Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade of experience helping clients look polished for every special occasion. In this gallery I present 28 holiday hairstyles designed for women with every hair length and texture: from short chic bobs and sleek ponytails to romantic braids, textured waves, and elegant updos. Each look is chosen to flatter face shapes and outfit styles, and I include practical styling tips so you can recreate them at home or ask your stylist for the right variations. Expect options that are quick for last-minute parties, low-maintenance for long nights, and more intricate looks ideal for formal events. Key salon tips I rely on: prep with a heat protectant, work in small sections, use a mix of pins and flexible-hold spray, and add accessories to elevate a simple style. Follow the photos and notes to adapt each look to your hair’s density and curl pattern.
Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long hair, this relaxed side fishtail works best on wavy or textured hair and can be adapted for fine or straight hair with added product and backcombing. Start on second-day hair for grip: mist a light texturizing spray and apply heat protectant, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand to add body. Section and lightly backcomb the crown for lift, begin a loose Dutch/French braid along the hairline and transition into a side fishtail by crossing small pieces from two sections. Keep the stitches loose, then gently pancake each segment to widen the braid and pull out soft face‑framing tendrils. Secure with a small clear elastic and tuck the tail under or hide it with pins for a finished look. Tools needed: tail comb, curling wand, small elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, mousse or root lifter, texturizing powder/spray, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Intermediate (15–30 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo or sea‑salt spray, retighten pins as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape.
Half-Up Loose Curls with Berry Accent — Romantic Boho Hairstyle
This half-up, loose-curled style works well on medium to long hair and suits fine-to-thick textures; natural waves hold the look best, while straight hair benefits from added texturizing products. Start by blow-drying with a round brush for root lift, then section hair into top and bottom halves. Use a 1 curling wand to create medium-sized barrel curls, alternating direction for natural movement. Lightly backcomb the crown section, twist and pin the sides back with bobby pins, and secure a decorative berry or floral accessory where the sections meet. Tools needed: 1 curling wand, sectioning clips, tail comb, round brush, bobby pins, and a few clear elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift spray, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a tiny amount of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling technique and confident pin placement. Salon tips: curl away from the face for a romantic sweep, set each curl while warm, and let cool before separating. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, touch-up dropped curls with the wand, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap to preserve shape.
Romantic Half-Up Braided Waves with Face-Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long hair, this romantic half-up braided wave works best on fine to medium-thick textures and can be adapted with clip-in extensions for extra volume. Start on towel-dried hair with a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse for natural wave, then create loose 1–1.25 barrel curls with a curling wand, alternating directions for movement. Take two small sections from each temple, create soft three-strand or rope braids and secure at the crown with pins, then gently pancake them for width. Leave face-framing tendrils loose and tug through curls to blend; finish by tucking decorative beads or pins if desired. Tools: 1–1.25 curling wand or iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastics, boar-bristle brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray, light flexible hairspray and a small shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — roughly 25–45 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely braid overnight, refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer, and re-curl ends as needed to restore bounce.
Festive Voluminous Crown-to-Side Braid with Floral and Greenery Accents
This lush crown-to-side braid is best suited to medium-to-long hair and works particularly well on medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from clip-in extensions or a small padding piece for the same volume. Technique: start with a smooth blowout, create a Dutch/inside-out braid along the hairline to form a crown, then gather remaining hair into a loose three-strand or pull-through braid down one shoulder. Pancake the braid by gently widening each section for fullness and tuck the end under, securing with an elastic. Attach florals and evergreen sprigs with U-pins and small bobby pins, placing heavier elements low toward the nape for balance. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, U-pins, paddle brush, optional curling iron for texture. Products required: heat protectant, light mousse or texturizing spray for grip, smoothing serum for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray for finish, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: advanced (45–60 minutes); recommended for stylists or practiced DIYers. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf, re-secure any loosened pins, refresh volume with dry shampoo and retouch flyaways with a dab of serum or light spray.
