Stunning Holiday Hairstyles for Every Occasion: Ideas for Long, Medium, and Short Hair for Women
The holiday season is the perfect time to try out a new hairstyle that brings out your festive spirit. Whether you have long hair, medium hair, or short hair, there’s a holiday hairstyle that will suit you perfectly. From quick, easy styles to curly or cute updos, this list has you covered for every occasion and hair length. Let’s dive into the ultimate list of holiday hairstyles that will help you shine bright this season!
Sleek Нigh Bun
A sleek high bun is a timeless and sophisticated hairstyle that’s both elegant and effortless. This style works exceptionally well with medium to long hair and is ideal for anyone seeking a clean, polished look for a formal holiday occasion. It pairs beautifully with evening attire and highlights the structure of the face, so it’s perfect for women with oval or heart-shaped faces.
For maintenance, apply a smoothing serum like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Serum to keep the hair frizz-free and glossy. To hold everything in place, spritz a touch of Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray.
Half-Up, Half-Down Waves
The half-up, half-down waves combine the best of both worlds – showcasing natural hair texture with the playful elegance of a slight updo. This style suits medium to long hair and works beautifully on both straight and curly hair. Women with thin hair will find it adds volume, while those with thick hair can enjoy a light yet structured style.
Use a volumizing mousse, like John Frieda Volume Lift Air Whipped Foam, before blow-drying. For soft waves, wrap sections around a large-barrel curling iron and set with Tresemmé Flawless Curls Hairspray.
Loose Curls with Side Part
Loose curls with a side part make any hairstyle look glamorous. This style is ideal for those with medium-length hair and long hair and brings out the best in natural hair textures, especially for holiday parties. Women with round or square faces will find it gives a flattering frame that adds softness.
For styling, use a curling wand with a heat protectant like CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray and finish with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Medium for a natural, touchable hold.
Classic French Twist
The classic French twist is a vintage-inspired hairstyle perfect for a sophisticated holiday gathering. Best suited for medium to long hair, it works well on most hair textures and face shapes, especially heart-shaped and oval faces, adding a touch of elegance.
For long-lasting hold, work a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray into the roots. Secure with Scunci No-Slip Grip Bobby Pins, and finish with a light mist of Kenra Volume Spray 25 for hold.
High Ponytail with Volume
A high ponytail with volume adds height and style, making it ideal for those with long or medium hair. This style is fantastic for anyone looking for a quick, simple option for a holiday party, especially for round or square face shapes.
Add a volumizing powder like Big Sexy Hair Powder Play for extra lift. Wrap a section of hair around the base for a polished look, and finish with Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield.
Textured Top Knot
The textured top knot is the perfect balance of easy and chic, suited for medium-length and long hair. This style is great for women looking for a cute and casual yet put-together look, and it flatters most face shapes.
For a more textured look, spritz with Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray before twisting. Use Scunci Elastic Hair Ties to secure the bun, finishing with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray.
Glamorous Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves are a glamorous option perfect for long hair and medium-length hair. This look is best for formal holiday events, offering an elegant vibe suited for all face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped faces.
Prep with OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil for shine. Use a large-barrel curling iron, then brush through curls and secure with Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray.
Braided Crown
The braided crown is a beautiful and fun hairstyle that suits long and medium-length hair and works especially well for those with curly or thin hair. This style is perfect for a whimsical holiday look, adding charm to any occasion.
Begin by creating two braids and wrap them around the head. Set with Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Hairspray for long-lasting wear.
Messy High Chignon
The messy high chignon is a chic yet easy holiday hairstyle, adding a hint of effortless elegance to any look. This style is perfect for women with medium to long hair who want a relaxed yet put-together look for a festive occasion. Ideal for those with shoulder length or medium length hair, the messy chignon adds softness and volume, complementing round or square face shapes beautifully.
To style, apply a texture spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray for a full-bodied look. Secure with Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics and finish with Redken Fashion Work 12 Hairspray to keep it in place without a stiff feel.
