24 Cute Christmas Hairstyles for Women – Festive Hair Ideas

Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with 10+ years’ experience creating holiday looks that last through parties, photos and family dinners. In this collection I’ve curated 24 cute Christmas hairstyles for women, from quick everyday glam to show-stopping updos. You’ll find styles tailored to short, medium and long lengths, and alternatives for straight, wavy and curly hair. Each image demonstrates either a finished look or an easy step-by-step variation so you can recreate the style at home or bring a reference to your stylist. As you browse, consider your outfit, headwear and how long you need the style to hold — I’ll point out simple swaps (add texture spray for grip, use soft elastics to avoid dents, or choose a low-heat curl method for fragile hair). These looks are designed to be achievable, flattering and photo-ready for every holiday event.

Textured Messy Double Buns with Red Ribbon Accents

This playful textured double-bun updo works best on medium to long hair and suits fine, medium or slightly thick textures — natural waves make it easiest, but straight or curly hair can be adapted. Start on second- or third-day hair for better grip: create a clean center part, gather hair into two high or slightly off-center ponytails, and lightly backcomb each section for volume. Twist or loosely wrap each ponytail into a messy bun, securing with elastic bands and strong bobby pins; leave a few face-framing strands and soften with a curling wand if needed. Add fabric ribbons or bows at the base of each bun for a festive finish. Tools: tail comb, regular comb, elastic bands, bobby pins, curling wand (optional), and a few small sectioning clips. Products: sea-salt or texturizing spray, light mousse (applied when damp), heat protectant, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: easy–moderate — 15–30 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, retwist buns nightly if sleeping, or wrap with a silk scarf to preserve shape and reduce frizz.

Boho Double Fishtail Braids with Textured Crown — Voluminous Braided Style

This relaxed boho look pairs a braided crown with two voluminous fishtail/twisted braids and works best on long, medium to thick hair or wavy textures. Fine hair benefits from clip-in extensions or a generous texturizing base to achieve fullness. Start by applying a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray to damp hair, then rough-dry to build grip. Create a small crown braid across the hairline, secure, then divide hair into two sections and fishtail- or three-strand-braid loosely from mid-lengths, finishing with elastics. Pancake each braid gently to increase width and pull soft face-framing pieces free. Tools: paddle brush, tail comb, blow dryer, curling wand (optional for added wave), elastics, bobby pins, and clips. Products: dry shampoo or texture powder, sea-salt spray, light mousse, smoothing serum for ends, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — 20–40 minutes with basic braiding skill. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap in a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist and lightly re-pancake, re-secure loose pieces with pins, and avoid heavy oils that flatten the braid.

Textured Low Messy Bun with Curtain Bangs and Festive Holly Accent

A soft, textured low messy bun with loose curtain bangs — ideal for medium to long hair and adaptable for fine, medium or lightly thick textures. Start on second-day hair or prep freshly washed hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a light texturizing or sea salt spray through the lengths to create grip. Blow-dry with a round brush to add volume at the crown, then use a 1–1.25 curling wand to create loose bends; finger-comb to break up the curls. Gather hair into a low, slightly off-center bun by twisting small sections and pinning them with U-pins and sturdy bobby pins to keep the messy shape. Leave soft, face-framing pieces out and sweep curtain bangs to frame the eye line. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, teasing comb, sectioning clips, elastic, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, small smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–medium (salon-friendly, 20–30 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-curl loose tendrils, re-pin as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase and remove decorative accessories carefully to avoid hair damage.

Messy Crown Braids with Side Fishtail — Boho Holiday Updo

This romantic boho updo pairs a soft crown braid with a loose side fishtail and face‑framing tendrils—ideal for medium to long hair with fine to thick textures. Start on second‑day hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a texturizing spray through the lengths. Create two slightly pulled‑out Dutch or regular braids along the crown, secure and pin them across the top to form a halo, then gather remaining hair to one side and braid into a relaxed fishtail. Gently pancake the braid sections for width and softness, pull out a few front pieces to frame the face and tuck holiday accessories as desired. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and an optional curling wand to soften ends. Products: heat protectant, dry shampoo or texture powder, flexible hold hairspray, and a lightweight anti‑frizz serum. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 25–45 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or loose bun, freshen with dry shampoo and re‑pancake the braid to restore volume, and re‑pin any loose sections. Over‑texturizing slightly helps the style hold without looking stiff.