Romantic Voluminous Curly Halo with Berry Crown — Loose Natural Ringlets
This look suits natural wavy to tight-curly textures and medium to thick hair densities; fine hair can achieve similar volume with extensions or a root-lifting mousse. Technique: start on damp, detangled hair — apply a thermal protectant and a lightweight curl-enhancing mousse or leave-in cream. Diffuse until mostly dry for base volume, then work in 1–2 inch sections with a 3/4 curling wand or small-barrel curling iron, wrapping hair loosely and leaving ends slightly out for a modern, airy finish. Pin a berry-adorned crown or floral accessory into the top third of the head with hairpins and secure with bobby pins. Tools needed: diffuser, curling wand (3/4), wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, curl mousse or cream, lightweight hair oil or serum, flexible-hold hairspray, texturizing spray. Difficulty: medium — roughly 30–45 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: pineapple at night with a silk scarf or pillowcase, refresh curls with a water + leave-in spray or curl refresher, deep-condition weekly, trim every 8–12 weeks, and avoid heavy products at the roots to preserve lift.
Glam Retro Voluminous Curls with Holiday Side Pin
Glamorous retro-inspired voluminous curls swept to the side and pinned with festive foliage create an elegant holiday look. Suitable for medium-to-long hair, this style works best on naturally wavy to straight textures; fine hair benefits from root-lifting products and padding, while thick hair should be sectioned more finely for uniform curls. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a lightweight mousse through mid-lengths, then blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the roots. Create large S-shaped curls with a 1–1½ (25–38 mm) curling iron or heated rollers, alternating directions for a natural bounce. Backcomb lightly at the crown for extra volume, smooth the top layer with a soft brush, and sweep the hair to one side, securing with bobby pins and a decorative sprig. Tools: curling iron or hot rollers, blow-dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, mousse or root-lift spray, medium-hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: moderate (45–60 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on silk, loosely pin curls overnight, refresh with dry shampoo and quick re-curls, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve lift.
Loose Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Voluminous Crown
This relaxed side fishtail combines a tousled crown and soft face-framing tendrils for an effortless, romantic look. Best suited to medium to long hair and medium-thick to thick textures; fine hair will benefit from volumizing products or light clip-in extensions. Technique: create volume at the crown by backcombing small sections, then add loose waves with a 1-inch curling wand to build texture. Sweep hair to one side and create a loose fishtail braid, secure with a small elastic and pancake the braid by gently pulling the outer loops for fullness. Hide the elastic with a wrapped strand and tug a few pieces near the face for softness. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1-inch curling wand, small elastics, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder, light smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — roughly 20–40 minutes depending on experience. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizing spray, re-pancake and retuck any loosened sections, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the braid down.
Romantic Side‑Swept Braided Updo with Berry Accents
Suitability: This romantic, side‑swept braided updo works best on medium to long hair and flatters medium to thick density. Wavy and straight textures are easiest to shape; fine hair can be boosted with light clip‑in extensions or padding for added volume. Styling technique: Start with a deep side part and smooth the crown into soft barrel waves using a 1–1.25 curling iron. Gather hair to one side and construct a loose low braid (Dutch, three‑strand or pull‑through), secure with small elastics, then gently pancake the braid for fullness. Pull a few face‑framing tendrils, pin the braid into a low cascade or chignon, and weave decorative berry sprigs into the braid, anchoring stems discreetly with bobby pins. Tools and products: Tail comb, sectioning clips, 1–1.25 curling iron, clear elastics, mixed‑size bobby pins, texturizing/salt spray, heat protectant, light volumizing mousse, flexible‑hold hairspray and a small shine serum. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires controlled curling, braiding and secure pinning. Maintenance tips: Carry extra pins, refresh texture with texturizing spray, tame flyaways with a dab of serum or hairspray, and remove floral accessories gently to protect the braid. For multi‑day wear, sleep with a silk scarf or pillowcase.
Textured Romantic Messy Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured, romantic messy updo is ideal for medium to thick hair with natural wave or curl; fine or straight hair also works after adding body with hot tools or a volumizing blow-dry. Technique: apply a root-lifting mousse to damp hair, rough-dry with a diffuser or round brush, then curl mid-lengths with a 1–1.25” curling wand for texture. Create shape by loosely twisting and pinning sections into a high, messy bun, backcombing at the crown for lift and pulling out soft face-framing tendrils. Conceal pins and secure shape with strategically placed bobby pins in opposing directions. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser or round brush, 1–1.25” curling wand, teasing/rat tail comb, sectioning clips, assortment of bobby pins and a small elastic. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root spray, texturizing or sea-salt spray, flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–45 minutes in a salon or at home. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo at roots, re-set loose pieces with a curling wand as needed, sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape, and remove pins gently to avoid breakage.
