24 Thanksgiving Hairstyles for Women: Easy Updos, Braids & Holiday Waves

Hi, I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with over 10 years behind the chair. For Thanksgiving gatherings I curate styles that look polished in photos, hold up through busy kitchens and hugs, and are simple enough to recreate at home. This collection of 24 photographed looks covers everything from relaxed waves and low buns to festive braids, quick ponytails, heat-free options and easy half-up styles. I designed these to suit a range of hair lengths and textures — fine to thick, straight to curly — and included styling tips so you can adapt each look for your hair type. Expect quick prep routines, product recommendations (texturizing spray, a light-hold hairspray, heat protectant), and pin/wrap tricks that keep styles secure all day. Browse the 24 images for inspiration and follow the notes for salon-finish results with minimal fuss.

Crown Braid into Low Messy Bun — Romantic Braided Updo for Medium to Long Hair

This romantic crown braid pulled into a low messy bun suits medium-to-long hair and works best on medium to thick textures. Wavy or slightly textured straight hair gives the most natural hold; fine hair will benefit from light backcombing or clip-in extensions for volume, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly for a defined braid. Technique: prep with a texturizing spray and light mousse, section a front-to-back Dutch or French braid along the hairline, pancake the braid for width, then gather remaining lengths into a loose low bun and pin. Pull a few face-framing pieces and loosen the braid for a lived-in look. Tools: fine-tooth comb, rat-tail for sectioning, elastic bands, bobby pins, sectioning clips, and a medium-barrel curling iron to add shape if needed. Products: dry shampoo or texture spray, light-hold mousse, smoothing serum for ends, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires clean braiding and pinning technique; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, retuck loose pieces with pins, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and schedule trims to keep ends neat.

Textured Crown Halo with Loose Boho Side Braids

This textured crown halo with loose boho side braids flatters medium to thick hair and suits wavy or naturally curly textures best. Fine or straight hair can achieve the look by adding body with a light mousse and 1 barrel waves before braiding. Technique: work on second‑day hair for grip, create a soft part, then French/rope braid along the hairline to form a crown; continue each side into a loose three‑strand or fishtail braid. Pancake the braids by gently pulling the edges for volume and a relaxed, romantic finish. Tuck and pin ends behind the crown or secure with small elastics and decorative pins. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling iron (optional). Products: texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light mousse for hold, flexible‑hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires braiding skill and about 25–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf or loose topknot, refresh with a spritz of texturizer, re‑pancake and re‑pin as needed, and avoid heavy conditioners at the roots to preserve texture.

Textured Side Dutch Braid into Loose Fishtail Ponytail

Suitable hair: Best on medium to thick hair and shoulder-length to long cuts; fine hair can work with pre-texturizing and light extensions. Technique: Create a deep side part and begin a Dutch (inside-out) braid along the hairline, adding hair as you go toward the nape. Transition the braid into a relaxed fishtail once you reach the mid-neck, secure with a small elastic, then gently pancake (pull apart) both braid types to achieve the voluminous, undone look. Tools needed: tail comb for sectioning, clips, small clear elastic(s), bobby pins, 1–1½ curling iron or wand (optional for ends), and a paddle or teasing brush. Products required: sea salt or texturizing spray for grip, light-hold mousse or root lift for volume, smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires comfort with Dutch and fishtail braiding plus pancake technique. Maintenance tips: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid; refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer to revive volume; re-tuck loose pieces with pins as needed and apply a few drops of oil to ends to prevent frizz.

Voluminous Crown-to-Side Textured Braid — Romantic Loose Side Plait

Suitable for medium to thick, medium-to-long hair with straight to wavy textures; fine hair can achieve the look with light teasing or clip-in extensions. Begin on towel-dried hair after applying a volumizing mousse and heat protectant. Backcomb the crown lightly with a tail comb, then create a Dutch/French braid from one temple across the crown, incorporating sections as you go; continue into a loose three-strand side braid. Pancake each braid section (gently pull outer loops) to create width and softness, secure with a small elastic and hide ends with a pin if desired. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a curling or flat iron for shaping face-framing pieces. Products: volumizing mousse or root lift, salt/texturizing spray, light serum for shine, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires even tension and pancaking technique but no advanced braiding skills. Maintenance tips: sleep on silk or wrap hair in a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo and a mist of texturizing spray, re-pin or tighten any loosened areas in the morning, and avoid heavy conditioners that weigh the style down. Lasts 1–3 days with simple upkeep.