Braided Crown Updo with Soft Tendrils — Romantic Braided Bun

This braided crown updo with soft face‑framing tendrils is ideal for medium-to-long hair and adapts to fine, medium, or thick textures; for curly hair lightly blow‑dried or stretched hair gives the cleanest braid. Create a Dutch or French braid along the hairline, secure each braid with a small elastic, then wrap and pin the braids into a low textured bun at the nape. Gently pancake the braid and pull at the crown for volume, leaving a few loose tendrils around the face for softness. Tools: paddle brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, curling iron for tendrils, and plenty of bobby pins. Products: lightweight mousse or salt spray on damp hair for grip, heat protectant, medium-hold hairspray for hold, and a drop of shine serum to finish. Difficulty: intermediate — plan 30–45 minutes in the salon and longer at home while learning. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap in a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-secure any loose pins in the morning, and touch up face‑framing pieces with a curling iron as needed.

Romantic Half-Up Twisted Curls with Ribbon — Long & Medium Hair

This soft half-up twisted curl style works best on medium to long hair and suits fine-to-medium or thick textures; light natural waves hold the shape best, but straight hair can be pre-texturized. Start with hair that’s day-two clean for better grip: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at roots, then blow-dry with a round brush for lift. Section hair, backcomb lightly at the crown for volume, and create two twisted panels from the front, pinning them at the back with U-pins; leave face-framing bangs or tendrils loose. Use a 1 curling iron or wand to create large, loose curls, alternating barrel direction for natural movement. Finish by brushing through gently and misting with a medium flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine serum on ends. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron/wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby/U-pins. Products: heat protectant, mousse or root lift, texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray, smoothing oil. Difficulty: intermediate. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid; refresh with dry shampoo or curl-refresh spray and touch up front pieces as needed. Trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep shape.

Half-Up Loose Curls for Long Hair — Beachy Waves with Volume

Suitable for long, medium-to-thick hair and naturally wavy or permed textures, this soft half-up curl style creates face-framing movement with salon-level volume. From professional practice: start on towel-dried hair with a light volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush to lift the crown, then work in 1

Textured Crown (Halo) Braid Updo with Face‑Framing Pieces

This romantic crown/halo braid updo is ideal for medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures. Fine hair benefits from a texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip and volume; thicker hair will need sectioning and stronger pins to hold the weight. To create the look, start on towel‑dried or second‑day hair: apply a light mousse or texturizing spray, blow‑dry for volume, then part and create two Dutch or French braids from each temple toward the back. Pin the braid ends across the crown, pancake the braids gently for fullness, and pull two soft face‑framing pieces free. Optionally curl the loose pieces for a softer finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, sturdy bobby pins, and an iron for touchups. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap with a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin loose sections, and avoid heavy oils near the root to keep texture intact.

Center-Part Double Braided Twisted Buns — Braided Side Bun Updo

This polished updo pairs two tight braids with twisted side buns and works well on medium to long hair. Best for straight to slightly wavy textures; fine hair benefits from a texturizing primer or lightweight padding, while very thick hair can be thinned or sectioned for manageability. Start with a clean, detangled base and a precise center part. Create two Dutch or French braids along the front hairline to the nape, secure with small elastics, then twist or coil each braid into a low side bun and pin close to the head for a neat finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and optional elastic bands. Helpful salon tools: 1 curling iron for added grip and a rat-tail comb for clean parts. Products: lightweight mousse or texturizing spray for hold, smoothing serum at the ends, and a flexible-strong hairspray to lock the style. Difficulty: intermediate — requires braiding skill and clean parts. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo at the roots, and tighten pins as needed between wearings.

Romantic Boho Twisted Side Braid with Berry & Greenery Accents

This soft, romantic twisted side braid suits medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from texturizing while thick hair creates a fuller finished look. Start by creating a loose deep side part and take two compression twists or rope-braids from the hairline toward the nape, bringing sections together into a low, side braid. Pancake the braid gently for width and pull out face-framing tendrils for a lived-in effect. Secure decorative sprigs or faux berries with floral wire wrapped around discreet bobby pins and anchor them along the braid. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, lots of bobby pins, curling wand (for soft waves) and a teasing brush. Products required: volumizing mousse or root lift, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a small drop of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–45 minutes depending on length and accessory work. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin loose pieces, avoid heavy oils near pins, and remove natural plant accents promptly to prevent wilting or staining.

