Easy Holiday Hairstyles: 8 Party Looks to Do at Home

Last updated November 6, 2026

Easy holiday hairstyles include a sleek low bun, soft waves, a half-up bow and a classic braid. Most take 15 minutes or less with basic tools. Prep with heat protectant, then finish with a light hairspray to keep the style in place all night.

You do not need a salon visit to look polished at a party. These looks work for many hair lengths and textures.

Key Takeaways

• Always use heat protectant before hot tools.
• Second-day hair often holds styles better.
• Small accessories make simple styles look festive.
• A light hairspray keeps your look in place.
• Practice once before the big night.

On This Page

• What You Need
• 8 Easy Holiday Hairstyles
• Best Styles by Hair Length
• How to Make Your Style Last
• Protect Your Hair Afterward
• Choose a Style for Your Hair Type
• Use Heat Tools Safely
• Heatless Styles
• Holiday Hair Accessories
• Hairstyles for Kids
• Quick Fixes for Bad Hair Days
• Plan Your Getting-Ready Time
• Care for Your Scalp
• Make Hair Look Festive in Photos

What You Need

Gather a brush, bobby pins, clear elastics and a few clips. A curling iron or flat iron helps for some looks.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) shares tips for healthy hair.

Keep heat protectant, dry shampoo and hairspray close by. A pretty clip or ribbon adds a holiday touch.

8 Easy Holiday Hairstyles

1. Sleek Low Bun

Brush your hair back into a low ponytail. Twist it into a bun and pin it in place. Smooth flyaways with a little cream.

2. Soft Waves

Curl medium sections away from your face. Let them cool, then brush gently with your fingers.

3. Half-Up Bow

Pull the top half back with an elastic. Tie a velvet ribbon over it for a festive look.

4. Classic Side Braid

Sweep your hair to one side and braid it loosely. Pull the edges a little for a fuller look.

5. Twisted Crown

Twist small sections from each side toward the back. Pin them together under the crown of your head.

6. Messy Top Knot

Gather hair high on your head and wrap it into a knot. Leave a few soft pieces around your face.

7. Sleek Straight Hair

Run a flat iron through small sections. Finish with a drop of shine serum on the ends.

8. Accessorized Ponytail

Make a high ponytail and wrap a small section around the elastic. Add a jeweled clip for sparkle.

Best Styles by Hair Length

• Brush and bobby pins
• Clear elastics
• Heat protectant
• Dry shampoo
• Light hairspray
• Festive clip or ribbon

Use this calculator to plan your getting-ready time.

How to Make Your Style Last

Start with dry shampoo at the roots for extra grip. Clean hair can be too slippery for updos.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) shares tips for using dry shampoo.

Let curls cool fully before you touch them. Then mist lightly with hairspray from arm’s length.

Pack a few bobby pins in your bag. You can fix any slips during the party.

Protect Your Hair Afterward

Remove pins gently and brush out from the ends up. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce frizz.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists styling habits that can damage hair.

Give your hair a heat break for a day or two. A deep conditioner helps restore moisture.

Choose a Style for Your Hair Type

Your hair type affects which styles hold best. Pick a look that works with your natural texture.

Work with your texture instead of fighting it. Styles that suit your hair last longer and need less heat.

Use Heat Tools Safely

Curling irons and flat irons can damage hair if used too often or too hot. A few habits protect your strands.

• Always use a heat protectant spray first.
• Choose the lowest heat setting that works for your hair.
• Never use heat tools on wet hair.
• Keep tools moving instead of holding them in one spot.
• Let tools cool on a heat-safe surface.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists habits that can damage hair.

Heatless Styles

You can create festive looks without heat. Heatless styles are gentler on your hair.

Overnight Braids

Braid damp hair before bed. Undo the braids in the morning for soft waves.

Twist and Pin Curls

Twist small sections of damp hair and pin them flat. Let them dry fully before removing pins.