Textured Messy Low Chignon Updo with Face‑Framing Pieces
This relaxed, textured low chignon suits wavy to loosely curly hair and works well on medium-fine to thick hair at shoulder length or longer. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a texturizing sea‑salt spray through the mid-lengths. Rough-dry with a diffuser or blow dryer to enhance natural wave, then create loose bends with a 1
Soft Messy Textured Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
An effortless, romantic messy updo featuring soft face‑framing bangs and loose tendrils. Best suited to medium–thick hair and natural waves; fine hair can achieve the same effect with lightweight extensions or by adding more root‑teasing. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray, then rough‑dry with a diffuser while scrunching to build natural texture. Create loose waves with a 1 curling wand or large barrel iron, then lightly backcomb the crown for lift. Gather hair into a low, loose twisted bun or pinned chignon, securing with strong bobby pins and leaving several front pieces free to frame the face. Tug and loosen sections to create that lived‑in, messy look and sweep bangs softly across the forehead. Finish with a texturizing spray for grip and a flexible‑hold hairspray to set without stiffness. Tools: blow dryer (diffuser), curling wand, teasing comb, bobby pins, hair ties. Products: heat protectant, mousse or salt spray, dry shampoo, texturizing spray, flexible hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — consult a stylist for cutting layers/bangs. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin as needed, re‑curl stray pieces, deep‑condition weekly, and sleep on silk to preserve shape.
Textured Messy Bun Updo with Statement Floral Crown — Voluminous Romantic Style
This voluminous textured messy bun updo works best on medium to long hair and suits straight, wavy or loosely curly textures; fine hair benefits from padding or light clip‑in extensions, while very thick hair may require extra pins. Technique: rough‑dry hair with a diffuser or air‑dry for natural texture, then apply a salt spray or lightweight mousse from roots to ends. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, gather hair into a high, loose pony, twist and pin sections into a soft, messy bun, pulling small pieces free for movement. Secure a statement floral crown or single floral pieces with floral wire or discreet bobby pins. Tools needed: blow dryer (with diffuser optional), 1–2 curling iron/wand (6–35 mm) for shaping face‑frames, teasing comb, sectioning clips, elastics, assorted bobby pins, floral pins. Products required: texturizing spray, root volumizer or mousse, light hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways and heat protectant. Difficulty: intermediate—requires basic pinning and teasing technique. Maintenance tips: refresh volume with dry shampoo, reposition loose pieces and pins after wear, avoid humidity, and remove floral accessories gently to prevent tangling.
Side-Swept Fringe Low Chignon — Romantic Updo for Red Hair
Best suited for medium to thick hair and fine hair with added texture, this soft low chignon with a side-swept fringe works well on shoulder-length to long hair and on straight or wavy textures. Start with towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then blow-dry using a round brush to build root lift and a deep side part. Use a 1 curling iron to create loose curls for grip, gather hair low at the nape, twist into a loose chignon and secure with bobby pins, leaving a few face-framing tendrils. Gently pancake curls and tug the twist for natural volume and movement. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron, fine-tooth tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and a small elastic. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Moderate (25–45 minutes) — ideal for stylists or experienced DIYers. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, retuck pins as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, and use weekly deep conditioning to preserve color and elasticity.
Voluminous Curly High Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
A salon-ready, textured high updo designed to amplify natural curl and volume while keeping soft face‑framing tendrils for a romantic finish. Best suited to naturally curly or wavy hair (2A–4C) and textured hair — fine hair benefits from root‑lift products or clip‑in pieces for fullness; straight hair can achieve the look with heat‑styled curls. Technique: enhance and define curls with a diffuser or wand, backcomb lightly at the crown to build a pouf, gather hair into a high loose bun/pouf, and secure with pins leaving front tendrils and micro‑bangs out. Tools needed: 1
Textured Crown Braid Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium to thick hair and shoulder-length to long hair; fine hair can be enhanced with light extensions or extra teasing for volume. Technique: start on second-day hair for better grip. Part to one side and create a loose Dutch or French crown braid along the hairline toward the nape, secure with a small elastic, then gather the remaining hair into a low, textured bun. Pin the braid around or over the bun, pull small pieces free for softness, and leave a few face-framing tendrils. Tools: 1 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, and small clear elastics. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lift, flexible-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding and pinning skills; plan 20–40 minutes at home or ask a stylist for a more polished finish. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of hairspray, re-pin any loosened sections, and touch up tendrils with a curling wand to restore shape.
