As a salon stylist with over a decade behind the chair, I’ve curated 24 Thanksgiving hairstyles for women that balance comfort, polish, and longevity. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, attending a formal holiday brunch, or photographing candid memories, these looks work for long, medium, and short hair, and for straight, wavy, or curly textures. You’ll find quick everyday options—soft waves, low ponytails and simple braids—alongside elevated updos and romantic half-up styles for more formal gatherings. Each image includes easy-to-follow styling tips, suggested products for hold and shine, and timing notes so you can pick looks that fit your morning routine. I’ll also share substitution ideas for hair accessories and heat-free alternatives for fragile or freshly colored hair. Use these examples as a starting point to adapt to your face shape, neckline, and outfit for a flattering, stress-free holiday hairstyle.
Textured Braided Crown Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and works especially well on wavy or relaxed curly textures. Fine hair benefits from pre-texturizing; thick hair will create more volume naturally. Technique: create a soft Dutch/French braid from one temple across the crown, pancake the braid for width, gather remaining hair into a low loose bun at the nape and weave remaining sections into the bun for a messy, romantic finish. Pull a few face-framing tendrils and soften with fingers. From salon experience, backcombing the crown slightly before braiding helps maintain lift without stiffness. Tools: paddle brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, curling wand (1–1.25) and optional hair donut. Products: salt or texturizing spray, lightweight mousse or root lift for fine hair, smoothing cream for frizz, flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine serum for flyaway control. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loosened sections, retouch tendrils with a quick curl, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve texture.
Textured Braided Crown with Loose Fishtail and Autumn Feather Accents
This romantic textured braided crown paired with a loose side fishtail and seasonal feather or leaf accents works best on medium to thick hair with natural wave or curl; fine hair will need clip-in pieces or volumizing product to achieve equivalent body. Styling technique: section a front Dutch/French braid across the hairline to form the crown, gently pancake the braid for width, then gather remaining hair to form a relaxed fishtail or rope braid down one side. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, pull soft face‑framing tendrils, and secure with discreet elastics and bobby pins. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1
Textured Boho Double Dutch Braids with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed, textured double Dutch-braid look works best on medium to long hair with medium to thick density; fine hair can achieve the same effect with a texturizing spray or clip-in extensions. Start on dry hair: mist with a salt or texturizing spray, create a deep side part and section the hair into two. Braid each side using an underhand (Dutch) technique, adding hair as you move down, then finish with a loose three-strand braid. Pancake the braids (gently pull edges outward) to build volume and softness, and leave a few face-framing tendrils free for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and an optional 1
Textured Dutch Crown into Loose Side Braid — Braided Updo for Medium to Long Hair
Suitability: Works best on medium to long hair with medium to thick density; straight, wavy or slightly curly textures hold the shape well. Fine hair will benefit from texturizing products or clip-in pieces for added volume. Styling technique: Start with towel-dried hair prepped with a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray for grip. Create a deep side part and begin a Dutch (inside-out) braid along the hairline, adding hair as you move toward the nape. Pancake the braid by gently pulling the outer loops to widen and soften the crown for that textured, full look. Continue into a loose three-strand braid down the side and secure with a small elastic. Tuck and pin any flyaways for a polished finish. Tools & products: Fine-tooth tail comb, paddle brush, small elastics, bobby pins, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Time & difficulty: Moderate skill level; expect 20–35 minutes depending on experience. Maintenance tips: Refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake braid sections to restore volume. Sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap hair to reduce frizz. Re-secure loose pieces with pins rather than re-braiding every day.
Romantic Double Twisted Rope Braids — Textured Two-Strand Style
This romantic double twisted rope braid suits medium to long hair and works best on naturally wavy or thick textures; fine or very straight hair will benefit from pre-texturizing. Technique: create a clean center part, take a front section on each side and begin two-strand rope twists (or a shallow Dutch twist for added lift), incorporating small face-framing sections as you move toward the nape. Continue twisting to the ends and secure with small elastics, then pancake the twists gently for width and soft texture. Tools: fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, light-hold elastics, and a tail comb for neat parts. Products: apply a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray to damp hair for grip, a small amount of smoothing cream to control frizz, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic two-strand twist/braiding coordination and even tension; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap in a silk scarf, refresh shape by misting with water or texturizer and re-pancaking, and re-twist ends as needed to extend wear for 2–3 days.
