28 Festive Holiday Hairstyles for Women — Easy Salon-Worthy Looks

Hi, I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with 10+ years behind the chair. I created this collection of 28 holiday hairstyles to give you salon-worthy options for every hair length and texture, from pixie-friendly twists to long, romantic updos. These looks suit busy hosts, party-goers, bridesmaids, and anyone who wants to feel polished for seasonal events. I’ll guide you through easy prep (clarifying wash, heat protectant, and light mousse or texturizer), tools to have on hand (curling iron, flat iron, teasing brush, bobby pins, hairspray), and quick accessory tips to elevate the final result. Each style pairs with a photo to help you recreate the look step-by-step — perfect for DIY or to bring to your stylist. Whether your hair is fine, thick, straight, or curly, I’ll show variations and finishing touches so you leave the party feeling confident and camera-ready.

Voluminous Loose Fishtail Braid Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for long to medium-length hair and especially flattering on thick, wavy, or naturally textured hair. Fine hair can achieve this look with clip-in extensions or extra texturizing products. Technique: work on towel-dried, detangled hair—apply heat protectant, a volumizing mousse, then a salt/texturizing spray. Lightly curl 1–1.25 sections for soft waves. Create a loose, low fishtail or rope braid starting at the crown, then pancake the braid by gently pulling the outer loops to build width and softness; tease the roots for added lift. Pull a few face-framing tendrils free and anchor the braid with small elastics and discreet bobby pins, finishing with decorative pins or seasonal accents. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, hairpins for décor. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or powder, salt/texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray, and a lightweight finishing oil. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires basic braiding and pancaking skills; allow 25–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo or texturizer, re-pin any loosened sections, avoid heavy oils that weigh the braid down, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap to preserve shape.

Romantic Textured Low Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium to thick hair, and for fine hair with added texture. Best on shoulder‑length to long hair; layers provide movement. Start on damp hair: apply heat protectant and volumizing mousse at roots, rough-dry with a blow dryer using a round brush to create lift. Use a 1 curling iron to create loose waves, alternating directions for natural texture. Backcomb the crown lightly for height. Gather hair into a low, loose bun at the nape, securing sections with bobby pins and a clear elastic; leave a few face‑framing strands out. Finish by misting texturizing or sea‑salt spray, then set with a flexible hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, assorted bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, light flexible hairspray, small amount of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — 25–40 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance: refresh volume with dry shampoo, re‑pin loose pieces, touch up tendrils with the curling iron, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose protective wrap to preserve shape.

Textured Braided Crown Low Bun — Loose Updo with Festive Greenery

This romantic textured braided crown low bun suits medium to thick hair, ideal for shoulder-length to long lengths and works well on natural waves or straight hair prepped for texture. Start by applying heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse to towel-dried hair. Create a loose three-strand or Dutch braid along the hairline to form a crown, then gather remaining hair at the nape and twist into a low, slightly messy bun, securing with an elastic and bobby pins. Pull a few face-framing tendrils free and gently pancake the braid for softness; tuck seasonal greenery or a hairpiece in with floral wire and discreet pins. Tools needed: sectioning clips, tail comb, curling wand (for prepping pieces), elastic, assorted bobby pins, and fine floral wire. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-hold mousse or volumizing powder, medium-hold hairspray, and a shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — roughly 30–45 minutes depending on experience. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose areas, re-curl any flattened tendrils, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and remove greenery carefully to avoid snags.

Textured Braided Crown Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic braided crown updo works best on medium to long hair with fine to medium density; thick hair also fares well but may require sectioning or light thinning. Technique: create a deep side part, French‑braid or Dutch‑braid along the hairline from one temple to the other to form a halo, pancake the braid for width, then tuck and pin the ends into a low, textured bun. Leave a few face‑framing pieces out and softly curl them for movement. Tools needed: tail comb for precise parts, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, a 1–1.5 in curling iron or wand, teasing brush and a blow‑dryer if smoothing roots. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea‑salt spray for grip, lightweight mousse for hold on finer hair, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible hold hairspray to set the style. Difficulty: moderate — a stylist or some braiding practice helps; expect 20–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re‑pin any loosened sections, and re‑curl tendrils as needed.

