Hi, I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with over a decade behind the chair. In this post I present 32 festive hairstyles perfect for Christmas events, from quick glam waves to intricate braided updos. These looks suit every hair length and texture: short chic cuts, shoulder-length layers, long flowing hair, and textured or fine hair — I’ll note which styles work best for each. You’ll find approachable options for busy hosts, elegant updos for formal dinners, and playful half-up styles for family gatherings. I’ll also share practical salon-tested tips for prepping hair, choosing the right products (think lightweight oils for shine, flexible hairspray for movement), and quick tools to get the look at home. Whether you’re DIYing or booking a stylist, these 32 ideas will help you pick a holiday hairstyle that flatters your face shape, fits your outfit, and stays picture-ready all night.
Textured Low Side Chignon with Face‑Framing Wisps and Holiday Foliage
An elegant textured low side chignon with soft face‑framing wisps — perfect for weddings, holiday events, or editorial shoots. Best on medium-to-thick hair and suits straight, wavy, or loose-curly textures; fine hair can achieve the look with light padding or clip-in pieces for added volume. Technique: start on towel-dried hair, apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then rough-dry while lifting at the roots. Create loose 1 barrel curls and finger-comb them for texture. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair to one side, twist into a messy low bun and secure with long bobby pins, leaving a few wisps around the face. Tuck seasonal foliage or decorative pins into the bun and anchor them discreetly. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron, tail comb, bobby pins, elastics, optional hair padding. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea-salt spray, dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray and a small amount of shine serum. Difficulty: moderate (25–40 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-pin loosened pieces, avoid heavy oils at roots, remove accessories before sleep, and use reparative masks/UV protection for lightened hair.
Voluminous Textured Messy Boho Ponytail for Long Wavy Hair
This voluminous textured messy boho ponytail is ideal for long wavy to curly hair or for straight hair pre-curled to add body. Best on medium to thick densities, it creates romantic height at the crown with soft face-framing tendrils. Start by applying a heat protectant and a sea-salt/texturizing spray to damp or dry hair, then rough-dry to build root lift. Use a 1–1.25 curling iron to create loose S-shaped curls through lengths. Lightly backcomb at the crown, gather hair into a mid-to-low ponytail and secure with an elastic. Pull out small sections and pin them around the base to form a stacked, bubbly silhouette; weave in small elastics or loose braids for extra texture. Finish with texturizing powder at the roots, a few drops of lightweight oil on the ends, and medium-hold hairspray to set shape. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt spray, texturizing powder, lightweight oil, hairspray. Difficulty: moderate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid, refresh with dry shampoo and a mist of texturizer, and re-pin sections to revive volume.
Short Vintage Finger Waves & Pin Curls with Festive Floral Hairpiece
This polished vintage finger-wave look suits short to mid-length hair and works best on fine to medium hair textures where structured S-shaped ridges hold easily. Coarse or very thick hair can be styled similarly but will need stronger setting and more heat. Technique: create a deep side part, apply setting lotion, then sculpt alternating S-wave panels using a tail comb and metal clips or form pin curls with a 1-inch barrel or Marcel iron. Allow to cool fully, gently brush into soft waves with a soft-bristle brush, and pin into place to shape the silhouette; add a decorative floral piece for a festive finish. Tools needed: tail comb, rat-tail comb, duckbill clips, soft-bristle brush, 1 curling iron or Marcel tong, bobby pins, and optional hood dryer. Products required: heat protectant, setting lotion or mousse, small amount of styling gel or pomade for ridge definition, strong-hold hairspray, and a lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: moderate to advanced (45–75 minutes). Maintenance: sleep in a silk scarf or bonnet, refresh with light mist and finger re-shaping, avoid heavy brushing, and touch up curls with heat as needed.
Textured Messy Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Pieces
This relaxed, voluminous side fishtail works best on medium to long hair with natural wave or light texture — fine hair can benefit from clip‑in wefts for fullness, while very thick hair may need light thinning. Start on damp hair: apply a volumizing mousse at roots and a texturizing or sea‑salt spray through mid‑lengths and ends, then blow‑dry while rough‑drying with your fingers for body. Create lift at the crown by gently backcombing and smoothing the top layer. Use a 1-inch curling wand to add loose bends if hair is straight. Gather hair to one side and braid using a loose fishtail technique, pulling sections apart as you go to widen the braid and enhance the messy look. Secure with an elastic and hide it with a small strand wrapped and pinned. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, curling wand, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizer, light serum for ends, flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–30 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo/texturizer, retwist loose pieces, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape.
