Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over 10 years of experience creating red-carpet and everyday looks. In this post you’ll find 28 Christmas party hairstyles for women, illustrated with images and styling notes to help you pick the perfect holiday look. I curated styles that suit every hair length and texture: quick festive waves for short hair, soft romantic updos for medium lengths, and intricate braids and voluminous curls for long hair. Whether you’re attending an office party, a family dinner, or a glamorous holiday ball, I’ll guide you on which cuts and textures work best and which products to use. Expect pro tips on prepping hair, heat settings, pin placement, and finishing products so your style lasts through dinner, dancing, and after-party photos. Use the image set for inspiration, then adapt the technique to your own hair type and accessories.
Textured Braided Crown Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic braided crown updo suits medium to long hair and works well on fine to medium-thick textures; wavy hair gives the best natural body, while straight hair benefits from pre-texturizing. Styling technique: prep damp hair with volumizing mousse, rough-dry, then create loose waves with a 1 curling wand to add grip. Section hair and braid along the hairline (Dutch or regular three-strand braid) or create two braids that meet at the nape; pancake the braid for width, tuck and pin into a crown shape, and pull out soft face‑framing tendrils for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: tail comb, paddle brush, 1 curling wand, sectioning clips, small elastics, plenty of bobby pins and a blow dryer. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, light-to-medium hold hairspray and a small amount of shine serum. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires braiding and pinning skills; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo, retouch stray tendrils with a curling iron, replace pins as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose silk wrap to preserve shape.
Romantic Crown Braid with Vintage Waves and Berry Accents
This romantic crown braid with vintage finger waves and berry accents works well on medium-to-thick hair and on layered hair when lengths reach at least chin-level. Fine hair will benefit from lightweight padding or clip-in extensions to build volume; naturally wavy or straight textures are easiest to shape. Technique: create a clean center part, carve finger-wave shapes at the front with a small-barrel flat iron and styling gel, then French/Dutch-braid each side from the hairline toward the nape and pin the braids into a low twisted bun on each side; tuck ends and secure with bobby pins. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron or flat iron, paddle brush, plenty of bobby pins and small elastics. Products: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or root-lift spray, sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip, medium-hold hairspray, and a finishing shine serum. Difficulty: Moderate–advanced; allow 45–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo and a light mist of hairspray, and re-pin any loose pieces before events. For fragile lengths, avoid over-brushing to preserve the waves.
Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Soft Face‑Framing Curls
This romantic, tousled side fishtail braid works best on medium to thick hair and on natural waves or curls; fine straight hair can achieve the same effect after light curling and texturizing. Start on damp hair with a root-lifting product, then blow-dry or diffuse to create body. Create loose, soft curls with a 1–1.25 in curling wand for added texture, backcomb slightly at the crown for lift, then gather hair to one side and weave a loose fishtail braid. Gently pancake the braid to widen the plaits and pull small face‑framing pieces free for a lived-in look. Tools: curling wand, blow dryer, wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, small elastic, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, and dry shampoo for longevity. Difficulty: moderate — allow 20–35 minutes; practice gives a neater, fuller outcome. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with misted sea-salt spray and a quick re-pancake in the morning, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to preserve volume. Ask your stylist for long layers to increase movement and reduce bulk where needed.
Romantic Double Braided Crown with Loose Curled Ends
This elegant braided crown with two loose, curled braids works best on medium to long hair and flatters fine, straight, wavy, and textured hair — thick hair will give more volume while finer hair benefits from light texturizing. Prep by applying a volumizing mousse or root lift to damp hair, rough-dry, then mist with heat protectant. Create a deep side part and French/Dutch braid along the hairline on each side, feeding hair into two loose rope or fishtail braids that meet at the nape; pancake the braids gently for width and softness. Finish the lengths with a 1 curling iron to add uniform spiral curls and conceal elastic bands, and secure the crown section with bobby pins and a decorative accessory. Tools: tail comb, 1 curling iron, elastic bands, bobby pins, blow dryer. Products: volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, heat protectant, light-hold flexible hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires basic braiding skill and curling. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely re-braid, refresh curls with a quick iron pass, and revive texture with a few sprays of dry shampoo or texturizing spray.