Textured Braided Crown into Low Messy Bun Updo

This romantic updo pairs a loose, pancaked braided crown with a low, textured messy bun and soft face‑framing tendrils—perfect for brides, events, or editorial looks. Hair types: best on medium to thick hair or hair with natural wave; fine hair will benefit from clip‑in pieces or a small padding donut and extra texturizing product; very curly textures should be smoothed slightly or worked with in stretched sections. Styling technique: prep with volume at the roots, create a Dutch/French braid along the crown, gently pancake the braid for width, curl remaining lengths into soft waves, then gather into a low twisted bun and secure with bobby pins, leaving front pieces loose. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1–1.25

Messy Double Buns with Blunt Fringe — Textured Holiday Space Buns

A playful, textured double-bun with blunt bangs that works well for short-to-medium lengths and layered cuts. Best suited to straight, wavy or slightly curly hair and medium-to-thick density; fine hair can achieve the look with added texture and volume. Technique: create a center part, gather hair into two high pigtails at temple level, tease lightly at the roots, twist each section into a loose, messy bun and secure with an elastic and a few bobby pins. Pull out face-framing pieces and tug the bun for softness. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, tail comb, elastic bands, bobby pins, 1

Double space buns with decorative ornaments, curtain bangs and face‑framing tendrils

This playful double space-bun look with decorative ornaments and soft curtain bangs suits straight to wavy hair at medium to long lengths; fine hair will benefit from padding or clip-in mini extensions to achieve the same volume, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly for the jeweled accents to sit neatly. Technique: create a clean center part, smooth each side and tease lightly at the crown for lift. Gather hair into two symmetrical high/mid-side ponytails, twist into loose buns and secure with elastics and bobby pins. Pin or wire small decorative ornaments around each bun, anchoring to the elastic and nearby hair rather than the scalp. Pull out soft face-framing tendrils and texturize with a curling iron for natural movement. Tools: fine-tooth comb, tail comb, elastics, bobby pins, small jewelry wire or ornament clips, curling iron (optional). Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder, medium-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways, dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: moderate — 20–40 minutes depending on ornamenting. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-secure loose pins, avoid heavy brushing, remove ornaments gently to prevent breakage, and sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape.

Textured Braided Low Messy Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium-to-long hair and works well on fine to medium textures; thick hair can be thinned or layered for manageability. Start on second-day hair or blow-dry with a volumizing mousse. Create a loose center or slightly off-center part, backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then take two small sections from each temple, braid or twist them loosely and pin toward the back. Gather the remaining hair low at the nape, twist into a relaxed bun and secure with pins, pulling small sections free to create soft volume and shape. Leave a few face-framing strands and soften them with a 1-inch curling wand. Tools: tail comb, paddle brush, 1-inch curling wand, elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Moderate — 20–35 minutes for at-home styling; easier with practice. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap in a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re-pin any loosening pieces, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep shape.

Tousled Double Braided Buns with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This playful, textured look suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or slightly thick hair — fine hair benefits from texture spray and light teasing, while very thick hair may require extra pins. Start on clean, towel-dried or second-day hair. Create a clean center part, apply a lightweight texturizing or sea‑salt spray, then section into two equal halves. Braid or loosely twist each side from front to back, pulling gently on the braid to widen and add softness. Wrap each braid into a low or mid-side bun and secure with elastics and strong bobby pins; tuck in a ribbon or scarf for a finished touch. Tools: rattail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, curling wand (optional for shaping tendrils). Products: sea‑salt or texture spray, lightweight styling mousse (optional), light-hold hairspray, dry shampoo. Difficulty: moderate — basic braiding and pinning skills required. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and a few pins for longevity, retwist any loosened sections, sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap with a scarf to preserve shape, and reapply a light mist of hairspray for hold.