Textured Voluminous Updo with Wispy Bangs & Festive Berry Accents
This romantic textured updo features soft crown volume, wispy bangs and face‑framing tendrils finished with seasonal berry and greenery accents. Suitability: ideal for medium to thick hair and shoulder‑length to long lengths; straight to wavy textures work best. Fine hair can be enhanced with light extensions or a small padding for lift, while very curly hair benefits from a light blowout or smoothing before styling. Technique: prep damp hair with a root‑lift mousse and blow‑dry with a medium round brush for lift. Create a loose side part, gently backcomb the crown for volume, then twist and pin sections into a slightly off‑center, textured chignon. Leave a few front pieces out and softly curl with a 1–1.25” barrel, then pull sections apart for an undone finish. Secure decorative berries with U‑pins or floral wire. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, teasing/tail comb, section clips, bobby pins and U‑pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible‑hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty: moderate (30–45 minutes, salon finish). Maintenance: refresh volume with dry shampoo, retuck loose pieces with pins, avoid heavy brushing, and sleep with a silk scarf or loose bun to preserve shape.
Romantic Voluminous Side Braid with Seasonal Floral Accents
This romantic, loosely pancaked side braid with wired berry and greenery accents suits mid‑length to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures. Fine hair can achieve the same fullness with root‑lift products and light padding or clipped extensions. Technique: prep with heat protectant, blow‑dry with a round brush for smoothness, then add texture using a 1–1.25 in curling wand. Create a deep side part, begin a slightly raised Dutch/three‑strand braid from the crown, secure with a clear elastic, and gently pancake the braid for volume. Tuck wired floral stems into the braid and anchor with discreet bobby pins. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, floral wire/wire cutters. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or mousse for grip, flexible hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum, and dry shampoo for added texture. Difficulty: intermediate (30–60 minutes); consider a stylist for fresh florals. Maintenance tips: use wired or potted florals, mist with flexible hairspray, avoid excessive touching, and remove delicate flowers before sleeping. For multi‑day wear, refresh texture with dry shampoo and re‑pin any loosened sections.
Textured Romantic Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic, textured updo works best on medium to thick hair and on natural waves or loose curls; fine or very straight hair can achieve the look with pre-texturizing or a set of clip-in pieces. Technique: create loose, defined curls, gently backcomb the crown for lift, then gather sections into a low, slightly off-center bun using twisted and pinned subsections to build volume and depth. Leave a few face‑framing tendrils and soften by pulling on loops for a relaxed, lived‑in finish. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, vent brush, strong bobby pins (U-pins for heavy hair), small elastic, and a wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing spray or sea-salt mist, lightweight serum for shine, and a flexible-strong hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh shape with dry shampoo and a few pinned sections, touch up tendrils with a curling iron, and resecure loose pieces with fresh bobby pins to extend wear.
Loose Romantic Curls with Festive Ribbon Accents
This romantic, festive look pairs loose, glossy curls with decorative ribbon accents—ideal for medium to long hair. Hair type: works best on straight-to-wavy and naturally curly hair; fine hair benefits from volumizing mousse and lower-heat shaping, while thick or coarse hair will need higher heat and smaller sections. Technique: work on dry, detangled hair. Apply heat protectant, then section hair into 1–2-inch panels. Wrap each section around a 1-inch curling iron (away from the face for a modern look), hold 6–10 seconds and release. Alternate curl directions for natural movement and leave ends slightly less curled for a relaxed finish. After cooling, gently finger-comb or run a wide-tooth comb through curls and set with flexible-hold hairspray. Attach ribbon bows at the crown or behind the ears using discreet bobby pins or elastic bands. Tools & products needed: 1” curling iron or wand, heat protectant spray, sectioning clips, tail comb, bobby pins, flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum or texturizing spray. Difficulty: moderate; about 30–45 minutes depending on length/thickness. Maintenance: sleep on silk pillowcase or loose braid, refresh curls with a mist of water/texturizer and re-curl selectively, avoid brushing when dry to preserve shape, and remove accessories before sleeping to prevent breakage.
