Holiday-Ready Curly Hair Updos: 6 Styles You Can Recreate at Home

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TL;DR

This blog post is your go-to guide for holiday curly hair updos that won’t go flat, with real tips that work. Whether your curls are short, long, tight, or loose, you’ll find six holiday-ready styles you can recreate without damaging your texture or spending hours in the mirror. You’ll also get styling breakdowns, pro prep tips, product recommendations, and FAQ answers you won’t find in generic tutorials.

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Can We Talk About Holiday Hair Struggles for a Second?

You know that moment when you’ve RSVP’d yes to a holiday party, but it’s 30 minutes before you’re supposed to leave and your curls are doing their own thing?

I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had clients text us in a frenzy, asking, “What do I do with my curls for this wedding/office party/date night?” 

Especially if they’ve got short curls or layers, finding an updo that holds, flatters, and still feels festive can feel... impossible. Curly hair updos don’t have to be stressful, complicated, or time-consuming. That’s exactly what this post is here to do. 

I’ve taken six of our favorite holiday updos and broken them down with real stylist tips you won’t find in surface-level roundups..

Whether you’re working with long curls or a short curly bob, these styles are designed to elevate your look without hiding your texture, hold up through hugs, photos, and dance floors and give off serious “put-together” energy, without hours of styling

Let’s kick it off with go-to holiday curly updos!

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Master These 3 Long Curly Hair Updos That Hold All Night

When you’ve got long curls and a holiday event coming up, you don’t want a style that’s going to fall flat by the second glass of wine. These three updos are tried-and-true favorites as they look elevated, feel secure, and let your natural texture shine.

Let’s get into them.

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Twisted Low Chignon with Bobby-Pin Texture

Source: Instagram

If this updo were a mood: Lana Del Rey meets dinner party chic.

This one’s all about that soft, mysterious elegance with velvet gowns, glowing candlelight, and a head-turning twist that says, “I didn’t try too hard but yes, I look incredible.” It’s perfect for when you want to look put together without pulling everything back into a tight bun.

Best Suits: Medium to long curls, especially if it’s second-day hair with a little extra volume at the root.

How to Style It:

1. Lightly mist your curls with texture spray for grip.

2. Smooth the crown area gently, don’t flatten your texture.

3. Twist the lower half into a loose chignon at the nape.

4. Criss-cross bobby pins underneath to lock it in place.

5. Add a pearl pin or sparkle accessory if you want that glam finish.

Pro Tip

Backcomb a soft base before twisting as it gives your pins something to hold onto without slipping. And avoid hard gels here, soft hold is the vibe.

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Moroccan-Inspired Puff Bun with Volume Drama

Source: Pinterest

If this updo were a vibe: Beyoncé meets rooftop party in Marrakesh.

Bold, regal, and unapologetically extra, this puff bun doesn’t whisper “holiday,” it announces it. It’s made for curls with presence and shape, and it’s the style that always gets compliments.

Best Suits: Thick, dense curls (especially Type 3C to 4C). Gorgeous on Black hair textures with volume to play with.

How to Style It:

1. Stretch curls overnight with loose twists or bands.

2. Pull hair into a high ponytail with a soft-hold tie.

3. Tease or fluff the pony lightly, shaping it into a “puff pillow.”

4. Pin upward into shape, securing sides and letting the top stay full.

5. Finish with a touch of shine oil and statement earrings.

Pro Tip

Layer your pins vertically inside the puff for hidden structure that keeps the shape all night, no deflating allowed.

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Romantic Half-Up Knot with Soft Side Curls

Source: Pinterest

 If this style were a person: Zendaya at a winter engagement party.

This look is soft, sweet, and face-lifting in the best way. It frames your cheekbones, keeps your curls flowing, and works whether you’re heading out for a cozy date night or getting dressed up for family photos.

Best Suits: Loose to medium curl types (2C to 3B), especially if you want lift at the crown without pulling everything up.