Textured Romantic Loose Braid with Twisted Crown and Decorative Pin
This textured romantic loose braid is ideal for medium-to-long hair and flatters fine, medium and thick textures — natural waves or straight hair take the style most easily; very short hair is not suitable and extremely dense hair may require thinning. Start by prepping with a volumizing mousse or root lift and a thermal heat protectant. Create loose, irregular waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand to add grip, then section the top into two or three twisted crown pieces, backcombing lightly at the crown for lift. Combine the sections into a low, pulled-apart braid or a series of rope braids, pancake each segment for softness, and secure with small elastics and bobby pins. Finish with a texturizing or sea-salt spray for hold and a light-hold hairspray; a smoothing serum on ends prevents frizz. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling wand, teasing brush, bobby pins, small elastics. Difficulty: moderate — expect 25–40 minutes in-salon. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap, refresh with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, re-pin loosened pieces, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the texture down.
Romantic Textured Braided Updo with Face‑Framing Wisps
This soft, textured braided updo works best on medium to thick hair and shoulder length to long fine hair when pre-texturized. Start on second-day hair for grip: apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots and mid-lengths. Use a 1–1.25” curling wand to add loose waves, then create one or two loose three‑strand or Dutch braids along the crown, gently pancake them for volume and pull sections free to soften. Twist and pin the braids into a loose crown or low bun using long bobby pins and U‑pins; leave a few face‑framing strands and lightly curl them for a romantic finish. Tools: tail comb, paddle or teasing brush, curling wand, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby/U‑pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light-hold flexible hairspray, smoothing serum or pomade for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braid and pinning skills. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-spray roots, re-pin any loosening sections between events, avoid heavy oils that weigh down texture, and sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape. Add decorative sprigs or pins last to secure placement.
Textured Low Twisted Pony with Voluminous Waves and Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic, textured low twisted pony is ideal for medium to long hair and works best on naturally wavy or loosely curled textures; straight hair can be pre‑curled, and very curly hair should be smoothed into larger coils for the same effect. Start on towel‑dried hair with a root‑lifting mousse and heat protectant. Blow‑dry with a round brush to build volume at the crown, then create loose 1–1½-inch barrel waves with a curling wand, alternating directions for movement. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair to one low side and create a loose twisted/pull‑through pony, securing with small elastics and concealing joins with bobby pins and a wrapped strand. Leave a few face‑framing tendrils and softly curl them. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1½” curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing powder/spray, flexible‑hold hairspray, and a light serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re‑spritz and re‑shape tendrils with a small wand if needed, sleep on silk and avoid heavy oils that weigh the texture down.
Romantic Side‑Swept Voluminous Fishtail Braid with Holiday Berry Accents
This elegant side-swept, voluminous fishtail braid mixes soft vintage waves at the crown with a loose, textured braid adorned with berry and greenery accents — ideal for holiday events or romantic occasions. Hair type suitability: works best on medium to thick hair and long lengths; fine hair can achieve similar volume with extensions or padding. Styling technique: prep damp hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the roots, create a deep side part and set soft waves through the crown with a 1–1.25” curling iron. Gather hair to one side, backcomb lightly at the crown, then create a loose fishtail (or rope) braid, pancake sections for fullness and pull face-framing pieces loose. Secure and pin decorative sprigs with floral wire or hair pins. Tools needed: round brush, tail comb, curling iron, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins, floral wire/pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing/dry shampoo, light-to-medium hold hairspray and shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate (braid control and pinning experience recommended). Maintenance tips: mist with flexible hairspray, tuck pins before travel, re-tighten pins after several hours and store embellishments separately to reuse.
