The holiday season is full of parties, from office celebrations and family dinners to cocktail nights and festive get-togethers with friends. Whatever is on your calendar, the right hairstyle can pull your outfit together and make you feel ready for the camera. Good Christmas party hairstyles are polished, comfortable, and sturdy enough to last through hours of mingling, dancing, and dessert.
This guide shares 12 glam Christmas party hairstyles, from sleek ponytails and elegant updos to soft waves and sparkly half-up looks. You will also find simple tips for choosing the right style for your hair type, making holiday party hair last all night, and adding festive details that feel special without looking over the top.
Save your favorites to your Pinterest boards so your party look is planned well before the invitations start rolling in.
What Makes a Great Christmas Party Hairstyle?
The best holiday party hair balances glamour with practicality. Before you choose a style, think about the kind of evening you have ahead:
- The outfit: A sparkly dress, a velvet top, or a cozy sweater each pair differently with different hairstyles.
- The venue: A crowded, warm room calls for styles that keep hair off your neck, while a formal dinner may suit something more polished.
- The length of the night: If you will be out for hours, choose a style with strong hold and keep a few pins in your bag.
- Your comfort: A hairstyle that pulls or itches will bother you by the second hour, no matter how good it looks.
Choose a style that feels like you, then add one festive detail to make it special.
What You Need for Holiday Party Hair
A handful of basics will help you create almost any look on this list:
- A curling iron or wand for waves, curls, and bouncy ends
- A flat iron for sleek, glossy finishes
- Bobby pins and hair pins in a color that matches your hair
- Strong, snag-free elastics for ponytails, braids, and buns
- Texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, volume, and staying power
- A flexible-hold hairspray to lock everything in without stiffness
- A shine serum or lightweight oil to smooth flyaways and add a glossy finish
- Festive accessories such as pearl pins, velvet ribbons, or crystal clips
If you have fine hair, add a volumizing mousse. If you have thick or curly hair, pack extra pins and a good curl cream.
12 Glam Christmas Party Hairstyles
These looks are grouped by vibe, so you can quickly find the one that suits your outfit and your evening.
Sleek and Polished Christmas Party Hairstyles
1. The Sleek High Ponytail
A glossy high ponytail looks sharp with almost any outfit, especially a dress with an interesting neckline or open back. Smooth your hair with a little serum, pull it up to the crown, and wrap a small section around the elastic. Add a velvet bow or a gold cuff for a holiday finish. For more ideas, browse our high ponytail hairstyles.
2. The Low Chignon
A low chignon is timeless, elegant, and easy to hold in place. Part your hair in the middle or to the side, smooth it back, twist it into a low bun, and pin it securely. Pull out a few face-framing strands to soften the look. It pairs beautifully with statement earrings and works well for formal dinners and office parties.
3. The Glass-Hair Straight Look
If you love your hair down, a sleek, mirror-smooth finish feels expensive and modern. Blow-dry with a paddle brush, flat iron in thin sections, and finish with shine serum. A sharp part and a clean finish make this look photograph beautifully under holiday lights.
4. The Twisted Low Bun with Pearl Pins
Twist your hair into a low bun and tuck a few pearl or crystal pins around it. It is subtle but sparkly, and it keeps hair off your shoulders in a warm, crowded room. Choose gold or silver pins to match your jewelry.
Soft and Romantic Christmas Party Hairstyles
5. The Hollywood Waves
Curl your hair with a medium barrel iron, brush the curls out gently, and sweep them to one side with a deep part. Pin the hair behind your ear on the opposite side for a vintage movie-star look. It is glamorous, flattering, and works for most hair lengths.
6. The Soft Beachy Waves
For a relaxed, effortless look, create loose waves with a wand or flat iron and mist with texturizing spray. Finish with a light flexible hairspray. This style is perfect for casual holiday gatherings and works well with knit dresses or velvet tops.
7. The Half-Up Half-Down with Curls
Pull the top half of your hair into a small ponytail or twisted section and leave the rest in loose curls. Add a barrette or a ribbon at the back for a pretty detail. It keeps hair away from your face and still shows off your length, making it a favorite for party looks.
8. The Side-Swept Curls
Sweep your curls over one shoulder and secure the other side with a decorative clip. This asymmetrical look highlights earrings and necklines, and it feels romantic without taking much time.
