28 Christmas Party Hairstyles for Women to Shine This Holiday

Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade of experience creating red-carpet and everyday looks. In this gallery I’ve curated 28 Christmas party hairstyles for women that range from effortless glam to intricate updos. These styles suit a wide range of hair lengths and textures: soft waves and voluminous curls for medium to long hair, sleek bobs and textured pixies for short cuts, and braided or pinned styles that work well on layered or fine hair. My salon-tested tips are woven into each look: always start with clean, prepped hair, use a heat protectant, and choose products for your hold level — light-hold sprays for movement, stronger sprays for all-night events. I’ll also point out easy swaps (swap pins for jeweled clips, or add a mini-bun to a braid) so you can adapt each style to your face shape and outfit. Scroll through the 28 images and pick the vibe that makes you feel festive and confident.

Romantic Braided Crown Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic braided crown updo with soft face‑framing tendrils is ideal for shoulder‑length to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can be enhanced with extensions or texturizing products. Start by prepping hair with heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then create loose waves with a 1 curling wand to add body. Section the front and create a Dutch/French halo braid or two twisted sections across the crown, securing with small elastics; gather remaining hair into a low messy bun or pinned chignon, tucking ends under and anchoring with bobby pins and U‑pins. Leave pieces out at the hairline and curl them softly for a soft, romantic finish. Tools: 1 curling wand, rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, bobby pins, elastics, U‑pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder for grip, flexible‑hold hairspray, lightweight serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate—expect 30–45 minutes in salon or at home. Maintenance: sleep with a soft scarf or silk pillowcase, refresh volume with dry shampoo, re‑pin loose sections and touch up curls quickly with the wand.

Romantic Half-Up Twisted Curls with Festive Berry Hairpiece

This romantic half-up twisted curls look, finished with a decorative berry headpiece, suits medium to long hair and works on fine, medium or thick textures—extensions add fullness for thinner hair, while very curly hair benefits from a quick blowout first. Create soft, defined waves by wrapping 1–1.25 sections around a curling iron away from the face, set with the cool-shot and finger-comb for loose curls. Gather two face‑framing sections, twist or rope each toward the back, and secure with bobby pins and a small elastic; tuck the ends under and pin to disguise hardware. Finish by placing the accessory along the twist and anchoring it with additional pins. Tools: curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastic, paddle brush. Products: heat protectant, root‑lift mousse or texturizing spray, flexible‑hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: Moderate — requires consistent curling technique and secure pinning. Maintenance tips: mist with a flexible spray to avoid stiffness, refresh limp waves with a spritz of texturizer and light reheat, sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid, and carry spare pins to resecure the embellishment throughout the event.

Textured Twisted Low Updo with Braided Accents and Festive Berry Picks

This textured twisted low updo with braided accents and decorative berry picks is ideal for medium to long hair and works especially well on fine-to-medium density strands that have been texturized for grip. For thicker hair, create smaller sections to reduce bulk. Technique: start on dry, prepped hair—apply heat protectant and a texturizing spray, then use a 1–1.25-inch curling wand to add soft waves. Section hair into two to three panels, loosely braid or twist each section, backcomb the crown for lift, then pin the twists toward the nape to form a low, slightly undone bun. Pull out face-framing tendrils and gently pancake braids for softness. Secure decorative berry stems with bobby pins and optional floral wire, tucking ends under the bun. Tools & products: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, plenty of bobby pins, curling wand, texturizing spray or powder, heat protectant, medium-hold hairspray, light serum or shine mist, and dry shampoo for extra grip. Difficulty: moderate — 25–40 minutes; easier with practice or stylist assistance. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh shape with dry shampoo and a few pins, and carry extra pins and travel hairspray to tame flyaways.

Romantic Braided Crown into Textured Low Chignon

Suitable for medium-to-long hair and adaptable to fine, medium or thick textures; works best on hair with slight wave or blow-dried smooth texture. To create: prep hair with heat protectant and light texturizing mousse, curl loosely with a 1–1.25 wand for body, then create a loose three-strand or French braid along one side/top toward the crown. Gather remaining hair at the nape, twist into a low chignon and pin the braid around or over it, securing with bobby pins and U-pins. Pull face-framing tendrils and gently pancake the braid for softness. Tools needed: sectioning clips, rat-tail comb, 1–1.25 curling wand, teasing brush, bobby pins, U-pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum or shine spray. Difficulty: intermediate — a stylist speeds the process for formal events, but an experienced DIYer can achieve it with practice. Maintenance tips: anchor pins firmly, refresh hold with spray, re-curl loose pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils at the roots.

