Introduction
The Holiday Party Hairstyles season calls for Hairstyles as festive as the celebrations themselves. Whether you’re headed to an office party, a family gathering, or a glamorous night out, the right hairstyle can transform your entire look. From polished updos to soft romantic waves, these 18 elegant holiday party hairstyles offer inspiration for every hair type and length. Get ready to sparkle from the moment you walk in the door this holiday season.
1. Sleek Low Bun
A sleek low bun is the epitome of understated glamour, making it a go-to choice for holiday parties where sophistication is key. This style works beautifully with a center or side part, and a touch of shine serum keeps the strands smooth and frizz-free. It pairs effortlessly with statement earrings, letting your hairstyle frame your face without overwhelming your overall look.
To achieve this style at home, smooth your hair back with a boar-bristle brush and secure it low with bobby pins. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place all night. This hairstyle suits nearly every hair texture and length, making it one of the most versatile options on this list.
2. Voluminous Curls
Voluminous curls bring instant drama and festivity to any holiday look, making them a favorite for parties and celebrations. Large barrel curls create bounce and movement, while a volumizing mousse at the roots ensures the style holds throughout the evening. This look pairs beautifully with off-the-shoulder dresses, letting the curls frame your neckline.
For lasting hold, curl small sections of hair and let them cool completely before brushing out gently with your fingers. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain bounce without stiffness. This hairstyle works wonderfully for medium to long hair and adds a joyful, celebratory energy to any outfit.
3. Half-Up Half-Down with Bow
The half-up half-down style with a bow combines playfulness and elegance, making it perfect for holiday parties with a whimsical touch. The bow adds a festive accent without requiring extra accessories, while the loose waves beneath keep the overall look soft and romantic. This style flatters nearly every face shape.
To recreate it, gather the top section of hair, tie it with a ribbon or bow, and curl the remaining hair for added texture. This hairstyle is especially popular for younger guests or anyone wanting a sweet, feminine holiday look. It works well on medium to long hair lengths.
4. Braided Crown
A braided crown offers an ethereal, fairy-tale quality that instantly elevates any holiday party outfit. This intricate style works particularly well for those wanting to keep hair off their face while still looking polished and put-together. Adding small pins, pearls, or greenery into the braid enhances the festive feel.
Achieving this look involves braiding two sections from each side of the head and pinning them together at the back to form a crown shape. It’s a fantastic option for long hair and pairs beautifully with off-shoulder gowns. This hairstyle photographs exceptionally well under holiday party lighting.
5. Glamorous Waves
Glamorous waves channel old-Hollywood sophistication, making them one of the most requested holiday party hairstyles year after year. The deep side part and defined waves create a dramatic, polished silhouette that pairs beautifully with bold red lips and statement jewelry. This style suits formal galas and upscale dinner parties alike.
To style, use a curling iron to create horizontal waves, then brush them out gently and pin them into place while they set. A glossing spray adds the signature shine this look requires. Glamorous waves work best on medium to long hair and photograph beautifully in both daylight and evening lighting.
6. Textured Updo with Rhinestone Pins
A textured updo with rhinestone pins strikes the perfect balance between polished and relaxed, making it ideal for holiday parties with a modern edge. The intentional texture gives the style dimension, while scattered rhinestone pins add just the right amount of sparkle without looking overdone. It’s a favorite among stylists for its versatility.
To create this look, backcomb sections for volume before twisting hair into a loose updo, then scatter pins throughout for shine. This hairstyle works on most hair lengths and textures, and it holds up well through a long night of dancing and celebrating at any holiday event.
7. Sleek High Ponytail
The sleek high ponytail is a bold, fashion-forward choice for anyone wanting a modern take on holiday party hairstyles. Pulling hair up and back highlights the face and neckline, making it a great option for those wearing statement necklaces or dramatic earrings. This style feels equally at home at a chic cocktail party.
To achieve the sleekest finish, apply a smoothing gel before brushing hair into a high ponytail and securing tightly. Wrap a small section around the base to hide the elastic for a polished finish. This look works best on straight or blown-out hair and holds up beautifully all night long.
8. Soft Romantic Chignon
A soft romantic chignon offers timeless elegance with a relaxed, undone quality that feels less formal than a sleek bun. Loose, wispy pieces around the face soften the overall look, making it approachable yet sophisticated. This hairstyle is especially popular for holiday parties with a warm, intimate atmosphere.
To style, loosely twist hair into a low bun, gently pulling pieces out for texture, then secure with pins. A light-hold hairspray keeps the softness intact without stiffness. This look flatters nearly every hair length and pairs wonderfully with soft, romantic makeup for a cohesive holiday aesthetic.
9. Twisted Fishtail Braid
The twisted fishtail braid combines intricate detail with bohemian charm, offering a unique alternative to more traditional holiday party hairstyles. The woven pattern adds visual interest, while pulling small sections loose throughout gives the braid a soft, lived-in texture. It’s a wonderful option for outdoor or rustic holiday celebrations.
To create this style, braid the hair in a fishtail pattern down one side, gently tugging at the edges to loosen it for volume. Finish with a texturizing spray for extra grip. This hairstyle works beautifully on long hair and holds its shape well throughout a full evening of festivities.