Side-Swept Curls
Side-swept curls add a touch of old-Hollywood glamour to any holiday look. This curly hair style is great for long or medium hair and looks particularly lovely on natural hair. The side-swept element frames the face, making it ideal for all face shapes, especially heart-shaped faces, and is perfect for formal gatherings or family occasions.
To achieve the look, start with a curl-enhancing mousse like Pantene Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream and use a large curling wand for loose, romantic curls. Finish with a shine spray like Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine for added luster.
Fishtail Braid Ponytail
The fishtail braid ponytail is a playful yet refined look, ideal for long hair or medium length hair. This style adds structure and interest to a simple ponytail, making it perfect for a relaxed family gathering or an elegant holiday dinner. It’s especially flattering on women with oval or square faces and adds texture, making it ideal for thin hair.
To create a fishtail braid, prep with Not Your Mother’s Plump for Joy Body Building Dry Shampoo to add texture and grip. After securing the braid with Invisibobble Slim Hair Ring, mist with Paul Mitchell Soft Spray Finishing Spray for a light hold.
Straight and Sleek Look
The straight and sleek hairstyle is a classic, polished option perfect for long and medium-length hair. This look works well for holiday events where a refined, minimalist style is ideal. It’s especially flattering for women with oval, square, or heart-shaped faces, as it emphasizes natural features with a clean, smooth silhouette.
Use a flat iron with a heat protectant like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray. For a glossy finish, apply Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil for a smooth, sleek result.
Twisted Halo Braid
The twisted halo braid is an enchanting hairstyle that’s as cute as it is sophisticated. It’s perfect for shoulder-length and medium length hair and can enhance both straight and curly hair textures. This style is ideal for holiday gatherings, bringing a soft, romantic look to any occasion and is especially suited to heart-shaped faces.
Apply a mousse like John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse for texture before braiding. Finish with Living Proof Flex Hairspray for a soft hold that lasts through the evening.
Elegant Beehive Updo
The beehive updo is a sophisticated throwback style that adds height and volume, ideal for formal holiday gatherings. This medium length hair style is perfect for thin hair and suits both round and square faces, giving a touch of glamour and retro charm.
Apply a volumizing spray like Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus and use a teasing comb to create volume at the crown. Secure with Goody SlideProof Bobby Pins and finish with Sebastian Shaper Hairspray for a long-lasting hold.
Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is an enchanting hairstyle that’s both cute and elegant. This style works best for long hair or medium hair and adds a delicate touch that’s perfect for a holiday occasion. This braided style suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and it’s particularly beautiful for natural hair textures as it highlights each strand with cascading braids.
For styling, start with a texturizing spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray to add grip and volume. After braiding, set with Garnier Fructis Style Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray to keep the look in place without a stiff feel.
Soft, Loose Waves
Soft, loose waves are a timeless choice for any holiday hairstyle, offering a relaxed yet glamorous look. This style suits medium hair shoulder length and long hair and looks fantastic on most face shapes, particularly on round and heart-shaped faces. Loose waves are especially flattering on thin hair, adding volume and movement.
For long-lasting waves, start with OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray for texture, then curl with a large barrel curling iron. Finish with John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray for touchable hold and humidity protection.
Low Side Ponytail
The low side ponytail is an easy yet sophisticated style that suits medium to long hair. This look is perfect for women with natural hair textures who want a quick and polished style for holiday gatherings. This hairstyle works particularly well for oval and square faces, adding a soft frame to the face.
To style, apply Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum to tame flyaways. After securing with an elastic, wrap a small section around the base for a sleek look, and finish with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray.
Dutch Braid Crown
The Dutch braid crown is a charming hairstyle that combines elegance with a playful touch. Perfect for medium hair and long hair, this braided style adds structure and suits round and heart-shaped faces, bringing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. This look is ideal for festive occasions where you want a style that’s both functional and stunning.
To achieve the braid, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for grip. Secure with Scunci No-Slip Grip Bobby Pins and finish with Living Proof Control Hairspray.
Faux Bob
The faux bob is a playful and fun choice for those with long hair who want to try the look of a short hairstyle without cutting their hair. This style is versatile and suits all face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s a fantastic option for a holiday occasion when you want a bold new look for the night.