Textured Loose Braided Low Bun with Face‑Framing Pieces

Suitable for medium to thick hair and lengths from shoulder to long, this relaxed braided low bun works best on naturally wavy or pre-texturized straight hair. Start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush for lift. Create a loose crown braid or several twisted sections, gently pancake them for width, and gather hair into a low, messy bun—secure with elastics and plenty of bobby pins. Pull out soft face‑framing strands and lightly curl with a 1–1.5” wand if needed. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, curling wand (optional), bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, light smoothing cream for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray and dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty: Moderate — requires basic braiding/twisting and pinning skills; allow 20–40 minutes depending on hair density. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pineapple, revive with dry shampoo and a light mist of hairspray, re-pin any loosened sections, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape.

Loose Textured Dutch Braid into Romantic Twisted Fishtail with Floral Accents

Suitable for medium to long hair with medium-to-thick density and natural wave; fine hair can work with light extensions and root padding. Prep on second-day hair: apply a texturizing spray and light mousse, blow-dry or diffuse to create grip. Starting at the crown, create a loose Dutch/French braid following the hairline, adding in sections and lightly backcombing each new section for volume. Transition mid-length into a relaxed fishtail/rope combination, securing with a clear elastic. Pancake the braid (gently pull outer loops) to open the structure and create that soft, chunky texture. Insert small fresh or dried flowers and secure with discreet pins. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling iron (optional). Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight mousse, flexible-hold hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–50 minutes in the salon; first attempts at home may take longer. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a little texturizer, re-pin any loose pieces, and avoid heavy oils near roots to preserve hold.

Loose Boho Double Braids with Face‑Framing Layers

This relaxed double-braid style pairs two loose, slightly pancaked braids with soft face‑framing layers — ideal for a boho or everyday look. Suitability: works best on medium to long lengths and on fine, medium, or slightly thick hair; added texture helps hold the braids. Technique: create a clean center part, pull small sections at the hairline to leave out, begin Dutch or French braids from the temples down to the nape, finish with three-strand braids and secure with clear elastics. Pancake each braid by gently pulling the outer edges to widen and soften the shape, then tug at the crown to create lift. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, small brush, optional curling iron for pre-texture. Products: lightweight texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, heat protectant, small amount of smoothing cream for flyaways, flexible hairspray to set. Difficulty: easy–medium; allow 15–25 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or low pony to protect, refresh with dry shampoo or spritz of salt spray, and re-pancake braids each day to maintain the volume.

Textured Loose Side Braid with Crown Twist

This romantic, textured loose side braid with a soft crown twist suits medium to long hair and works especially well on fine-to-medium densities. Start on second-day hair: mist with sea-salt spray or texturizing spray, rough-dry to build grip, and backcomb at the crown for lift. Create a loose crown twist or small Dutch braid along the hairline, then gather hair to one side and form a three-strand or fishtail braid. Pancake the braid by gently pulling sections apart for width and softness. Secure with a small elastic and hide it with a wrapped strand; use bobby pins to secure the crown and any flyaways. Tools/products: vent brush or wide-tooth comb, tail comb, curling wand (optional), small elastics, bobby pins, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, and heat protectant. Difficulty: Moderate — about 20–30 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-tug sections to revive volume, and re-secure loose pieces with pins. For very fine hair, use volumizing mousse or temporary clip-in pieces to add body.

Romantic Braided Crown Low Bun with Feather Accent

This romantic braided crown low bun suits medium-to-long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures — light to medium density benefits from added texture for grip. Start on second-day hair or prep freshly washed hair with a texturizing spray and light mousse; loosely curl sections for body. Create two mirrored French/halo braids from the front hairline toward the nape, pancake the braids slightly for width, then gather remaining hair into a low twisted bun, tucking and pinning braid ends into the base. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, lots of bobby pins and long U-pins, a small curling wand (optional). Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder for hold, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — about 30–45 minutes for a practiced stylist or confident DIYer. Maintenance: secure with extra pins if you’ll be moving, refresh volume with dry shampoo at the roots, tame frizz with a dab of serum, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a loose scarf. For longevity, avoid heavy oils near the roots and re-pin loose pieces before events.

