Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade of experience creating party-ready hair. In this collection of 24 cute Christmas hairstyles for women I’ve curated looks that work for every hair type, length, and holiday event — from cozy family dinners to sparkly New Year’s parties. Expect easy-to-follow braids, polished updos, soft curls, and playful accents like ribbons, clips, and festive pins. I’ll share salon tricks I use on clients to add lasting volume and hold, including prepping with leave-in conditioners and texture spray, securing styles with hidden pins, and finishing with a flexible-hold hairspray for movement. Whether you have fine, thick, straight, or curly hair, I’ll suggest small adjustments to make each look flatter or fuller. These styles are designed to be approachable at home, great for last-minute touch-ups, and perfect for pairing with holiday accessories to elevate your seasonal look.
Textured Crown Braid Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
From salon experience, this textured crown braid updo flatters medium to thick hair and shoulder-length to long cuts; fine hair can achieve the same look with added texturizing product, light backcombing or clip-in pieces. Technique: begin on clean, day-old hair; apply texturizing spray and lightly curl lengths for grip. Create a deep side part and French-braid or Dutch-braid along the hairline, continuing around the crown to form a halo. Gently pancake the braid sections to widen them, then pin the braid into place at the nape, tucking ends under. Pull a few soft face-framing tendrils and loosen pieces for a romantic finish; add small greenery or pins if desired. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling iron. Products required: salt spray or texturizer, lightweight smoothing serum, medium-hold hairspray, dry shampoo, heat protectant. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–45 minutes depending on length and practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo between washes, re-pin any loosened loops, and avoid heavy brushing to preserve shape and volume.
Textured Braided Crown Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed textured braided crown updo suits medium-to-long hair and works best on wavy or slightly textured straight hair; fine hair can be boosted with padding or dry shampoo, while very thick/coarse hair should be smoothed and sectioned. Start by applying a heat protectant and light volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry for body. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand for grip, section hair and form two or three loose braids or twists around the crown, pancake them for width, and pin into a messy low/center bun using long bobby pins and small elastics. Pull out face-framing tendrils and soften with finger combing. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, long and U‑shape bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea‑salt spray, dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo and light mist of sea‑salt spray, re-pin any sagging sections, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a loose scarf, and touch up loose tendrils with a wand as needed.
Textured Messy Top Knot with Curly Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long curly or wavy hair, and flattering on thick or fine types when volume is built with product. Start with damp, towel-blotted hair: apply a lightweight mousse or curl cream and a heat protectant, then diffuse or air-dry until mostly dry to preserve natural texture. Gather hair into a high pony, secure with an elastic, twist loosely and coil into a messy bun, anchoring with bobby pins and pulling sections to open the shape. Leave several face-framing tendrils out and define them with a 3/4 curling wand if needed. Tools: diffuser-equipped dryer, 3/4 curling wand, tail comb, hair elastic, bobby pins. Products: lightweight mousse or curl cream, sea-salt or texturizing spray, heat protectant, light-to-medium hold hairspray, anti-frizz serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — basic pinning and shaping skills required; allow 10–20 minutes. Maintenance: sleep loosely in a silk scarf or pineapple to protect shape, refresh with water plus texturizer or curl refresher spray, re-pin any loose sections, and deep-condition weekly. At the salon, request long layers and pre-cut face-framing pieces to speed styling.
Textured Romantic Half-Up with Face‑Framing Bangs and Loose Waves
Suitable for fine to thick medium-length hair and naturally wavy or slightly curly textures, this romantic half-up creates soft volume at the crown while keeping face-framing bangs relaxed. Technique: create a deep side or middle part, curl 1–2 inch sections away from the face with a 25–32 mm wand, leave the ends a touch straighter for an undone finish. Take two crown sections, lightly backcomb for lift, twist or loosely braid and pin at the back with hidden bobby pins; pull pieces forward to soften around the face. Tools needed: curling wand, flat iron (for bangs), teasing comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small clear elastics. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum or pomade for flyaways, dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: medium — achievable at home with 25–40 minutes and basic styling skills. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh waves with a quick reheat or texturizing spray, retighten pins as needed, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and trim bangs every 4–6 weeks to maintain shape.