Textured Romantic Side Braid with Festive Berry Accents

This softly textured side braid with berry accents suits medium to long hair and works best on fine to medium-thick textures that hold volume. Start on clean, day-two hair for grip: apply heat protectant if using hot tools, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron to add movement. Backcomb gently at the crown for lift, gather hair to one side, and braid using a loose three-strand or pull-through technique, pulling apart the braid’s outer loops for a full, airy finish. Secure with a clear elastic and anchor sections with flexible hold bobby pins. For the decorative berries, use lightweight wired stems or faux clusters attached with pins so they sit securely without weighing the braid down. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, varied-length bobby pins, floral wire. Products: texturizing spray or sea-salt spray, medium-hold hairspray, shine serum, dry shampoo. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding and pinning skills. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or light texturizer, re-pin any loose ornaments, and avoid heavy moisture or direct rain to preserve shape and shine.

Vintage Side‑Swept Voluminous Curls with Festive Ribbon Accent

This polished, side‑swept curled ponytail suits medium to long hair and works best on medium‑to‑thick textures or hair with natural wave. Fine hair can achieve the same look with clip‑in extensions or a light padding at the crown; very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling. Technique: prep damp hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, blow‑dry using a round brush to lift the root and shape the side fringe. Create a deep side part, backcomb lightly at the crown for height, then curl 1–1.25 sections away from the face with a curling iron or hot rollers. Cool curls, finger‑loosen, and gather into a low side ponytail, pinning select curls into loops for sculpted volume. Add a decorative ribbon or seasonal sprig and secure with bobby pins. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, 1–1.25 curling iron (or hot rollers), clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, texturizing spray, flexible medium‑hold hairspray, light shine serum, dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: intermediate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk scarf, refresh shape with a quick touch‑up iron and texturizer, avoid heavy brushing to preserve the curl definition.

Textured Crown Braid into Low Messy Bun — Romantic Braided Updo

This romantic updo pairs a softened crown braid with a low, textured bun — ideal for medium to long hair. It works well on straight, wavy or loosely curled hair; fine hair benefits from a texturizing product or light backcombing for grip, while thick hair may need extra pins and a slightly looser braid to sit comfortably. Technique: create a Dutch or French braid along the hairline across the crown, pancake the braid for width, then gather remaining hair into a low twisted bun and secure with pins, leaving a few face-framing pieces loose. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, assorted bobby pins, a couple of strong U-pins and a curling iron (optional) to pre-texturize. Products required: dry shampoo or texturizing spray for grip, light-hold mousse or sea-salt spray for texture, smoothing serum on ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — requires braid control and pinning technique. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, and avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down; redo every 2–3 days for best shape.

Romantic Voluminous Side‑Swept Curls with Sparkling Bridal Hairpins

Suitability: Best for medium to long hair with natural wave or thickness; fine hair can achieve this look with lightweight extensions or root padding. Styling technique: Start on clean, towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow-dry using a round brush while lifting the crown for height. Create large, loose curls with a 1–1.25 curling iron, alternating wrap direction and leaving ends slightly softened. Tease lightly at the crown for added lift, sweep hair to one side and pin sections with bobby pins, concealing pins under curls. Finish by placing decorative hairpins or combs where they naturally follow the curve. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins and hair elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, texturizing spray, lightweight shine serum, medium-to-strong hold hairspray. Difficulty: Moderate — salon-level finesse recommended but reproducible at home with practice (45–60 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, refresh with dry shampoo and light mist of hairspray, and gently retouch curls with a curling iron when needed.

Romantic Low Messy Chignon with Face‑Framing Tendrils

A soft, romantic low chignon with loose face‑framing tendrils — ideal for weddings, evening events or polished everyday wear. Suitability: works best on medium to thick hair and shoulder‑length to long lengths; fine hair can achieve the look with added texture or light padding. Styling technique: from salon experience, start on clean, towel‑dried hair — apply heat protectant and a root‑lifting mousse if needed. Rough‑dry for volume, create a soft center part, and add loose waves with a 1 curling iron for movement. Gather hair at the nape, twist into a loose low bun or rope braid, and pin sections with angled bobby pins to build an organic shape; pull out a few face‑framing pieces and loosen the crown for softness. Tools needed: tail comb, blow dryer with round brush, 1 curling iron, sectioning clips, elastics, plenty of bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light finishing serum and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate (20–30 minutes). Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo, re‑pin loose sections, sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down.

