Creative Christmas Hairstyles Ideas

Hi there, I’m Anna—welcome and happy holidays! I’m so excited to share some sparkling Christmas Hairstyles Ideas to help you shine this festive season. Whether you’re heading to a cozy family dinner, a glitzy holiday party, or just snapping pictures by the Christmas tree, your hairstyle can really add that magical finishing touch.

Christmas Hairstyles Ideas

Get ready to sparkle with festive flair using these fun and stylish Christmas hairstyle ideas. From elegant updos to playful braids, there’s a perfect look for every holiday celebration. Here some Christmas hairstyle ideas:

Twisted Candy Cane Braid

 

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This one’s always a favorite on my holiday shoots. I remember the first time I tried it on my model Claire—she had that perfect icy blonde hair, and when I twisted in the red ribbon, it honestly looked like a candy cane came to life. It’s basically a simple rope braid, but the magic really kicks in when you weave in a thin red ribbon through the strands. I usually start from the side part and go over the shoulder so it drapes forward.

To be fair, it looks more complicated than it is. I’ve found that if you use a little hair wax before you start, the ribbon doesn’t slip out. I once tried it without any product, and halfway through our studio shoot, the ribbon just flopped out! Lesson learned. But when it works—oh, it’s a showstopper. So festive, so clean, and super cute with a red lip.

Snowflake-Inspired Bun

This idea actually came from a little snowflake hair accessory I found in an old craft box. I used it on a ballerina-style bun and boom—it looked like snow settled right on top. I tried this look on a model with dark brunette hair, and the contrast with the white sparkly pins was just stunning. It’s basically a high donut bun, but the secret is in how you arrange the pins.

I like placing them in a symmetrical snowflake pattern—three on each side, and one in the center. I’ve even used small glitter sprays before pinning for that frosty vibe. One time, the bun fell out mid-walk during a holiday runway, so now I never skip double pinning and spritzing some freeze-hold spray. In my opinion, it’s one of the most elegant looks, and perfect for anyone wanting a wintery, magical feel.

Sleek Low Ponytail with Red Ribbon

Honestly, this is my go-to when I’m short on time but still want my model to look polished and festive. A slicked-back low ponytail is timeless, and adding a big red ribbon makes it Christmas-ready in under ten minutes. I’ve used this look for holiday campaign shoots more times than I can count.

What makes a difference is using a shine serum before tying it back—it gives it that glossy magazine finish. One time I used a velvet ribbon with some gold trim, and people thought it was part of a designer outfit! Also, be sure to secure the ribbon with bobby pins so it doesn’t droop halfway through your event. Trust me, nothing kills the vibe faster than a sad, hanging bow.

Glittery Side-Swept Curls

 

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This one brings out the glam! I did it on my model Elise for a Christmas party lookbook, and she literally shimmered under the lights. I curled her hair in big waves and brushed them to one side with a light touch of glitter spray. Not chunky glitter—just that soft, fine mist that catches the light.

In my opinion, the side-sweep adds that Old Hollywood vibe, and it works best with off-shoulder or strapless outfits. Once, I went a little overboard with the glitter and we were still finding sparkles in the studio weeks later! But honestly, that’s part of the charm. It’s festive, flirty, and feels like celebration in hair form. I usually tuck the opposite side behind the ear and pin it with a sparkly clip for extra hold and glam.

Holly Leaf Hair Clip Half-Updo

This one’s just adorable. I did this look for a Christmas-themed family shoot last year. I pulled the top half of my model’s hair into a soft twist and clipped it with a holly leaf barrette I found at a craft fair. It looked so cute paired with a red sweater dress—it gave me all the cozy holiday vibes.

I usually curl the ends a bit so the look doesn’t fall flat. Once I tried it on pin-straight hair and it didn’t pop the same way. Also, I’ve found that textured or tousled hair holds the clip better and gives that effortless finish. You can even DIY the clip if you’ve got some faux leaves and a hot glue gun. It’s playful but not over-the-top, and definitely Instagram-worthy.

Braided Crown with Tinsel

Now this one feels like stepping straight into a holiday fairytale. I love doing crown braids any time of year, but for Christmas, I weave in a bit of thin silver tinsel or glitter thread. I did this look on a ginger-haired model and it was pure magic—like a Christmas elf queen or something.

