6 Holiday Hairstyles for Every Length
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TL;DR
Tried and tested, these 6 holiday hairstyles are quick, chic, and hold up; no stress, just festive glam. Whether your hair’s long or short, you’ll find a look (and a video!) that makes styling easy this season.
Holiday hair is a whole thing. You want to look festive and put-together, but you also don’t want to spend your entire afternoon styling while gifts still need wrapping and someone’s asking where the extra chairs are.
Whether you're heading to a work party, cozy dinner, or just want to look cute for pics (no shame in that), you deserve a hairstyle that feels effortless but elevated.
As a stylist, I get asked this every season: “What’s something quick I can do that still looks good?”
So I put together 6 of my favourite holiday hairstyles: three for long hair, and three for short, that you can totally DIY at home.
They’re festive, they hold up, and best of all? I walk you through each one in video form so you’re never guessing.
Let’s start with some long hair looks that’ll turn heads (and yes, they’ll last through dinner and dancing).
Create These 3 Holiday Hairstyles for Long Hair
Okay, let’s be real. Holiday prep is already a lot, picking outfits, figuring out gifts, and showing up at places where you’re not even sure who’s coming.
So when it comes to hair? You want something that looks put-together without needing an entire glam team. I’ve got you.
These are my top 3 go-to long holiday hairstyles that I do on myself (and clients) when time is tight but you still want to feel “that girl”.
Scroll through, pick your vibe, and don’t stress! I’ve linked each tutorial below so you can watch me do it step-by-step.
Long Holiday Hairstyle #1: Viral Messy Bun
Source: Personal Image
If you’ve ever said, “Ugh, I have no time, but I still want to look cute,” this is your bun. It’s that perfectly imperfect updo that somehow looks like you tried hard... but you didn’t.
I curl my hair quickly (nothing crazy—just soft bends), flip my head upside down, throw it into a high pony, and then twist it into a bun. The magic? I only use 5 bobby pins and a single elastic, that’s it.
It gives you volume, it’s super secure, and it still looks kinda lived-in, which is the point. I always pull out my bangs or soft front pieces so it frames the face and keeps things feeling effortless.
Watch the quick tutorial below! I'll walk you through how to get that messy-but-gorgeous finish in under 10 mins.
Why It Works: It adds volume and movement while still feeling lightweight and lived-in.
Ideal For: Long, layered hair with curtain bangs or face-framing pieces.
Accessory Idea: Velvet ribbon, minimal gold clip, or shimmer spray.
Pro Tip
Loosen and fluff the bun with your fingers after pinning to avoid that too-tight ballerina look.
Long Holiday Hairstyle #2: Sabrina Carpenter-Inspired Glam Curls
Source: Personal Image
You know that full, bouncy, blowout look that just feels expensive? This is that, but make it easy. I always think of this one as the “main character energy” look. Like, you walk into the party and someone immediately compliments your hair. (Happens every time.)
I usually start with big sections and curl them away from my face using either a wand or a round brush + blow dryer. Once everything’s curled, I let it cool down completely (don’t skip this, cooling sets the shape!), then brush it all out with my fingers. You get those soft, fluffy, glam curls that move when you do.
It’s even easier to follow along in the video, so scroll down and hit play. I show you exactly how I get that soft bounce without making it crunchy or stiff.
Why It Works: Adds bounce, polish, and shape without needing extreme volume at the root.
Ideal For: Medium to thick long hair, especially with blended layers.
Accessory Idea: Gold star pins, sparkly barrette, or nothing at all.
Pro Tip
Set the curls while they cool using clips, then brush out gently to avoid frizz .
Long Holiday Hairstyle #3: Beach-Wave Bun with Built-In Bobby Pin Elastic
Source: Personal Image
Okay, this one looks like you spent forever on it... But it’s lowkey one of the fastest holiday looks I do. What makes it different? First, I start by beach waving all of my hair so there’s texture and bend. Then I use my favourite hairstylist hack: an elastic with bobby pins built into each end. Sounds fancy, but it’s the easiest way to get a secure bun that doesn’t fall flat halfway through the night.
I wrap the bun high (not ballerina tight, keep it soft!), and leave my bangs or face pieces out. Then I wave those front bits so they fall just right and frame the face. It’s giving “chill girl who still looks amazing in every holiday photo.”
Wanna see the pin-in-elastic trick in action? It’s all in the video below; it’s easier than it sounds.
Why It Works: Combines soft movement with a super secure hold using minimal effort.
Ideal For: Medium-to-long hair with bangs or soft layers.
Accessory Idea: Thin velvet bow, gold U-pins, or a metallic scrunchie.
Pro Tip
Use dry shampoo on clean hair before styling to help beach waves hold their shape.
| Holiday Hairstyle Inspiration: Party Trends, Celebrity Looks & Budget-Friendly Tips |
|---|
| Get ready to dazzle this holiday season with standout hair inspiration. Whether you're aiming for the latest party trends, A-list celebrity looks, or gorgeous styles using affordable products, here’s your festive guide: From voluminous blowouts and sleek buns to celebrity inspired glam and wallet friendly styles, you will find something perfect for every festive moment. |
Style These 3 Holiday Hairstyles for Short Hair
Don’t let the short hair fool you, you’ve got options. Whether you’re rocking a bob, pixie, or anything in between, these three short holiday hairstyles are perfect when you want to look like you tried (without spending 45 minutes in front of the mirror).
I’ve worn and styled these myself, and they always give holiday magic without the headache.
Pick your fave and hit play on the video below each one, you’ll be styling along with me in no time.
Short Holiday Hairstyle #1: Pinned Party Curls
Source: Personal Image
If you’ve got short hair and want something glam, this is the one. These soft, sculpted curls are everything: bouncy, defined, and the kind of curls that hold. I like to call them “vintage-y with a twist.”