Textured Crown Braid with Side-Swept Romantic Braid — Holiday Updo
Suitable for medium to long hair with medium–thick density (fine hair benefits from light extensions or backcombing), this look combines a soft crown braid with a loose, textured side braid finished with floral or festive pins. Start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to towel-dried hair; blow-dry with a round brush to build body. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand for grip, then French- or Dutch-braid a small section along the hairline to form the crown. Gather remaining hair to one side, gently twist or three-strand braid and pancake the braid for width and softness. Secure with clear elastics and bobby pins, tucking decorative pieces into the braid. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, soft-bristle brush. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder, lightweight hairspray (medium hold), shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — plan 30–60 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh shape with dry shampoo and a light mist of spray, re-pin any loosened accessories, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh down texture.
Braided Crown Updo with Bandana Bow — Vintage Pin-Up Style
This vintage-inspired braided crown updo with a bandana bow suits medium to thick hair and works well on shoulder‑length to long hair. Textured or slightly wavy hair holds the braid and messy bun best; fine hair benefits from texturizing powder or clip‑in pieces for added volume, while very curly hair can be smoothed slightly for a neater crown. Technique: create a deep side part, braid a Dutch/French crown along the hairline (or create two braids and join them at the nape), gather remaining hair into a low, relaxed bun and pull a few face‑framing tendrils loose. Tie a cotton or silk bandana around the head and knot into a bow to finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, curling wand or flat iron (optional), blow dryer. Products: heat protectant, salt/texturizing spray for grip, smoothing serum for flyaways, light‑hold hairspray, dry shampoo for refreshes, purple shampoo if hair is platinum. Difficulty: intermediate; expect 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re‑pin loose pieces, retie the bandana as needed, sleep on a silk scarf, and use toning treatments for platinum color care.
Braided Crown Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium to long hair, this braided crown updo works particularly well on straight, wavy or loose-curly textures. Fine hair benefits from light volumizing and texturizing; very thick hair should be pre-sectioned and smoothed. Technique: create a deep side part and work a French/Dutch or rope braid along the hairline from ear to ear, secure the ends and twist remaining hair into a low, tucked bun. Pancake the braid to widen it and gently pull out two to four face‑framing tendrils; add small berry sprigs or decorative pins into the braid for a seasonal finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, varied-length bobby pins, hairpins and a 1
Soft Textured Blonde Updo with Berry Accents (Romantic Chignons)
This romantic vintage-inspired updo suits fine to medium, straight to wavy hair and can be adapted for thicker or relaxed textures. Begin on damp hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant; blow-dry with a round brush to build lift at the crown and shape a side-swept fringe. Using a 1–1.25 curling iron or hot rollers, set soft curls, then loosely backcomb the crown for structure. Divide into sections and form two to four rolled mini-chignons or loops, twisting each section and securing with bobby pins so they sit across the crown. Tuck and anchor decorative berry picks or hairpins into the rolls for the finished look. For fine hair, use a small padding piece or clip-in extension to add volume; for thick hair, work with smaller sections and stronger pins. Tools needed: tail comb, round brush, curling iron/hot rollers, sectioning clips, bobby pins, hair elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, texturizing spray, firm-hold hairspray, light shine serum and dry shampoo. Difficulty: moderate — 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: mist pins with hairspray after placement, refresh texture with dry shampoo and fingers, re-pin any loosened rolls, and sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape.
Romantic Textured Crown Twists with Loose Double Braids (Boho Waves)
This soft, boho-inspired look works best on medium to long hair with natural wave or texture; it’s also achievable on fine hair with volumizing products or light extensions. Start by applying a volumizing mousse and heat protectant to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to build body. Section a crown band and create two small twisted/braided pieces at the hairline, securing them back toward the crown with bobby pins. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then gather the remaining hair into two low, loose braids, pulling apart (“pancaking”) each braid for fullness and a lived-in finish. Use a wand to add soft waves to any straight lengths before braiding if needed. Tools: tail comb, vent brush, curling wand, small elastics, bobby pins, teasing brush. Products: texturizing or sea-salt spray, dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep in a loose braid or use a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist and re-pancake the braids, and touch up stray pieces with pins; avoid heavy brushing to keep the airy look intact.