In my experience, you need patience. Start with two Dutch braids from either side, then wrap them over the head like a crown. I thread in the tinsel as I go, and anchor everything with hidden pins. Once, I underestimated how much tinsel I needed and had to unravel the braid halfway—ugh. But when it all comes together, it’s magical. It’s definitely for the bold, but the compliments? Worth it.

Reindeer Bun for Kids

 

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Okay, I don’t usually work with kids, but I did this look on my niece for her school party and it was the hit of the day. You make a basic top bun and use googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and a red pom-pom for the nose. Instant Rudolph. She was so proud of it, she didn’t want to take it out even after school.

To be fair, it takes some convincing to keep kids still while you’re crafting antlers out of pipe cleaners. But it’s so worth it. I used glitter gel around the bun to make it sparkle and she kept checking herself in every mirror she passed. It’s fun, creative, and gets everyone smiling. Plus, it makes for ridiculously cute photos.

Classic French Twist with Sparkly Pins

This is one of those timeless styles I never get tired of doing. It’s so elegant and clean, especially for Christmas Eve dinners or fancy office parties. I usually prep the hair with some volumizing mousse before twisting it up, which makes a huge difference in hold and shape.

The twist itself is easy if you’ve done it a few times, but adding sparkly pins makes it feel festive. I did this on a model with jet-black hair and used gold and silver bobby pins in a snowflake pattern. It was subtle, but gorgeous. One time, we even added tiny pearls for a glam vintage vibe. It’s understated in the best way.

Messy Bun with Velvet Bow

I swear, this is the hairstyle that saves me every time we’re running behind schedule. It’s quick, it’s cute, and when you throw on a velvet bow, it instantly feels holiday-appropriate. I did it for a last-minute shoot and it somehow became the cover look.

The trick is to not overthink it—messy buns work best when they’re not too perfect. I pull out a few face-framing pieces and let the bun sit low and loose. Then I just clip in a velvet bow—usually wine red or emerald green. I’ve found that a bow with a clip (not a tie) stays put better. It’s a little lazy, a little chic, and a whole lot festive.

Frosted Waves with Silver Hair Spray

 

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This one gives full-on ice queen vibes, and I’m obsessed. I did this look on a model with platinum blonde hair and sprayed on a silver shimmer right after waving it with a large barrel iron. The effect? Like she’d just walked out of a snowstorm. In the best way.

I always start by curling in alternate directions—it keeps the waves soft and natural. The silver spray should be fine and misty, not heavy or crunchy. One year, I used a cheap spray that made the hair stiff and dull. Big mistake. But when you get it right, it’s like magic. Add a pair of statement earrings and it’s Christmas glam perfection.

Easy Last-Minute Christmas hairstyle ideas

Running late but still want to look festive? Don’t worry! These easy last-minute Christmas hairstyle ideas can be done in just minutes and still bring plenty of holiday charm. Perfect for surprise parties, last-minute family dinners, or quick selfies by the Christmas tree—these styles will save your time and still make you shine.

• 5-Minute Ponytail Upgrade
  Take a basic ponytail and give it a holiday twist by wrapping a strand of hair around the hair tie, then pinning it in place. Add a red ribbon or sparkly clip for a festive finish.

• Quick Waves Using a Flat Iron
  No time for a curling wand? Just twist small sections of hair and press with a flat iron to create soft, beachy waves. Mist with a light shimmer spray for a glowy touch.

• Messy Bun with Festive Scrunchies
  Gather your hair into a loose topknot and secure with a velvet or glittery scrunchie. Let a few strands fall naturally for a relaxed, party-ready look.

FAQ

What is the best hairstyles ideas for a Christmas party?

Elegant updos, glittery curls, and braided crowns are all great choices. Choose a style that suits your outfit and feels comfortable for the event.

Can I create a festive hairstyle if I have short hair?

Yes! You can use sparkly clips, headbands, or mini braids to dress up short hair for the holidays.

What accessories work best for Christmas hairstyle ideas?

Red or green ribbons, velvet scrunchies, snowflake pins, mini ornaments, and tinsel strands all add a festive touch.

How can I make my Christmas hairstyle ideas last all evening?

Use a good hairspray or setting spray, bobby pins to secure flyaways, and avoid touching your hair too much to maintain its shape.