Textured Half-Up Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Waves

Salon-friendly textured half-up messy bun with soft face-framing waves — ideal for long fine to medium hair and easily adapted for thicker textures. Begin on towel-dried hair with a heat protectant and a small amount of lightweight mousse for hold. Blow-dry for volume, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions to avoid uniformity. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather the top half into a relaxed knot and secure with a small elastic; anchor with bobby pins in an X pattern for stability. Pull two thin front sections free for soft tendrils and gently loosen the bun and crown with fingers for a lived-in finish. Tools: 1–1.25 curling wand, paddle brush, teasing comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, dry shampoo for grip, flexible-hold hairspray, and a tiny smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–medium (15–30 minutes). Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, touch up stray waves with the wand, sleep loosely tied or on a silk pillow to reduce frizz, and trim ends regularly to keep the style polished.

Textured Romantic Braided Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

Soft romantic textured updo with loose braids and a low pinned bun, finished with face‑framing tendrils. Suitable for medium to thick hair and hair with natural wave; fine hair benefits from light teasing or clip‑in pieces for added volume, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling. Technique: start on dry hair sprayed with texturizer, create extra crown volume by backcombing, loosely braid or twist sections across the crown and secure them into a low, messy bun. Loosen the braids and pull small pieces out for softness; curl face‑framing strands for a polished look. Tools needed: 1 curling wand, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, elastic bands and varied‑length bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or volumizing spray, salt/texturizing spray for grip, smoothing serum for flyaways and a flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–45 minutes in salon or at home. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin any loose sections, avoid heavy oils that flatten texture, and re‑curl tendrils as needed for a fresh finish.

Soft Romantic Side-Swept Curled Cascade Braid for Medium–Long Hair

Suitable for medium to long hair and works best on fine-to-medium textures; thick hair can be thinned or smoothed for manageability. To create: apply heat protectant and volumizing mousse to damp hair, blow-dry with a round brush lifting roots. Section hair and wrap 1–1.25 sections around a curling iron to create loose curls. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, sweep hair to one side and loosely twist or braid into a pulled-apart cascade, securing with clear elastics and bobby pins. Tuck and pin curl ends to form soft loops and pull pieces out for organic volume and face-framing tendrils. Tools: 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, round brush, elastics, medium and fine bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, texturizing/sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray and anti-frizz serum. Difficulty: intermediate — about 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin hair up, refresh with dry shampoo and spot-curl any flattened sections, and avoid heavy oils at roots to keep volume. Ask your stylist for long layered ends and texture for best results.

Crown Braid Half-Up with Loose Waves — Ideal for Long, Wavy Hair

This romantic half-up crown braid with loose, flowing waves suits long to mid-length hair and medium to thick textures best; fine hair works with light padding or extensions and straight hair benefits from pre-texturing. Technique: create soft, undone waves with a 1–1.25-inch curling wand, then Dutch/French braid along the hairline into a loose crown, pinning the braid at the back and blending ends into the waves for an organic finish. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins/hairpins, paddle brush. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, light-hold hairspray, and a shine serum for the ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and curling; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo and texturizing spray on day two, re-secure any loose pins, and smooth flyaways with a pea-sized amount of serum. For longevity, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid and avoid heavy oils that will weigh down the style.

Festive Romantic Vintage Updo with Soft Waves and Holiday Accents

This polished vintage-inspired updo suits medium to thick hair and works best on mid-length to long hair; fine hair can be prepped with extensions or padding for extra volume. Start with freshly washed, towel-dried hair treated with a heat protectant and volumizing mousse. Blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the roots, then create loose, 1–1.25 curls throughout to build texture. Softly tease the crown for height, sweep hair into a deep side part, and loosely twist and pin sections toward the back to form a low, romantic chignon—leave a few face-framing tendrils. Secure with strong bobby pins and anchor decorative pieces (floral or holiday accents) by sliding pins through the accessory base and into the chignon. Tools: blow-dryer, round brush, curling iron, teasing comb, tail comb, bobby pins, and hair clips. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or light pomade for hold, medium-hold hairspray, and a shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate (30–50 minutes) — best for stylists or confident home stylists. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a silk scarf, refresh roots with dry shampoo, and retouch loose pieces with a curling iron as needed.

