Hi, I’m Lena, a professional hairstylist with over a decade in busy salons. For this Thanksgiving I’ve curated 22 flattering styles for women—ranging from quick, family-friendly looks to polished updos for dinner parties. Whether your hair is short, long, fine, thick, straight, or curly, you’ll find looks that suit your time, skill level, and outfit. Expect cozy braids, low buns, soft waves, half-up twists, and a few glam options for holiday photos. I share salon-tested tips for hold, heat settings, and product swaps that keep styles lasting through laughter and second helpings. I also show easy variations so you can adapt each look for face shape and texture. Browse the gallery of 22 images for step-by-step visuals and pick the style that matches your schedule—there’s something here for every hostess, guest, and holiday host.
Boho Loose Braided Crown with Face‑Framing Waves
This relaxed braided crown with loose, textured waves suits medium‑to‑long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures. For fine hair, add a volumizing mousse at the roots and backcomb lightly; for thick hair, smooth sections with a serum before styling. Start on dry hair: curl large sections with a 1–1.25 in wand or curling iron for soft S‑shaped waves, then finger‑comb. Create two small Dutch or three‑strand braids from each temple, pancake them gently for width, and pin across the crown into a halo using bobby pins, hiding ends beneath the braids. Pull out a few face‑framing pieces and loosen the crown for a lived‑in finish. Tools: curling iron/wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea‑salt spray, light hairspray, dry shampoo for longevity, optional smoothing serum. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes depending on hair density. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo and sea‑salt spray, re‑pin loosened sections, and protect overnight with a silk scarf or loose braid to preserve shape.
Braided Crown Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic braided crown updo suits medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or lightly curly textures; fine hair benefits from light backcombing or clip‑in padding, while very curly hair may be smoothed slightly before styling. Technique: create two Dutch/French braids from each temple, braid across the crown and pin into a halo shape, pancake the braids for width, then loosen a few strands around the face for softness. For added texture, curl mid‑lengths before braiding and gently tug sections after pinning. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, a variety of bobby pins and U‑pins, 1
Boho Textured Double Dutch Braids with Face‑Framing Wisps
Best for medium-to-long hair of fine to thick density; natural waves or pre-texturized straight hair hold this soft, bohemian braid best. Styling technique: work on dry hair after applying texturizing spray. Create an off-center part, take a crown section and Dutch-braid across the top toward the opposite ear, incorporating hair as you go; continue the braid down one side (or repeat on both sides) and secure with a small elastic. Pancake the braid gently to widen and loosen it for that lived-in look, and pull a few face-framing pieces free for softness. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and an optional curling iron to add wave before braiding. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight mousse for extra grip (optional), smoothing serum for ends, flexible-hold hairspray and dry shampoo for day-two refresh. Difficulty level: moderate — requires confident braiding and pancaking; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or pillowcase, refresh texture with dry shampoo, tighten or re-pancake by hand as needed, and avoid heavy oils that flatten the style.
Textured Messy Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured messy updo with soft face‑framing tendrils is ideal for medium to long hair and suits fine, medium, or thick textures—layers add movement and shoulder‑length hair can be elevated with extensions. Start on second‑day hair or refresh freshly washed hair with a texturizing product. Section the hair, add a light root tease for lift, loosely braid or twist sections from the crown and gather into a relaxed mid‑to‑high bun, securing with elastic and bobby pins. Pull out a few front pieces and softly curl them with a 1 wand for natural tendrils. Tools: paddle brush, fine‑tooth tail comb, 1 curling wand, sectioning clips, elastic, and plenty of bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, dry shampoo, lightweight smoothing serum, and flexible medium‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — 15–30 minutes in a salon or slightly longer at home. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh texture with dry shampoo or a light mist and re‑pin as needed, re‑curl face pieces daily for shape, and use a light hairspray to preserve movement without stiffness.
Textured Half-Up Braided Crown with Loose Curls and Feather Accents
This romantic half-up braided crown with loose textured curls suits fine to medium hair and works well on natural waves or color-treated hair. For thicker hair, thin sections for the braid to keep it lightweight. Start with a root-lifting mousse on towel-dried hair and blow-dry with a round brush for volume. Create loose barrel curls with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand, alternating directions for movement. Take two front sections and Dutch-braid them back toward the crown, securing with small elastics, then pancake the braids for width and softness. Pin the braid ends discreetly and weave in feather accents or decorative pins. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastics. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, volumizing powder or dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding and curling skills; salon time 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh curls with a quick touch of heat or flexible hairspray, reapply texturizer for separation, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin the crown to preserve shape and accessories.