Romantic Braided Updo with Berry Accents — Textured Wedding or Holiday Style
This soft, textured braided updo works best on medium to long hair and suits fine, medium or thick densities — wavy hair is ideal, while straight hair benefits from a quick curling pass for grip. Technique: start on second-day hair or apply a texturizing spray to dry hair. Create a loose crown braid or two small Dutch/three-strand braids, pull gently to pancake for volume, then twist and pin braided sections into a low, messy bun. Leave face-framing tendrils and soften with a 1
Braided Crown with Loose Waves — Half-Up Holiday Boho Hairstyle
This half-up braided crown paired with loose, salon-style waves suits fine to medium-thick hair and works best on shoulder-length to long lengths. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow-dry smooth, then create soft waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron, alternating curl directions for natural movement. Section a 2–3 piece along the hairline and braid a Dutch or French braid back toward the opposite temple, pulling slightly on the braid for a relaxed, boho look. Secure with small elastics and discreet bobby pins; tuck the end under the crown and pin flat. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a few drops of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — about 25–40 minutes in-salon. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and light mist of texturizer, and re-pin loosened sections as needed to preserve shape.
Vintage Curled Updo with Blunt Fringe and Red Satin Bow
Salon-ready vintage curled updo with blunt fringe and a decorative bow. Suitable for medium-to-thick hair and for straight-to-wavy textures; fine hair can work with padding or clipped extensions for added volume, while very curly hair should be smoothed first. Styling technique: start on clean, towel-dried hair with root-lift mousse, blow-dry smooth using a round brush to shape the fringe, then refine the bangs with a flat iron for a polished edge. Section the crown and create uniform 1 barrel curls (or set with hot rollers), pinning each curl into soft vintage rolls to form the updo. Place and secure a satin ribbon bow at the crown as the finishing touch. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron or hot rollers, flat iron, tail comb, bobby pins and duckbill clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing powder for grip, medium-to-strong hold hairspray and a light serum for shine. Difficulty: intermediate (30–50 minutes) — best with stylist assistance for precision. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf, refresh curls with a wand and light hairspray, avoid heavy brushing, and re-pin or adjust the bow as needed.
Loose Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed side fishtail braid suits medium-to-long hair and works especially well on fine to medium textures when you want added volume; thick hair will produce an even fuller, more dramatic result. Start on second-day hair: spritz a sea-salt or texturizing spray through roots and lengths, rough-dry for grip, then lightly backcomb the crown for lift. Create a loose Dutch or French entry at the temple and feed hair into a side fishtail, securing with a small elastic at the end. Gently pancake the braid by pulling outer sections to widen it and tug at the crown for softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastic, bobby pins, and a 1–1.25” curling iron to shape face-framing pieces if needed. Products: texturizing/sea-salt spray, lightweight dry shampoo, smoothing serum for ends, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes depending on length. Maintenance: sleep with a loose silk wrap, refresh texture with dry shampoo and a little spray, re-pancake or tighten pins as needed, and trim/blend ends regularly to avoid frizz.
Soft Textured Side Braid with Voluminous Crown and Side-Swept Bangs
This soft, romantic side braid pairs a lightly teased crown with face‑framing side‑swept bangs and a loose, textured braid. Best suited to medium–thick hair and shoulder‑length to long lengths, it also works on fine hair when prepped with root‑boosting products or clip‑in extensions. To create it, blow‑dry with a round brush for lift at the crown, establish a deep side part, and backcomb the crown lightly. Sweep bangs across the forehead, gather hair to one side and braid loosely (three‑strand or Dutch), then pancake the braid for width and finish by curling the ends with a 1 iron. Tuck a small section around the elastic and pin to conceal hardware. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing or sea‑salt spray, light‑hold hairspray, shine serum, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: Moderate — requires basic braiding and curling skills; allow 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or loose braid to reduce frizz, refresh texture with dry shampoo and a light mist of texturizer, re‑pancake braid sections to restore volume, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the style down.