Long Layered Loose Curls with Low Side Ponytail and Festive Hair Accent
This look works best on medium to thick hair with natural wave or light curl; long layered cuts give the bounce and movement needed for the soft, romantic silhouette. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a small dose of volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow-dry smooth with a round brush (or diffuse if you want more natural texture). Section hair and create loose S-shaped curls with a 1–1.5” curling iron or wand, curling away from the face and alternating directions for a lived-in effect. Gently brush or finger-comb curls to soften, then gather hair to one side and secure low with a snag-free elastic; wrap a small strand around the band to conceal it and pin. Finish with a lightweight texturizing spray for separation and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Tools: round brush, curling iron, clips, elastic, tail comb. Products: heat protectant, mousse or root lifter, texturizing spray, flexible hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — salon-friendly but requires basic heat skills. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and occasional spot-re-curling, and trim every 8–12 weeks to avoid split ends.
Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils and Bridal Hairpiece
This romantic, textured side fishtail braid suits medium to long hair and works best on naturally wavy or slightly layered hair; fine hair will benefit from pre‑texturizing, while very thick hair may need smoothing before braiding. Start on towel‑dried hair with a light mousse or sea‑salt spray for grip, then blow‑dry with fingers or a diffuser to enhance natural wave. Create loose sections at the crown for volume, pull a few face‑framing tendrils, then fishtail‑braid loosely to the side, gently pancake each pass for width. Secure with a clear elastic and hide the band with pins; place the decorative hairpiece with U‑pins or jewelled clips anchored into the braid. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, paddle brush, small elastic bands, bobby pins, U‑pins and a 1
Textured Low Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Pieces
This relaxed, textured low side fishtail braid suits medium to long hair and works best on natural waves or straight hair prepped for grip. Medium and thick hair will hold the volume and pancaking well; fine hair benefits from texturizing spray or light clip‑in extensions for fullness. Start on second‑day hair: apply a root‑lift mousse and salt/texturizing spray, rough‑dry with a brush to create body, then loosely curl mid‑lengths for movement. Create a deep side part, slightly tease the crown for height, then gather hair to one side and braid using a fishtail or rope technique, leaving a few face‑framing strands loose. Pancake the braid by gently pulling sections outward for a fuller, undone look; secure with a small elastic and hide it with a wrapped strand pinned underneath. Tools: tail comb, blow dryer, 1
Textured Crown Braid to Messy Low Bun — Loose Romantic Updo
This loose crown braid swept into a messy low bun is ideal for medium-to-long hair and suits fine, medium, and thick textures — fine hair benefits from added texture, while thicker hair works best when taken in smaller sections to reduce bulk. Styling technique: start on second-day hair or apply dry shampoo for grip; create a French or Dutch braid across the hairline toward the nape, gently pancake each section to widen the braid, then gather the remaining lengths into a relaxed low bun and secure with bobby pins. Pull out soft face-framing strands for a lived-in look. Tools needed: tail comb, hair elastics, medium and long bobby pins, clip, and an optional curling iron to shape tendrils. Products required: salt/texturizing spray, dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum or oil for ends, and heat protectant if using hot tools. Difficulty level: moderate — salon-level finish achievable at home in 20–40 minutes with practice. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a scarf, and trim ends regularly to keep the style neat and healthy.
Romantic Twisted Side Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and works well on fine-to-thick textures; lightly textured or second-day hair holds shape best. To create: prep with light volumizing mousse or dry shampoo at roots, and a heat protectant if using hot tools. Create a deep side part, sweep the front sections back and loosely twist or three-strand braid along the hairline toward the nape, leaving a few face-framing pieces. Gather remaining hair into a low, slightly off-center bun, tucking and pinning twists into a soft, voluminous knot. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift if needed. Tools: tail comb, paddle brush, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron (optional), bobby pins (20–30), small elastics. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-to-medium hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — salon result achievable at home with 20–35 minutes practice. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin any loose pieces, touch up face-framing curls with a curling iron, and avoid heavy conditioners near roots to maintain shape.