Start by curling the ends with a medium-barrel curling iron, then tuck and pin the lengths underneath. Use Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Lite Volumizing & Texturizing Powder to add volume and Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Hairspray for a light, touchable hold.
High Puff Bun
The high puff bun is an ideal choice for black women and those with curly hair textures who want a simple, high-volume hairstyle. This style works well for medium length and long natural hair and adds height, making it perfect for round and square face shapes.
To style, apply a leave-in conditioner like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream for softness. Gather hair up, secure with an elastic, and use Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel to tame edges for a polished finish.
Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a cute and trendy style that adds a twist to a traditional ponytail. Perfect for medium-length and long hair, this look works well on thick hair textures and is ideal for both formal and casual holiday events. It’s especially flattering for women with round and oval face shapes.
Use Got2b Volumaniac Bodifying Mousse for fullness, then secure each section with small elastics. Finish with Herbal Essences Set Me Up Beautiful Bold Hold Hairspray to keep everything in place.
Tousled Lob (Long Bob)
The tousled lob is a medium length hairstyle that’s both casual and stylish, making it a great choice for the holidays. This style is ideal for those with shoulder-length hair and works well with thin to medium hair, adding volume and texture. The tousled look suits round and square face shapes, offering a laid-back vibe.
Use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Soft Waves Sea Salt Spray and scrunch the hair. Finish with Amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray for a soft hold that keeps the waves intact.
Twisted Half-Up Style
The twisted half-up style is a simple yet elegant choice that combines the ease of an updo with the freedom of leaving part of the hair down. This hairstyle works well on medium hair and long hair and is especially suited for thin to medium hair, adding a fuller appearance. This look is perfect for any holiday occasion.
Begin by adding a volume mousse like Paul Mitchell Extra Body Sculpting Foam, then twist sections and secure with small hairpins. Finish with TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Shine Hairspray for hold and shine.
Wrapped Ponytail
The wrapped ponytail is a chic, modern twist on a classic look, ideal for medium to long hair. This easy hairstyle is perfect for any holiday occasion and suits most face shapes. It’s a versatile option that adds a touch of polish to your look without too much effort, making it great for busy days.
To style, start by gathering the hair into a high or low ponytail and wrap a small section around the base. Use TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray for hold, and add shine with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray.
Double French Braids
Double French braids are a classic, cute style that’s perfect for a casual holiday occasion. This look works well for medium length hair and long hair, making it ideal for active days or family gatherings. The style suits all face shapes and works beautifully on natural hair.
Start by dividing hair into two sections and braid each side, securing with elastics. For added hold, use Herbal Essences Set Me Up Beautiful Bold Hold Hairspray.
Loose Boho Braids
Loose boho braids offer a relaxed yet stylish holiday hairstyle that complements medium length hair and long hair. This style is ideal for women looking for an easy style with a fun, casual vibe. It’s a great choice for those with natural hair who enjoy low-maintenance looks.
Use a texturizing spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray for a tousled finish and secure each braid with small elastics. Finish with Living Proof Flex Hairspray for a soft hold.
Glam Curly Afro
A glamorous curly afro is a stunning holiday hairstyle for black women with natural hair. It’s bold, fun, and perfect for adding volume and texture to a festive look. This style works beautifully for all face shapes and provides an effortless statement for holiday events.
For soft curls, use Cantu Coconut Curling Cream and shape with fingers. Finish with Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Curl Refreshing Spray for shine.
Braided High Bun
The braided high bun is a classic, elegant hairstyle perfect for medium hair and long hair. This updo is ideal for formal holiday events and suits oval and heart-shaped faces by drawing attention upward.
Apply a styling mousse like OGX Coconut Curls Mousse and braid hair before wrapping into a bun. Secure with Scunci No-Slip Grip Bobby Pins and finish with Garnier Fructis Style Anti-Humidity Hairspray for hold.
Conclusion
From classic updos to playful half-up styles, these holiday hairstyles offer something for everyone. Each look is designed to add a festive flair to your holiday celebrations, whether you’re attending a casual gathering or a formal event. Try one of these styles, share it with friends, and leave a comment to tell us which hairstyle made your holiday season sparkle!
