When it comes to dressing up for the holidays this season, go easy. Fashion will be more relaxed and casual than in years past, geared toward intimate, at home gatherings rather than big, busy affairs. And when it comes to holiday hairstyles, same. Think soft, touchable ‘dos that are slightly elevated from the day to day but still decidedly easy. Here are 10 holiday hairstyle ideas to inspire your festive-yet-unfussy looks.
Hair By: @annette_updo_artist
Give a voluminous ponytail the white glove treatment with a wrap of luminous pearls. Before affixing the pearls, prep the ponytail carefully by creating a sleek shape that’s close to the head and then expanding the tail with gentle teasing for maximum fullness. Hairstylist @annette_updo_artist used Biolage All In One Coconut Infusion Spray to tame flyaways.
Holly Berry Low Chignon Bun
Hair By: @theupdogirl
Accessories are everything this season and nothing says holiday like a casual arrangement of roses, holly berries and greenery. To create the low, full braided chignon, crisscross each side section across the center back and pin the hair into place. Then create three long braids with the remaining hair. Gently expand the braids so they’re super plump then extend them horizontally and pin them into place on each side. Place the accessories just above the braided sections and secure, then pull out a few face-framing tendrils with the pointy end of a tail comb..
Hair Ribbons And Hair Bows
Hair By: @alexandralee1016
Sparkly red ribbon woven through an expanded fishtail braid? It doesn’t get much more festive than this! Before blow drying hair, apply a styling mousse to add control and volume to the hair. As you braid, bring the ribbon through each time you add a piece of hair to the fishtail. Once the fishtail braid is complete, expand the sides gently and tie the ribbon into a jaunty bow.
Braided Hair Wreath
Hair By: @alexandralee1016
Deck your hair with boughs of holly. This pretty hair wreath is a reason to celebrate. Start by applying a thermal protection lotion to keep strands shiny, then blow dry your hair so it’s smooth and frizz-free. Create two, low braids, crisscross them at your nape and wrap them around the top of your head, securing firmly. Insert greenery at the bottom and a few bright red berries along the braids in the wreath.
Hip Hair Clips
Holiday hairstyling doesn’t get much easier than this! When it comes to this simple half and half, it’s all about the prep. Some nice, voluminous waves serve as the foundation for the finished shape. Apply a thermal protective lotion to damp hair and blow dry for maximum volume. Then twirl vertical sections around a large curling iron to create loose waves. Stretch the tip of each curled section before it cools to elongate the shape. Once hair is set and cool, gather a panel of hair on each side, gently twist both sections and secure with the first hair clip. Loosen the hair above the clip for an airy effect. Then attach the second hair clip a few inches below the first and again, loosen the hair above the clip.
Boho Ponytail
Hair By: @annette_updo_artist
Romantic and feminine, this flowing ponytail is created by looping hair through itself several times to create the central texture. For control and ongoing polish, apply a leave-in conditioner before drying hair, and then again as you style to tame flyaways and protect from heat damage. Tuck holiday greenery into the loops for a festive finish.
Red Velvet Hair Bow
Hair By: @jamiedanahairstylist
Hair Bows are one of the season’s most popular accessories and there is nothing like a red velvet bow to get the party started! Start by applying a medium hold curl gel to damp hair and blow drying. Then use a small curling iron to create defined curls. Once curls are cool, comb through with a wide-tooth comb to loosen and blend the hair. Create two loose twists on each side and secure them in the back with an elastic. Cover the elastic with the bow.
Soft Half Updo
Hair By: @annette_updo_artist
Put an unexpected spin on a half updo by creating a few rows of pillowy twists across the center back. Before styling, apply a thermal protection spray and use a curling iron to create loose waves. Finish the hairstyle with a few pumps of a medium-hold, volumizing hairspray to lock in body and shine.
Side Fishtail Braid
Create a high, side fishtail braid to dress up your favorite holiday sweater. Add a wire and seed pearl accessory for a “sprinkled with snowflakes” effect. A not-too-slick texture is the best when braiding, which means second-day hair is ideal. If your hair is super soft, you can add some texture with a dry shampoo.
Low French Twist
Hair By: @annette_updo_artist
Loads of texture and soft volume put this twist in a class by itself. The delicate flower petals provide the perfect accent. Prep hair with a leave-in conditioning spray to smooth and add shine. Create a twist in the center back and pin into place to serve as an “anchor” for the rest of the style. Divide the rest of the hair into horizontal sections, twist each section, direct them to the opposite side and pin into the original anchor. Once the French twist hairstyle is complete, gently loosen the hair for an airy effect and mist with a firm-hold, humidity-busting hairspray.