Long Voluminous Spiral Curls with Deep Side Part

This long, voluminous spiral curl style with a deep side part delivers polished, glamorous ringlets ideal for formal events or everyday elevated looks. Best suited to medium-to-thick long hair, it can be adapted for fine hair with added volume products and for naturally curly hair by enhancing and defining the existing texture. Styling technique: work on clean, towel-dried hair, apply a heat protectant and volumizing mousse or curl cream, then blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to build body. Section hair into 1–2 pieces and wrap around a 3/4–1 curling iron or use hot rollers; alternate the curl direction for natural movement and pin each curl to cool for longer hold. Tools needed: curling iron or wand, hot rollers (optional), clips, tail comb, round brush, blow dryer, diffuser. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or curl cream, light flexible hairspray, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, and a light shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — expect 45–75 minutes depending on density. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple/top-knot, refresh with a curl refresher spray or light mist of water, touch up face-framing pieces as needed, deep-condition weekly and trim every 8–12 weeks to prevent split ends.

Braided Crown Half-Up with Loose Beach Waves

This braided crown half-up with loose beach waves is ideal for medium-to-long hair and flatters straight to wavy textures. Its especially salon-friendly for fine hair when pre-texturized and for thick hair that benefits from smoothing control. To create it, curl mid-lengths and ends with a 1–1.25 curling wand for soft waves; leave face-framing sections loose. Braid a small Dutch/French section along the hairline from one temple to the opposite, pancake the braid for width, then pin it under at the crown to form the half-up. Lightly tousle waves and pull the braid a little for a relaxed feel. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small clear elastic. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — 20–35 minutes depending on length and thickness. Maintenance: refresh waves with a spritz of sea-salt or texturizing spray, touch up with a few curl clips, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve lift.

Textured Loose Fishtail Braid with Voluminous Crown and Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic, textured fishtail is ideal for medium to long hair and works best on medium-to-thick textures; fine hair benefits from added volumizers or clip-in pieces, and naturally curly hair can be smoothed or embraced for a more tousled finish. Start by applying a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush to lift the roots. Backcomb lightly at the crown, then begin a loose French-to-fishtail braid, feeding hair from each side and pulling small sections outward to pancake and create width. Leave two face-framing pieces and curl them softly with a 1

Textured Romantic Side-Swept Curls — Voluminous Half-Up Curly Updo

Soft textured side-swept curls gathered into a loose half-up updo create a romantic, voluminous look suitable for many occasions. Best on medium to long hair; fine hair benefits from light volumizing products or clip-in extensions, while natural waves and curls will hold texture easily. Technique: rough-dry with a round brush or diffuser, apply volumizing mousse at the roots, then wrap 1–1¼ sections around a curling wand for mixed-size curls. Pin back the crown sections after gentle backcombing to build height, twist and secure side sections into a low, loose knot or pinned braid, leaving face-framing tendrils. Tools: curling wand, sectioning clips, teasing comb, tail comb, bobby pins and small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, sea-salt or texturizing spray, medium-hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate; expect 30–45 minutes. Salon tips: set curls on clips to cool for longer hold, use crisscross pinning for security, and avoid heavy products at the roots. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and sea-salt spray, touch up loose pieces with the wand, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose pineapple to preserve shape.

Textured Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for natural wavy to curly hair and medium‑thick textures; can be created on straight hair with pre‑curling. Begin with towel‑dried hair sprayed with heat protectant and a lightweight mousse, then diffuse dry to build natural body. Section the hair, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, and loosely gather into a low-to-mid bun, securing with pins and a small elastic. Wrap and pin defined curls around the base while leaving several face‑framing tendrils. Use a 1 curling wand to refine tendrils and add soft spirals. Tools: 1 curling wand, vent brush, rat‑tail comb, bobby pins, hair elastic, diffuser. Products: heat protectant, curl cream or mousse, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, light‑to‑medium hold hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: Moderate — expect 25–40 minutes depending on length and curl pattern; requires basic pinning experience. Salon tips: request long layers to increase movement and reduce bulk; set pinned sections with short cool blasts. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with water plus texturizer and scrunch, re‑pin loose pieces and touch up with a curler every 1–3 days; avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve volume.