10. Classic Hollywood Waves
Classic Hollywood waves bring vintage glamour to modern holiday parties, offering a striking and unforgettable style. The crisp, defined S-waves and dramatic side sweep create a red-carpet-worthy look that pairs beautifully with vintage-inspired dresses. This hairstyle stands out as one of the most iconic options for formal celebrations.
Achieving these waves typically requires a curling iron or flat iron and finger-waving technique, followed by clips to set the shape while cooling. A strong-hold hairspray ensures the waves last all evening. This style works best on medium to long hair and makes a bold statement at any holiday event.
11. Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a playful, modern twist on the classic ponytail, perfect for holiday parties with a fun, youthful energy. Sectioning the hair into rounded bubbles creates visual interest and dimension, making a simple ponytail feel entirely reinvented. This style works especially well for casual or festive-themed gatherings.
To style, secure hair into a ponytail, then add small elastics every few inches, gently pulling the hair between each section to create the bubble effect. This hairstyle suits long hair best and offers a whimsical, eye-catching look that photographs beautifully for holiday party pictures and social media.
12. Braided Half-Up Style
A braided half-up style offers a simple yet detailed approach to holiday party hairstyles, combining the ease of a half-up look with the charm of braids. This style works well for those wanting something festive without spending hours in front of the mirror, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules.
To create it, braid two small sections from either side of the head and pin them together at the back, then curl the remaining hair for texture. This hairstyle suits nearly all hair types and lengths, offering an effortless, polished look perfect for both casual and semi-formal holiday events.
13. Elegant French Twist
The elegant French twist remains a timeless choice for formal holiday parties, offering a polished and sophisticated silhouette. This classic updo works particularly well with strapless or off-shoulder gowns, showcasing the neckline while keeping hair neatly contained. It’s a favorite for black-tie events and upscale holiday galas.
To achieve this look, gather hair at the nape, twist it upward, and secure with pins along the seam. A decorative hairpin or brooch adds a festive touch to the twist. This hairstyle suits medium to long hair and provides a refined, elegant finish that lasts throughout the evening.
14. Curly Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
A curly updo with face-framing tendrils celebrates natural texture, offering a romantic and voluminous option for holiday party hairstyles. This style works beautifully for curly and coily hair types, allowing natural curl patterns to shine while keeping hair elegantly swept up and off the shoulders for the evening.
To style, gather curls loosely at the crown, pin them into a voluminous updo, and let a few curly pieces fall naturally around the face. A curl-defining cream keeps the tendrils bouncy and frizz-free. This hairstyle celebrates natural texture beautifully and suits nearly any holiday party dress code.
15. Sleek Straight Hair with Side Part
Sleek straight hair with a deep side part offers minimalist elegance, proving that simplicity can make just as strong a statement as elaborate updos. This low-maintenance style works wonderfully for those who prefer a clean, modern aesthetic, and it pairs effortlessly with bold makeup or statement holiday party accessories.
To achieve this glassy finish, flat-iron hair in small sections and apply a shine serum for added gloss. A deep side part instantly elevates the overall look. This hairstyle suits straight or straightened hair of any length and remains one of the most versatile, easy-to-recreate holiday styles.
16. Double Braided Updo
The double braided updo showcases intricate detail, making it a standout choice among elegant holiday party hairstyles. Two thick braids are wrapped and pinned to create a woven, basket-like effect that looks far more complicated to achieve than it actually is. This style keeps hair secure for an entire night of celebrating.
To style, braid hair into two even sections, then wrap and pin each braid around the head to form the updo. Secure loose ends with bobby pins for a seamless finish. This hairstyle works best on long hair and offers a beautifully intricate look for formal holiday gatherings and parties.
17. Loose Beachy Waves with Clip
Loose beachy waves with a decorative clip bring effortless, relaxed charm to holiday party hairstyles, ideal for casual gatherings or daytime celebrations. The tousled texture feels natural and undone, while a sparkly or jeweled clip adds a festive touch without requiring an elaborate styling routine or extra time.
To create this look, use a curling wand to create loose, undefined waves, then tousle with fingers for texture. Pin back one side with a decorative clip for a polished-yet-relaxed finish. This hairstyle suits nearly all hair lengths and offers an easy, versatile option for busy holiday schedules.
18. Glittery Statement Updo
The glittery statement updo is the ultimate showstopper among holiday party hairstyles, designed for New Year’s Eve celebrations and glamorous galas. Generously applying glitter spray and sparkling pins throughout a textured updo creates a shimmering effect that catches the light beautifully with every movement throughout the night.
To style, create a voluminous updo, then apply glitter hairspray in sections and scatter sparkling pins throughout for maximum shine. This bold hairstyle suits confident partygoers wanting to stand out. It works on most hair lengths and pairs perfectly with sequined or metallic holiday party dresses.
Conclusion
From sleek updos to glittering statement styles, these 18 elegant holiday party hairstyles prove there’s a perfect look for every celebration this season. Whether you’re drawn to romantic curls, polished braids, or effortless waves, each style offers a fresh way to celebrate in style. Save your favorites and get ready to shine at every holiday gathering this year.