Textured Braided Crown with Messy Low Bun

This textured braided crown with a messy low bun combines a loose Dutch/French braid along the hairline into a tousled, low chignon — soft face-framing tendrils finish the look. Suitability: ideal for medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or loose curly textures; fine hair benefits from volumizing mousse and light backcombing or clip-in pieces, while very curly hair can be smoothed slightly or embraced for added texture. Technique: lightly mist towel-dried hair with salt spray, rough-dry to boost grip, create a loose Dutch or French braid from one temple across the crown, secure the braid and gather remaining hair into a low bun, twisting and pinning sections to form a relaxed shape; pull pieces gently to soften. Tools: sectioning clips, fine-tooth comb, elastic bands, bobby pins, 1-inch curling iron (optional). Products: texturizing spray, dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray and a small amount of smoothing balm or pomade for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — takes 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a few pins as needed, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the texture down.

Textured Braided Crown Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Waves

This romantic braided crown updo with a soft fringe and loose face‑framing waves works best on shoulder‑length to long hair and suits fine to thick hair textures—especially natural waves or lightly straightened hair. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse, then blow‑dry with a round brush to create body. Create two front sections and French/Dutch braid each along the hairline toward the crown, secure with small elastics, then pin the braid ends underneath into a loose crown. Leave 1–2in face‑framing pieces and the fringe out. Use a 1

Textured Romantic Loose Braid Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, textured loose braid updo suits medium-to-long lengths and works best on fine-to-medium or medium-thick hair; very thick hair may need extra sectioning or light thinning, and short hair can use extensions. Styling technique: start on second-day or freshly washed hair with mousse at the roots, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then create loose waves with a 1

Crown Halo Braid with Blunt Fringe — Braided Updo for Fine to Medium Hair

This romantic crown (halo) braid paired with a blunt fringe works best on fine to medium hair densities and hair lengths from chin to shoulder and longer. Thick hair also suits the look but should be eased into thinner braid sections to avoid bulk. Start on clean, dry hair with lightweight texture; part as desired and create a Dutch or French braid along the hairline, wrapping around the crown and anchoring with small elastics and bobby pins. Loosen the braid by gently tugging each stitch to soften the shape and pull a few face-framing pieces free for a lived-in finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, sturdy bobby pins, hairpins, optional curling iron. Products: heat protectant (if you curl), texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for bangs. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes once practiced. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pin the braid loosely, refresh with dry shampoo and re-tug for volume, re-secure any loose pins, and trim bangs every 4–6 weeks to keep the fringe neat.

Romantic Crown Braid with Textured Waves (Braided Half-Up)

This romantic crown braid with textured waves suits medium-to-long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from light padding or clip-in pieces for fullness, while curly hair can be smoothed slightly before styling. Start by applying heat protectant and a root-lifting mousse to towel-dried hair. Blow-dry loosely, then create 1–1.25

Textured Boho Side Braid with Face-Framing Layers

This relaxed boho side braid with face‑framing layers is ideal for medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures. Fine hair benefits from light texturizing products to add grip; thick hair should be smoothed and slightly thinned by your stylist for easier braiding. Styling technique: start with dry hair. Apply heat protectant if using a curling iron to bend pieces, then mist a texturizing spray from roots to ends. Create a soft crown braid (French or Dutch) along the hairline, pull gently on braid sections to pancake for volume, and gather remaining lengths into a loose side braid. Secure with an elastic and hide the band with a wrapped strand; pull a few face‑framing pieces free. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron (optional), elastics, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, volumizing powder for roots. Difficulty: easy–moderate (10–25 minutes). Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer, re‑pancake the braid daily as needed, sleep on silk to reduce frizz, and schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to maintain the layers.