Voluminous Messy Updo with Bow | Wavy or Curly Hair Styling

This playful, voluminous messy updo with a bow works best on wavy to curly hair but can be adapted for straight or fine hair with proper prep. Start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant; blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to enhance natural texture. Create soft side-swept bangs or a fringe before backcombing the crown lightly for lift. Use a 1-inch curling wand or hot rollers to define loose face-framing pieces and the ends. Gather hair loosely at the mid-to-high crown, twist into a messy bun or pinned chignon, and secure with bobby pins and a small elastic. Pull out tendrils for a relaxed finish and clip a fabric bow at the top, anchoring it with hidden pins. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush/diffuser, 1 curling wand, rat-tail comb, teasing brush, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or powder, texturizing/sea-salt spray, light flexible hairspray, small shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — 20–35 minutes in salon conditions. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo or texturizer, retwist and repin loose sections, sleep in a loose silk scarf, and avoid heavy oils that flatten volume.

Textured Twisted Updo with Soft Fringe and Decorative Bow

Suitability: Ideal for medium to thick hair and shoulder-length to long hair; works well on naturally wavy or straight textures. Fine hair can achieve this look with light padding or clip-in pieces to add volume. Technique: Prep hair with root lift and loose waves, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then create two or three twisted sections along the hairline and gather them into a low, textured bun. Leave a couple of face-framing tendrils and style soft, full bangs. Anchor twists with bobby pins in an X pattern and finish by placing the decorative bow where it complements the twist. Tools needed: 1 curling iron or wand, teasing comb, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins (varying lengths), small clear elastic, and a brush. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing salt spray, light-to-medium hold hairspray, and a small shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: Intermediate — salon-level finish in 25–40 minutes depending on skill and hair density. Maintenance tips: Refresh texture with dry shampoo and a light mist of texturizer, re-pin any loose pieces, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a scarf to preserve shape, and remove accessory nightly to prevent pressure on pins.

Textured Messy Space Buns with Face‑Framing Waves

A relaxed double top-knot with soft face-framing waves, ideal for everyday or event styling. Best suited to wavy, medium or thick hair for natural volume; fine hair can work with root teasing or clip-in extensions, and curly hair can be smoothed slightly or embraced for a more textured finish. Technique: start with dry hair—apply heat protectant and a light texturizing spray. Section front pieces and loosely curl 1–1.25 barrel sections away from the face for soft waves. Gather the remaining hair into two high or mid-level ponytails, lightly backcomb at the roots for lift, twist each pony into a loose bun and secure with elastics and bobby pins, pulling pieces free for a lived-in shape. Tools needed: 1 curling iron, tail comb, teasing brush, elastics, bobby pins, and clips. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt/texturizing spray, lightweight pomade for flyaways, medium-hold hairspray and dry shampoo for longevity. Difficulty: easy–medium—requires precision curling and shaping. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap hair, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin as needed, and avoid heavy oils that flatten the texture.

Textured Messy Updo with Curly Face-Framing Pieces and Holiday Berry Accents

This textured messy updo flatters medium to long hair and works particularly well on natural waves or loose curls; fine hair benefits from texturizing products and backcombing, while very thick hair should be thinned slightly or worked in smaller sections. Technique: create soft curl texture with a 1 curling wand, rough-dry with a diffuser or blow-dryer, then section and loosely twist small sections into several low buns and pin with U-pins and bobby pins, leaving face-framing tendrils. Gently tease the crown for lift and pull pieces free for a lived-in look. Tools: 1 curling wand, blow-dryer with diffuser, teasing comb, bobby pins, U-pins, small elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root spray, salt/texturizing spray, lightweight anti-frizz cream, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — suitable for stylist-guided DIY. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or pillowcase and retouch with dry shampoo and texturizer to revive shape; resecure loose pins after wear, avoid heavy oils near the roots, and deep-condition frequently if hair is color-treated. Use clipped or faux berry sprigs secured on pins for seasonal accents and remove before sleeping.