Romantic Braided Crown Updo with Ribbon and Holly Accents
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or lightly curled textures; fine hair benefits from texturizing for grip, while very thick or tight curly hair should be smoothed and sectioned before braiding. Start on clean, day-two hair: spray heat protectant, rough-dry and apply a salt or texturizing spray for hold. Create two loose Dutch/French braids or a single rope-twist along the hairline, secure with small elastics, and pin the braids into a low braided bun at the nape using bobby pins and U-pins. Leave soft face-framing strands and touch them with a 1 curling iron for soft tendrils. Finish with a light-hold hairspray, anti-frizz serum on ends, and tuck a ribbon or decorative pins into the braid, anchoring them with extra pins. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby/U-pins, curling iron. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum. Difficulty: moderate — 25–45 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-pin loose areas, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape.
Crown Dutch Braid into Low Braided Bun with Festive Greenery
This romantic crown Dutch braid wrapped into a low braided bun suits medium to thick, shoulder‑length to long hair best; fine hair works with light extensions or generous texturizing. Technique: start with a deep side part, create a Dutch (reverse) braid across the hairline to the opposite ear, pancake the braid for width, continue into a loose three‑strand braid and roll it into a low braided bun at the nape. Pull a few face‑framing pieces loose for softness and secure fresh or faux greenery/berries with floral wire and U‑pins tucked under the braid. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby/U‑pins, floral wire, and a 1–1.25
Textured Voluminous Purple Updo with Floral Crown and Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured, voluminous purple updo is ideal for medium to thick hair and works well on shoulder‑length to long lengths; fine hair benefits from clip‑in extensions or a padding donut for lift. Start by prepping clean, dry hair with a root volumizer and heat protectant. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 in curling wand, then backcomb the crown lightly to build height. Gather hair into a low twisted bun or multiple pinned sections, securing with long bobby pins and concealed elastics; leave two to four face‑framing pieces and curl them softly. Finish by positioning a floral crown or decorative pieces, anchoring each element with discreet pins so weight is distributed. Tools: sectioning clips, teasing brush, curling wand, rat tail comb, bobby pins, clear elastics. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum, dry shampoo. Difficulty: intermediate (30–60 minutes) — a second set of hands helps with placement of heavy accessories. Maintenance: sleep carefully under a silk scarf or remove crown, refresh volume with dry shampoo, reshape tendrils with a curling wand, and use color‑depositing shampoo/conditioner to maintain vibrant purple tones.
Romantic Side-Swept Voluminous Curls with Festive Berry Accents
This romantic, side-swept half-up style features large, glossy cascading curls accented with berry picks—perfect for holiday parties, weddings, and formal events. Hair type suitability: best on long, medium-to-thick hair for natural volume; fine hair can achieve the look with clip-in extensions and a volumizing base. Styling technique: create a deep side part, backcomb the crown slightly for lift, and curl medium-to-large sections away from the face with a 1.25–2-inch barrel. Sweep one side back, secure loosely with pins to create a soft half-up effect, then tuck decorative berries into the pinned section. Tools needed: 1.25–2” curling iron or hot rollers, heat-protectant spray, tail comb, paddle brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins, and a fine-tooth comb for teasing. Products required: thermal protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, texturizing mist for hold, shine serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate — expect 30–60 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose silk wrap, refresh with dry shampoo and touch-up a few curls with the iron, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and remove accessories gently to protect the style.
Textured Braided Low Bun Updo — Loose Crown Braid for Medium to Thick Hair
This romantic textured braided low bun is ideal for medium to thick hair and works well with natural waves or straightened strands. Fine hair can achieve similar volume with a lightweight padding piece or clip‑in extensions and a texturizing spray; very curly hair benefits from smoothing or stretching before braiding. Technique: start with second‑day hair or apply dry shampoo for grip, create a loose Dutch/French braid along the crown, gently pancake the braid for width, and sweep the remaining hair into a low twisted bun at the nape. Pull a few face‑framing pieces free and soften the crown for a lived‑in finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling iron (optional), and a teasing brush. Recommended products: dry shampoo, texturizing salt spray, lightweight smoothing serum, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate — allow 20–35 minutes for practice. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer, resecure loose pins as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape between wears.