How to Style It:

1. Separate the top half of your hair and prep with a curl-defining cream.

2. Twist both sides toward the back and knot them loosely at the crown.

3. Secure with pins and leave out a few tendrils in the front.

4. Touch up face-framing pieces with a mini iron or finger coils.

5. Finish with a shine serum to smooth and define.

Pro Tip

Use a texture spray under the top half before knotting as it adds volume and keeps the knot from slipping or going flat.

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Holiday Hair Inspiration & Gift Guides

Get ready for the festive season with glamorous celebrity looks, must-have holiday essentials, and thoughtful gifts for healthy hair: Celebrity Hairstyles to Inspire Your Holiday Look Holiday Hair Essentials You’ll Actually Use Holiday Gift Guide for Thinning Hair and Growth Whether you’re styling for parties or searching for the perfect gift, these posts have everything you need to shine this season.

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Try These 3 Short Curly Hair Updos for Instant Holiday Charm

Short curls deserve more than just “pull it back and hope for the best.” These styles prove you can absolutely create festive, defined, and personality-packed updos even with cropped cuts or layered curls. Here’s how.

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Effortless Pinned Tendrils for Short Natural Curls

Source: Pinterest

If this style were a vibe: Solange meets Brooklyn gallery opening.

It’s edgy but intentional, sculptural but soft. This style feels artsy and confident. Perfect when you want to show off your texture and your cheekbones without a single ponytail in sight.

Best Suits: Type 4 coils, layered cuts, or cropped curls that won’t fit into a full updo.

How to Style It:

1. Refresh curls with a light mist or cream for definition.

2. Start pinning small sections from the back toward the crown.

3. Use curved bobby pins to lift and shape pieces upward or diagonally.

4. Let a few front tendrils fall naturally for softness.

5. Optional: Add a bold clip or earring to elevate the vibe.

Pro Tip

Use a mirror to pin from the back forward as it helps you build balanced height and see where the structure needs support.

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Curly Halo Braid Crown for Casual Elegance

Source: Pinterest

If this updo were a guest: Tracee Ellis Ross at a cozy brunch with friends.

This one gives major “goddess with errands to run” energy. It’s polished without being overdone and keeps your curls wrapped in soft, stretched comfort.

Best Suits: Short to medium curls, especially if you've got a little extra length near the crown or temples.

How to Style It:

1. Stretch your curls the night before with braids or banding.

2. Part your hair into two sections: front and back.

3. Braid each side loosely along the hairline toward the back.

4. Pin both braids together in a halo shape at the crown.

5. Finish with edge control and soft face-framing tendrils.

Pro Tip

Use a lightweight curl cream when braiding as it adds slip for smoother braids and keeps frizz under control.

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Mini Topknots with Holiday Accessories

Source: Pinterest

If this look were a vibe: Doja Cat meets holiday house party.

This style is playful, cool, and secretly genius. When your curls won’t behave or you're on day three, this is the fun. It’s a low-effort fix that still looks like you planned ahead.

Best Suits: Short curls, tapered cuts, or pixies with length on top. Also perfect for refreshing stretched or frizzy styles.

How to Style It:

1. Divide the top section into 2–4 mini sections.

2. Coil each section and pin or tie into loose little knots.

3. Let some front curls or baby hairs peek out naturally.

4. Dress it up with velvet bows, pearl pins, or metallic cuffs.

5. Use a lightweight oil or edge gel to clean up the hairline.

Pro Tip

Don’t over-perfect it! This look thrives on texture, lift, and a bit of whimsy, so let the curls do their thing.

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Here’s How to Get Your Curls Holiday-Ready

No matter how cute the updo, if your curls aren’t prepped right, things can unravel fast, literally. I always tell that a great curly updo starts long before the first bobby pin. 

Here's exactly how to prep your hair so your style holds, shines, and stays frizz-free all night long:

1–2 Days Before: Clarify & Deep Condition

• Use a gentle clarifying shampoo to remove buildup that weighs down curls.