Festive Double Braids with Ribbon Accents for Long, Textured Hair
This polished, holiday-inspired double braid is best for medium-to-long hair and flatters natural waves, loose curls, and mid-to-thick textures. Fine hair can achieve the same look after light backcombing or a texturizing product; very thick hair should be sectioned smaller for cleaner braids. Technique: create a clean center part, apply a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray for grip, then braid each side using a three-strand or Dutch method while weaving a 1/2–1 inch ribbon into each braid. Secure with a clear elastic, pancake (gently pull) the braid to widen it, curl a few face-framing pieces, and finish by tying decorative ribbon bows over the elastics and anchoring with discreet bobby pins and small decorative beads if desired. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, fine-tooth comb, brush, curling wand (1–1.25 in), elastics, bobby pins, and ribbon. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or mousse, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — salon-level finish in 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap; refresh texture with dry shampoo or light mist and retie ribbons as needed to keep shape.
Textured Halo Braid Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic halo (milkmaid) braid updo suits medium to long hair and works best on naturally wavy or medium‑to‑thick hair. Fine hair can wear the style with light padding or clip‑in extensions for volume; very curly hair should be smoothed slightly for defined braids. Technique: create two Dutch or French braids from each side along the hairline, wrap and pin them into a crown, then gently pancake the braids for texture and pull a few face‑framing tendrils loose. Tools: tail comb for clean parts, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, lots of bobby pins (U‑pins), a curling wand for pieces, and optional padding or mini‑donut. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift for fine hair, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light‑hold hairspray to set, and a small amount of shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and pinning (allow 30–45 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or tie a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re‑tug braid loops for volume, and secure any loose sections with extra pins; remove decorative pins before washing and reapply to prevent tangles.
Vintage Pin‑Curl Updo with Voluminous Curls and Red Bow
This retro-inspired pin-curl updo suits medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; medium to thick density holds the volume most easily (fine hair can be pre-padded or powdered for lift; very curly hair should be smoothed first). Styling technique: create structured barrel curls or pin curls starting from dry or slightly damp hair, roll sections toward the face, secure with bobby pins, tease lightly at the crown for lift, then arrange and pin curls into a soft updo. Tools needed: 1
Braided Crown Updo with Wispy Bangs and Red Bow Accent
This polished braided crown updo suits medium to thick hair and longer fine hair with added texture. Start on damp hair with a volumizing mousse, blow-dry lifting at the roots, and use a tail comb to create a center or slight off-center part for the bangs. Create two loose French or Dutch braids from each temple, or a single crown braid, then pin the braid(s) across the top into a soft bun at the crown. Leave two face-framing wisps and blunt bangs smooth with a flat iron. Tools: paddle brush, teasing comb, 1 curling wand (for texture), flat iron, bobby pins, small elastics, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, medium-hold hairspray, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap hair to preserve shape, refresh texture with dry shampoo and gently re-pin loosened sections, touch up bangs with a quick flat-iron pass, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to keep volume. For fine hair, add a small hair rat or padding under the crown for extra lift.
Soft Layered Mid-Length Cut with Curtain Bangs and Half-Up Volume
This salon-friendly look pairs soft, face-framing layers with curtain bangs and a loose half-up crown to create natural movement and relaxed volume. Best suited to straight-to-wavy hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the same silhouette with added texturizing and root-lift products, while curlier textures may require a blowout or diffuser to soften the bangs and layers. Styling technique: towel-dry, apply a heat protectant and volumizing mousse, then rough-dry while lifting at the roots with a round brush. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand to bend mid-lengths and ends for soft waves, and smooth bangs with a smaller round brush. Secure a small top knot or clip for the half-up finish and add an accessory for a polished look. Tools needed: blow dryer, medium and small round brushes, curling wand, sectioning clips, hair tie. Products: heat protectant, root-lift mousse, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum, dry shampoo. Difficulty: easy–moderate; request layered cutting with a stylist. Maintenance: trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, refresh layers every 8–12 weeks, deep-condition weekly and sleep on silk to preserve shine and reduce frizz.
Boho Half-Up Braided Crown with Loose Beach Waves
This romantic half-up braided crown pairs a soft Dutch/French braid along the hairline with loose, beachy waves — ideal for medium to long hair. Works best on naturally wavy or straight hair; fine hair benefits from texturizing spray and light backcombing for grip, while very thick hair should be sectioned and smoothed before braiding. Styling technique: prep with heat protectant and a light mousse, create 1–2 inch barrel waves through the lengths, then braid a 3-strand Dutch/French section from the temple toward the crown and pin it to form a crown. Tools needed: 1 curling wand or flat iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics and bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, and a few drops of smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty level: moderate — 20–35 minutes depending on experience. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, re-pin loosened sections, touch up a few waves with a curling wand, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid to preserve shape overnight.