Textured Braided Updo with Snowflake Accents
This romantic textured braided updo works best on mid-length to long hair and suits fine, medium or thick textures — lightly layered hair will add movement; very fine hair benefits from clip-in extensions for fullness. Start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then loosely curl the hair in alternating directions to create grip. Create a wide Dutch/French halo braid across the crown, pancake each section for softness, then gather the remaining hair into a low, twisted chignon and secure with bobby pins. Pull a few face-framing pieces free for a relaxed finish. Tools: 1–1.25 curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, strong bobby pins, clear elastics and a fine-tooth brush. Products: thermal protectant, texturizing spray or powder, root-lift mousse, light-to-medium hold hairspray and a small shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and pinning; book a stylist for weddings or formal events. Maintenance tips: carry mini hairspray and extra pins for touch-ups, refresh volume with dry shampoo, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and sleep with a loose satin scarf to preserve shape.
Textured Loose Side Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long hair of fine, medium or thick textures; works best on hair with natural wave or after adding loose waves. To create: start on dry, prepped hair — apply heat protectant and volumizing mousse at roots; rough-dry and use a 1–1.25 curling iron to add loose waves for grip. Create a deep side part, backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then gather hair to one side and begin a loose three‑strand or fishtail braid starting at the nape. Pull gently on the braid’s outer loops to pancake and create fullness, leaving soft face‑framing tendrils. Secure with a small elastic and hide the band with a pin or wrapped strand; anchor with bobby pins where needed. Finish with texturizing spray and flexible-hold hairspray. Tools needed: curling iron, tail comb, brush, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, light pomade for flyaways, flexible hairspray. Difficulty: Intermediate; allow 15–25 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, sleep on silk, retouch loose waves with a curling iron, or use clip‑in extensions for extra length or volume.
Voluminous Tousled Copper Curls — Long Layered Waves
This voluminous, tousled copper curl style is ideal for medium-to-thick wavy or curly hair and can be recreated on straight hair with heat. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight heat protectant and a golf-ball amount of volumizing mousse through roots and lengths. Blow-dry with a diffuser on low heat while scrunching for natural texture, or use a round brush for extra root lift. Create loose S-shaped curls with a 1–1.25 curling wand, wrapping mid-lengths away from the face and leaving ends out for movement; alternate directions on sections for a lived-in look. Finger-comb curls, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then finish with a sea-salt texturizing spray and a medium-hold flexible hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer with diffuser, 1–1.25 curling wand, sectioning clips, wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, root-lift spray, texturizing/sea-salt spray, lightweight oil or serum, flexible hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires consistent sectioning and timing. Maintenance: refresh with water + salt spray or reheat a few pieces, use dry shampoo at roots between washes, deep-condition weekly, and trim every 8–10 weeks to prevent frizz and maintain shape.
Voluminous Half‑Up Tousled Curls for Long Blonde Hair
From salon experience, this half‑up, tousled crown with loose barrel curls works best on long hair with medium to thick density; fine hair will need texture-building or extensions and very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling. Technique: apply heat protectant, distribute a volumizing mousse at roots, then blow‑dry with a round brush for lift. Create 1–1.25” barrel curls, alternating wrap direction and leaving the ends softer. Lightly tease and sweep the top sections back, securing with discreet pins to create the lifted half‑up crown. Tools: 1–1.25” curling iron, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing comb, bobby pins and a paddle brush. Products: heat protectant, root‑lift mousse or spray, texturizing or sea‑salt spray, flexible hold hairspray and a small amount of anti‑frizz serum or shine spray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and controlled teasing. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer, touch up a few curls nightly or as needed, deep‑condition weekly (especially on color‑treated blonde), and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep shape and prevent breakage.