Soft Vintage Finger Waves – Short Curled Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This polished short updo combines soft finger waves and a low tucked finish for a vintage-inspired, modern look. Best for straight to wavy hair in short to mid-length cuts and fine to medium densities; thick hair works too but may require smaller sections or light thinning. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a lightweight styling cream to add control. Create a deep side part and use a 3/4–1 inch curling iron to form S-shaped waves, clipping each curl to cool so the shape sets. Once cooled, gently brush or finger-comb waves into position and secure the back into a low tuck with bobby pins, leaving a couple of face‑framing tendrils soft. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, round brush (if blow-drying), bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, light styling cream or mousse, medium-hold hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — salon-level technique, ~20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose satin wrap, refresh waves with a quick re-curl and dry shampoo at the roots, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the style down.

Vintage Textured Low Bun — Elegant Updo for Fine to Medium Hair

This polished vintage-inspired low bun works best on fine to medium hair and on shoulder-length to long lengths. Start with clean, towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight heat protectant, a volumizing mousse at the roots for fine hair, or a medium-hold smoothing cream for thicker hair. Blow-dry with a round brush to add root lift, then create a deep side part. Use a 1 curling iron or hot rollers to set soft, loose waves; allow them to cool to lock shape. Lightly backcomb the crown for gentle height, gather hair low at the nape, and twist sections into pinned loops to form a textured bun — secure with bobby pins and U-pins. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray and a drop of shine serum on the ends. Tools required: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron or rollers, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby and U-pins. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling and pinning skills and about 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with a few bobby pins and a light spray, and avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down.

Side-Swept Vintage Barrel Curls with Decorative Pin

This polished side-swept style features large, vintage-inspired barrel curls pinned to one side with a decorative accessory. Best suited for mid-length to long hair and medium to thick textures—wavy or straight hair will hold the shape well; fine hair benefits from volumizing preps or clip-in padding. Begin with a deep side part, apply heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse, then work in 1–2 inch sections. Use a 1.25–1.75 curling iron or large hot rollers, wrapping each section away from the face. Clip curls in place and allow them to cool fully to set the shape, then gently brush through with a boar-bristle or soft bristle brush to form smooth S-shaped waves. Pin one side back with discreet hairpins, add your accessory, and finish with a medium-hold hairspray and a light shine mist. Tools: curling iron or hot rollers, tail comb, sectioning clips, boar-bristle brush, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, medium-hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate—requires precise sectioning and controlled brushing. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo, touch up the front curl as needed, and avoid heavy oils at the roots.

Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils

Works best on medium to long hair and straight-to-wavy textures; fine hair benefits from texturizing products and light backcombing, while thick hair produces a naturally fuller braid. Start on dry hair: apply heat protectant, rough-wave the lengths with a 1–1.25 curling wand for grip, then mist with texturizing or sea-salt spray. Create a deep side part, gather hair to one shoulder and build a loose fishtail braid. Pancake each section (gently pull the edges) to widen and soften the braid, pull a few face-framing strands free and curl them softly, then secure the end with a small elastic and hide it with a wrapped strand or pin. Tools and products: tail comb, vent brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, small elastics, bobby pins, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, lightweight serum for ends, heat protectant and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires basic fishtail technique and pancaking. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely rebraid, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake for volume, avoid heavy conditioners at roots to retain texture, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks.

Romantic Voluminous Side Braid with Textured Curls

Suitability: Works best on medium to thick, shoulder-length to long hair; natural waves or relaxed curls give the best hold. Fine hair can be prepped with volumizing products or light clip-in extensions. Technique: Start on towel-dried hair with heat protectant. Blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then apply texturizing spray through the lengths. Create a deep side part and French-braid (or Dutch-braid) along the crown toward one side, releasing slightly and pancaking each section to build volume. Curl mid-lengths and ends with a 1-inch curling wand for loose spirals, then gather into a low side braid, twisting and pulling loops to create chunky, romantic texture. Secure with a small elastic and pin stray sections with bobby pins; finish by teasing the crown lightly for extra lift. Tools: round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, 1-inch curling wand, bobby pins, elastics. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light mousse or root-lift, flexible-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: Intermediate — expect 30-45 minutes. Maintenance: Sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap in a scarf, refresh shape with dry shampoo and finger-pancaking, re-secure pins as needed, and deep-condition regularly to keep the curls glossy and healthy.