Double Half-Up Pigtails with Voluminous Loose Curls
This polished double half-up style pairs two high half-ponytails with soft, bouncy curls and face‑framing tendrils — a festive look that reads formal but is easy to wear. Best for medium to long hair; fine hair benefits from root-lifting products and teasing for hold, while thick hair provides natural volume and holds curls longer. Styling technique: blow-dry with a root-lift mousse, create a clean center part, lift and secure two equal top sections at the crown with elastics (optionally wrap a strand to hide the band), then use a 1–1¼ curling iron to create medium-sized barrel curls on the remaining lengths, alternating directions for natural movement. Tools needed: 1–1¼ curling iron, tail comb, round brush, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins, blow dryer. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing/root lift spray, light texturizing spray, medium-hold hairspray, small amount of smoothing serum or shine spray, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: moderate (3/5), about 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and light mist of texturizer, touch up front tendrils with a small barrel iron, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid to preserve curl shape.
Braided Crown Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Curls
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and works best on wavy to curly textures; straight hair can be pre-texturised. Styling: start on dry hair—apply a light mousse and use a 1-inch barrel curling iron to create uniform waves. Section hair and create two loose French or three-strand braids along each side toward the crown (or a single halo braid), then gently pancake the braids for width. Secure braid ends into low twisted buns and pin around the crown with strong bobby pins, leaving a few face‑framing curls out for softness. Tease lightly at the crown for lift before pinning. Tools: 1
Loose Romantic Braided Pigtails with Side‑Swept Bangs
Suitable for medium to long hair and most textures (fine hair benefits from prepped volume; thicker hair gives a fuller braid), this relaxed braided pigtail look pairs soft waves with side‑swept bangs for a cozy, whimsical finish. Start by applying heat protectant to dry hair, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron or wand. Lightly tease the crown for lift and part off a side fringe; sweep bangs across the forehead. Gather hair into two low sections and create loose three‑strand braids, pulling gently on braid faces (pancaking) to widen and soften them. Secure with small elastics and hide bands with a loose wrap of hair or a bobby pin. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, salt or texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum, flexible hold hairspray and dry shampoo for day‑two refresh. Difficulty: easy–moderate, 25–40 minutes depending on length. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a scarf, refresh texture with a dampening spray or dry shampoo, and retouch bangs with a flat iron as needed. Secure seasonal accessories with concealed bobby pins.
Twisted Half‑Up with Loose Curls and Bow Clip
A polished yet relaxed half‑up twist with soft, cascading curls—ideal for medium to long hair. Best on naturally wavy or straight textures; fine hair benefits from a volumizing mousse or powder at the roots, while very thick hair should be smoothed and sectioned before styling. Start by applying a heat protectant and a light mousse to damp hair. Blow‑dry smooth, then create loose 1–1½ inch barrel curls, alternating curl direction for movement. Take two front sections, twist them toward the back and secure with a small elastic; conceal the elastic with the bow clip or a wrapped strand for a finished look. Tools needed: 1–1½ inch curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastic, bobby pins, and a paddle brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or powder (optional), texturizing spray for grip, and a flexible hold hairspray plus a light shine serum. Difficulty: Easy–Medium (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: refresh curls with a quick touch‑up or spritz of texturizer, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, and avoid heavy oils that weigh curls down.
As a stylist, I always recommend prepping hair the day of your look: cleanse or refresh with dry shampoo, apply heat protectant, and use a texturizing spray for grip. For fine hair, try backcombing at the crown or adding a small padding piece for instant lift; for thick hair, work in sections and secure with stronger pins and clear elastics. Accessorize thoughtfully — velvet ribbons, jeweled clips, or mini-barettes add instant holiday flair without damaging the hair. Keep a small emergency kit in your bag (bobby pins, travel-size hairspray, elastic bands) for quick repairs. If you’re aiming for color or a dramatic updo for a big event, book a trial with your stylist a week or two beforehand. With the right prep, products, and a few salon tips, these 24 festive styles will hold throughout your celebrations and keep you feeling polished and merry.