Romantic Side-Swept Curly Braid for Long Wavy to Curly Hair
This romantic side-swept curly braid works best on long wavy to naturally curly hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the look with added volume from root-lifting products and light extensions. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a leave-in conditioner, a volumizing mousse through mid-lengths and ends, then blow-dry with a diffuser or let air-dry until 80% dry. Define curls with a 1
Romantic Loose Braided Updo with Berry Crown – Textured Bridal/Boho Hairstyle
This soft, textured braided updo with a berry crown works best on medium to long hair and suits fine to medium hair densities; coarse or very thick hair benefits from smoothing and a few long-layered sections or temporary extensions for easier shaping. Technique: start with a light texturizing base, create loose waves with a 1 curling iron, leave face-framing pieces out, then braid or twist sections from each side and pin them into a low, messy bun at the nape, tucking a berry or floral crown along the hairline. Tools needed: paddle brush, fine-tooth comb, 1 curling iron or wand, small elastics, bobby pins and U-pins, and floral wire for fresh crowns. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light volumizing mousse (optional), medium-hold flexible hairspray, and a small amount of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — 30–45 minutes for someone comfortable with braiding and pinning. Maintenance tips: secure with extra pins for long days, refresh texture with dry shampoo, avoid heavy oils near the crown, and remove or rewire fresh-berry accessories before sleeping to preserve shape.
Vintage Glam Voluminous Curls with Festive Floral Side Accent
This look suits medium-to-long lengths and translates best on hair from fine to thick; naturally wavy or slightly curly textures will hold shape most easily, while very straight hair benefits from a smoothing blowout and extra setting time. Start with a root-lifting blow-dry and apply a heat protectant and volumizing mousse. Section the hair and create large, uniform barrel curls using hot rollers or a 1–1.25 curling iron, setting each curl with clips to cool for long-lasting shape. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, smooth the surface with a wide-tooth comb or soft bristle brush, and place a lightweight floral spray or individual blooms secured with bobby pins and discreet wire—avoid overloading one side. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron or hot rollers, clips, tail comb, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, light oil or serum for shine, flexible texturizer, strong-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (40–60 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or loose silk wrap, refresh curls selectively with a curling iron or steam, use dry shampoo at roots, and re-pin florals gently to avoid tension or damage.
Textured Braided Crown Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic braided crown updo suits medium-to-long hair of fine, medium or thick density and works well on naturally straight or slightly wavy textures. Start on dry, second-day hair for grip: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25” curling wand to add body. Section and French-braid or Dutch-braid from temple to temple, pinning the braid into a low, twisted bun at the nape and tugging gently to broaden the crown. Pull out soft face-framing tendrils and curl them for a polished look. Tools: 1” curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastics, and optional floral pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder, medium-hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — requires comfortable braiding and secure pinning; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and a light texture mist, re-pin any loosened sections, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose satin bonnet. Avoid heavy oils that will weigh down the textured finish.
Braided Crown Low Chignon with Face-Framing Tendrils and Floral Accent
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and most textures, this braided crown into a low chignon is especially flattering on straight to wavy hair. Thick hair creates natural volume; fine hair benefits from texturizing products or light clip-in extensions; very curly hair should be softened into loose waves first. Technique: start on clean, towel-dried hair—apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse. Blow-dry smooth or diffuse for natural wave. Create a loose French/Dutch braid along the crown, pancake the braid gently for width, then gather the remaining hair into a low twisted chignon at the nape. Secure sections with long U-pins and bobby pins, and pull a few face-framing tendrils free; finish by tucking a floral or berry accent into the braid. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron or flat iron, round brush, bobby pins, long pins and small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, medium-hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty: moderate (30–45 minutes; easier with an assistant). Maintenance tips: reinforce pins after a few hours, refresh with dry shampoo, touch up loose pieces with a curling iron, and sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape.
Romantic Crown Braid with Loose Beachy Curls — Long, Voluminous Style
This look pairs a soft crown braid with loose, beachy curls and suits medium to thick long hair best; fine hair can achieve the style with added texturizing products and light teasing, while very curly hair will benefit from relaxed smoothing before styling. Technique: create loose waves throughout (1–1.25 curling wand or large-barrel iron), then French/Dutch braid along the hairline, pancake the braid for width, pin it into place and blend face-framing pieces into the curls for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small clear elastics and a wide-tooth comb or fingers to separate curls. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray for texture, a light-hold flexible hairspray, and a small amount of smoothing serum or oil on ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and heat styling; expect 30–45 minutes in-salon. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineappling loose sections, refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texture spray, and touch up a few curl pieces with the wand as needed to restore shape.