Textured Braided Crown Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic textured braided crown updo suits wavy to curly hair best, and can be adapted for straight hair after adding texture. Start on damp or dry hair with a salt spray or mousse to build grip. Create a soft center part and braid a loose Dutch or French braid along the hairline on both sides, or braid one wider crown and pull gently to pancake for volume. Gather braids at the crown and pin into a relaxed, low-to-mid bun, securing with bobby pins and clear elastics. Leave several face‑framing tendrils and use a curling wand to re‑define any pieces. Tools needed: wide-tooth comb, tail comb, curling wand (1–1.25 inch), bobby pins, small elastics, and a diffuser if starting with natural curls. Products: heat protectant, light mousse or curl cream, texturizing spray, finishing serum for flyaways, and medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braid technique and pinning skills. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with texturizing spray or dry shampoo, re-pin loose sections, and quickly re‑curl tendrils to revive the look between washes.
Textured Loose Double Braids with Voluminous Crown — Romantic Boho Braid
This look suits medium to long hair with medium to thick density and works particularly well on naturally wavy or loose-curly textures. Start by adding light texture with sea-salt spray or a volumizing mousse to damp hair; blow-dry with a diffuser or air-dry until slightly damp. Section a soft triangular crown piece, backcomb lightly at the roots for lift, then begin two loose Dutch/French braids from the crown down, pulling each braid slightly wider (pancaking) to create that full, romantic shape. Secure ends with small elastics and hide them with a hairwrap or pin. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, wide-tooth comb, optional curling iron for blended ends. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray, lightweight mousse or root lifter, a small smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: Intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pineapple; refresh with a water + leave-in spray and re-pancake braids; re-secure loose pieces with pins and revive texture with dry shampoo or salt spray.
Textured Crown Braid Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, textured crown braid updo works best on medium to thick hair and medium-to-long lengths; fine hair can achieve the same effect with volumizing products or a small padding piece. Prep with second‑day hair or towel‑dried hair: apply a sea‑salt or texturizing spray and rough‑dry for grip. Create a deep side part, French or Dutch braid each front section toward the crown, then secure and pin the braid ends into a loose low bun. Pull small sections from the braid to soften and create volume, and leave a few face‑framing tendrils to curl softly. Tools: sectioning clips, tail comb, small elastics, bobby pins, 1
Messy Crown Braid Into Low Textured Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed braided updo features a slightly undone crown braid twisted into a low texturized bun with soft face-framing tendrils. Hair type suitability: Best on medium to thick hair with natural wave or loose curls — the texture helps the braid hold and the tendrils look lived-in. Straight or fine hair can achieve the look after applying volumizing mousse and a salt spray; very curly hair may need light smoothing at the crown. Styling technique: Create a loose Dutch/French braid across the crown, secure at the nape, then twist remaining hair into a messy low bun. Pull gently at braid sections to widen and create lift; tease the roots if needed. Leave and curl a few face-framing pieces. Tools needed: tail comb, small elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling wand (optional), clip. Products required: texturizing/salt spray, light-mist hairspray, small amount of smoothing serum and dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty level: moderate — doable at home in 20–35 minutes with practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, and re-twist tendrils with a curling wand as needed.
Braided Crown Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Curls (Boho Romantic Style)
Suitability: Ideal for medium to long hair and works best on wavy or naturally curly textures; straight hair can achieve the look after texturizing. Works well on fine to thick hair when prepped for grip and volume. Styling technique: Start on dry hair with light waves—either natural or created with a 1 curling iron. Create a loose Dutch or French braid along each side or one braid from temple to temple, pancake the braid for fullness, then pin across the crown to form a halo. Pull out soft face‑framing tendrils and gently tug sections for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: 1 curling iron, rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a teasing brush. Products required: texturizing spray or sea‑salt spray, lightweight styling mousse (optional), flexible/humidity‑resistant hairspray, and a small amount of shine serum for ends. Difficulty level: Intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes depending on length and skill. Maintenance tips: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin loose sections, and touch up face pieces with a curling iron as needed.
Textured Braided Low Messy Bun — Romantic Updo for Medium to Thick Hair
An undone, textured braided low bun with face‑framing pieces thats versatile for formal and casual looks. Suitable for fine to thick, straight to wavy hair — best on second-day hair or hair prepped with texture. Start by building texture: apply heat protectant and a texturizing spray to dry hair, then use a curling iron (1–1.25) for loose waves if needed. Create a loose side or crown braid/twist, gently pancake for width, and gather remaining hair into a low, messy bun; secure with elastics and plenty of bobby pins, hiding ends inside the bun. Pull out soft face‑framing strands and loosen the braid for a relaxed finish. Tools: comb, tail comb for parting, sectioning clips, curling iron, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or dry shampoo for grip, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires braid/pancaking technique and pinning practice. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, reuse pins to tighten, refresh volume with dry shampoo, and re‑spritz texture spray; a quick touch‑up with the iron will revive stray pieces.