Vintage Voluminous Finger-Wave Updo with Berry Floral Crown

A romantic, vintage-inspired updo combining structured finger waves and a low chignon finished with a berry floral crown. Best for medium to long lengths and straight-to-wavy textures; fine hair will benefit from padding or light extensions to build volume, while thick hair works well but may need extra pins to stay secure. Technique: create a deep side part, apply heat protectant and a setting lotion or mousse, then form finger waves with a 1 curling iron or Marcel iron (or set with hot rollers). Pin each wave to cool for firm shape, backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then sweep waves into a low, loose chignon and anchor with long bobby pins. Place the floral crown last, securing with hidden pins. Tools needed: curling iron/hot rollers, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, hair net (optional). Products: heat protectant, setting lotion or light mousse, medium-to-strong hairspray, texturizing spray, smoothing serum. Difficulty: intermediate (45–75 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a light spritz of hairspray, re-pin any loose waves, and avoid humidity to keep the shape intact.

Double Dutch Crown Braid Updo — Sleek Braided Halo for Medium to Thick Hair

A refined crown updo built from two Dutch braids creates a sleek, wearable halo that suits medium to thick, straight or wavy hair (fine hair can work with light teasing or clip‑in pieces). Technique: create a clean center part, section each side, and braid Dutch (underhand) from the hairline toward the nape, feeding in evenly for consistent tension. Secure the ends with small elastics, wrap each braid around the crown and pin the ends flat and hidden with long bobby pins, crossing pins for extra hold. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, long and short bobby pins, two hand mirrors. Products required: lightweight mousse or sea‑salt spray for grip, smoothing serum for flyaways, texturizing spray for hold and texture, medium‑hold hairspray to finish. Difficulty: intermediate — allows 20–35 minutes depending on length and braiding speed. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk scarf or pillowcase, refresh roots with dry shampoo, revive texture with a quick mist of texturizer and re‑pin loosened sections; avoid heavy conditioners right before styling to preserve grip.

Textured Tousled Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for fine to medium hair and flattering on shoulder‑length to long hair; thick hair will benefit from light layering or thinning for manageability. Start on towel‑dried hair with a root‑lift mousse and heat protectant. Blow‑dry with a round brush to build volume or diffuse if naturally wavy. Create loose bends with a 1–1.25‑inch curling wand (avoid curling the very ends) to add movement, then mist with a texturizing or sea‑salt spray. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, loosely gather sections into a mid‑to‑high messy bun and secure with long bobby pins, allowing soft twisted pieces to show for that undone shape. Pull a few face‑framing tendrils and loosen the nape for softness. Finish with a flexible‑hold hairspray and a tiny amount of lightweight oil on the ends for shine. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, teasing comb, bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, root‑lift mousse, texturizing spray, flexible hairspray, light oil. Difficulty: Moderate — basic curling and pinning skills needed. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re‑pin loose sections, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose topknot to preserve the style.

Boho Crown-to-Side Loose Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic boho braid suits medium to long hair and works best on hair with natural texture or light waves; fine hair benefits from extensions or root‑teasing for extra body. Start by applying a texturizing/sea‑salt spray to towel‑dried hair and rough‑dry for grip. Create two Dutch/French sections from each temple and braid them along the hairline, incorporating hair down toward one side; when they meet, transition into a loose rope or fishtail braid and secure with a small elastic. Pancake the braid by gently pulling sections apart for fullness and pull a few face‑framing tendrils loose. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a 1

Textured Crown Braid to Low Messy Bun — Romantic Braided Updo

Suitable for medium to thick hair and for straight, wavy or loosely curled textures, this textured crown braid into a low messy bun gives a soft, romantic finish. For finer hair, add a light teasing at the roots or temporary clip-in pieces for volume. Start on dry hair with a light mist of texturizing spray; create a deep side part and backcomb gently at the crown for lift. French- or Dutch-braid along the hairline on one or both sides, pulling each section slightly loose for a lived-in look, then gather the remaining hair into a low bun, securing with elastics and bobby pins. Tools: tail comb, paddle brush, small elastics, plenty of bobby pins, and a few sectioning clips. Products: texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, smoothing cream for flyaways and heat protectant if using hot tools to add wave. Difficulty: moderate — expect 25–40 minutes in a salon or at home. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin loosened pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely tie in a silk scarf to preserve shape.

