28 Holiday Hairstyles for Every Occasion: Elegant, Fun, and Easy Looks for Long, Medium, and Short Hair

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and what better way to show off your festive spirit than with a stunning hairstyle? Whether you’re attending a wedding, formal occasion, or a beach party, your hairstyle can be the perfect complement to your holiday outfit. In this article, we’ll explore unique and easy holiday hairstyles for every occasion and hair type. From black women embracing their natural afro to kids attending school parties, these ideas will inspire everyone. Let’s dive into the details and find your new holiday look!

Sleek Low Bun for Formal Occasions

A sleek low bun is the epitome of timeless elegance and is ideal for any formal occasion, such as a holiday wedding or a corporate Christmas party. This look is especially great for black women, as it can highlight their natural beauty while being both easy to achieve and maintain. The bun sits at the nape of the neck, giving a sophisticated silhouette that complements long hair, medium hair, and even short hair. The best part is its versatility—it works with any face shape and is an excellent style to showcase statement earrings or a bold lip color.

To create this look, all you need is a brush, hair gel, and a few bobby pins. Start by brushing your hair back and securing it into a low ponytail. Then twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. For an ultra-sleek finish, apply a smoothing serum or a shine spray. To maintain this style, consider using a leave-in conditioner to prevent flyaways, especially if your hair is prone to frizz.

Braided Crown for a Festive Touch

If you’re looking for something chic yet whimsical for the holidays, the braided crown is perfect. This style works particularly well for those with medium length or long hair, but can also be adapted for short hair with hair extensions. It’s a lovely choice for curly hair as the texture adds extra dimension to the braids. Ideal for a Christmas party, family gathering, or any formal occasion, this look exudes a regal charm. It’s perfect for round faces and enhances soft features, while the braids can be decorated with seasonal accessories like glittering pins or floral accents.

To achieve this style, part your hair down the middle and create two French braids on each side, working your way around the crown of your head. Secure the braids with bobby pins as you go, and gently pull at the edges to add volume. Keep it fresh by using a light-hold hairspray and finish with a touch of shine serum. A sulfate-free shampoo is best to keep your braids intact for days without drying out your scalp.

Half-Up, Half-Down with Curls for Black Women

A half-up, half-down style offers the perfect balance of elegance and freedom, making it an excellent holiday hairstyle. For black women with natural curls, this style showcases the hair’s texture while adding a playful, festive twist. This look is great for any occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a casual party. Curls give the hairstyle a voluminous and lively appearance, making it ideal for those with medium hair or long hair. It suits heart-shaped and oval faces and highlights bright eye colors like hazel or green.

To recreate this look, gather the top section of your hair and secure it into a loose bun or ponytail while letting the rest of your curly hair flow freely. A curl-enhancing mousse will keep your curls defined, and adding a few bobby pins or holiday-themed accessories can elevate the look. For maintenance, a curl-defining cream like DevaCurl’s SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler will keep your curls bouncy and frizz-free all night.

Classic Afro for Natural Holiday Vibes

If you want to make a bold statement this holiday season, embrace your natural afro. This look is particularly striking on black women, adding an effortless cool vibe to your style. It’s an ideal hairstyle for more casual settings like a beach party, summer gathering, or school events, but can be glamorized for more formal occasions with the addition of a stylish headband or festive clips. It’s a fantastic option for those with short hair or medium hair looking to rock their natural hair.

To keep your afro looking defined, use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner and a wide-tooth comb to fluff your curls without losing shape. A light oil, such as argan oil, can be used to add shine and lock in moisture, preventing dryness throughout the day. Regular deep conditioning treatments are essential for maintaining your hair’s health and preventing breakage.

Box Braids for Versatility and Style

Box braids are a go-to holiday hairstyle for their sheer versatility. Whether you’re heading to a formal occasion, a wedding, or a casual party, box braids allow for endless styling possibilities. You can wear them down, in a bun, or styled into a chic updo. Black women with long hair or medium length hair find this style particularly appealing, but even those with short hair can opt for hair extensions to achieve this look. Box braids suit all face shapes and are a protective style that requires minimal upkeep.

Creating box braids involves sectioning the hair and braiding from root to tip. The process can take several hours, but the results are worth it, as box braids last for weeks. To maintain the braids, use a scalp oil to prevent dryness and protect the braids with a silk scarf at night to reduce frizz. You can also wash your braids with a diluted shampoo to keep them fresh without disturbing the braid pattern.

