15 Festive Holiday Hairstyle Ideas That Will See You Through The Season

The holiday season brings more than just twinkling lights and festive music. It’s a time to celebrate, connect, and show up looking your best. Amid the flurry of gift shopping, party planning, and cozy family dinners, one thing often gets overlooked: your hair. 

The right hairstyle can instantly elevate an outfit, boost your confidence, and make you feel ready for every festive moment. Whether you’re attending a sparkling office party, a casual dinner with friends, or a grand family gathering, your hair can set the tone for the entire look.

Holidays are the perfect excuse to try the hairstyles you might not wear the rest of the year. From playful curls to elegant braided updos, sleek ponytails to sparkling accessories, the options are endless.

You don’t have to be a professional hairstylist to create looks that stand out. With a few simple techniques, the right hairstyling tools, and a little creativity, you can achieve hairstyles that are festive, flattering, and fun.

To help you navigate the season in style, we’ve put together 15 festive holiday hairstyle ideas that suit every hair type, length, and occasion. Each hairstyle idea includes tips on how to wear it, ways to accessorize, and suggestions for different textures to help you find your perfect holiday look.

These hairstyles are designed to carry you effortlessly from casual gatherings to formal celebrations, helping you step into the season with confidence and flair.

Bussdown braids are perfect for making a bold statement during the holidays. This festive holiday hairstyle can be styled long or short, and decorated with gold cuffs, crystals, or colorful beads.

The intricate braiding adds dimension and shine, while keeping your hair protected. Bussdown braids work for both casual and formal events, and the hairstyle can be paired with high ponytails, buns, or left flowing for a dramatic effect.

Goddess braids are larger, elegant cornrows that can be styled in various ways. For a festive look, braid them into an updo or crown braid around the head.

Goddess braids hairstyle is protective, low-maintenance, and offers a regal aesthetic. Adding hair cuffs or glitter spray gives the style a celebratory vibe, perfect for office parties or holiday photos.

Cornrows don’t have to be simple; they can be art. Geometric patterns, zigzags, or side-swept designs transform cornrows into a creative statement.

Artistic cornrows can be worn with accessories or combined with buns, ponytails, or loose ends. This type of festive holiday hairstyle is protective, long-lasting, and ideal for women seeking a unique holiday look.

Faux locs offer versatility and protection. You can style them into high buns, half-up, half-down looks, or leave them cascading for maximum impact.

Adding gold cuffs, beads, or ribbon weaves makes faux locs extra festive. The faux locs hairstyle works well for both casual gatherings and more formal events, such as holiday dinners.

Two-strand twists are classic and versatile, and they can be decorated with beads, cuffs, or small jeweled clips for the holidays.

You can wear this festive holiday hairstyle in a half-updo, a ponytail, or leave them down. Twists are protective, easy to maintain, and allow for flexibility in styling throughout the festive season.

Senegalese twists are sleek, long, and elegant, perfect for making a statement at holiday events.

These twists can be curled at the ends, pinned into an updo, or worn in a high ponytail. Adding subtle gold or silver accessories enhances their festive charm. The joyous holiday hairstyle is also protective and low-maintenance, making it a favorite during the holiday rush.

Marley twists are thicker and more textured, offering a bold and voluminous look. For a holiday-ready style, gather the twists into a bun or a half-up, half-down look.

Accessorize the festive holiday hairstyle with glitter pins or ribbon weaves for added sparkle. Marley twists are protective and maintain their shape for weeks, allowing you to enjoy your holiday celebrations without frequent styling.

Feed-in braids are sleek and allow for seamless, natural-looking braids that can grow with your hair.

Style the holiday hairstyle into a high ponytail for a chic holiday look, or braid it into a low bun for elegance. Adding cuffs, beads, or metallic threads makes the hairstyle festive-ready while protecting natural hair.

A high puff is simple, bold, and effortless for curly or coily hair. Gather your natural hair into a puff at the crown and use a sparkly headband, scarf, or jewel clip for holiday glam.

The puff keeps your hair protected and accentuates natural texture, while accessories make it look party-ready.

Combine your natural curls with small twists for a textured updo. Twist sections of your hair and pin them at the back, allowing curls to frame your face. Finish with glittery pins or a festive comb for elegance.

This festive holiday hairstyle works well for medium- to long-haired individuals and suits formal holiday events.

The halo braid encircles the head like a crown, offering a regal and polished look. This protective festive holiday hairstyle keeps hair away from the face and pairs beautifully with festive outfits.

Add gold or silver thread along the braid for extra sparkle, making it perfect for holiday dinners or photo sessions.

Create a playful and edgy look by styling faux bangs using twists, braids, or locs. This adds dimension and allows you to experiment with a bold style without cutting your hair. Decorate with small beads or glitter for a festive touch. This festive holiday hairstyle works well with both casual and formal outfits.

Combine the elegance of cornrows with the sophistication of a bun. Cornrow your hair on one side and pull the rest into a low or high bun.

Accessorize with festive clips or pins for a glamorous finish. This hairstyle is protective, chic, and versatile for any holiday occasion.

Large, chunky braids are perfect for bold statement festive holiday hairstyles. Style them into a side braid, crown braid, or ponytail, and add festive cuffs, beads, or hair rings. Jumbo braids are protective, versatile, and make your look stand out in any holiday gathering.

Combine curls, twists, and braids into a half-up, half-down look for a playful, dynamic festive holiday hairstyle. Curl or twist the top sections, leaving the rest flowing in natural curls or waves.

Adding jeweled pins or hair rings enhances the festive effect while keeping the style creative and protective.

The holidays are the perfect time to embrace creativity, express your style, and protect your hair. From bussdown braids to goddess braids, twists, locs, and curls, these 15 festive hairstyles celebrate Black beauty and versatility.

Accessories like beads, cuffs, pins, and ribbons add sparkle, making even simple styles stand out. Whether you prefer bold, dramatic looks or soft, romantic styles, these hairstyles ensure you feel confident, festive, and ready to shine at every celebration this season.

Photo: Instagram/ily.jamari