Curl each section of hair away from your face, then wrap it around your finger and pin it up while it's still warm. Let those pin curls set before you do anything else. Once they’ve cooled (spritz a little light-hold hairspray while you wait), unpin everything and gently brush the curls out with a soft brush. Then use your fingers to shape and pin them how you want. Let that shape sit for 10–15 mins, and boom, you’ve got sculpted, shiny party curls that won’t fall flat by dessert.
Wanna see exactly how I pin and set? Watch the tutorial below; it makes a huge difference for short styles.
Why It Works: Builds volume + hold that lasts all night.
Ideal For: Chin to shoulder-length cuts looking for glam bounce.
Accessory Idea: A rhinestone barrette or gold clip behind one ear.
Pro Tip
Always let curls cool before brushing.
Short Holiday Hairstyle #2: The Not-So-Messy Mini Bun
Source: Personal Image
This one’s giving Pamela Anderson’s iconic messy bun in the '90s energy for short hair. If you’ve ever struggled to get an updo with short layers, this one is for you.
Start with some loose curls, then comb your hair into a ponytail at the crown, leaving those face-framing bits out. Divide the pony into two pieces and secure them on either side to create a mini bun shape. Play with it a little, tug it for volume, pin any loose ends, and curl any bits sticking out. You can even curl the little neck hairs or front bangs for extra softness.
It’s one of my easiest tutorials. Watch the video below and style with me in real time.
Why It Works: Feels like an updo, even if your hair doesn’t make a full bun.
Ideal For: Bobs, short layers, or medium lobs.
Accessory Idea: Velvet bow or tiny gold pins tucked around the bun.
Pro Tip
After you pin, use your fingers to gently pull sections loose, as it adds texture without ruining the shape.
Short Holiday Hairstyle #3: Polished Blowout Bob
Source: Personal Image
This one’s for my sleek, side-part girlies. If you want your short hair to look extra clean but still soft and festive, this polished blowout is it. It’s giving rich aunt energy in the best way possible.
Start by blowing out the whole head with a round brush, using it to pull the hair under for a slight curve. I love doing a deep side part here, as it instantly makes it look more styled. The bangs (or front pieces) get the special treatment: round-brushed and blown outward for that swoopy, bouncy finish. It looks fancy, but it’s literally just good technique and a few minutes of brush work.
Need help with the angles? Watch the video below, and I’ll show you exactly how I round-brush for bounce without overdoing it.
Why It Works: Sleek, soft, and timeless with no extra frizz, just shine.
Ideal For: Bobs, short layered cuts, or grown-out pixies.
Accessory Idea: Pearl headband or side tuck with a sparkly clip.
Pro Tip
Aim your blow dryer downward to smooth the cuticle and get that salon-finish gloss.
Shop the Best Tools & Products for Holiday Hair
| Product Name | What It Does | Buy Here |
|---|---|---|
| 1.25” Curling Iron (ghd) | Creates soft, long-lasting curls without frying ends | Shop Now |
| Lightweight Hold Hairspray | Holds styles in place without crunchiness | Shop Now |
| Round Brush | Adds volume + smoothness for bouncy blowouts | Shop Now |
| Dry Shampoo | Refreshes roots and helps prep texture | Shop Now |
| Bobby Pin | Gives buns a secure hold with zero sliding | Shop Now |
| Flat Iron | Ideal for travel and taming flyaways or short styles | Shop Now |
| Velvet Bow | Instantly elevate any style with festive flair | Shop Now |
How to Prevent Frizz & Flattening While Travelling
Holiday travel = unpredictable hair.
Dry plane air, humid hotel bathrooms, or just throwing your hair in a bun too tightly can mess with your whole look.
Here’s what I do for myself and clients when we're prepping for flights or packing light:
Pre-style your hair the day before travel so it's already holding shape when you arrive.
Wrap hair in a silk scarf under your hoodie or coat if you're driving or flying, as it prevents static and breakage.
Use dry shampoo at night (yes, at night!) to absorb oil while you sleep.
Pack a mini bottle of leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum, as hotel shampoo is not the vibe.
Tie hair loosely with a satin scrunchie instead of tight elastics to save your curl pattern.
If you’re going somewhere humid, finish your style with a light humidity spray or anti-frizz serum.
FAQs About Holiday Hairstyles
What is holiday hair, anyway?
A holiday hairstyle is your usual style, but with a little extra: a wave, a pin, a bit of effort that makes it feel special.
What’s the easiest holiday hairstyle for short hair?
Definitely the “Not-So-Messy Mini Bun” as it looks polished, but you can do it in 10 minutes with a few pins.
I have frizzy or curly hair, will these work for me?
Yep! Just start with prepped, defined curls or stretched blow-dried hair, and swap in products that work with your texture.
What hairstyle works best for beach holidays or warm places?
Go for the Beach-Wave Bun or a blowout bob as both handle humidity better than sleek styles that need daily touch-ups.
How long should I spend styling before an event?
Realistically? 20-30 minutes max. All of these looks are meant to be quick and repeatable; no all-day styling marathons here.
Final Word From Haiirology
So there you have it, six holiday hairstyles you can do yourself, without any drama or stress. Whether you're into glam curls, messy buns, or something sleek and simple, there’s something here for every vibe, every hair type, and every kind of party.
Tried one of these looks?
Tag me on Instagram @HaiirologyByJen, I LOVE seeing your holiday glam!
Want to keep these on hand? Bookmark this post.
Discover 6 easy holiday hairstyles for long and short hair—with tutorials! These festive, stylist-approved looks are perfect for parties, dinners, or travel season styling.