Elegant Ponytail for All Occasions

A sleek ponytail is the definition of simple elegance. Whether you’re attending a formal occasion, a casual beach event, or a school holiday party, a ponytail can be adapted to suit any setting. For black women, this style works beautifully with locs or relaxed hair, while it can also be a quick fix for curly hair. The hairstyle looks best on those with long hair or medium length, though hair extensions can be used to enhance hair length for those with short hair. Oval and heart-shaped faces are perfect for this look, and it can be dressed up with a bold lip or statement earrings.

To create this ponytail, start by straightening or smoothing the hair for a polished look. Gather the hair at the crown of your head and secure it with a strong elastic band. For added volume, backcomb the ponytail or wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic. Keep it sleek by using a frizz-control spray, and maintain the style with regular touch-ups of leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum.

Glamorous Side-Swept Curls for Formal Occasions

Side-swept curls are the perfect blend of sophistication and glamour, making them an ideal choice for a formal occasion, such as a wedding or holiday gala. This style works beautifully for those with long hair or medium hair, and is particularly flattering for oval and round face shapes. The cascading curls add volume and dimension, making this look ideal for a show-stopping appearance. Whether you’re pairing it with a stunning evening gown or a chic jumpsuit, side-swept curls are sure to make a statement.

To achieve this look, start by curling your hair using a medium-barrel curling iron. Once your curls are set, sweep all of your hair to one side and secure it with bobby pins at the nape of your neck. For a sleek finish, smooth out any flyaways with a light hairspray. Maintain the curls with a curl-defining mousse or cream and a shine spray to keep them glossy throughout the event.

Box Braids in a High Bun for Versatility

Box braids styled into a high bun offer a chic, elegant look that can transition from casual to formal occasions. This style is particularly stunning for black women with long hair or those using hair extensions. The high bun draws attention to your face, highlighting your makeup and accessories. It’s a great choice for a christmas dinner, beach party, or even a formal holiday wedding. This style works for heart-shaped, oval, and round face shapes, and can be dressed up or down depending on the event.

Creating this look is simple—gather your box braids into a high ponytail and wrap the hair around itself to form a bun. Secure it with pins, and for a festive touch, add holiday-themed hair accessories like glitter pins or decorative combs. To maintain the look, wrap your bun in a silk scarf at night to prevent frizz and keep the style intact for days.

Messy Beach Waves for a Relaxed Vibe

Messy beach waves are the perfect carefree style for a holiday beach event or summer getaway. This hairstyle suits those with medium hair, long hair, and shoulder length hair, giving a relaxed, windswept look. It’s especially flattering for curly hair or naturally wavy textures. Perfect for casual settings like a holiday BBQ or school party, this style brings a sense of effortless beauty. It works well with any face shape and is ideal for those with lighter eye colors, as it complements the sun-kissed, natural look.

To create beach waves, use a salt spray or a texturizing spray on damp hair and scrunch it as it dries. If you want more defined waves, use a large curling wand to add loose curls throughout your hair. Maintain the waves with a light hold mousse or spray, and consider a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized in humid environments.

Half-Up French Braid with Curls for a Playful Look

The half-up French braid is a playful yet elegant style that works for both formal occasions and casual parties. This look is ideal for black women with curly hair, as the braid adds structure while still allowing the curls to shine. It’s a versatile style that suits medium hair and long hair, perfect for an evening out or even a family gathering during the holidays. Oval and heart-shaped faces will particularly benefit from this flattering hairstyle, and you can dress it up with sparkling hairpins for a more festive feel.

To achieve this look, create a French braid starting from the crown of your head, stopping halfway down and securing it with a small elastic. Let the rest of your hair fall naturally in loose curls or waves. Use a curl-enhancing mousse or cream to define your curls, and finish with a shine spray for added gloss. This style is easy to maintain with minimal touch-ups, making it perfect for a long night of celebration.

Locs with Embellishments for a Unique Look

Locs are a fantastic option for a holiday hairstyle, especially when accessorized with gold cuffs or beads for a festive touch. This look is particularly suitable for black women with long or medium hair, and it can be styled for both casual and formal occasions. Locs offer a natural, low-maintenance style that works well with a variety of outfits and events. For a wedding or a formal occasion, you can style your locs into an elegant updo or leave them down for a more relaxed vibe.