Platinum Curly Half‑Up with Floral Crown

Suitable for medium‑to‑thick, mid‑length to long hair and ideal for natural curls, relaxed waves, or permed textures. Fine hair can achieve this look with lightweight extensions or padding at the crown. Begin on towel‑dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, then diffuse or air‑dry to enhance natural texture. Section the crown and lightly backcomb for lift. Create loose barrel curls (20–32 mm wand) working in alternating directions to build natural movement. Gather the top half into a soft twist or pouf and secure it at the back with U‑pins and hidden bobby pins, leaving face‑framing tendrils loose. Attach floral sprigs or decorative pieces by wiring them to a comb or pin base and anchoring into the pinned section for stability. Tools: curling wand, diffuser/blow dryer, rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, U‑pins and bobby pins. Products: volumizing mousse, heat protectant, texturizing spray, light smoothing serum, medium‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (35–60 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh curls with steam or light mist and finger‑reshape, resecure accessories before wear, and protect from heavy humidity.

Soft Textured Low Chignon with Festive Berry Hairpin

An elegant, soft-textured low chignon accented with a small berry sprig—perfect for holiday events, weddings, or styled portraits. Suitability: works best on medium to thick hair and on shoulder-length to long lengths; naturally wavy or straight hair will take the shape most easily. Fine hair benefits from volumizing products or clip-in pieces, and very curly hair should be smoothed or loosely blown out first. Styling technique: prep with heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, blow-dry with a round brush, then create loose waves with a 1 curling iron. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair into a loose low pony, twist into a soft chignon and pin sections with U-pins and bobby pins, pulling a few face‑framing pieces free for softness. Tuck the decorative sprig or pin above the bun and secure. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron, tail comb, bobby pins, U-pins, small elastic. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or powder, texturizing spray, smoothing serum, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo, mist light hairspray and re-texturize mid-day, re-pin any loose pieces, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.

Twisted Side-Swept Ponytail with Soft Waves – Voluminous Formal Style

Suitable for medium-to-long hair, this twisted side-swept ponytail with soft waves creates a polished, voluminous look that works on relaxed, natural, straight or wavy textures when the hair has enough length. Start with clean, blow-dried hair. Create a deep side part, take a front section on the heavier side and loosely twist it back, pinning near the crown to build lift. Gather hair to the opposite side into a low, side ponytail and secure with a small elastic. Use a 1 to 1.5-inch barrel curling iron to create loose S-shaped waves through the ponytail, alternating directions for natural movement. Backcomb lightly at the crown if extra volume is desired and conceal pins with hair wraps. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 to 1.5-inch curling iron, paddle brush, bobby pins and a small elastic. Products: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root lift, smoothing serum, texturizing spray and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: Moderate — achievable at home with practice; a salon stylist will produce a faster, longer-lasting finish. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh waves with a light mist or texturizer and re-heat small sections as needed, and use a weekly deep conditioner to preserve shine and elasticity.

Long Layered Red Curls with Side‑Swept Volume

This look works best on long, thick or medium-density hair and flatters natural waves, relaxed curls or color-treated red hair (extensions can add length/volume). Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at roots and a heat-protectant through mid-lengths and ends. Blow-dry with a round brush and nozzle to build a deep side part and lift at the crown. Use a 1–1.25 inch curling iron or wand to create large barrel curls, wrapping sections away from the face and leaving ends slightly looser for a modern, soft finish; alternate curl directions for natural movement. Clip curls to cool for longer hold, then release and gently finger‑comb or finish with a wide-tooth comb to blend layers. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, clips, 1–1.25” curling iron, wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, root-lift spray or mousse, flexible hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: medium — requires sectioning and temperature control. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or loose braid, refresh with dry shampoo and soft mist hairspray, retouch curls with a wand as needed, and use color-safe, moisturizing treatments weekly to preserve red tones.