Textured Crown Braid into Low Braided Bun — Romantic Updo for Medium Hair
This romantic textured crown braid into a low braided bun is a versatile, polished updo suited for weddings, dates, or everyday elegance. Suitability: best for medium-to-long hair and works well on fine to medium densities; thick hair benefits from light thinning and stronger pins. Naturally wavy or straight hair both adapt nicely. Styling technique: prep hair with a texturizing spray for grip, create a deep side part and Dutch (or French) braid along the hairline across the crown, pancake the braid to add width and softness, then gather remaining hair into a three-strand braid and coil into a loose low bun, securing with an elastic and bobby pins. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1–2 small elastics, bobby pins, and a curling iron for smoothing or curl-defining face-framing pieces. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray, light mousse or volumizing foam, medium-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — allow 25–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a few pins, avoid heavy conditioners before styling, and carry spare pins for quick touch-ups.
Tousled Braided Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium to long hair, this relaxed braided updo works best on naturally wavy or straight hair; fine hair benefits from added texture and root lift, while very thick or curly hair should be smoothed into sections before styling. Technique: create two small French or Dutch braids along the hairline toward the crown, join them into a low, messy bun or loose braided ponytail, then pancake the braids and gently pull out soft face‑framing tendrils. Finish by loosening strands across the crown for a soft, lived‑in look. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling wand (optional), small elastics, bobby pins and a teasing brush. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea‑salt spray, lightweight mousse or volumizing powder at roots, flexible hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braiding and shaping skills; allow 20–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of texturizing spray, re‑pin loose pieces as needed, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down texture. For longevity, gently rework braids each morning instead of washing.
Soft Textured Low Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, textured low updo suits medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or lightly curly textures. Fine hair benefits from a root-lift mousse or light padding; thicker or coarser hair may require stronger hold products and additional pins. Technique: start with dry, detangled hair. Apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, rough-dry for lift, then create loose waves with a 1 curling wand to add body. Lightly backcomb the crown for height, gather hair at the nape, twist sections into a low, slightly messy bun and secure with bobby pins and a small elastic. Pull out a few face-framing tendrils and gently loosen sections for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: 1 curling wand, blow-dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics and bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing/sea-salt spray, flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — basic curling and pinning skills recommended. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re-pin or re-curl loose pieces as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase and avoid heavy oils at the roots.
Textured Side Dutch-to-Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic, boho-inspired side braid suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the same look with a light texturizing product or clip-in extensions. Start on dry, pre-textured hair: create a deep side part, begin a Dutch (reverse French) braid along the crown incorporating sections toward the ear, then transition into a loose fishtail or three-strand braid down the side. Gently pancake the braid for width and pull a few face-framing tendrils free for softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a 1
Romantic Textured Crown Braid into Loose Side Fishtail Updo
This romantic, textured crown braid flowing into a loose side fishtail updo works best on medium to long hair with natural wave or light curl. Fine hair benefits from volumizing mousse and root tease; medium and thick hair will hold the structure and texture well. Start on towel-dried hair with heat protectant and a lightweight mousse, blow-dry for volume, then add sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip. Create a Dutch (or French) crown braid across the hairline, pancake each section for width, and gather remaining lengths into a loose fishtail or rope braid along one shoulder. Secure with small elastics and conceal with bobby pins, tugging pieces to soften and create face-framing tendrils. Tools: tail comb, 1 curling wand for touchups, paddle brush, elastics and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing/dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and sectioning skills; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, retuck loose strands and reapply light hairspray; deep-condition weekly to maintain shine and reduce breakage.
Loose Side Dutch Braid with Face-Framing Tendrils
This relaxed side Dutch braid works best on medium to long hair with medium or thick density; fine hair benefits from light texturizing or temporary extensions, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before braiding. Technique: create a deep side part, start a Dutch braid at the hairline and work along the crown, pulling sections under to build volume. Continue into a loose three-strand braid at the nape, then pancake the braid gently for fullness and pull a few face-framing tendrils free. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins and a wide-barrel curling iron (optional for soft waves). Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip, lightweight smoothing serum for ends, flexible-hold hairspray, and dry shampoo for second-day hold. Difficulty level: intermediate — suitable for an experienced home stylist or a stylist in salon; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh shape with dry shampoo and re-pancake sections, sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap in a scarf, re-tie elastics as needed and touch up loose tendrils with a curling iron for revived softness.