Voluminous Side Fishtail Braid with Dutch Crown and Floral Accents

This romantic side fishtail braid with a Dutch crown and loose face-framing tendrils suits medium to long hair and flatters straight, wavy, or loosely curled textures. Fine hair benefits from light extensions or added padding for the same fullness; naturally thick hair will braid richly without extra pieces. Technique: prep hair with heat protection, create soft waves for grip, then start a Dutch/French crown braid along the hairline and feed it into a low, oversized fishtail at the nape. Gently pancake the braid sections to amplify volume and secure with an elastic, then pin dried or fresh floral accents into the crown and base. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1/2–1

Romantic Halo (Crown) Braid Updo with Autumn Floral Accents

This soft halo (crown) braid is ideal for medium to long hair and adapts well to straight, wavy or slightly curly textures. Fine hair benefits from a texturizing powder or light padding to add volume; very thick hair should be smoothed and sectioned before braiding. Technique: start with a clean, dry base; apply heat protectant if using hot tools, then add texture with a curling iron or dry-texturizing spray. Create a Dutch or French braid from one ear, following the hairline around the head and pancake the braid gently to widen it. Tuck and pin the tail under the opposite side and secure with bobby pins. Attach a wire-backed floral crown or individual blooms with floral pins or U-pins for a secure, natural finish. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, 1–2 small elastics, bobby pins, U-pins, curling iron (optional). Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray/powder, flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — about 25–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh volume with dry shampoo, retighten pins as needed, sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to keep texture.

Boho Half-Up Crown Braid with Loose Textured Waves

This romantic half-up crown braid with loose waves suits medium-to-long hair and works best on naturally wavy to thick hair. For fine hair, add light extensions or texturizing powder for body; very curly hair will benefit from smoothing the top sections before styling. Start on second‑day hair or apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry for grip. Create soft waves with a 1–1.25” curling wand, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly undone. Section a deep front panel and French/Dutch braid along the hairline toward the crown, gently pancake the braid for width, then pin it back with bobby pins hidden beneath the braid. Tools: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, curling wand, bobby pins, small elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing/sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, and a touch of smoothing serum for shine. Difficulty: moderate — expect 20–35 minutes once practiced. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid to preserve waves, refresh texture with dry shampoo or a spritz of sea-salt spray, and re-tighten pins as needed.

Textured Low Twisted Chignon with Autumn Leaf Accent

This elegant low chignon suits medium to thick hair and wavy textures best; fine hair can achieve the look with light padding or a clip-in bun for volume. Start by prepping damp hair with a root-lifting mousse and heat protectant, then rough-dry for texture. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron or hot rollers to add grip. Section the hair, twist or loosely braid each section toward the nape and pin in a low chignon, using bobby pins in an X-pattern for secure hold. Leave soft face-framing pieces for a romantic finish. Tools: curling iron, sectioning clips, tail comb, bobby pins, elastic bands, and a teasing brush. Products: volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, medium-to-strong hold hairspray, and a light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 30–45 minutes in-salon or at home. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo and a few targeted pins; re-curl any flattened pieces; sleep with a silk pillowcase or loose silk wrap to preserve shape; schedule trims every 8–10 weeks to keep ends tidy and the style working on second-day hair.

Bohemian Double Dutch Braids with Loose Face‑Framing Waves

This boho-inspired look works best on medium to long hair and flatters straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures; fine hair benefits from texturizing, while very thick hair may require extra sectioning. Start on dry, prepped hair: apply a light volumizing mousse at the roots and a texturizing spray through the lengths. Create a soft center part and leave two small face‑framing sections out. Dutch-braid a crown section across the top (or two mirrored Dutch braids from the temples), then gather the remaining hair into two loose three‑strand or fishtail braids at the nape. Pancake the braids by gently pulling the edges to create width and softness, and pull a few wispy strands around the face for a lived‑in finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand (optional). Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, light smoothing serum, flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and pancake technique; allow 25–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, re‑pancake as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, and retouch face‑framing waves with a quick curl.

Loose Textured Side Dutch Braid with Floral Accents

Suitable for medium to long hair and ideal for fine-to-medium or naturally wavy hair, this romantic side Dutch braid gains fullness from texture and light backcombing—thicker hair will create more presence. Begin on dry hair: apply a volumizing mousse at roots and a texturizing spray through mid-lengths to ends. Create a deep side part and start a Dutch/French braid along the hairline, feeding in sections toward one side; secure the braid into a loose three-strand plait. Pancake (gently pull) the braid loops for width and softness, then set with bobby pins and a small clear elastic. Optional: loosen a few face-framing pieces and use a 1–1.25” curling iron for subtle waves before braiding. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, clear elastics, bobby pins, curling iron (optional). Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or dry shampoo for grip, texturizing spray, and a light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfortable braiding and pancaking technique; allow 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pull loops; sleep with a silk scarf or loose braid to preserve shape and replace floral pins before wearing.