Romantic Voluminous Side Braid with Red Ribbon Accent

This relaxed, voluminous side braid with a ribbon bow is ideal for medium to long hair and works beautifully on straight, wavy or slightly curly textures. Fine hair benefits from a light backcomb or clip-in pieces for fullness; thick hair holds the shape naturally. Start on dry hair: apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, create a deep side part, and softly tease the crown. Gather hair to one side and braid loosely (fishtail or three-strand), pulling each section outward to “pancake” and create that full, romantic silhouette. Leave a couple of face-framing tendrils and secure the braid with a clear elastic, then tie a decorative ribbon over the elastic and hide ends with a few bobby pins. Tools: paddle brush, tail comb, elastics, bobby pins, optional 1

Textured Pulled-Through Braid with Soft Face‑Framing Bangs

This look suits fine to medium hair that’s been lightened or layered and also works on thicker hair when reduced with thinning or long layers. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and volumizing mousse, blow‑dry the crown with a round brush to create lift, and smooth bangs with a flat brush. Create a mid‑high ponytail and divide it into sections to form a pulled‑through braid (or large, pancaked fishtail) by securing small elastics and looping sections through — pull pieces gently to widen and soften the braid. Tools: tail comb, round brush, small clear elastics, bobby pins, blow dryer, flat iron or curling wand for ends. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, lightweight shine serum, flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires neat sectioning and controlled pancaking. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap the braid to reduce frizz, refresh volume with dry shampoo at roots, re‑pancake or retighten elastics as needed, and avoid heavy oils at the scalp which will weigh the textured effect down.

Voluminous Side‑Swept Curls with Lifted Crown and Decorative Accent

This glamorous side‑swept style features a lifted crown and cascading, defined curls—ideal for special occasions. Best suited to medium‑to‑thick hair and natural waves or curls; fine hair benefits from light extensions or a root‑lifting primer for lasting volume. Begin with clean, towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow‑dry with a round brush to build lift through the crown. Create a deep side part, backcomb the crown lightly for structure, and curl 1–1¼-inch sections with a curling iron or wand, alternating directions for natural movement. Pin curls at the top to set and sweep the finished curls to one side, securing discreetly with bobby pins. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1¼” curling iron or wand, teasing brush/comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray, flexible‑hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of hairspray, touch up loose pieces with a curling iron, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve lift.

Textured Half-Updo with Loose Curls for Medium–Long Hair

A soft, textured half-updo built around loose, natural-looking curls — ideal for medium to long lengths and most hair textures. Works especially well on wavy or straight hair that can hold a curl; fine hair benefits from root lift and mousse, while thick hair may need sectioning or light thinning to keep the shape. Technique: prep with heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then blow-dry (round brush or diffuse). Create loose curls with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly softer. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather the top half into a loose twist or loop, and secure with bobby pins, allowing face-framing tendrils to fall. Tousle with fingers and finish with a texturizing spray and light-hold hairspray. Tools needed: curling wand or iron, tail comb, round brush or diffuser, bobby pins and clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing/salt spray, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–intermediate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: refresh curls with a water mist + leave-in or texture spray, use dry shampoo at roots between washes, re-pin loose sections, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid to preserve shape.

As a stylist, my best advice for pulling off any of these 28 Christmas party hairstyles is to prepare your hair and plan for longevity. Start with clean, conditioned hair and use a lightweight leave-in or mousse for texture without weight. Apply a heat protectant before curling or flat-ironing and set curls with a short cool-down before pinning or teasing for volume. For fine hair, use dry shampoo at the roots to add grip; for thick or frizz-prone hair, finish with a smoothing serum on ends. Pack a small emergency kit—bobby pins, a travel spray, and a comb—for quick touch-ups. If you’re short on time or nervous about a complicated updo, book a trial or schedule a salon appointment a few days before your event. Most importantly, choose a style that complements your outfit and makes you feel comfortable; confidence is the best styling product you can wear.