Textured Curly Romantic Updo with Face‑Framing Pieces
This romantic textured updo works best on medium to thick hair with natural wave or curl; fine or straight hair can achieve the look by pre-curling for body. Start on second-day hair for better grip. Technique: section the hair, backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then wrap 1
Textured Romantic Messy Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, textured messy updo suits fine-to-medium and medium-to-thick hair and works best on shoulder-length to long hair or second-day hair with natural wave. In the salon we start by protecting hair with a heat protectant, then rough-dry with a diffuser or blow-dryer to retain body. Create loose waves with a 1
Voluminous Half-Up Curls with Festive Hair Ornaments
A glamorous half-up style that combines height at the crown with large, polished curls and decorative ornaments — ideal for bridal or holiday looks. Best suited to medium-to-long hair and works well on wavy or straight textures; fine hair can achieve the look with added texturizing and root lift, while very thick hair may require stronger hold. Technique: prep with heat protectant and volumizing mousse, blow-dry with a round brush, section the hair, then curl 1–1.25 barrel pieces away from the face. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, sweep and pin the top sections into a soft half-up shape, arrange the curls to one side, and secure decorative pieces with hairpins. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, blow dryer and round brush, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins and U-pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, medium-hold hairspray, and a light shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — 35–60 minutes with basic pinning and curling skills. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo or a light mist and finger reshape, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and gently remove pins to protect the style and hair.
Romantic Textured Low Ponytail with Soft Waves and Face‑Framing Pieces
This elegant low ponytail with loose, textured waves suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick densities; fine hair can achieve the look with volumizing products or clip‑in extensions. Start with a smooth blowout at the roots and a heat protectant on mid-lengths. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand to create soft S‑shaped waves through the lengths, then lightly brush or finger‑comb for a relaxed finish. Gather hair at the nape, leaving two front face‑framing sections, and secure with a low elastic. Twist and pancake sections of the ponytail, pinning with long bobby pins to build a cascading, voluminous shape rather than a tight pony. Finish with a texturizing spray to add separation and a light-hold hairspray to lock shape without stiffness. Tools: paddle brush, tail comb, curling wand, elastics, long bobby pins, clips. Products: heat protectant, root volumizer or mousse, texturizing spray, flexible hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and a quick re‑curl, re‑pin any fallen sections, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve texture.
Romantic Textured Half-Up Braided Twist with Crystal Hairpiece
This romantic half-up textured braid and twist is ideal for medium to long hair and flatters wavy, naturally curly, or slightly straightened hair; fine hair can use lightweight clip-in extensions or padding for volume. Start by blow-drying with a root-lifting mousse and a round brush for lift at the crown. Create loose French/twist sections at the top, then gather mid-lengths into a chunky, slightly pulled-apart braid or rope twist, securing discreetly with elastics and bobby pins. Finish by pinning a crystal spray or comb over the crown for a bridal-ready focal point and curling any loose lengths for soft movement. Tools needed: 1–1.25” curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastics, and hairpins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texture/dry shampoo, light-to-medium flexible hold hairspray, and a shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — 30–45 minutes for an experienced stylist, 45–60 minutes DIY. Maintenance tips: bring extra pins, mist with flexible hairspray to avoid stiffness, smooth flyaways with a dab of serum, and sleep with a silk scarf for second-day wear.
Romantic Voluminous Side Pull-Through Braid with Soft Waves
This romantic, voluminous side pull-through braid with soft waves suits medium-to-long hair and works best on medium to thick textures. Fine hair benefits from light extensions or a texturizing powder to add grip; naturally curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling to control frizz. Start by blow-drying with a round brush for root lift, then create a deep side part and backcomb the crown lightly for volume. Use a 1–1.5 curling wand to add loose waves through the lengths, then gather hair to one side and build a series of secured sections (a pull-through or oversized fishtail technique), anchoring each section with small elastics and concealing joins with bobby pins. Gently pancake each loop for fullness and soften the face-framing pieces. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand, teasing brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing powder/spray, light-hold hairspray and a shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate (30–50 minutes). Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, mist with light hairspray, re-pin loose loops, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.
