Step Into the Season With 14 Effortlessly Elegant Holiday Hairstyles

STYLE
By Gwen Stockton

The holiday season is the perfect time to experiment with your hair and try something new.

Whether you’re heading to a festive party, a family gathering, or just want to feel extra special during the celebrations, the right hairstyle can make all the difference.

From classic Hollywood glamour to modern touches with bows and pearls, there’s a look for everyone to enjoy this season.

1. Holiday Glam (Classic Hollywood Waves)

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Channel your inner movie star with timeless waves that never go out of style.

Classic Hollywood waves bring instant sophistication to any holiday outfit, making you feel like you just stepped off a red carpet.

Creating this look requires a curling iron and some patience, but the results are absolutely worth it.

Start by curling large sections of hair away from your face, then brush through gently to create those signature S-shaped waves.

Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place through hours of dancing and celebrating.

This hairstyle works beautifully on medium to long hair and pairs perfectly with vintage-inspired dresses or modern evening gowns.

2. Sleek Chignon

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Nothing says refined elegance quite like a perfectly executed chignon.

This low bun sits gracefully at the nape of your neck, creating a polished look that works for both formal dinners and cocktail parties.

The beauty of a sleek chignon lies in its simplicity and versatility.

You can dress it up with decorative pins or keep it minimalist for understated sophistication.

The key is ensuring your hair is smooth and free of flyaways before twisting it into place.

A little gel or smoothing serum goes a long way in achieving that glass-like finish.

This style is particularly flattering when paired with statement earrings that can truly shine without competing with your hair.

3. Elevated Ponytail

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Who says ponytails are just for the gym?

An elevated ponytail transforms this everyday style into something truly special for the holidays.

Positioned high on the crown, this look adds instant drama and sophistication to your appearance.

The secret to making this work is all about the details.

Wrap a section of hair around the elastic to hide it, and tease the ponytail itself for extra volume and bounce.

You can also curl the ends for added glamour or keep them straight for a more modern vibe.

This style keeps hair off your face while still looking incredibly chic, making it perfect for busy hostesses or party-goers who want to look fabulous all night long.

4. Wavy Bob

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Short hair doesn’t mean limited options when it comes to holiday styling.

A wavy bob offers the perfect balance between casual and dressed-up, giving you an effortlessly chic look that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.

Using a small curling wand or even a flat iron, you can create loose, tousled waves that add movement and dimension to your bob.

The key is not making the waves too perfect—a little imperfection adds to the relaxed, modern feel.

Run your fingers through the curls to break them up slightly.

This style works wonderfully for daytime holiday events or evening gatherings where you want to look put-together without appearing overly formal or trying too hard.

5. Soft Volume Waves

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Imagine walking into a room with hair that looks like it was styled by a professional, full of bounce and beautiful movement.

Soft volume waves deliver exactly that—a romantic, feminine look that photographs beautifully and feels special.

Unlike tight curls or structured waves, this style focuses on creating natural-looking volume throughout your hair.

Use a large-barrel curling iron and alternate the direction of your curls for a more organic appearance.

Once cooled, gently separate the curls with your fingers rather than a brush.

The result is hair with incredible body and shine that moves naturally as you do, perfect for twirling on the dance floor or simply enjoying the festivities with confidence.

6. Half-Up Bun

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Can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down?

The half-up bun gives you the best of both worlds in one stylish package.

This trendy look keeps hair out of your face while still showing off your length and texture.

Creating this style is wonderfully simple—just gather the top section of your hair and twist it into a small bun or knot on your crown.

You can make it sleek and polished or messy and relaxed, depending on your personal preference and the event you’re attending.

Leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer, more romantic feel.

This versatile style transitions easily from day to night and works on virtually any hair length past your shoulders.

7. Black Velvet Headband Accent

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Sometimes the simplest additions make the biggest impact on your overall look.

A black velvet headband instantly elevates any hairstyle, adding a touch of vintage glamour and sophistication that feels perfectly suited for the season.

The rich texture of velvet brings a luxurious quality that complements holiday outfits beautifully.

Simply smooth your hair back or leave it flowing naturally, then place the headband about an inch back from your hairline.

You can wear this with straight hair, waves, or even a low ponytail.

The contrast of the dark velvet against your hair creates a striking visual effect that photographs wonderfully and requires virtually no styling skills to pull off successfully.