To maintain the health and shine of your locs, use a lightweight oil like jojoba or argan oil to keep your hair moisturized. You can also wrap your hair at night with a silk scarf to preserve the style. Adding festive embellishments, like pearls or metallic cuffs, can elevate the look, making it perfect for the holiday season.

Braided Ponytail for a Sleek Finish

A braided ponytail offers a sleek and stylish option for holiday events, whether it’s a party, formal occasion, or even a school event. This hairstyle is perfect for black women and works well for those with medium hair or long hair. The braided ponytail adds a sophisticated touch while keeping your hair out of the way, making it ideal for busy days filled with holiday activities. It suits heart-shaped and oval faces, and you can add festive ribbons or accessories to make it even more holiday-appropriate.

To create a braided ponytail, pull your hair into a high ponytail and braid the length of the hair. Secure the braid with a small elastic and wrap a strand of hair around the base to hide the hair tie. To keep the style sleek, use a smoothing serum and a medium-hold hairspray. This style is low-maintenance, and all you need is a shine serum to keep your hair glossy throughout the day.

Afro Puff with a Festive Headband

The afro puff is a great holiday hairstyle for black women who want to embrace their natural texture while adding a festive twist. This style is perfect for short hair or medium length hair and works well for casual holiday gatherings or summer events like BBQs and beach parties. The puff adds volume and height, making it a flattering option for round or heart-shaped faces. Pairing it with a glittery or patterned headband can make it holiday-ready and more formal if needed.

To achieve the perfect afro puff, gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a wide hair tie, fluffing the puff to create volume. Add a festive headband or scarf to enhance the look. Use a moisturizing cream or light oil to keep your hair hydrated, and apply a curl-defining cream to keep the puff full and bouncy throughout the day.

Double French Braids for a Sporty Look

Double French braids are the perfect holiday hairstyle for kids or anyone looking for a sporty, functional look that still feels festive. This style works for medium length or long hair, and can be worn at casual holiday events like a school party or a day at the beach. It’s also a great protective style for black women with natural curly hair, as the braids help maintain the hair’s health. Double French braids are ideal for oval and round faces and can be accessorized with holiday-themed ribbons or clips.

To create double French braids, part your hair down the middle and start braiding each side from the front to the back, securing with small elastics. If your hair is shorter, you can add hair extensions to lengthen the braids. To keep the braids neat, apply a light gel or pomade to smooth down flyaways, and use a satin pillowcase at night to maintain the style.

Cornrows with a Twist for a Standout Look

Cornrows are a classic protective style that can be made holiday-ready with a creative twist. This style is perfect for black women with medium length or long hair and can be worn for both formal occasions and casual holiday parties. Cornrows can be styled in various patterns and combined with box braids or beads to add a festive flair. This style works well with all face shapes and is an excellent choice for those looking to protect their natural hair while still making a statement.

To create cornrows, section the hair and braid each section close to the scalp in your desired pattern. You can accessorize with beads, cuffs, or colorful ribbons for a holiday twist. To maintain the style, use a light oil on your scalp to keep it moisturized, and wrap your hair with a silk scarf at night to preserve the braids.

Half-Up Top Knot for Easy Glam

The half-up top knot is an effortlessly chic hairstyle that’s perfect for holiday gatherings when you want something stylish yet easy. This look works for medium hair and long hair, giving a glamorous twist to a simple party hairstyle. It’s a great option for those with curly hair, as it adds texture and volume while still looking polished. The half-up top knot is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces and can be styled with soft waves or curls for added elegance.

To create this style, gather the top section of your hair and twist it into a small bun at the crown of your head, securing it with bobby pins. Leave the rest of your hair down in waves or curls. Use a texturizing spray to add volume and hold, and finish with a shine serum to keep your hair looking glossy throughout the night.

Conclusion

Holiday hairstyles allow you to express your personal style while embracing the festive spirit. From afros to box braids and sleek ponytails, there’s a look for every hair type and occasion. Experiment with accessories, play with textures, and most importantly, have fun with your hair this holiday season! We encourage you to leave comments below with your thoughts on these hairstyles and to share your own holiday hair ideas. Let’s make this season the most stylish one yet!