Boho Crown Braid with Loose Side Braid

From salon practice, this romantic boho crown-to-side loose braid is ideal for medium to long hair (fine to thick) and works best on natural waves or second-day hair for grip. Start by applying a heat protectant and texturizing spray to dry hair; loosely curl random sections with a 1–1.25-inch curling wand to add body. Create a slightly elevated crown braid across the top—use a Dutch or regular three-strand braid—then pancake (gently pull apart) the braid for width. Gather remaining hair to one side and finish with a loose three-strand or fishtail braid, securing with an elastic and tucking/pinning ends under the crown braid. Tools: 1–1.25 curling wand, rat-tail comb, elastics, bobby pins, and a fine-tooth clip. Products: heat protectant, salt/texturizing spray, lightweight hairspray, small dab of smoothing serum or pomade, dry shampoo. Difficulty: intermediate—braiding experience helps. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow, refresh shape with dry shampoo and re-pancaking as needed, tame flyaways with a little serum, and redo loose pieces after 1–2 days for a refreshed look.

Romantic Crown Braid Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft crown braid updo works best on medium to thick hair and on natural waves or straight hair; fine hair will need texturizing and root lift, while very curly hair can be smoothed slightly before styling. Technique: create two loose French/ Dutch braids from each temple toward the back, wrap and pin them into a soft crown, then gently pull apart braid loops for volume and leave a few face‑framing tendrils. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins (U‑pins work well), and a 1

Textured Curly Half-Up Ponytail with Decorative Pearl Hairpiece

Salon-ready textured half-up ponytail accented with a pearl-and-gold hairpiece. Best on medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or curly textures; shoulder-length to long works best. For straight hair, add body with a 1–1.25 curling wand or diffuser. Technique: prep damp hair with volumizing mousse and heat protectant, rough-dry or diffuse to boost texture, then section the crown and lightly backcomb for lift. Gather the mid-crown into a secure half-up pony, release the length and define waves with a wand. Tuck and pin small face-framing pieces and anchor a decorative pearl/gold accessory over the elastic with U-pins for a polished finish. Tools: wide-tooth comb, teasing brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, blow dryer with diffuser, elastics, bobby pins and U-pins. Products: volumizing mousse, sea-salt or texture spray, heat protectant, light shine serum and a medium-flex hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic teasing and pinning (25–40 minutes). Maintenance: revive with texturizing spray, refresh curls with a warm wand, re-pin loose pieces and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and extend wear.

Textured Low Side Braid with Curtain Bangs and Berry Accents

This romantic, textured low side braid pairs curtain bangs with soft face-framing pieces and decorative berry accents. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair or long wavy hair — fine hair can achieve the same look with light clip-in extensions or extra texturizing product. Start on towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant, then a salt spray or texturizing mousse and blow-dry with a round brush to enhance body. Create a deep side part, loosely backcomb the crown for lift, and gather hair to one side. Twist sections into a loose three-strand braid, gently pancake each loop for volume, and secure with a small elastic. Pin decorative sprigs or floral picks in and around the braid, anchoring with discreet bobby pins. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, elastic bands, bobby pins, curling iron (optional). Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, small amount of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — salon-friendly but manageable at home in 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, retighten pins as needed, and sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape; remove decorative elements before washing.

Romantic Textured Braided Low Updo with Loose Curls

This romantic textured braided low updo is ideal for medium-to-long hair and works especially well on wavy, loosely curly, or straight hair that’s been texturized. Fine hair benefits from light backcombing or a texturizing powder to add grip; thick hair creates more natural volume and fullness. Technique: start with heat-protected, pre-curled sections (1–1.25 barrel) to build shape, then create a loose French/Dutch braid along the hairline and sweep into a low braided/twisted bun at the nape. Pancake the braid for width and gently pull pieces free to soften the look; leave a few face-framing tendrils. Tools needed: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, long bobby pins, and a texturizing brush or comb. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a medium-hold flexible hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfortable braiding and pinning; expect 30–45 minutes in salon or at home. Maintenance tips: sleep on silk or loosely wrap, refresh with dry shampoo or salt spray, and re-pin loosened sections; avoid heavy oils that weigh the texture down.