Romantic Victorian-Style Voluminous Updo with Autumn Floral Accents
This romantic, textured updo is ideal for medium to long hair and can be adapted for fine or thick textures — fine hair benefits from a volumizing pad or teased base, while very thick hair should be sectioned and pinned in smaller subsections. Start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then create loose S-waves with a 1–1½ curling iron. Section and backcomb the crown lightly for height, twist and pin back sections into a low-to-mid chignon, leaving face‑framing tendrils. Use U‑pins and strong bobby pins to secure shape; wire or floral tape any decorative foliage or beads into the design. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, round brush, curling iron, hair rat/pad (optional), bobby pins, U‑pins, floral wire. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate–advanced (45–75 minutes). Maintenance tips: re-spray roots and pins after transport, refresh tendrils with a small barrel iron, sleep with a silk scarf or re-pin for longevity, and avoid heavy oils at the roots.
Textured Halo (Crown) Braid with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic halo braid works best on medium to long hair with medium to thick density; fine hair can achieve the look with light extensions or teased roots for grip. Start by adding texture with a salt or texturizing spray and rough-dry the hair. Create a deep part if preferred, then take sections and French- or Dutch-braid around the hairline, pancake each braid for width and softness, and pin the ends underneath the braid to form a continuous crown. Leave 2–4 face‑framing tendrils and softly curl them with a 1–1.25 in curling wand for a lived‑in finish. Tools needed: rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, curling wand, teasing brush. Products recommended: sea salt/texturizer, light heat protectant, light hold hairspray, finishing serum for flyaways, and dry shampoo to refresh volume. Difficulty: intermediate — requires braid control and pinning, allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of texturizer, re‑pin loosening sections, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the braid down.
Romantic Vintage Rolled Updo with Autumn Fruit Accents
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and best on medium to thick textures, this romantic rolled updo uses volume and pinned rolls to create an elevated, editorial look. For fine hair, add a lightweight padding or volumizing mousse to build body before styling. Start by sectioning the hair, applying heat protectant, and creating soft waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron to give grip. Backcomb the crown lightly for lift, then form smooth roll sections across the head and secure each roll with long bobby pins and U-pins. Integrate decorative elements—dried fruit, faux berries or sculpted props—by wiring each piece and anchoring to the hairstyle with hairpins rather than gluing directly to hair. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling iron, long bobby pins, U-pins, floral wire and wire cutters, elastic bands. Products: texturizing spray, light-to-medium hold hairspray, smoothing cream, shine serum, and heat protectant. Difficulty: advanced-intermediate; expect 45–90 minutes in a salon. Maintenance tips: mist with flexible hairspray, tuck extra pins for security, avoid heavy moisture, transport accessories separately, and gently remove wired pieces to protect the style.
Boho Crown Braid Into Low Bun with Autumn Floral Accent
This romantic updo suits medium to thick hair and shoulder-length to long cuts; fine hair can achieve the look with added texture or light padding. Start on second-day hair for grip: mist heat protectant, rough-curl sections with a 1–1.25 iron to add body, and apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots. Create a loose crown braid (Dutch or French) along the hairline, gently pancake the braid for width, then gather the remaining hair into a low, messy bun at the nape. Secure with elastics and crosswise bobby pins, tucking the braid into the bun and leaving a few face-framing strands. Finish by placing a seasonal floral or berry accent on the side and locking everything with a medium-hold hairspray. Tools: tail comb, 1–1.25 curling iron, elastics, assorted bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray/dry shampoo, smoothing serum for flyaways, medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo, re-pin loose pieces as needed, and remove accessories gently to preserve both hair and decoration.
Bohemian Textured Fishtail Braid with Loose Face-Framing and Floral Accents
Suitable for medium to long hair—straight, wavy or lightly curly—this bohemian textured fishtail works especially well on hair with natural movement or when enhanced with texture. Fine hair benefits from volumizing products or clip-in extensions; thick hair creates a fuller, more dramatic braid. Technique: prep with a sea-salt or texturizing spray and rough-dry for grip. Create a small crown braid or twist at the hairline, bring hair to one side and fishtail-braid loosely from mid-length, tugging sections to pancake the braid for width and softness. Leave delicate face-framing pieces loose. Secure with a small elastic and hide band with a wrapped strand or pins; add feathers or floral accents last. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling iron or wand (optional). Products required: volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing spray/dry shampoo, lightweight smoothing serum for ends, medium-hold flexible hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate—about 25–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake or tighten sections as needed, and remove decorative pieces before bed to prevent breakage.
