at the nape create a crisp silhouette that works particularly well with high necklines, statement earrings, and formal dresses.

8. Low Bun With A Satin Ribbon

Elegant woman with a beige satin ribbon tied in a bow in her hair, wearing a green sweater, in a cozy, decorated home setting with Christmas lights.

A satin ribbon can turn a basic low bun into something special for the holidays. Arrange your hair into a low knot, leaving a few face-framing strands free for a more relaxed result. Tie a satin ribbon around the bun, allowing the ends to hang down.

9. Half-Swept Back Curls

Beautiful woman with long, curly hair and warm skin tone, wearing a burgundy off-shoulder sweater, in a salon setting with hair products in the background.

Can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down? This holiday hairstyle offers the best of both. Secure the front sections away from your face, allowing the remaining length to cascade down in natural curls. Defined ringlets, looser curls, and naturally textured hair all suit this style. It’s particularly lovely on medium to long hair and keeps your face open for photos.

10. Ribbon-Woven Braid

Back view of a woman with a beautifully styled braid in her brown hair, wearing a cozy cream cable-knit sweater, in a warm, inviting indoor setting with natural light.

For a decorative alternative to a traditional braid, weave a thin satin ribbon through your hair. Choose a French braid or three-strand braid, with burgundy, black, champagne, or forest green satin for a seasonal touch. Allow the braid to remain neat for a dressier occasion or loosen it slightly for a more relaxed holiday gathering.

11. Pearl-Accented Chignon

Elegant updo hairstyle with pearl accents, perfect for special occasions or weddings, showcasing sophisticated hair styling and beauty.

Tiny pearl hairpins add a delicate accent to a low chignon. Arrange your hair into a gently textured bun and place a few pearl pins around the twist. This combination works well with winter-white outfits, satin dresses, and understated jewelry.

12. High Ponytail With Bouncy Curls

Elegant woman with voluminous, curly brown hair styled in a high ponytail with a black ribbon, wearing a black velvet top in a cozy cafe setting.

A high ponytail with curled ends brings height and a dose of drama to your holiday party hair. Neaten the roots, then curl the ponytail into loose, springy sections. A velvet ribbon or ornamental accessory can make this everyday favorite suitable for an evening out.

13. French Twist With A Gold Hairpin

Elegant updo hairstyle with a hairpin, perfect for holiday parties and festive occasions.

The French twist is making its way back into party hairstyles, and a metallic hair accessory makes it particularly fitting for the holidays. Sweep the hair upward into a vertical twist and secure it with pins, and add a gold hairpin. Leave the overall shape structured, or loosen a few strands for a less formal approach.

14. Straight Hair With A Crystal Barrette

Elegant woman with long dark hair styled in loose waves, wearing a pearl hair clip and silver earrings, in a modern indoor setting with natural light.

You don’t need curls or an updo to make straight hair party-ready. Wear your hair straight with a smooth, glossy surface, then secure one side with a crystal or rhinestone barrette. It’s one of the easiest holiday hairstyles to put together when you’re short on time.

15. Loose Waves With Crystal Accents

Elegant woman with wavy blonde hair adorned with pearl hairpins, wearing a black top, in a modern indoor setting, showcasing beauty and hairstyle accessories.

Tiny crystal accents scattered through loose waves bring just the right amount of shimmer to evening festivities. Style your hair into flowing waves, then position a few small rhinestone accessories throughout the upper sections and lengths. Keep the placement irregular so the crystals catch the light.

16. Loose Waves With Hair Tinsel

Beautiful brunette hair styled in loose waves with gold hair extensions, perfect for a festive or special occasion look.

Looking for something playful for New Year’s Eve? Hair tinsel might be just what you need. Fine strands of gold hair tinsel cascade through loose waves and glisten under the lights with every movement. A simple half-up twist keeps the upper sections neatly arranged while allowing the metallic strands to fall through the remaining hair.

17. Low Ponytail With A Bow

Woman with long, wavy brown hair tied with a red ribbon, facing left, in a festive setting with blurred Christmas lights in the background.

A low ponytail with a ribbon is an easy way to dress up your hair for holiday gatherings without spending too much time styling.Gather your hair loosely at the back, leaving some volume around the crown, and add gentle waves through the rest of your tresses. Tie a small red velvet bow around the base for a seasonal flair that’s right at home at Christmas dinners and casual holiday parties.

How To Choose A Holiday Hairstyle

Back view of a woman with long, wavy brown hair tied with a white satin ribbon bow, festive blurred lights in the background, suitable for holiday hairstyle inspiration.

With so many holiday hairstyles to choose from, start by considering your outfit, the occasion, and how much time you want to spend styling.

For formal holiday parties, Old Hollywood waves, French twists, and sleek low buns are dependable choices. If you’re attending a casual Christmas gathering, try a half-up hairstyle with a velvet bow, a textured high bun, or a low ponytail with a ribbon.

Hair length also matters. Long hair offers ample options for braids, ponytails, and flowing curls, while shorter styles can be dressed up with crystal barrettes, pearl pins, or a touch of extra body.

And don’t overlook accessories! A satin ribbon, metallic clip, or hairpin can transform a simple hairstyle into something festive in minutes.

Final Thoughts On Holiday Hairstyles

The best holiday hairstyles don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes all it takes is a beautiful bow, a few well-placed hairpins, or added lift at the roots to make your usual hairstyle ready for a celebration.

Whether you’re drawn to voluminous blowouts, silky Hollywood waves, ribbon-styled updos, or sparkling New Year’s Eve accessories, there’s plenty of inspiration to carry you through the party season.

Which of these hairstyles do you plan to try for the holiday this year? Let us know in comments below!

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