Textured Dutch Side Braid — Loose Romantic Braided Ponytail

This look suits medium-to-long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from light teasing or clip-in extensions for fullness, while thick hair creates more dramatic volume. Start on dry, lightly textured hair: apply a salt or texturizing spray from roots to ends, blow-dry for lift, and detangle. Create a deep side part and begin a Dutch/French braid at the hairline, picking up sections toward the back and pulling slightly outward (pancaking) to achieve the oversized, soft appearance. Continue into a loose three-strand braid or fishtail down the side and secure with an elastic, then tug individual loops for airy volume. Tools: tail comb, paddle brush, sectioning clips, small elastic bands, bobby pins, and a 1–1.25

Boho Double Fishtail Braids with Face‑Framing Waves

A relaxed, romantic style featuring two low, pancaked fishtail braids and soft face‑framing waves. Best suited to medium‑to‑long hair with medium to thick density; fine hair can work with added texture or light extensions, and naturally curly hair should be smoothed slightly before braiding. Technique: part down the center, leave two front sections loose for drifted pieces, create two loose fishtail braids starting at mid‑length, then gently pancake each braid to widen and soften. Back‑comb the crown lightly for lift and pull a few tendrils free around the face. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1

Boho Crown Braid with Face-Framing Double Braids for Long Textured Hair

Suitable for medium-to-long hair of straight to wavy textures and fine-to-thick densities, this relaxed boho crown with two loose braids adds volume and soft framing for most face shapes. Start on towel-dried or second-day hair: apply a texturizing spray or sea-salt mist and a small amount of smoothing cream through the lengths for grip and frizz control. Using a tail comb, create a deep side or center part and begin a Dutch or French crown braid from one temple, working across the hairline to the other side and securing with bobby pins. Gather the remaining hair into two low three-strand braids, pancake them gently for width, and pull out a few face-framing strands to soften the look. Tools: tail comb, small elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips and a light blow-dryer if needed. Products: texturizer, light-hold hairspray, anti-frizz serum and dry shampoo for added grip. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braid and pinning skills; allow 20-35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake braids nightly and tuck or pin shorter pieces to extend wear 2-3 days.

Voluminous Crown Halo Braid — Textured Updo for Curly or Thick Hair

This voluminous crown halo braid is ideal for medium-to-long textured hair — curly, coily, wavy or thick straight hair that’s been texturized. The technique: create a deep part and either braid a single continuous Dutch/French braid around the hairline or French-braid two sections then wrap and pin into a halo. Pancake the braid (gently pulling outer strands) to build width and softness. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, small elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips and optional padding or hair donut for extra volume. Products required: lightweight leave-in or curl cream for slip, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light-hold gel or edge control for smoothing, and flexible hairspray or shine serum to finish. Difficulty level: intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes depending on length and practice. Maintenance tips: sleep in a silk scarf or bonnet, refresh with a light water or leave-in mist and re-pin any loosened sections, avoid over-tightening to protect the edges, and redo every 3–5 days to prevent breakage while preserving scalp health.

Textured Crown Braid Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils

This elegant textured crown braid updo suits medium to long hair and works best on medium‑to‑thick or naturally wavy hair; fine hair can be prepped with root‑lift products or lightweight clip‑in pieces for added volume. Start by applying a root‑lifting mousse to damp hair, blow‑drying for body, and misting a texturizing spray through lengths. Create a loose Dutch/French braid along the hairline or crown, pancake the braid to broaden it, then gather remaining hair into a low twisted bun or tucked chignon, securing with bobby pins and U‑pins. Use a curling iron to shape a few face‑framing tendrils and soften the hairline. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins/U‑pins, 1–1.25 curling iron. Products: heat protectant, root mousse, texturizing/sea salt spray, flexible‑hold hairspray, light shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty is moderate — expect 30–45 minutes; a stylist will achieve the cleanest finish for formal events. Maintenance: refresh grip with dry shampoo, retension any loosened pins, re‑pancake braid for volume, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose wrap to preserve shape.

