A festive outfit deserves hair to match, but holiday hairstyles have to survive a lot: dancing, hugging, coats going on and off, and hours in a warm room. The best ones look polished at the start of the night and still look intentional at the end.
Below are eight holiday hairstyles for Christmas parties, office events and festive dinners, with how to ask your stylist for each one and how to make it last.
What is a good hairstyle for a Christmas party?
A sleek low bun, a half-up style with a velvet bow, or soft glam waves are the easiest Christmas party hairstyles. Updos last longest in warm, crowded rooms, while waves look most festive with a sparkly clip or headband. Add a velvet, satin or pearl accessory for an instant holiday feel.
Holiday hairstyles
1. Sleek low bun
A smooth, tight bun at the nape with a precise middle or side part. It's elegant with any neckline and lasts all night. Finish with a shine spray so it catches the light.
Ask for:sleek low bun at the nape, middle part, smoothed with gel and finished with shine spray.
2. Half-up with a velvet bow
The top section pulled back and tied with a velvet bow in burgundy, black or emerald. It's festive, quick and works on straight or wavy hair.
Ask for:half-up ponytail at the crown, soft waves underneath, velvet bow over the elastic.
3. Glam Hollywood waves
Big, glossy, brushed-out waves swept to one side. It's the classic party look, best with a side part and a strong-hold hairspray.
Ask for:deep side part, large barrel curls brushed into glossy S-waves, held with strong hairspray.
4. Low textured chignon
A soft, slightly loose low bun with a few face-framing pieces left out. It looks romantic and survives coats and scarves.
Ask for:low textured chignon at the nape, face-framing pieces left out and curled.
5. Sleek high ponytail
A smooth, high ponytail with the base wrapped in a strand of hair. It looks sharp with a black dress and keeps hair off your neck in a warm room.
Ask for:sleek high ponytail, base wrapped with a strand of hair, ends smoothed straight.
6. Pearl or crystal clips
Pin pearl or crystal clips along a side part or tucked behind one ear. It's the fastest way to make everyday hair look festive.
Ask for:a deep side part with pearl clips placed along one side, soft waves through the lengths.
7. Twisted half-up
Two twisted sections from each temple pinned together at the back, with waves below. It keeps hair off your face and shows off earrings. Our half up half down wedding hairstyles guide has more versions.
Ask for:two twists from the temples pinned together at the back, loose waves underneath.
8. Braided crown
A braid wrapped around the head like a headband, with the rest worn down or in a low bun. It's festive without any accessory.
Ask for:a braid wrapped across the crown like a headband, the rest in loose waves.
Pick a hairstyle for your neckline
- High necks and turtlenecks: updos like a sleek bun or high ponytail, so the neckline shows.
- Off-the-shoulder and strapless: waves or a low chignon that frames your shoulders.
- V-necks: half-up styles or waves swept to one side.
- Busy or sequin dresses: keep hair sleek and simple so the outfit stands out.
Planning your outfit? Our holiday party outfits guide covers every dress code.
Making holiday hair last all night
- Curl or style hair the day before washing day, since second-day hair holds better.
- Use a heat protectant, then let curls cool completely before brushing them out.
- Pin updos with bobby pins crossed in an X for extra hold.
- Finish with a flexible hold hairspray and carry a few pins in your bag.
- Practice a new style once before the party so there are no surprises.
FAQ
What is an easy hairstyle for a Christmas party?
A half-up style with a velvet bow, pearl clips along a side part, or a sleek low bun. All three take under ten minutes and look festive.
What hairstyle lasts longest at a party?
Updos like a sleek low bun, a chignon or a high ponytail last longest, because they stay put in warm, crowded rooms and under coats.
What hair accessories are festive?
Velvet bows, pearl or crystal clips, satin headbands and jeweled barrettes. Pick one accessory so it stands out.
How do I make curls last for a party?
Use a heat protectant and a mousse before curling, let each curl cool before touching it, then brush out gently and finish with hairspray.
The bottom line
For a holiday party, choose a style that matches your neckline and will survive a warm room: a sleek bun or a half-up with a velvet bow are the safest bets. Save the look you like, practice it once, and browse more hair ideas for the rest of the season.