Textured Short Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, textured short curly updo is ideal for naturally curly or wavy hair at chin to shoulder length; fine hair can achieve similar volume with light layering and root teasing, while very thick hair benefits from strategic thinning and shorter internal layers. Start on damp hair with a curl‑defining cream and diffuse until ~80% dry to set natural pattern. Section the crown, lightly backcomb for lift, then twist and pin small subsections toward the back with bobby pins to create a loose, airy shape; leave several face‑framing tendrils and bangs out and define them with a 1 curling wand if needed. Tools: diffuser, 1 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, and a few small elastics. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or curl cream, texturizing spray or sea‑salt spray, and flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–40 minutes depending on curl definition. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose bonnet, refresh with water + curl cream or curl refresher spray, touch up stray pieces with the wand, and trim layers/bangs every 6–8 weeks to maintain the shape.
Long Voluminous Defined Curls with Side‑Swept Root Lift
Suitability: Ideal for medium to thick hair and natural waves to loose curls; fine hair can achieve the look with extensions or a root‑lifting mousse, while very tight curls benefit from a controlled blowout first. Styling technique: Work on towel‑dried hair. Apply heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse at roots. Blow‑dry with a round brush to create a deep side part and root lift, then section hair and wrap 1–1.25 sections around a curling wand, curling away from the face. Pin curls to cool for longer hold, then gently finger‑comb or use a wide paddle brush to break up curls into soft, defined waves. Tools needed: blow dryer, medium round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, sectioning clips, tail comb, wide paddle brush. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root booster, light styling cream or texture spray, medium‑hold flexible hairspray, lightweight shine serum. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires sectioning and cooling time for consistent results. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pineapple hair, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick wand touch‑up, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and schedule trims every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape.
Romantic Textured Updo with Berry Crown—Soft Vintage Curls
This romantic textured updo suits medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or loose-curly textures; fine hair can achieve the same look with lightweight padding or clip-in extensions for volume. Start on freshly washed, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then rough-dry with a diffuser or round brush to enhance body. Create loose 1
Romantic Textured Side Braid with Voluminous Crown and Face‑Framing Pieces
This romantic textured side braid suits medium to long hair and works best on naturally wavy or slightly thick hair; fine hair can achieve the same look with light extensions or added texturizing product. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Create soft crown volume by backcombing lightly at the crown and smoothing the top layer. Using a curling wand, add loose waves to give grip, then gather hair to one side and braid (French, Dutch, or a loose fishtail) leaving a few face‑framing tendrils loose. Pull apart the braid to loosen and create fullness, pinning ends and pieces into place to balance shape. Tools needed: tail comb, 1
Retro Hollywood Waves with Deep Side Part and Festive Hair Clip
Classic retro Hollywood waves tailored for medium-to-long hair that create polished volume and a glamorous side sweep. Best suited to straight to slightly wavy textures and medium to thick hair; fine hair can achieve this look with mousse, setting lotion or lightweight clip-in extensions for added body. Technique: blow-dry smooth with a round brush, create a deep side part, then set uniform S-waves using 1–1.25” barrel curling iron or large hot rollers. Work in sections, wrap hair in the same direction, clip each curl to cool for maximum memory, then gently brush through with a boar-bristle or paddle brush to form soft waves; secure the front roll with pins and finish with a decorative clip. Tools needed: curling iron or hot rollers, blow dryer, round brush, boar-bristle/paddle brush, tail comb, duckbill clips, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, setting lotion or mousse, medium-to-firm hairspray, lightweight shine serum, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: intermediate (45–75 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin waves, refresh with low-heat touch-ups, use dry shampoo to preserve shape and avoid over-brushing.
Glossy Vintage Victory Roll Updo with Pin Curls
Classic vintage victory-roll updo ideal for medium-to-long straight or wavy hair; fine hair can wear this style with padding or clip-in extensions for hold and volume. Begin on clean, blow-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse. Create a deep side part, section the top panels and use hot rollers or a medium-barrel curling iron to form S-waves. Backcomb lightly at the roots where the rolls will sit for grip, then smooth the surface with a boar-bristle brush. Roll the section under or over into a victory roll, secure with long bobby pins and hairpins, and blend with soft pin curls at the crown and sides. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, boar-bristle brush, teasing brush, curling iron or hot rollers, bobby pins, hairpins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing powder (optional), firm-hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 30–60 minutes; a stylist is recommended for event precision. Maintenance: sleep on silk or use a satin wrap, refresh with dry shampoo, retighten pins and respray stray pieces, avoid humidity and remove accessories before bed.