Boho Voluminous Side Dutch Braid for Medium to Thick, Wavy Hair

This voluminous side Dutch braid is ideal for long, medium-to-thick hair and looks best on wavy or lightly curled textures; fine hair can achieve similar fullness with a texturizing product or small clip-in pieces. Start on dry hair: apply heat protectant if you’ll curl, then work a volumizing mousse through roots. Create a deep side part, begin a Dutch/French braid at the hairline, adding sections and keeping tension firm to anchor the crown; transition into a loose three-strand or fishtail braid down the side. Pancake (gently pull apart) each braid segment for width and softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic, bobby pins, 1–1.25 curling iron (optional). Products: texturizing spray or sea salt spray, lightweight oil for ends, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — typically 20–35 minutes depending on length and styling. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap, refresh volume with dry shampoo and re-pancake sections, tuck stray pieces with pins, and avoid heavy conditioners at roots to preserve texture. For special events, set with a medium-hold spray and touch up loose curls as needed.

Textured Romantic Low Updo with Beaded Hairpiece

Suitable hair types: fine to thick hair, naturally wavy or straight; very fine hair will benefit from padding or clip-in extensions to add bulk, while tight curls can be smoothed or defined before styling. Technique: prep with heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, blow-dry for root lift, then create loose, soft waves with a 1 curling wand leaving the ends slightly straighter for a relaxed finish. Gather sections into a low, loosely twisted bun at the nape and secure with an elastic and bobby/U-pins, pulling out small face-framing tendrils. Pin a beaded vine or decorative comb into the side of the bun and anchor with extra U-pins for stability. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling wand, tail comb, elastics, bobby and U-pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light smoothing serum for flyaways, and medium–strong hairspray. Difficulty: Moderate — 25–40 minutes depending on experience. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, re-pin any loosened sections, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and carry spare pins and travel hairspray for touch-ups.

Textured Twisted Low Ponytail with Loose Waves

Suitable for medium to long lengths and most hair types (straight, wavy, or slightly curly), this relaxed twisted low ponytail adds texture and movement while remaining salon-approachable. Start on towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a lightweight texturizing or sea-salt spray, then blow-dry with a round brush or rough-dry for natural volume. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron or wand, alternating directions and leaving ends softer for a lived-in finish. Section hair at the crown and twist two pieces from each side toward the back, securing each twist into a low ponytail with an elastic; hide the elastic by wrapping a small section of hair around it and pinning underneath. Lightly tug and pancake the twists for fullness and pull a few face-framing pieces free. Tools: blow dryer, curling iron/wand, tail comb, elastic bands, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, dry shampoo (for hold and volume), light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–medium. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, re-twist/pancake as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid to preserve waves.

Textured Dutch Crown Braid Updo for Medium–Long Hair

This textured Dutch crown braid updo works best on medium to thick, medium–long hair and on straight to wavy textures. Fine hair can achieve the same look with light padding, texturizing products or a few clip-in pieces; very curly hair benefits from a brief smooth blow-dry or stretching to make braiding easier. Technique: start with a lightly texturized blowout, apply a sea‑salt or texturizing spray, then create a deep Dutch/French braid along the hairline, gently pancaking sections for volume. Continue the braid around the crown and twist the remaining hair into a low messy bun, securing with bobby pins and an elastic. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb, small elastic bands, bobby pins, and an optional curling wand for shaping face-framing pieces. Products required: heat protectant, light mousse or texturizing spray, a medium-hold hairspray and a shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — requires intermediate braiding skill and patience. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap, refresh volume with dry shampoo, re‑pin loose sections as needed, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the style down.

Thanksgiving calls for styles that are beautiful, comfortable and long-lasting — and with a few professional tricks you can achieve just that. My top advice: always start with the right prep (clean hair but not too slippery, a spritz of texturizing spray or volumizer), protect from heat, and do a quick trial run if youre planning a more intricate updo. Keep a small kit handy—bobby pins, clear elastics, a mini hairspray, and a dry shampoo—for quick touch-ups between courses. For fragile or color-treated hair, choose lower-heat styling or heat-free braids and twists to reduce stress. If you want an elevated finish, book a salon blowout or consultation a few days before the event. Finally, personalize the look to your outfit and comfort level: a loose low bun reads elegant, face-framing waves feel cozy, and a decorated braid adds seasonal flair. Enjoy the process — with these 24 looks you’ll find the perfect style to match your Thanksgiving plans.