Between office parties, family dinners, and New Year’s Eve plans, the holidays give you plenty of reasons to wear your hair a little differently. The right holiday hairstyles feel special without taking over your whole evening. They hold up through a long night, look great in photos, and suit the outfit you already planned.
Below, our Trophy Club stylists share the looks they recommend most often this time of year, how to choose one for your hair length and texture, and how to prep so your style lasts from the first photo to the last toast.
Key Takeaways
- Low buns, soft waves, and half-up styles work for most hair lengths and dress codes.
- Choose a style based on your event, your outfit’s neckline, and how long you will be out.
- Second-day hair often holds pins and curls better than freshly washed hair.
- Accessories like velvet bows, pearl pins, and clips update a simple style quickly.
- Booking a trim, color refresh, or blowout a few days ahead makes any style look more polished.
Sleek and Textured Low Buns
A low bun is one of the most dependable holiday looks because it suits cocktail dresses, sweaters, and everything in between. A sleek version with a center or deep side part feels modern and works well with statement earrings. A softer, textured chignon with a few face-framing pieces feels more romantic and forgiving if the night runs long.
Low buns work best on shoulder-length hair or longer. If your hair is fine, a little texture spray before pinning gives the bun more grip and fullness. If your hair is thick, sectioning it into two smaller twists before pinning keeps the bun from feeling heavy.
Bouncy Blowouts and Soft Waves
If you prefer to wear your hair down, a voluminous blowout is hard to beat. Big, brushed-out curls add movement and shine and look great on camera. For a more relaxed feel, loose waves made with a large curling iron are a good match for casual gatherings and family photos.
A professional blowout also tends to last longer than a quick one at home, which helps when you have back-to-back events. Our hair styling services include blowouts and event styling for exactly this kind of busy week.
Half-Up Styles With a Festive Accent
Half-up styles give you the best of both looks. Your hair stays off your face for dinner and conversation, and the length still shows. A simple twisted half-up style tied with a velvet ribbon is one of the easiest ways to look dressed up in minutes.
You can also swap the ribbon for a jeweled barrette, a claw clip, or a pair of pearl pins. These small accents make a style feel seasonal without extra heat or time.
Holiday Hairstyles for Short Hair
Short hair has plenty of festive options. A polished side part with a sparkly clip, a sleek tucked-behind-the-ears look, or tousled texture with a little shine spray all feel intentional. Bobs and lobs can also take a soft bend or flat-iron wave for extra movement.
If your cut has grown out since summer, a quick shape-up before the holidays can make short styles much easier to finish at home.
Classic Updos for Formal Events
When the invitation says black tie or you are heading to a formal dinner, a classic updo is a natural choice. A French twist, a polished top knot, or a structured chignon keeps your hair secure for hours and draws attention to your face, earrings, and neckline. These styles have been holiday favorites for decades because they look elegant in every kind of lighting, from candlelit tables to bright ballroom photos.
Updos usually need a bit more planning than looks worn down. Your stylist may set curls first to give the style volume and grip, then pin it in sections so it stays comfortable through dinner and dancing. If you have layers, a few shorter pieces may fall loose around your face, which many people like because it softens the shape. Bring a photo of your dress and any accessories to your appointment so the finished style matches the overall look.
Long, thick hair can feel heavy in a tall updo, so lower placements are often more comfortable for a full evening. Fine hair benefits from backcombing at the crown and a light texturizing product so the style looks full rather than flat.
Braided Styles With Holiday Polish
Braids are a smart option when you want a style that holds up through travel, children’s events, and long days of visiting family. A loose fishtail over one shoulder, a crown braid wrapped around the head, or two small braids pinned into a low bun all feel festive while staying practical. Pulling gently on the edges of a braid, often called pancaking, makes it look fuller and more relaxed.
Braided styles also tend to last into the next day. If you have back-to-back gatherings, you can sleep in a loose braid and wake up with soft waves for the second event. Add a few small gold cuffs, a ribbon woven through the braid, or a decorative pin to make the look feel seasonal.