Textured Messy Top Knot with Festive Accessories
Suitable for medium to long hair and fine-to-medium density, this textured messy top knot with decorative accents flatters straight, wavy or lightly curled hair. In the salon we begin by applying a volumizing mousse or dry shampoo at the roots, then loosely backcomb the crown for lift. Gather hair into a high ponytail, secure with an elastic, twist and wrap into a loose bun and anchor with U-pins and bobby pins, leaving a few face‑framing tendrils. Add texture with a sea‑salt or texturizing spray and gently pancake sections of the bun for volume. Use a 1 curling iron to soften the tendrils before arranging small festive picks (baubles, sprigs or wired florals) on wire stems so they sit securely without pulling the hair. Tools: paddle brush, tail comb, elastics, bobby pins, U‑pins, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron. Products: dry shampoo/texturizer, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum and heat protectant. Difficulty: intermediate — requires balanced pinning and placement of accessories. Maintenance: refresh roots with dry shampoo, re‑pin any loosened pieces, avoid heavy ornaments, and sleep on a silk scarf or pillowcase to preserve shape for 1–2 days.
Romantic Vintage Sculpted Updo with Festive Berry Accents
This sculpted vintage updo is best suited to medium-to-thick hair and medium to long lengths; fine hair will work with lightweight padding or discreet extensions for volume. The look is built with classic pin curls and finger waves gathered into soft, defined rolls and secured close to the head, then finished with decorative berry picks for a festive, editorial feel. Technique: section hair into vertical panels, create shallow finger waves or 1 barrel curls, set and cool before shaping into rolls, backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, and pin each sculpted piece into place with long hairpins. Tools needed: 1 curling iron or hot rollers, tail comb, rat-tail sectioning comb, teasing brush, duckbill clips, lots of bobby pins and U-pins, and a heat-resistant pad for accessories. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or setting lotion, light pomade for smoothness, texturizing spray for grip, and a strong-hold hairspray plus a shine serum for finishing. Difficulty: advanced — salon-level skill recommended; allow 45–90 minutes. Maintenance: avoid humidity, sleep with a silk scarf, refresh with targeted touch-up curls and extra pins, and remove decorations before rest to preserve shape.
Vintage Hollywood Waves with Crown Pin Curls
This polished vintage look combines structured crown pin curls with deep, glossy Hollywood waves — ideal for medium-to-long hair. It suits straight to naturally wavy textures and works on fine hair with added product or on thicker hair when smoothed and set. Start with clean, dry hair treated with heat protectant and a lightweight setting lotion or mousse. Create a precise center part, section the top front and form two rolled pin curls at the temples, securing them with bobby pins. Using a large-barrel curling iron (1–1.5 in) or hot rollers, set the remaining hair into uniform large curls; clip each curl while it cools to lock the shape. Once cooled, gently brush through with a boar-bristle brush to form smooth S-waves, shape the pin curls into defined crowns, and finish with a medium‑to‑strong hold hairspray and a shine serum sparingly on ends. Tools needed: curling iron or rollers, clips, tail comb, boar-bristle brush, bobby pins. Difficulty: intermediate — requires precision and patience (45–60 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on silk, re-spray and lightly re-shape with fingers, avoid humidity and heavy oils near roots to preserve the wave definition.
As a salon pro I recommend prepping hair 24–48 hours before styling: wash with a volumizing or smoothing shampoo depending on your look, add a light conditioner, and always apply heat protectant before hot tools. For longer wear, anchor styles with strategically placed pins and a flexible hairspray—avoid heavy creams that weigh styles down. Protect colored or chemically treated hair with bond-building treatments and weekly masks, and refresh curls or braids with a light mist of water and styling cream. If time is tight, a polished low bun or adorned ponytail reads finished and chic; if you want drama, layer braids, accessories, or a textured half-up to elevate a simple dress. Finally, book a quick pre-event touch-up for color or shape if needed. From Lena: choose a style that makes you feel confident, respect your hair’s health, and enjoy the celebrations with hair that shines under every holiday light.