21 Chic Holiday Hairstyles That Are Anything But Basic

The festive season calls for hair that feels celebratory — effortless yet polished, with just enough drama for party pictures. From sleek, low buns to textured plaits and bejewelled clips, these 21 holiday hairstyles emphasise shape, shine and simple steps you can do at home. Below you’ll find styling approaches for different lengths, quick step-by-step instructions for standout looks and practical tips to keep styles intact through to the last dance.

Festive classics: twists on timeless looks

Classic evening styles remain reliable because they flatter most face shapes and photographs well. Give them a seasonal update by adding texture, metallic accessories or soft framing pieces.

• Low knotted bun: Create a deep side part, gather hair into a low pony, twist into a loose knot and pin. Pull a few face-framing strands out for softness.
• Glossy retro waves: Use a medium barrel tong to form clean S-waves, then smooth with a light shine serum and secure one side behind the ear with a decorative clip.
• Half-up with volume: Backcomb the crown lightly, sweep the top half back and secure with a barrette; leave the rest loose and tousled.

Textured and modern: build party-ready volume

Texture turns simple shapes into editorial looks. Salt sprays, volumising mousses and dry shampoo are your friends — they give grip and body so styles last through a crowded room.

Try these texture techniques before you style:

• Work a small amount of texturising product through damp hair and diffuse for lived-in volume.
• For straighter hair, use a large-barrel tong to create loose bends, then rake through with fingers, not a brush.
• For fine hair, tease the roots at the crown lightly and smooth the top layer for a polished finish.

Quick step-by-step looks you can do at home

Here are four quick, reliable styles with simple steps so you can recreate them in under 20 minutes.

• Low Twisted Pony:
  1. Apply smoothing cream to damp hair and blow-dry sleek.
  2. Create a low pony and split the hair above the elastic; pull the pony through to form a knot.
  3. Wrap a small strand around the elastic to disguise it and pin underneath.
• Holiday Plait with Ribbon:
  1. French- or Dutch-braid from the crown, incorporating hair as you go.
  2. Secure with a clear elastic and tie a velvet ribbon for a festive finish.
• Messy Bun with Clips:
  1. Gather hair into a loose high bun and secure with pins.
  2. Use two statement clips on one side to balance the silhouette.
• Sleek Bob with Bejewelled Clip:
  1. Straighten hair with a flat iron for an ultra-smooth finish.
  2. Part deeply to one side and place a single sparkly clip near the temple.

Short hair and bob-friendly styling

Shorter lengths are inherently modern and can look party-ready with texture and shine. Focus on clean lines, metallic accessories and sculpted waves to elevate a bob or cropped cut.

• Use a light gel to create a wet-look finish for an instant evening feel.
• Add small clips or a headband to shift focus and frame the face.
• Soft waves can be achieved by wrapping small sections around a thin tong and brushing through gently.

Finishing touches and longevity

Small details make the difference between 'done' and 'stunning.' Keep a small emergency kit — pins, a mini hairspray, a few spare clips — to refresh your look through the evening.

• Always finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray to preserve movement.
• If static is an issue, run a dryer sheet gently over the surface of styled hair to tame flyaways.
• To revive curls, spritz with water mixed with a little conditioner and scrunch lightly.

Key Takeaways

• Prep matters: texture or smoothness at the start will determine how a style holds and photographs.
• Accessories transform simple looks: a single clip or ribbon can elevate a basic style to party-ready.
• Adapt styles to your length — the same concept (twists, knots, braids) works whether hair is long, medium or short.
• Prioritise flexible hold products so hair moves naturally but keeps structure throughout the night.
• Keep an emergency touch-up kit to maintain shine and fix loose pieces while you’re out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I make a holiday hairstyle last all evening?

A: Start with the right prep — texturising product for grip or a smoothing product for sleeker styles — and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray. Pin key sections discreetly and carry spare pins and a mini spray for touch-ups.

Q: What accessories work best for party hair?

A: Statement clips, thin metallic headbands, ribbons and small decorative pins are versatile. Choose one focal accessory rather than layering multiple pieces to keep the look refined.

Q: Can I create these looks without heat?

A: Yes. Use overnight braids or twists for waves, volumising mousse and air-drying techniques for texture, and smoothing serums to create sleeker styles without heat tools.

Q: How do I add volume at the crown without obvious backcombing?

A: Use a root-lifting spray on damp hair and blow-dry with your head tilted forward. Finish by lightly puffing the roots with your fingers and smoothing the top layer with a comb for a natural lift.

Q: Are these styles suitable for fine hair?

A: Absolutely. Fine hair benefits from texturising products, gentle teasing at the roots and soft, low-volume versions of buns and braids. Avoid heavy oils that can weigh hair down.

Q: How can I adapt a tutorial to shoulder-length hair?

A: Reduce the section width when braiding or twisting, and secure styles with multiple smaller pins. Half-up looks and low knots work particularly well for shoulder-length hair.