• Follow with a moisture-rich deep conditioner to soften, hydrate, and reduce frizz.

• Apply your deep conditioner in sections and let it sit with heat (like a cap or steamy shower) for 10–15 minutes.

👉 Check out my guide on How to Deep Condition Curly Hair for the ultimate moisture boost your curls have been craving!

Same Day: Style on Damp or Refreshed Hair

• If you’re styling on wash day, gently towel-blot and apply your curl cream or mousse while damp.

• If it’s day two or three, spritz your curls with a curl-refresh mist and smooth with a lightweight leave-in.

Seal + Define

• Use a frizz-control serum or light oil, focusing on mid-lengths to ends.

• For tighter curl types, rake through a bit of cream or gel for definition that lasts without crunch.

For Tighter Curls: Consider Heatless Stretching

• Try a low ponytail wrap, loose twists, or banding method the night before.

• This helps elongate your curls slightly, making updos easier to shape without disturbing your pattern.

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Pro Tools & Products to Make Your Curly Hair Updos Last

You don’t need a salon’s worth of tools to make your updo last but these few key products? Total game changers. I use (and recommend) each of these for shine, hold, and long-wear styling during the busy holiday season.

Product/Tool	Best For	Buy Here
Sectioning Clips	Sectioning curls cleanly while styling	Shop Now
Flexible-Hold Curl Mousse	Giving curls bounce and light hold without crunch	Shop Now
Edge Control Gel	Polishing baby hairs and smoothing edges	Shop Now
Lightweight Oil	Adding gloss and reducing frizz after styling	Shop Now
Bobby Pins	Securing twists, knots, and short curls invisibly	Shop Now
Sparkly Hair Accessories	Instantly dressing up simple styles for the holidays	Shop Now

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FAQs About Curly Hair Updos

How do I put curly hair up without ruining the curls?

Use your fingers instead of a brush to gather the hair gently. Avoid tight elastics and opt for loose scrunchies or small sections pinned in place. Always prep with a curl-friendly mousse or refresh spray so the texture stays defined.

Are updos in style in 2025?

100% yes, especially imperfect, texture-rich updos. Think soft tendrils, low twists, braided details, and playful accessories. The slick, stiff styles are out; movement and dimension are in.

What is the pineapple method for curly hair?

It’s a way to preserve curls while sleeping. You loosely gather your hair into a high ponytail on top of your head (like a pineapple), using a silk scrunchie. It protects volume and shape overnight, great before updo day.

Can you do updos on short curly hair?

Absolutely. It’s all about pin placement and volume tricks. Even pixie curls can rock halo braids, mini topknots, or pinned side styles with the right technique.

How to tie up curly hair for work or everyday wear?

Go for soft half-up styles, low buns, or side twists. Use flexible pins and avoid gel-heavy products during the week. A satin scrunchie or claw clip also works great for quick, curl-safe updos.

Is curly hair considered attractive?

Of course, it’s beautiful, dynamic, and full of personality. The key is working with your natural texture, not fighting it. Curls styled with care always stand out.

What are the do’s and don’ts of curly updos?

Do:
• Work on prepped, hydrated curls
• Use texture-enhancing products
• Pin strategically and loosely

Don’t:
• Brush curls dry
• Overload with heavy gel
• Pull styles too tight (hello, breakage)

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Final Word From Haiirology

Whether you’ve got long, flowing curls or a short, sassy cut, there’s always a holiday curly hair updo for you and yes! they don’t require a glam squad or heat damage to pull off.

With the right prep, a few key products, and some strategic pinning, curly hair updos can hold their shape, show off your natural texture, and make you feel effortlessly put together. 

You just need the right kind of breakdown, and that’s exactly what we gave you here.

If you try any of these looks this season, I’d love to see them!

Tag us @haiirologybyjen so we can hype you up and share your shine.

Let this be the year you stop hiding your curls during the holidays and start showing them off.

Want more curly-specific styling tips? Check out our blog library below.

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