Half-Up Voluminous Waves for Long Blonde Hair

A polished half-up, voluminous wave ideal for long or medium-long hair with fine to medium-thick texture. Start on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse and heat protectant. Blow-dry using a round brush to create lift at the crown, then section the hair. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand (or curling iron) to create loose, S-shaped waves working away from the face; alternate directions for natural movement. Lightly backcomb the crown for volume, gather two front-top sections, twist them back and secure with bobby pins or a small clear elastic, hiding pins under hair for a seamless finish. Finger-comb waves and finish with a texturizing spray for separation and a flexible-hold hairspray to lock the shape without stiffness. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root spray, texturizing sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, optional shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — 25–40 minutes in salon timing. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, reheat a few pieces if needed, sleep on a silk pillow or loose braid, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep the style light and bouncy.

Soft Crown Braid into Low Textured Updo — For Medium to Long Hair

This soft crown braid swept into a low textured updo suits medium to long lengths and works well on fine, medium and thick hair. Best results come from second-day hair or freshly washed hair with a texturizer for grip. Technique: create a loose Dutch/French braid along the hairline on one or both sides, pancake the braid for width, feed hair into the braid toward the nape, then gather remaining hair into a low twisted bun or tucked chignon. Pull 2–3 face-framing pieces free for softness. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins/U‑pins, 1 curling iron (optional). Products: sea-salt or texture spray, light smoothing serum for ends, flexible hold hairspray and dry shampoo for added grip. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes depending on practice. Salon tips: start on day two for easier braiding, backcomb slightly at the crown for lift, and use U‑pins to anchor the bun. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, retuck loose pieces and re-spray; sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape for 1–2 days.

Textured Low Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils — Romantic Updo

This soft, textured low messy bun with loose face‑framing tendrils suits fine to thick hair and straight to wavy textures; very tight curls can be relaxed slightly first. Best on shoulder‑length to long hair. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a lightweight mousse or root‑lift and a heat protectant. Rough‑dry with a round brush to build volume at the crown, or diffuse low heat for natural waves. Create loose curls with a 1–1.25” curling wand for texture, then gently finger‑comb. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair low at the nape and twist into a loose bun, securing with bobby pins and an elastic; leave two to four face‑framing pieces out and curl them softly. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, sectioning clips, teasing comb, elastic and assorted bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or sea‑salt spray, light finishing hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — salon‑friendly but doable at home with practice. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizer, re‑pin loose pieces and re‑curl tendrils as needed.

Romantic Loose Boho Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, textured boho braid works best on medium to long hair and suits medium, thick, or slightly fine hair (add clip-in length for very fine or short hair). From salon experience, prep damp hair with a volumizing mousse or root-lift spray and blow-dry while lifting at the roots, or diffuse natural waves. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand to create loose bends for grip. Create extra crown volume by lightly backcombing the top and smoothing the surface. Gather hair low at the nape and form a loose three-strand or rope-style braid, pulling apart (pancaking) each section as you go for fullness; secure with a small elastic and hide with a wrapped strand or pin. Pull a few face-framing tendrils and loosen pieces around the crown for a lived-in finish. Tools: tail comb, wide-tooth comb, curling wand, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Intermediate — 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow, refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist, re-pin loosened pieces, and quickly reheat-curl any flattened tendrils.

Thanks for exploring these 28 holiday hairstyle ideas with me. My professional advice: always start with a healthy foundation — trim split ends, use a nourishing mask 1–2 times weekly, and protect hair from heat and cold with serum and heat protectant. For longevity, prep with a light texturizer or salt spray, secure with quality bobby pins, and finish with a flexible hold hairspray to keep movement without stiffness. If you’re styling at home, practice the look once before the event and keep a small emergency kit (pins, mini spray, travel brush) in your bag. For last-minute changes, dry shampoo refreshes volume and shape. If you prefer, bring your favorite image from this set to your stylist so we can adapt the look for your face shape and hair type. Wishing you beautiful, stress-free styling this holiday — Lena