Textured Messy Updo with Curtain Bangs and Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, textured messy updo with curtain bangs suits medium to thick hair and works well on natural waves or straight hair that can take a little heat. Fine hair can achieve the look with volumizing products or light clip‑in pieces at the crown. Start with towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow‑dry using a round brush to create lift through the crown and smooth the bangs. Add loose bends with a 1-inch curling wand to the lengths for texture. Backcomb lightly at the crown for volume, gather hair into a loose high bun or knot, and secure with a small elastic and bobby pins, leaving curtain bangs and a few face‑framing tendrils out. Mist with sea‑salt or texturizing spray and tug pieces for a lived‑in finish; finish with a flexible‑hold hairspray and a tiny dab of serum on flyaways. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, tail comb, teasing brush, bobby pins. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 20–30 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo or texturizer, re‑pin loose pieces, and trim bangs every 6–8 weeks.
Vintage Side-Swept Voluminous Curls — Half-Up Glam for Medium to Long Hair
This romantic, vintage-inspired half-up style suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can be amplified with light extensions or a volumizing root powder. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse, then blow-dry with a round brush to build lift at the crown. Create 1–1.25 barrel curls with a curling wand, wrapping alternating sections away from the face for natural movement. Backcomb gently at the crown for structured volume, then smooth the top layer and sweep one side back into a soft roll or twist, securing discreetly with bobby pins. Leave lower sections loose and finger-comb to soften. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, light texturizing spray, smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic curling and pinning skills. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick re-curl of a few pieces, and tighten pins as needed for lasting hold.
Textured Braided Crown Updo — Romantic Updo for Medium to Long Hair
A polished, textured braided crown updo that reads romantic yet modern — ideal for medium to long hair and best on medium-to-thick densities. Fine hair benefits from light volumizing or clip-in pieces for fullness. Prep by blow-drying with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a smoothing serum on the lengths. Create a deep side part, then work a Dutch or French braid along the hairline, pulling slightly on each braid row (pancaking) to build width. Secure the braid ends low and wrap them into a loose, low bun; pin discreetly with strong bobby pins and hide elastics. Optional: add soft waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron before braiding to increase texture and grip. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, curling iron, and a fine-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or sea-salt spray, flexible-hold hairspray, and a light shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate (25–45 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-pin loosened areas, sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose silk wrap, and touch up face-framing pieces with a curling iron as needed.
Romantic Half-Up Braided Side Braid with Loose Curls
Ideal for medium-to-long hair (shoulder length and longer) with fine to medium density; works well on naturally straight or wavy hair—very thick hair benefits from light thinning at the ends. Technique: blow-dry with root lift, create a small Dutch/French braid along the hairline or temples, then gather the sides into a loose side plait or twist. Curl mid-lengths and ends with a 1 wand before or after braiding, then gently pancake the braid and pull out face-framing pieces for a soft, romantic finish. Tools needed: 1 curling iron or wand, tail comb, round brush, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, and bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, root volumizer or light mousse, texturizing or sea-salt spray, a light-hold hairspray, and a dab of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes in a salon or 40–60 minutes at home if you’re new to braiding. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, touch up stray curls, re-pancake the braid to restore fullness, sleep on a silk pillow or loosely pin the style to extend wear, and avoid heavy conditioners that weigh hair down.
Soft Voluminous Side‑Swept Curls for Long Wavy Hair
This elegant, side‑swept curl look works best on long to mid‑length hair and flatters naturally wavy, loose curly, or straight hair that can hold a curl. For fine hair use light root‑lifting products and a larger barrel to create volume; for thicker hair, work in smaller sections for definition. Technique: create a deep side part, blow‑dry with a round brush for lift at the roots, then wrap 1–1¼” sections around a curling iron or wand, alternating directions and curling away from the face on top‑layers. Loosely gather one side and pin back with discreet bobby pins for the side‑swept effect, finger‑comb curls to soften and blend. Tools needed: blow dryer, medium round brush, 1–1¼” curling iron or wand, tail comb, clips, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, a medium‑hold hairspray, light shine serum or oil, and dry shampoo for day‑two refresh. Difficulty: intermediate — 30–45 minutes in the salon or at home. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a few re‑curls where needed, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks.