Romantic Crown Braid Updo with Autumn Floral Accents
This soft crown braid updo suits medium-to-long hair and flatters straight, wavy and loosely curled textures. Fine hair should be pre-texturized or slightly teased for grip; thick hair works well but may be easier if sectioned. Technique: start on second-day hair or add dry shampoo/texturizing spray, part where desired and create a Dutch/French braid along the hairline on each side (or a single halo braid), pancake the braid for width, then wrap and pin the braid into a crown, allowing a few face-framing tendrils to fall. Finish by tucking in floral accents or pins. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, plenty of bobby pins (U-pins for hold) and a denman or paddle brush. Products required: texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, medium-hold hairspray and a dry shampoo for day-after refresh. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires consistent tension and pinning skills (30–45 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, avoid heavy oils that can weigh braid down, and touch up with hairspray as needed.
Textured Curly High Updo with Decorative Feather Accent
This elevated, textured updo is ideal for naturally curly to coily hair (type 2C–4), and can also be achieved on straighter hair with pre-texturizing or clip-in curls. Begin on clean, conditioned hair: apply a leave-in cream and lightweight mousse to damp hair, then diffuse or air-dry to enhance curl pattern. Gather hair to the crown and loosely form a high bun, securing with a fabric-covered elastic and bobby pins while leaving a few face-framing tendrils for softness. Use a small curling wand to refine tendrils if needed. Attach a feathered hairpiece or comb at the temple or slightly behind the ear and anchor with hidden pins. Tools: wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, diffuser, small curling wand, elastic, bobby pins, teasing comb. Products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream/mousse, light gel for hold, texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray, and a drop of lightweight oil for shine. Difficulty: moderate — 25–40 minutes depending on curl density. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or pineapple the bun, refresh with a water + leave-in spritz, re-pin loose pieces, and store/remove feathers carefully to avoid moisture and damage.
Loose Textured Fishtail Braid with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium-to-long hair, this loose textured fishtail braid with soft face‑framing tendrils works best on natural waves or straight hair that’s been pre-textured; medium to thick densities hold the shape most easily. Begin by applying a heat protectant and a texturizing or sea‑salt spray to damp or dry hair. Use a 1 curling wand to add loose bends for grip, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then gather hair to one side and create a relaxed fishtail braid. Gently pancake the braid by pulling sections to widen it, leave a few thin front pieces free as tendrils, secure with a clear elastic and conceal the band with a wrapped strand pinned underneath. Finish with a flexible‑hold hairspray and a small dab of smoothing serum on the ends. Tools: 1 curling wand, tail comb, clips, small elastic bands, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea‑salt spray, dry shampoo, light serum, flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: Intermediate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist & scrunch, retighten or redo the braid as needed, sleep loosely braided or on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy oils at the roots. For fine hair use clip‑in pieces or extra backcombing; for very thick hair, braid in sections and use stronger elastics.
Textured Braided Low Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils and Autumn Leaf Accent
This romantic, textured braided low updo suits medium to long hair lengths and is ideal for wavy or curly textures; medium‑thick hair gives the best hold and volume (fine hair benefits from volumizing products or a small padding/extension). Technique: rough‑dry with a volumizing mousse, create a loose braid or twist along the crown, gather remaining hair into a low twisted bun, then pancake and pull pieces for softness. Leave 2–3 face‑framing tendrils and curl them with a 1
Long Romantic Corkscrew Curls with Autumn Leaf Crown
Salon-friendly long romantic corkscrew curls topped with an autumn leaf crown — ideal for long, medium-to-thick hair and for anyone seeking a soft, bohemian formal look. To create it, start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant throughout. Blow-dry smooth or diffuse to preserve natural texture. Section hair into 1-inch subsections and wrap each around a ½–¾ inch curling wand or small-barrel iron, holding 8–12 seconds for defined corkscrew ringlets. Alternate curl direction for a natural finish and lightly cool each curl pinned to the head before releasing. Sweep the top sections back into a loose half-up shape and secure with pins; tuck an autumn leaf or floral crown into the crown for a finished look. Tools: ½–¾ curling wand or iron, clips, bobby pins, tail comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, light serum, flexible-hold hairspray, texturizing spray. Difficulty: intermediate — time-consuming and requires precise sectioning. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, refresh with a water + mousse spritz or gentle low-heat touch-ups, and avoid heavy oils that weigh curls down.
