December brings a full calendar of parties, dinners, and family gatherings, and christmas hairstyles for women should be festive, photo ready, and sturdy enough to last from the first toast to the last song. The good news is that a little sparkle goes a long way: a velvet bow, a few pearl pins, or a glossy wave can turn an everyday style into a Christmas look in minutes.
The 12 styles below cover every kind of December event, from a cozy family dinner to a formal office party. Most take 15 minutes or less, and several work beautifully on second day hair, which is a gift during the busiest month of the year.
Photo by Rachel Claire via Pexels
1. Old Hollywood Waves, the Most Glamorous Christmas Hairstyles for Women
Old Hollywood waves are the most classic Christmas hairstyle there is. Curl medium sections in the same direction, let them cool, then brush them out into deep, glossy waves with a side part. Pair them with a red lip and a dark dress, and you have a look that never fails at a formal party.
How to make it last: Use a one inch curling iron, pin each curl to cool, and finish with a shine spray rather than a heavy hairspray so the waves stay soft.
2. Sleek High Ponytail with a Velvet Bow
A sleek high ponytail with a velvet bow is the easiest way to look instantly festive. Smooth your hair up high, secure it tightly, and tie a velvet bow around the base in black, burgundy, or emerald. The bow does all the holiday work, and the high pony lifts your whole face.
How to make it last: Brush the hair up in two stages, first the sides and then the top, and use a small amount of gel at the hairline to keep flyaways flat.
3. Sparkling Low Chignon
A low chignon with sparkling pins is elegant and effortless. Twist your hair into a low bun at the nape, then add three or four crystal or gold pins in a small cluster. The sparkle catches candlelight and camera flashes beautifully, and the style stays comfortable for hours.
How to make it last: Pin the bun in at least four places, and place the decorative pins last so they sit on top of the secure base.
4. Half-Up with a Ribbon
A half-up style with a ribbon is soft, romantic, and very easy. Curl your hair lightly, take two front sections back, and tie them together with a satin or velvet ribbon instead of an elastic. It keeps hair off your face while showing off your length, and the ribbon makes it feel like Christmas.
How to make it last: Tie the ribbon over a small clear elastic so the style holds even if the ribbon loosens, and choose a ribbon color that matches your outfit.
5. Voluminous Curls
Big, soft curls are made for Christmas parties. Use a large barrel curling iron, curl away from your face, and brush through gently for volume rather than tight ringlets. This style works on medium and long hair, and it looks wonderful with a sequin top or a velvet dress.
How to make it last: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair before drying, and flip your head upside down for a final blast of cool air at the roots.
6. Classic French Twist
The French twist is the most polished updo on this list, and it suits formal Christmas dinners perfectly. Sweep your hair to one side, roll it upward, and pin it along the seam, leaving a few soft pieces at the front. It shows off your neckline and earrings, and it pairs beautifully with a gown or a tailored dress.
How to make it last: Start with slightly textured hair, use long pins along the roll, and finish with a strong hold hairspray.
7. Glossy Glass Hair
Mirror smooth, ultra shiny hair is minimal and chic, and it looks especially striking with sequins, satin, and metallics. Straighten your hair in small sections, add a shine serum, and keep the part sharp and clean. This is the best choice if your outfit is already bold and you want your hair to stay quiet and elegant.
How to make it last: Use a heat protectant with shine, straighten slowly section by section, and avoid touching your hair once it is set so it stays smooth.
8. Braided Crown with Sparkle Pins
A braided crown with sparkle pins combines romance with festivity. Braid two sections and wrap them around your head, then add small star or crystal pins along the braids. It is secure enough for dancing, it looks beautiful from every angle, and it works on most hair lengths.
How to make it last: Braid on textured hair, pin the crown in at least six places, and add the sparkle pins last so they sit visibly on top.
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich via Pexels
9. Textured Top Knot
A textured top knot is modern, fun, and practical for a long party night. Gather your hair high, twist it loosely, and pin it into a soft knot, pulling out a few pieces for texture. It keeps hair completely off your face, which is ideal if you will be dancing or moving between gatherings.
How to make it last: Tease the ponytail before twisting for extra grip and volume, and use pins that match your hair color so they disappear into the knot.
10. Side Swept Waves
Side swept waves are glamorous and simple. Curl your hair, sweep everything to one side, and pin it behind the opposite ear with a jeweled clip. This style shows off statement earrings and a detailed neckline, and it photographs beautifully under party lights.
How to make it last: Pin in two places, near the ear and lower down, and use a light hairspray so the waves keep their movement.
11. Bubble Ponytail with Ribbons
A bubble ponytail with small ribbons is playful and very festive. Make a high or mid ponytail, add elastics every few inches, and gently pull each section out to form bubbles. Tie a tiny ribbon at every elastic for a Christmas tree garland effect. It is a wonderful choice for a fun, casual party.
How to make it last: Use elastics that match your hair color, pull the bubbles out evenly, and finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Photo by Vinicius Quaresma via Pexels
12. Soft Bob with a Headband
If you have a bob or lob, a slim jeweled or velvet headband is the fastest Christmas upgrade. Style your bob with a little volume and a slight bend at the ends, then slide the headband on about an inch back from your hairline. It is elegant, it takes two minutes, and it works for every December event from brunch to midnight.
How to make it last: Add a little texturizing spray before placing the headband, and choose a headband with a bit of grip so it does not slide.
Photo by Rob Ruth via Pexels
FAQ
What is the best Christmas hairstyle for a formal party?
Old Hollywood waves, a French twist, or a sparkling low chignon are the safest formal choices. They look polished in photos and hold up well through a long evening.
How can I make a simple hairstyle look festive?
Add one holiday detail: a velvet bow, pearl or crystal pins, a satin ribbon, or a jeweled headband. One accessory is enough to turn an everyday style into a Christmas look.
What hairstyle lasts longest at a Christmas party?
Updos and braids last longest, especially the braided crown, the French twist, and the textured top knot. Styles worn down, like waves and curls, need more hairspray and touch ups.
Can I do these hairstyles on short hair?
Yes. The soft bob with a headband, a mini top knot, a sleek ponytail with a bow, and a half-up style with a ribbon all work on short and medium hair. Use smaller sections and more pins.
Should I wash my hair before a Christmas party?
Wash it the day before if you can. Second day hair holds curls, braids, and updos better. If you wash it the same day, add a texturizing spray before styling for extra grip.
For step by step bun ideas that work for Christmas parties too, see our bun hairstyle guide. For more sleek holiday inspiration from editors, see Brit + Co’s sleek holiday hairstyles.
Pick one style, practice it once before the party, and then enjoy the evening. The best Christmas hairstyle is the one you stop thinking about once you arrive.