Long Voluminous Side‑Swept Glam Waves
Suitability: Best for long medium-to-thick hair and naturally wavy textures; fine hair will need root lift or extensions for comparable volume. Styling technique: Start with a deep side part, blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the roots, then section hair into 1–2 inch panels. Wrap each section around a 1–1.25 inch curling iron or wand, alternating directions and leaving the last 1–2 inches out for soft, modern waves. Allow curls to cool completely, then gently finger-comb or brush through with a wide-tooth brush to form loose, voluminous waves and sweep to one side, securing lightly at the crown if needed. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, 1–1.25” curling iron or wand, sectioning clips, tail comb, wide-tooth brush. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root lift, flexible hold hairspray, light shine serum or oil, and dry shampoo for texture. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires consistent sectioning and curling technique. Maintenance tips: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick touch-up curl, avoid daily heat, and deep-condition weekly to retain shine and elasticity.
Loose Textured Side Braid with Festive Red Bead Embellishments
This romantic, loose textured side braid is ideal for medium to long hair and works best on naturally wavy or straight hair; fine hair benefits from added texture, while thick hair may need sectioning to keep the style light. Start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, blow-dry slightly rough, then create loose 1–1.25 barrel curls for body. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then gather hair to one side and weave a loose three‑strand or rope-style braid, adding small decorative elements (beads, ribbon, or floral picks) into the braid as you go. Tools: curling iron or wand, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and needle/thread or thin wire for securing beads. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder, flexible-hold hairspray, and a light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–60 minutes depending on embellishments. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose wrap, refresh texture with dry shampoo and a quick curl touch-up, and re-pin any loose decorations; avoid heavy oils that will weigh the braid down.
Romantic Half-Up Curls with Natural Berry Crown
This soft, half-up curly style with a decorative berry crown suits shoulder‑length to long hair and works best on natural waves, loose curls or hair that can hold a curl (fine through thick). Technique: prep hair with texture, then create loose, off‑axis curls with a 1–1.5 curling wand or diffuse to enhance natural pattern. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, sweep two small twisted sections from the temples toward the back and secure with U‑pins or a small elastic; anchor the decorative crown over these pins. Tools needed: curling wand or diffuser, sectioning clips, tail comb, U‑pins/bobby pins, small elastics and fine‑tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray, lightweight hairspray, texturizing powder and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty level: Moderate (30–60 minutes depending on density). Salon tips: set curls with clips to cool for longer hold, pin the accessory through the hair (not just the accessory) and mist pins with hairspray. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh curls with a sprayable leave‑in or water and scrunch, and re‑secure loose pieces with discreet pins to preserve shape.
Voluminous Half-Up Bridal Curls with Vintage Hair Accessories
An elegant, salon-ready half-up style combining a lifted crown with soft barrel curls and decorative bridal accessories. Best suited to medium‑to‑long hair with medium to thick density — fine hair works with clip‑in extensions or strategic padding for fullness. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and a root‑lift mousse, rough‑dry while lifting the roots, then section. Create uniform, loose barrel curls using a 1–1.25 in curling iron or hot rollers, pin each curl to cool for longer hold. Lightly backcomb the crown for height, smooth the top layer, and secure the upper section with discreet pins or a small elastic; arrange combs or pins through the secured area to anchor accessories. Tools: curling iron/hot rollers, teasing/tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and U‑pins, brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray for grip, lightweight shine serum, flexible‑to‑firm hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — plan 45–75 minutes. Maintenance tips: bring a travel hairspray and spare pins, refresh shape with a low‑heat touch‑up or steam, sleep on a satin pillowcase or loose wrap to preserve volume.