Boho Double Dutch Crown Braids with Chunky Textured Ends
This boho-inspired style pairs Dutch/crown braids along the hairline that flow into loose, pancake-style chunky braids—perfect for a textured, romantic finish. Hair type suitability: best on medium to long hair and medium-to-thick textures; fine hair can achieve the look with texturizing products or temporary clip-in extensions. Styling technique: prep with a salt spray or volumizing mousse and rough-dry; create a side or center part, pick up a front section and Dutch-braid along the hairline toward the crown, repeat on the opposite side, then continue each braid into a three-strand or rope braid. Loosen (pancake) the braids for width and softness and hide ends with small elastics or wraps. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, paddle brush, optional curling iron for a soft-wave base. Products required: texturizing/dry shampoo, heat protectant, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: Intermediate (30–50 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, retighten elastics after 2–3 days, and anchor with discreet bobby pins or decorative wraps for events.
Romantic Curly Updo with Autumn Fruit & Foliage Accent
Suitability: Best for medium-to-long hair and naturally wavy or curly textures; fine hair can still achieve this look with clip-in extensions or light padding, while very thick hair will require extra pins and stronger hold. Styling technique: Start with a volumizing blow-dry or diffuser on damp hair, apply heat protectant and mousse, then section hair. Create uniform barrel curls with a 1 curling wand or hot rollers, set briefly and cool. Loosely backcomb at the crown for lift, then gather and pin curls into a cascading half-up/side-up arrangement, securing individual curls with U-pins and long bobby pins. Attach wired foliage and decorative fruit (lightweight or faux) with floral wire and sewn-in base combs to distribute weight. Tools needed: 1 curling wand or hot rollers, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, assortment of bobby pins and U-pins, floral wire and pliers, small base combs. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, medium- to strong-hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum, dry shampoo. Difficulty level: Advanced — recommended for a stylist or experienced home stylist; allow 60–90 minutes. Maintenance tips: avoid humidity, carry travel hairspray and spare pins, refresh curls with a quick warm wand touch-up, wrap with a silk scarf overnight, and remove heavy decor carefully to prevent breakage.
Textured Boho Double Braids with Soft Face-Framing Pieces
Ideal for medium-to-long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or lightly curly textures; fine hair benefits from added texturizing or light extensions while thick hair creates more natural volume. Start on second‑day hair or slightly dirty hair for grip: apply heat protectant and a texturizing or sea-salt spray, then rough-dry while lifting the roots to build volume. Create two loose three-strand or Dutch braids beginning at the crown and work down, taking slightly larger sections for a relaxed boho effect. Secure ends with small elastics, then pancake each braid (gently pulling pieces outward) to widen and soften the look. Pull out soft face‑framing pieces and lightly tug at the crown for lift; use bobby pins to tuck and shape the back as needed. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and an optional curling wand. Products: heat protectant, dry shampoo or texturizing spray, light smoothing serum for ends, and a light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo and a mist of texturizer, re-pancake daily, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve texture.
Boho Braided Crown Updo with Micro Braids and Natural Accents
This textured boho braided crown updo pairs a wide Dutch/French crown braid with several smaller accent micro-braids and a low braided bun finished with natural wheat/feather accents. Hair type suitability: best on medium to long lengths and medium to thick densities; fine hair can be pre-textured or augmented with clip-in extensions. Styling technique (salon approach): prep hair with light texturizing spray, create a deep Dutch/French braid along the hairline, add one or two small three-strand or fishtail micro-braids beside it, gather remaining hair into a loose low bun and wrap the braids into the bun, then pancake the braids for width and pull soft face-framing tendrils. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand for pre-texture and a fine-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, salt or texturizing spray (or powder), small amount of styling cream or pomade for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray, and a light shine serum. Difficulty level: intermediate–advanced (35–60 minutes); recommend a pro for formal events. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and gently remove decorative accents to preserve braid shape.
Textured Dutch Crown with Voluminous Side Fishtail Braid
This look suits long hair best and works particularly well on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the same fullness with light clip-in extensions, and loose waves or relaxed curls hold the style more easily than completely straight strands. Start by applying a sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse to damp hair and rough-dry for grip. Create a deep side part and Dutch-braid the front hair into a crown, pancaking the sections as you go to build volume. Gather the remaining hair to the side and transition the crown into a loose fishtail, tugging each weave to create that soft, chunky effect. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a 1–1.25
As a stylist, my best advice is to choose a look that fits your morning routine and the event’s vibe. If time is limited, textured waves or a low bun are quick, forgiving options that mask day-two hair. For longer hold, start with a light mousse on damp hair, use medium heat with a protectant, and finish with a flexible-hold spray so hair moves but stays in place. Fine hair benefits from root-lifting spray and padding; thick or curly hair shines in defined braids secured with elastics and pins. Pack a mini touch-up kit—travel hairspray, bobby pins, and a small comb—for last-minute fixes at the table. For color-treated hair, use gentler heat settings and protective products. Above all, adapt any of these 22 looks to your personal style and enjoy the process—holiday hairstyling should feel fun, not stressful. If you want personalized guidance, bring a photo and I’ll help you tweak a look to suit your hair.