Headband Curls

Wrap damp hair around a soft robe belt or headband. Sleep on it and unwrap in the morning.

These methods take a little planning. Start the night before your event.

Holiday Hair Accessories

Accessories turn simple styles into party looks. You can wear a few pieces all season.

• Velvet bows in red, green or black
• Pearl or jeweled clips
• Sparkly headbands
• Satin scrunchies
• Small gold or silver hair cuffs for braids

Choose accessories that match your outfit. One statement piece usually looks better than several.

Hairstyles for Kids

Kids love dressing up for holiday events. Simple styles keep them comfortable and cute.

• Two braids with ribbons
• A half-up style with a bow
• A simple bun with a sparkly clip
• Pigtails with festive scrunchies

Use soft elastics that do not pull. Tight styles can hurt young scalps and cause breakage.

Quick Fixes for Bad Hair Days

Some days your hair just will not cooperate. These fast fixes save the look.

• Flat roots. Flip your head upside down and add dry shampoo at the roots.
• Frizz. Smooth a tiny drop of serum or oil over the surface.
• Flyaways. Spray hairspray on a toothbrush and brush them down.
• Greasy hair. Try a sleek bun or braid with dry shampoo.
• Fallen curls. Twist sections around your finger and pin them for ten minutes.

A pretty clip or headband can hide almost any styling problem.

Plan Your Getting-Ready Time

Holiday events can feel rushed. Planning your hair timeline helps.

Practice a new style a few days before the event. You will know how long it takes and how it holds.

Care for Your Scalp

A healthy scalp supports healthy hair. Winter air can leave it dry and itchy.

Wash with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.

Massage your scalp gently while washing. It feels relaxing and helps remove buildup.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains everyday scalp care.

Make Hair Look Festive in Photos

Holiday photos last for years. A few tricks help your hair look its best on camera.

Add a little shine serum to the ends so hair catches the light. Avoid heavy products that can look greasy in photos.

Check the back of your style in a mirror before photos. Smooth any bumps or loose pins.

Stand near soft, natural light for photos. It shows off color and shine without harsh shadows.

Holiday Hair Mistakes to Avoid

Some habits can damage your hair during busy party season. Watch out for these common mistakes.

• Using heat tools without a heat protectant
• Pulling hair into very tight styles
• Sleeping in a style held with many pins
• Washing hair every day with hot water

Give your hair a break between parties with loose, heat-free styles. Your hair will stay healthier and shinier.

Pack a Hair Kit for Holiday Events

A small hair kit can save your style during a long party. It fits easily in a purse or bag.

Add a few bobby pins, a small comb and a hair tie. Include a mini hairspray and a little dry shampoo.

Pack a travel mirror for quick touch-ups. These simple tools help you look fresh all night.

Try New Styles Before the Big Day

Practice a new hairstyle a few days before the event. This gives you time to fix any problems.

Test Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest holiday hairstyle?

A sleek low bun or half-up style takes just a few minutes.

How do I make curls last all night?

Let them cool fully, then use a light hairspray.

Should I style clean or dirty hair?

Second-day hair holds updos better. Add dry shampoo for grip.

How do I protect my hair from heat?

Use heat protectant and keep tools on a medium setting.

Can I get waves without heat?

Yes. Try overnight braids, pin curls or wrapping damp hair around a soft headband.

What hair accessories are popular for the holidays?

Velvet bows, pearl clips, sparkly headbands and satin scrunchies are all festive.

What hairstyles work for kids?

Braids with ribbons, half-up styles with bows and simple buns are comfortable and cute.

How long should I allow for holiday hair?

Allow about an hour for washing, styling and final touches. Practice new styles first.

Wrapping Up

Pick one style and practice it this week. You will feel confident and ready for every holiday party.

Complete your look with our holiday makeup ideas. Keep strands healthy with our winter hair care tips.

Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 6, 2026. Results vary with hair type and tools.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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