Textured Double Space Buns with Blunt Bangs and Face‑Framing Curls

This playful textured double space-bun style combines high, slightly messy buns with blunt, full bangs and soft face‑framing curls — a salon-friendly look that photographs well. Suitability: ideal for straight to wavy hair in fine to medium-thick densities; thick hair benefits from sectioning or light thinning, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly for the blunt bangs. Technique: start on towel-dried hair with a center part. Apply a root-lifting mousse and rough-dry for volume. Create two high ponytails, tease the bases for lift, then twist each pony into a loose bun and secure with elastics and bobby pins. Use a 3/4

Loose Romantic Side Braid with Twisted Crown — Holiday Bridal Hairstyle

This soft, romantic side braid with a twisted crown suits medium to long hair and works best on fine-to-medium textures. Thick hair can also wear it — consider light layering or a few clip-in extensions to control bulk and add definition. Start by prepping hair with a heat protectant and loose waves created with a 1–1.25 curling wand. Section the top and create two twisted crown pieces that feed into a loose, three-strand (or pulled-apart fishtail) braid over one shoulder. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, secure the braid with a small elastic, then pancake the braid gently for volume and softness. Insert bobby pins to anchor shape and hide the elastic; small floral pins or berries complete the look for festive occasions. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, brush, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root volumizer, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, smoothing serum for ends, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (salon-level 3/5). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap; refresh texture with dry shampoo or a quick re-curl of pieces; re-pin any loosened sections and trim ends regularly to keep the style tidy.

Half-Up Messy Curls with Face-Framing Tendrils

Romantic half-up messy curls with soft face‑framing tendrils suit medium to long hair and work especially well on natural waves, relaxed curls, or straight hair that holds a curl. Fine hair benefits from a root-lifting mousse and mid-length texturizing, while thick hair should be curled in smaller sections to define the shape. Start on towel-dried hair with heat protectant and volumizing product, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then wrap 1–inch sections around a curling wand from mid-length to ends. Leave two front pieces out, lightly backcomb the crown for height, and gather the top half into a loose twist or small messy knot; secure with bobby pins and a soft elastic. Finish by separating curls with fingers and misting with light-hold hairspray. Tools needed: curling wand (1–1.25 inch), blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lifter, salt or texture spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum, anti‑humidity spray. Difficulty: intermediate, 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, touch up front tendrils, sleep on silk and trim ends regularly.

Braided Crown Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils

This textured braided crown updo works best on medium to thick hair and on naturally wavy or lightly curled textures; fine hair can achieve the same look with lightweight clip‑in extensions or a bit of padding for volume. Technique: soften roots with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, create a relaxed Dutch/French braid along the hairline toward the opposite ear, secure at the nape and pin the braid into a low crown or loop, then gently tug sections to open the braid for a lived‑in finish. Leave a few face‑framing tendrils and softly curl them with a 1–1.25 inch wand for a romantic finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1–1.25

Vintage Side-Swept Voluminous Curls for Long Blonde Hair

This elegant vintage-inspired side-swept style works best on medium to long hair and suits fine, medium or slightly thick textures (use extensions for very thin hair). Start on clean, towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at roots, then blow-dry with a round brush for lift. Create structured, uniform curls using a large-barrel curling iron (1–1.5) or hot rollers, curling sections away from the face. Allow curls to cool fully, then gently brush or finger-comb into soft waves and sweep to one side. Add a small twisted section pinned behind the ear with discreet bobby pins for detail. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, large curling iron or hot rollers, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, light-hold hairspray, shine serum or spray, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling technique and precise pin placement; allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh curls with a quick iron or touch-up spray, use dry shampoo to rebuild volume, and deep-condition weekly to protect color-treated blonde hair.

Thanks for exploring these 24 festive hair ideas with me — Lena. My best professional advice: always prep with a lightweight heat protectant and a touch of smoothing or texturizing product depending on the look. For longevity, pin in sections once cooled, use flexible-hold hairspray to avoid stiffness, and pack a small emergency kit (bobby pins, travel hairspray, mini brush) for touch-ups. Adapt each style to your hair’s natural texture — enhance curls with a moisturizing cream, smooth frizz with a serum, or create volume on fine hair with root-lifting mousse. If you’re short on time, choose a polished ponytail or a romantic side braid that suits most face shapes. Book a trial with your stylist for complex updos or if you want color accents to coordinate with accessories. Enjoy the season — with the right prep and a few professional tricks, your holiday hair will look beautiful and feel comfortable all night.