Retro Hollywood Waves — Voluminous Shoulder-Length Curled Style
Classic retro Hollywood waves for shoulder-length hair, best suited to medium-to-thick straight or slightly wavy textures. Fine hair benefits from volumizing products and root-lifting techniques; very curly hair should be relaxed with a blowout first. Technique: create a deep side part, apply heat protectant and volumizing mousse, then set large 1–1.25-inch hot rollers or use a 1-inch curling iron to form uniform S-shaped C-curls. Pin each curl and allow to cool to set the shape; unclip and gently comb through with a boar-bristle brush to form smooth, continuous waves. Tools needed: 1-inch curling iron or hot rollers, roller clips, tail comb, boar-bristle brush, sectioning clips, hairdryer. Products required: thermal protectant, volumizing mousse or setting lotion, medium-hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 45–75 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin the waves, refresh with low-heat touch-ups on the front pieces, avoid brushing aggressively, and use dry shampoo between washes to preserve volume and hold. Regular deep-conditioning keeps blonde tones glossy.
Braided Crown Half-Up with Loose Beachy Curls
This romantic braided crown half-up with loose beachy curls suits medium to long hair; it works best on medium to thick textures, though fine hair can be prepped with light extensions or root teasing for added volume. Start on dry, pre-textured hair: apply heat protectant and a light mousse, section and curl 1 pieces with a curling iron or wand away from the face, then finger-comb to soften. On one side create a loose Dutch/French braid along the hairline, secure at the back with a small elastic, pancake the braid for width, tuck the ends under and pin with U-pins and strong bobby pins. Leave face-framing pieces slightly undone for a soft finish. Tools: 1 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, U-pins and a paddle or boar-bristle brush. Products: heat protectant, root-lifting mousse or spray, sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight serum and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, re-curl flattened pieces, sleep on silk and avoid heavy products at the roots to keep the crown lifted.
Voluminous Romantic Side Braid with Soft Face-Framing Curls
Suitable for medium to thick long hair and ideal for wavy to curly textures; fine hair can achieve this look with lightweight extensions or strategic teasing. Technique: start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then rough-dry. Create a deep side part and curl the hair with a 1–1.25 barrel for body. Backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair to the side and construct a loose, textured braid using a pull-through/twisted-section method, securing sections with small elastics and hiding joins with bobby pins. Gently pancake and loosen the braid, pulling out soft face-framing tendrils for a romantic finish. Tools needed: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, small clear elastics and bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing/sea-salt spray, light-to-medium hold hairspray and a lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 25–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or loose braid, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick re-curl when needed, tighten pins as the style relaxes and avoid heavy conditioners at the roots to preserve volume.
Voluminous Textured Romantic Side Braid with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic, voluminous side braid suits medium-to-long hair and works exceptionally well on naturally wavy or curly textures; straight hair can achieve the same look after adding wave and texture. Start with a root-lift: apply heat protectant and volumizing mousse to damp hair, blow-dry loosely while lifting at the crown, or rough-dry with a diffuser for natural curls. Use a 1–1.25 curling iron to add loose waves, then mist with a texturizing spray. Create a deep side part and begin a loose, slightly twisted three-strand or Dutch braid at the nape, pulling sections outward (pancaking) to build fullness; secure with a clear elastic and hide it with a wrapped strand or pins. Pull soft tendrils at the hairline for a face-framing effect and gently mist with flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray, light smoothing serum. Difficulty: intermediate; allow 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and extra texture spray, redo pancake pulls each day, and sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap to preserve shape.
Textured Side Braid with Wispy Fringe — Voluminous Tousled Braid
This relaxed, textured side braid with wispy bangs suits medium-to-long hair and works especially well on naturally wavy or slightly textured straight hair. Fine hair benefits from root-lifting products and teasing for body, while thick hair should be smoothed slightly and sectioned to keep the braid light. Technique: start on dry hair with 1–2 pumps of volumizing mousse at roots, mist a texturizing spray through the lengths, and backcomb the crown gently for lift. Create loose sections and braid from the nape toward one shoulder (a loose French or Dutch start helps anchor volume); pull the braid apart for width and tug soft face-framing pieces free. Tools needed: tail comb, 1
Textured Messy Updo with Wispy Curtain Bangs
Suitability: This look flatters straight to wavy hair and medium-to-thick densities; fine hair can wear it with root-lifting products or temporary clip-in pieces, and curled/coily hair can be smoothed or embraced for a more voluminous finish. Styling technique: Blow-dry bangs with a round brush for soft curtain framing, apply heat protectant, then create loose waves through mid-lengths with a 1–1.25 curling wand. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair at the crown and twist into a relaxed, airy bun, securing with an elastic and bobby pins. Pull out a few face-framing strands and loosen the bun for that effortless, lived-in shape. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, teasing/rat-tail comb, elastics, strong bobby pins, and sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or sea-salt mist, dry shampoo, light-hold flexible hairspray, and a small smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: Intermediate — achievable in 20–35 minutes with basic pinning skills. Maintenance tips: Refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz, and touch up bangs with a flat iron daily for a polished finish.