8. Pearl Accents

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Pearls aren’t just for necklaces anymore—they’ve become one of the hottest hair accessories for adding instant elegance to any style.

Scattered throughout an updo or woven into braids, pearl accents bring a delicate, feminine touch that feels both classic and contemporary.

You can find pearl bobby pins, hair combs, and decorative clips in various sizes to match your personal style.

The beauty of pearls is their versatility—use just a few for subtle sophistication or go bold with multiple pieces for a statement look.

They catch the light beautifully and add dimension to your hairstyle.

This accessory works with virtually any hair color and complements everything from simple ponytails to elaborate updos perfectly.

9. Golden Headbands

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Add some sparkle to your holiday look with a golden headband that catches every light in the room.

Whether you choose a thin, delicate band or a wider statement piece, gold accessories bring warmth and festivity that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

Metallic gold complements all hair colors beautifully, from deep brunettes to bright blondes.

Style your hair in loose waves or keep it straight—the headband does all the decorative work for you.

You can position it traditionally across your forehead or push it back slightly for a more modern placement.

This is one of those accessories that makes you look instantly put-together, even if you spent minimal time on your actual hairstyle underneath.

10. Major Bow-ment (Oversized Bow Hairstyle)

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Make a bold statement this holiday season with an oversized bow that turns heads and starts conversations.

This playful yet sophisticated accessory adds instant personality to your look, proving that you don’t take yourself too seriously while still looking absolutely fabulous.

Oversized bows work beautifully attached to ponytails, positioned at the base of a bun, or even clipped to the side of your head.

Choose velvet for luxury, satin for shine, or grosgrain ribbon for a more structured appearance.

The size of the bow ensures you’ll stand out in photos and make a memorable impression.

This trend perfectly balances whimsy with elegance, making it ideal for those who want to embrace the festive spirit while maintaining a polished appearance.

11. Textured Ribbons

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Ribbons woven through your hair create a romantic, fairytale quality that feels magical for holiday celebrations.

Unlike bows that sit on top of your style, textured ribbons become part of the hairstyle itself, threading through braids or wrapping around ponytails for an integrated look.

Choose ribbons in festive colors like deep burgundy, forest green, or classic red to embrace the season fully.

You can also opt for metallics or subtle neutrals for a more understated approach.

The texture of the ribbon—whether silk, velvet, or grosgrain—adds visual interest and dimension to your hair.

This technique works especially well with braided styles but can also be wrapped around buns or twisted into updos for endless creative possibilities throughout the season.

12. Braids to Bun

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Combining two classic techniques, the braids-to-bun style offers intricate beauty that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Starting with one or more braids that eventually twist into a bun creates visual interest and texture that elevates a simple updo into something truly special.

You can create a single French braid down the back that coils into a low bun, or try multiple smaller braids that gather together.

The braided sections add detail and dimension while the bun keeps everything secure and elegant.

This style holds up beautifully through long events without needing constant adjustments.

Perfect for those who want an updo with a little extra something, this hairstyle photographs gorgeously from every angle and works with all hair types.

13. Clipped Up (Decorative Clips & Barrettes)

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Decorative clips and barrettes have made a major comeback, and they’re perfect for adding instant glamour to your holiday hairstyle.

From jeweled designs to metallic finishes, these functional accessories do double duty by keeping your hair in place while serving as beautiful jewelry for your locks.

Arrange multiple smaller clips in a pattern, or use one statement barrette to hold back one side of your hair.

The options are endless—clip back just your bangs, create a half-up style, or use them to secure small sections for added detail.

Modern designs range from minimalist and sleek to ornate and vintage-inspired.

The best part is how quickly you can transform your look with just a few well-placed clips, making this ideal for last-minute styling.

14. Glass Hair (Ultra Sleek + High Shine)

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For those who love a sleek, modern aesthetic, glass hair delivers maximum impact with its mirror-like shine and impossibly smooth finish.

This ultra-polished look has taken over social media and red carpets, offering a contemporary alternative to more textured holiday styles.

Achieving glass hair requires the right products and tools—a smoothing serum, flat iron, and high-shine spray are essential.

The goal is hair so smooth and reflective that it resembles glass, with not a single strand out of place.

This works best on straight or straightened hair and requires some maintenance throughout the evening.

While it demands more effort than some other styles, the stunning, editorial-worthy results make you look like you just stepped out of a fashion magazine, perfect for making a sophisticated statement.