Romantic Messy Crown Braid Updo for Wavy to Curly Hair
This soft, romantic crown braid updo suits medium to thick wavy or curly hair and can be adapted for finer textures with added padding or texturizing. Start on towel-dried hair sprayed with heat protectant; rough-dry or diffuse to enhance natural wave. Section hair into two or three large panels, loosely French- or Dutch-braid each section toward the back, then pin the braid ends into a crown shape, pulling gently on braid loops to create volume and an undone finish. Leave a few face-framing tendrils and softly curl them with a 1–1.25 inch wand for a cohesive look. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, 1–1.25 in curling wand, blow dryer/diffuser. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip, lightweight smoothing cream for flyaways, medium-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–45 minutes depending on length and experience. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin any loosened pieces, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down texture.
Bohemian Textured Braided Updo with Feather Accents
This boho-inspired textured braided updo works best on medium to long hair and is ideal for naturally wavy or curly textures — straight hair can achieve the same look after light curling or texturizing. Start by prepping with a sea-salt spray or mousse and a heat protectant; create a loose Dutch/French braid along the crown, then form several chunky rope or fishtail braids down each side. Pancake the braids (gently pull edges) to build volume, gather and pin them into a relaxed low bun or side cascade, and weave in feather accents or small accessories using small elastics or hair wire. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling wand, small elastics, bobby pins, and hair wire or a feather pick. Products: sea-salt/texturizing spray, lightweight mousse, heat protectant, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing cream for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 45–75 minutes; a stylist is recommended for event-ready symmetry. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo and texturizer, tighten pins as needed, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down the style or loosen feathers.
Autumn Crown with Double Fishtail Braids and Rustic Floral Accents
This autumn-inspired crown combines textured crown braids with two chunky fishtail braids and natural decorative accents. Best for medium to long hair and ideal for medium-to-thick or naturally wavy/curly textures; fine hair can be prepped with padding or clip-in pieces to build volume. Start on dry, textured hair: apply salt spray or texturizing mousse, create a clean center part, and French/Dutch braid along the hairline to form a soft crown. Gather remaining hair into two loose fishtail braids, gently pancake them for width, and secure with small elastics. Pin a lightweight floral crown, dried leaves, or seasonal accents into the crown braid using U-pins and short bobby pins so decorations sit flat. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins/U-pins, curling wand (optional). Products: texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray, and a shine mist. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires braiding skill and time (30–60 minutes). Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf, re-secure pins after wear, refresh texture with dry shampoo and re-pancake braids as needed; avoid moisture to preserve decorations.
Loose Textured Side Braid with Autumn Floral Accents
This loose, textured side braid is ideal for medium to long hair with natural wave or thick density; fine hair can also wear it with added extensions or volumizing product. Start by misting hair with salt or texturizing spray and a light mousse at the roots. Create soft volume at the crown with backcombing or a 1
Voluminous Textured Side Fishtail Braid for Wavy and Curly Hair
This relaxed, voluminous side fishtail braid works best on medium to long hair with natural wave or loose curls; thick hair gives the fullest effect, while fine hair benefits from texturizing spray or clip-in pieces. Start with clean, towel-dried hair treated with heat protectant and a root-lifting mousse. Rough-dry with a diffuser or blow dryer, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand for added texture. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, sweep hair to one side and begin a loose fishtail braid, pulling sections apart as you go to pancake and increase volume. Secure with a small elastic and hide with bobby pins, leaving face-framing pieces soft. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes depending on length. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, retouch loose waves with a curling wand and tighten any loose pins; avoid over-brushing to preserve texture.