Textured Half-Up Side Braid with Soft Waves and Curtain Bangs
This romantic half-up style with a soft side braid and loose waves suits medium to long hair and works especially well on naturally wavy or textured hair. Fine or straight hair can achieve the look by adding artificial texture first. Technique: start on dry hair with natural texture or create it using a 1–1.25 curling wand or diffuser on low heat. Create a loose Dutch or three-strand braid along the hairline from one temple to the crown, pull gently to pancake the braid for width, then pin at the back or slightly to the side. Sweep the remaining hair over one shoulder and enhance waves by wrapping random sections around the wand, alternating directions for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: curling wand or diffuser, tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins. Products required: texturizing/sea-salt spray, lightweight heat protectant, medium-hold flexible hairspray, and a small amount of hair oil for ends. Difficulty: medium — requires braid shaping and heat styling. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid to preserve waves, refresh with water or salt spray and finger-twist, and retouch the braid or pins as needed to maintain volume.
Romantic Low Messy Updo with Seasonal Berry Hairpiece
This soft, low messy updo suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick densities; fine hair will benefit from light texturizing or clip-in padding for fullness. Styling technique: prep with a root-lifting blow dry or apply dry shampoo to second-day hair, create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron for texture, gather hair at the nape and twist into a low, relaxed bun, securing sections with bobby pins and allowing face-framing tendrils to fall naturally. Add a lightweight seasonal berry sprig or floral pin by anchoring it into the bun with additional pins. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling iron, heat protectant, bobby pins (various sizes), small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, flexible-hold hairspray, smoothing cream or serum for flyaways, light shine spray. Difficulty level: moderate — achievable at home with practice or quick in-salon. Maintenance tips: refresh volume with dry shampoo, retuck loose pieces with spare pins, avoid heavy creams that weigh hair down, and store accessory separately to preserve shape.
Romantic Twisted Side Braid into Low Messy Bun — Soft Bridal Updo
This romantic twisted side braid swept into a low messy bun works best on medium to long hair and suits fine, medium, and thick textures — light waves or freshly curled hair give the best hold and movement. Start by adding texture with a salt or texturizing spray and a heat protectant, then loosely curl sections with a 1 curling iron for grip. Create a loose Dutch/side braid from the temple toward the back, gently pancake the braid for volume, then gather remaining hair into a low twisted bun, securing with bobby pins and a small elastic. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1 curling iron, bobby pins, small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light smoothing serum for ends, and a medium-hold flexible hairspray. Difficulty: medium — basic braiding and pinning skills required; expect 25–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh volume with dry shampoo, tuck or re-pin loose pieces as needed, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh down the soft, touchable finish.
As a working stylist, my best advice is to choose a look that complements your outfit, face shape, and the event’s vibe — then practice it once before the big night. Prep is everything: hydrate and condition in the days leading up to the party, use a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray on damp hair, and protect strands with a heat protectant before styling. For longevity, anchor updos with strong bobby pins and a flexible-hold hairspray, and refresh curls between photos with a dry shampoo or a little lightweight oil on ends. If your hair is prone to frizz, finish with an anti-humidity spray. Bring a mini styling kit (pins, clear elastics, and travel hairspray) for touch-ups. If you’re unsure, book a trial with your stylist — it saves time and stress. Enjoy experimenting with the 28 looks, and have a beautiful, confident holiday season!