Textured Braided Crown Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed braided crown messy bun is best suited to medium‑to‑long hair and works well on straight, wavy or softly curly textures. Fine hair benefits from added texture and volume; thicker hair creates the fullest crown and holds the shape longer. Technique: prep damp or second‑day hair with a volumizing mousse and blow‑dry for lift, then add a salt or texturizing spray. Create a loose Dutch or three‑strand braid along each side (or a single braid across the crown), pull both braids to the back and wrap into a low, messy bun, securing with small elastics and bobby pins. Tug and pancake the braids for width and pull a few face‑framing pieces loose; softly curl those tendrils with a 18–25 mm wand for polish. Tools: fine‑tooth comb, rat‑tail for parting, sectioning clips, curling wand, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, mousse or root lift, texturizing spray, flexible‑hold hairspray, light smoothing serum. Difficulty: moderate — 20–35 minutes with practice. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and reposition pins, avoid heavy oils at roots, re‑curl tendrils as needed and sleep on a silk scarf to preserve shape.
Textured Crown Braided Updo with Festive Berry Accent
Suitable for medium to long hair (straight, wavy or loosely curly) and adaptable for fine or thick textures, this crown braid updo creates a soft, romantic silhouette with added fullness. Technique: part the hair into two front-to-back sections and create Dutch/French braids along each hairline, gently pancake the braids for width, then gather the ends into a low braided bun and pin into place. Finish by securing a decorative berry sprig or floral piece to one side. Tools needed: tail comb, paddle brush, elastic bands, assortment of bobby pins and U‑pins, optional 1 curling iron for texture. Products required: light volumizing mousse or root lift, heat protectant, texturizing spray or sea-salt spray, flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty level: moderate — requires basic braid skills and pinning; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: secure ornaments with extra pins and a discrete elastic; refresh volume with dry shampoo and re-pancake braids if needed; sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a silk scarf to preserve shape. For fine hair, add clip-in padding or extensions for extra body.
Romantic Messy Low Bun with Face-Framing Curls
Soft, romantic messy low bun with face-framing curls. Suited to medium-to-thick hair and naturally wavy or curly textures; fine hair can achieve the look with added volumizing products and temporary extensions. Start on dry, detangled hair. Use a 1 curling wand to create loose S-shaped curls on mid-lengths and ends; leave front pieces uncurled for soft tendrils. Lightly backcomb crown sections for lift, then twist and loosely pin the mid-to-low sections into a slightly off-center messy bun, securing with bobby pins and a small elastic. Pull a few pieces free around the face and nape for effortless movement. Tools: curling wand or iron (3/4–1), tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing powder/spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Intermediate — 20–35 minutes in salon or at home; practice needed for balanced asymmetry. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a scarf; refresh with water plus texturizer or a quick re-curl and re-pin; use dry shampoo to restore grip and avoid heavy oils near roots.
Half-Up Loose Waves with Twisted Sides and Berry Accent
Suitable for medium to long hair and most textures, this romantic half-up style works especially well on natural waves or straight hair that’s been softened with heat. Start on dry, detangled hair: apply heat protectant, then create loose S-waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand or large-barrel iron, alternating directions for movement. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, take two front sections from each temple, twist them toward the back and secure with bobby pins or a small elastic; tuck and pin the ends under for a seamless finish. Tools: curling wand, paddle brush, fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–medium — expect 20–35 minutes depending on length and curl skill. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely tie in a low bun to protect waves; refresh texture with dry shampoo or a spritz of sea-salt spray and re-curl single pieces as needed. If using real foliage, secure with floral wire/pins and avoid contact with scalp; faux accessories are better for repeated wear.
As a stylist I always recommend choosing a holiday hairstyle that complements your outfit, schedule, and hair type. For long-lasting results, start with clean-but-not-squeaky-fresh hair (second-day hair often holds better), use a quality heat protectant, and set styles with a flexible-hold spray so movement looks natural. Fine hair benefits from lightweight volumizing mousse and dry shampoo for texture; thick or curly hair responds well to smoothing serums and a wide-tooth comb for detangling. Keep a small emergency kit (bobby pins, mini hairspray, elastic, and a travel dry shampoo) for touch-ups. If you’re trying an intricate updo or complex braids, practice once before the event or book a trial at the salon. Lastly, maintain healthy hair with regular trims and a weekly deep-conditioning treatment to keep holiday styles glossy and resilient. If you’d like personalized guidance for your hair, I’m happy to help—book a consult or ask for styling variations in the comments.