How to Choose the Right Look for Your Event
| Event | Styles That Work Well | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office party | Sleek low bun, polished blowout | Looks put together and lasts through the workday |
| Family dinner or photos | Soft waves, half-up style | Natural movement and a relaxed, camera-friendly finish |
| Formal or New Year’s Eve | Textured chignon, glam waves | Dressier shape that stays in place for a late night |
| Casual get-together | Ribbon half-up, tousled texture | Easy to wear and quick to refresh |
Also think about your neckline. High necklines and turtlenecks pair nicely with updos, while open or off-the-shoulder styles look balanced with waves worn down.
Prep Tips So Your Style Lasts All Night
- Wash your hair the day before if you plan to wear an updo, since slightly lived-in hair holds pins better.
- Use a heat protectant before any curling iron, flat iron, or blow dryer.
- Let curls cool completely before brushing them out so they keep their shape.
- Pack a few bobby pins and a small brush or comb in your bag for touch-ups.
- Schedule trims or color a few days before your event so everything looks fresh.
If you would like help choosing a style or booking an appointment before your events, call our Trophy Club salon at (817) 290-6557.
Matching Your Hairstyle to Your Holiday Calendar
The holidays rarely bring just one event. A typical season might include a work party, a neighborhood gathering, a family dinner, a holiday card photo session, and a New Year’s Eve celebration. Planning your hair around that calendar saves time and helps every look feel fresh.
Start by listing your events and noting which ones matter most for photos. Save your most polished style, such as a professional blowout or updo, for the occasion where you will be photographed the most. For casual gatherings, a simple half-up style or a low bun you can do at home works well. If several events fall in the same week, a blowout early in the week can carry you through a few days, especially if you finish with a braid or bun on the later days.
Family photos deserve a little extra thought. Styles with some volume and soft movement usually photograph better than very flat or very tight looks. Keep your part where you normally wear it so the photos still look like you, and avoid trying a brand-new color or cut the day before a session. Giving a new color a few days to settle helps the tone look natural on camera.
Caring for Your Hair Through the Holiday Season
Frequent styling, cold air, and indoor heating can leave hair dry and more prone to frizz during the winter months. A weekly conditioning treatment helps restore moisture between events, and using heat protectant every time you style keeps hot tools from causing extra damage. If cold, dry air leaves your hair flyaway, our guide on how to get rid of static hair has quick fixes.
Keep an eye on your ends, too. Holiday styling can make split ends more noticeable, especially in curls and updos. Our tips on how to prevent hair breakage can help, and a trim before the season starts makes every style look cleaner into the new year.
If you color your hair, color-safe shampoo, lukewarm rinses, and fewer wash days help your shade stay vibrant through every party photo. A softer, blended color like balayage can also stretch the time between appointments during your busiest weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Easiest Holiday Hairstyles to Do at Home?
A half-up style with a ribbon or clip and a simple low bun are the easiest options for most people. Both take only a few minutes, need few tools, and work with many hair lengths. Adding a small accessory makes either one feel festive.
Should I Wash My Hair Right Before an Updo?
Many stylists prefer second-day hair for updos because freshly washed hair can be slippery and harder to pin. If your hair gets oily quickly, a little dry shampoo at the roots can help. Ask your stylist what works best for your texture.
How Can I Make Curls Last Through a Long Party?
Start with a heat protectant, curl in smaller sections, and let each curl cool before touching it. A light hold hairspray finishes the look. Avoid heavy products that can weigh curls down over the course of the evening.
What Holiday Hairstyles Work for Short Hair?
A sleek side part with a decorative clip, tucked-back styles, and tousled texture all work well on short hair. Bobs and lobs can also take soft waves for added movement. A fresh trim beforehand helps short styles look polished.
When Should I Book a Holiday Hair Appointment?
Book as early as you can, since the weeks around the holidays tend to be busy for salons. Many clients schedule cuts and color a few days to a week before their first big event so the results look fresh but settled.
Can a Salon Style My Hair for a Holiday Event?
Yes. David Ryan Salon offers hair styling, including blowouts and event looks. Call our Trophy Club location at (817) 290-6557 to ask about availability and the right appointment for your plans.
Ready for Your Holiday Look?
Whether you want a sleek bun for the office party or soft waves for family photos, our Trophy Club stylists can help you plan a style that fits your hair and your calendar. Visit David Ryan Salon at 2210 SH 114, Suite 240, Trophy Club, TX 76262 or call (817) 290-6557.