Boho Braided Halo with Feather Extensions — Loose Waves & Textured Crown
This boho braided halo with feather extensions suits medium to thick hair and works best on naturally wavy or lightly curled textures. Fine hair can still wear the look with root texturizing, temporary padding or lightweight extension support. To create it, center-part the hair, section small pieces along the hairline and three-strand or fishtail braid each side, then pancake the braids for volume and wrap them around the crown, securing with bobby pins. Leave the remaining lengths in loose beachy waves or soft curls for movement. Attach feather extensions into the lower sides or weave them through the braids using micro-rings, thread wraps or clip-in feather pieces depending on your preferred method. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling wand, micro-ring pliers or extension clips (if applicable). Products: heat protectant, salt spray or texturizing mist, light-hold hairspray and a lightweight smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — allow 30–45 minutes for an experienced stylist and longer for beginners. Maintenance tips: avoid heavy oils near attachment points, sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, and check or reinstall feather pieces every 4–6 weeks.
Romantic Braided Side Updo with Fishtail and Floral Accent
Suitable for medium to long hair, this romantic braided side updo combines a crown/halo braid with a loose fishtail-style braid and floral accent. Best on medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from light teasing or volumizing product and clip-in padding, while naturally curly hair can be smoothed slightly or embraced for more texture. Technique: create a deep side part, French/Dutch braid along the hairline to the opposite side, transition into a loose fishtail or rope braid, pancake the braid for width, and wrap/tuck the tail into a low side bun. Anchor with pins and finish with a dried-flower comb or accessory. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling iron (optional), and a fine-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, sea-salt or texturizing spray, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — about 30–45 minutes in a salon; longer for beginners. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer, and tighten pins before events to keep shape. Avoid heavy oils on decorative flowers.
Boho Double Braided Space Buns with Wrapped Accents
This boho double-bun style suits medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy or curly textures — textured or slightly layered hair gives the style grip; fine hair benefits from clip-in extensions or volumizing powder. Technique: create a clean center part, French/Dutch braid small sections along the hairline toward two high side sections, incorporate decorative threads or ribbon into the braids, then coil each braid into a loose bun and pin securely. Tools: rat-tail comb for parting, hair clips, small clear elastics, strong bobby pins, sectioning clips and a tail comb. Products: dry shampoo or texturizing spray for grip, light pomade or edge-control for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray and a lightweight shine serum if desired. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and neat parting; allow 30–60 minutes in the salon. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo and re-pin any loose strands, avoid heavy oils that weigh braids down, and re-tighten pins each 2–3 days. For longer wear, avoid excessive friction and remove gently to preserve hair health.
Voluminous Boho Dutch-French Braided Side Braid with Floral Accents
This romantic, voluminous side braid suits medium-to-long lengths and works best on normal to thick textures; fine hair benefits from texturizing products or clip-in pieces for added fullness. Prep hair dry with a heat protectant and a root-lifting mousse, then rough-dry to create body. Technique: begin with Dutch/French braids at the crown, guiding sections toward one side and merging into a loose three-strand or pull-through braid. Pancake each section to widen and soften the shape, and secure decorative elements with pins. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 3–5 small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling wand (optional) and a paddle brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root spray, texturizing/salt spray, light-hold hairspray and a small smoothing serum or pomade for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–60 minutes depending on length and detail; best executed by a stylist for precise crown braiding. Maintenance: sleep on silk or wrap with a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, retuck loose pieces with pins, avoid heavy conditioners at the roots to keep grip, and reapply light hairspray for longwear.
Whether you choose a relaxed braid, voluminous waves, or a classic chignon, prep and finish are what turn a good Thanksgiving hairstyle into a great one. Start two to three days before with a nourishing mask if your hair is dry, or a light clarifying shampoo if it’s heavy with product. Use a heat protectant before any hot tools and balance hold and movement with a flexible-hold hairspray and a lightweight serum on the ends. For thin or fine hair, work texture with a root-lifting spray and dry-shampoo boost; for thick or curly hair, detangle with a wide-tooth comb and seal moisture with an oil. If time’s tight, practice the look once the week prior and bring bobby pins, a travel comb, and mini hairspray to touch up. Above all, pick a style that feels comfortable — confidence is the best finishing touch. — Lena