Braided and Textured Christmas Party Hairstyles
9. The Braided Crown
Braid one or two sections of hair and pin them across the top of your head like a crown, leaving the rest down or tucked into a low bun. It looks festive and a little fairy-tale, and it is a great way to show off your braiding skills. If you are still learning, start with our guide to easy braided hairstyles for beginners.
10. The Fishtail Braid with Ribbon
A fishtail braid adds beautiful texture and looks intricate, even though it is easier than it appears. Weave a thin velvet ribbon through the braid and tie it at the end for a seasonal touch. Pull the edges gently to make the braid look fuller.
11. The Braided Updo
Create two simple braids, wrap them into a low bun, and secure them with pins. This style is comfortable, secure, and surprisingly elegant. It is also practical if you will be dancing or moving around a lot.
12. The Textured Updo with Sparkle
Gather your hair into a loose, slightly messy updo and secure it with plenty of pins. Add a crystal clip, a sparkly comb, or a metallic hair stick for a holiday sparkle. This look is forgiving, fashionable, and perfect for parties where you want to feel glamorous without looking too polished.
Christmas Party Hairstyles for Different Hair Types
Fine or thin hair: Add volume with a light mousse and dry shampoo at the roots. Loose waves, braided updos, and teased ponytails create fullness. Avoid heavy oils that can weigh strands down.
Thick hair: Use strong elastics and extra pins, and divide your hair into sections before curling or braiding. Low buns and braided styles hold especially well.
Curly or coily hair: Define your curls with a styling cream, then try a high puff, a half-up style, or a sleek, polished bun. Pearl pins and ribbons look stunning against natural texture.
Short hair: Try pin-curled waves, a sleek side part, or a decorative clip. A little pomade keeps the ends neat, and a sparkly barrette instantly adds party spirit.
Long hair: You have the most options. Hollywood waves, braided crowns, and high ponytails all show off your length, but remember to use enough pins and hairspray to keep everything secure.
How to Make Your Holiday Party Hair Last All Night
There is nothing more frustrating than a style that falls apart halfway through the evening. These habits help your hair stay put:
- Start with textured hair. Freshly washed hair is often too slippery. Day-old hair or a little dry shampoo gives better grip.
- Prep before you style. A light heat protectant and a bit of mousse help curls and updos hold their shape.
- Let curls cool. Pin your curls while they cool before you brush them out, so the shape sets.
- Use pins strategically. A few well-placed pins do more than extra hairspray.
- Layer your hairspray. Mist lightly between steps, then finish with a stronger hold spray.
- Pack a small touch-up kit. A few pins, a comb, and travel hairspray can rescue any style in minutes.
Festive Details That Elevate Any Holiday Hairstyle
A small accessory can make a simple style look party-ready. Try a satin ribbon in red, emerald, or champagne; pearl or crystal pins; a metallic claw clip; or a fine gold chain woven into a braid. Keep the details small and the colors warm, so your hair complements your outfit rather than competing with it.
If your dress or top is already sparkly, keep the hairstyle simpler and the accessories minimal. If your outfit is simple, a statement clip or ribbon can carry the look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Party Hairstyles
What is the best hairstyle for a Christmas party?
The best choice depends on your outfit and your hair. Waves, low buns, and sleek ponytails are reliable favorites because they look polished and hold well through a long evening.
What hairstyle is easiest for an office holiday party?
A low chignon, a sleek ponytail, or soft waves pinned to one side look professional and take little time. Add a small accessory to make the style feel festive.
How do I keep curls from falling out?
Pin your curls while they cool, brush them out gently, and finish with a flexible-hold spray. Texturizing spray at the roots also adds staying power.
What are good Christmas party hairstyles for short hair?
Pin curls, sleek side parts, and decorative clips all work well. A shine serum and a small accessory add glam without extra length.
How far ahead can I style my hair?
Most looks last well for several hours, and many hold longer with good prep. If you are styling early, use extra pins and carry a small touch-up kit.
Final Thoughts: Find Your Holiday Party Look
Whether you love sleek ponytails, romantic waves, or sparkly updos, there is a Christmas party hairstyle on this list for you. Choose a look that suits your outfit, prep your hair for staying power, and add one festive detail that makes you smile. A little planning makes holiday party hair easy, and it leaves you free to enjoy the evening.
Save your favorite ideas to Pinterest, try one this week, and explore more easy styles on Her Daily Hairs.
