The holidays are the one time of year when your hair gets to join the celebration. Between office parties, family dinners, and New Year’s Eve, December is packed with moments worth dressing up for — and nothing completes a festive outfit like a hairstyle with real holiday spirit. Whether you love going all out with red-and-green color or prefer a subtle seasonal touch, there’s a Christmas hairstyle here with your name on it.
This guide rounds up 25 stunning Christmas hairstyles, from intricate braided art to simple elegant touches you can do in minutes. You’ll also find practical styling advice, tips for keeping holiday color looking fresh, and answers to the most common questions. So grab your bobby pins, your favorite bow, and maybe a little glitter — let’s make this your best hair season yet.
What Makes a Great Christmas Hairstyle?
A great Christmas hairstyle does two things at once: it looks beautiful on its own, and it carries a little festive magic. That magic can come from many places — classic holiday colors like deep red, pine green, and icy white; playful accessories like bows, ribbons, and miniature ornaments; or clever braiding techniques shaped like Christmas trees, wreaths, and candy canes. The best holiday looks feel intentional rather than costumey, blending seasonal charm with genuinely flattering styling.
Versatility matters too. Some people want a show-stopping look for a single party night, while others need something that survives a full day of cooking, hosting, and hugging relatives. The ideas below cover the whole spectrum, from temporary clip-in color and wash-out sprays to committed dye jobs, and from five-minute bows to braided masterpieces worth booking a stylist for. Pick the level of drama that suits your plans — and your patience.
25 Magical Christmas Hairstyles
1. Christmas Tree Braid in Pine Green and Carmine Red
If you want a hairstyle that literally looks like the holidays, start here. This look builds a Christmas tree shape right into a braid, using pine green and carmine red tones woven through the strands and finished with tiny beads that read as ornaments. It’s the kind of style that stops conversations at parties — in the best way — and photographs beautifully from behind, which is where all the detail lives.
This one suits anyone with medium to long hair who doesn’t mind being the center of attention. The color can be achieved with temporary spray or clip-in extensions if you’re not ready to commit to green and red dye, which makes it surprisingly low-risk for such a dramatic look. Pair it with a simple black top so the hair does all the talking, and keep a few extra bobby pins in your bag for touch-ups through the night.
2. Long Wavy Ponytail with an Oversized Christmas Bow
Not every festive look needs wild color. Sometimes the most elegant choice is also the simplest: a long, glossy wavy ponytail finished with a big, beautiful Christmas bow. The contrast between the soft waves and the structured bow creates instant holiday glamour, and the whole style takes less than fifteen minutes once your waves are in.
This is perfect for anyone who wants to look polished without a lot of fuss — think office parties and family dinners where you want to look put-together but still like yourself. It works on nearly every hair length past the shoulders and every hair color, since the bow carries the festive message. Choose a velvet bow in deep red for a classic feel, or go with a patterned ribbon if your style leans playful.
3. Crimson and Honey Dutch Braids
Dutch braids already have gorgeous dimension, and when you weave crimson red and honey blonde through them, the result is pure holiday richness. The raised braid pattern catches the light on every twist, showing off the color blend from every angle. It’s festive without needing a single accessory, which makes it a great option if you prefer your hair to speak for itself.
This style flatters most face shapes because the braids pull everything neatly back while the color keeps it interesting. It’s also wonderfully practical — braids stay put through dancing, wind, and long evenings, so it’s ideal for parties where you don’t want to think about your hair. Use colored extensions if you want the look without dyeing, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep flyaways smooth.
4. Christmas-Tree-Inspired Long Waves
For a softer take on the tree theme, try long loose waves infused with Christmas colors and finished with delicate tree-inspired accessories. Instead of a literal tree shape, this look suggests the idea — deep greens, snowy whites, and warm reds flowing through the lengths, dotted with tiny ornaments or star clips. It’s whimsical without being over the top.
This is a lovely choice for anyone who loves the festive palette but wants something wearable beyond a single party. The waves themselves are timeless, so you can dial the accessories up or down depending on the occasion. It works beautifully on long hair of any texture, and the color can be done with temporary products that wash out after the holidays.
5. Burgundy Mohawk with a Mint Candy Undercut
For the bold at heart, nothing says Christmas quite like a burgundy mohawk paired with an undercut carved into a mint candy swirl. It’s edgy, artistic, and completely unforgettable — the hair equivalent of rocking around the Christmas tree. The deep burgundy keeps it rich and seasonal while the shaved candy design adds the playful twist.
This look is for confident personalities who love statement hair, and it genuinely requires commitment — both to the cut and the color. It’s best done by a barber or stylist experienced with design work, since the candy swirl needs a steady hand. If you go for it, keep the rest of your styling minimal and let the hair be the entire outfit.
6. Multi-Toned Holiday Party Waves
Can’t decide on one festive color? Don’t. Multi-toned waves blending red, green, blonde, and dark shades capture the joyful chaos of the season in the best way. The colors melt into each other as the waves move, creating a look that’s different from every angle and absolutely made for party lighting.
This style is perfect for extroverts and anyone who loves creative color. Because the tones are blended rather than placed in strict patterns, it grows out more gracefully than you might expect — though you’ll still want a color-safe routine to keep the shades vivid. It’s a fantastic conversation starter and looks incredible in photos, especially under warm indoor lights.
7. Blonde French Braid Dotted with Tiny Red Bows
Here’s proof that restraint can be just as festive as extravagance. A classic French braid on long blonde waves, dotted along its length with tiny red bows, is chic, romantic, and unmistakably Christmassy. The blonde keeps it soft and elegant while the bows add just the right pop of holiday color.
This is an ideal choice for anyone who wants a sophisticated holiday look — it would be right at home at a formal dinner or a winter wedding. It works on long hair and takes a bit of practice to get the braid neat, but the bows themselves are just small clips, so they’re easy to place and remove. It’s also a sweet option for younger family members who want to join the festive fun.
8. Top Knot Bun with a Mini Christmas Wreath
Minimal effort, maximum charm. A relaxed top knot bun on long wavy hair, crowned with a miniature Christmas wreath, is one of the simplest — and most delightful — ideas on this list. The wreath does all the festive heavy lifting while the bun keeps you looking polished and keeps hair out of your face all evening.
This suits absolutely everyone and every occasion, from casual gatherings to more dressed-up events depending on how sleek you make the bun. It’s also one of the most comfortable holiday styles, since everything is secured up and away. You can buy tiny wreath hair accessories or make one from a small craft wreath and bobby pins — either way, it’s a five-minute transformation.
9. Christmas Tree French Braid with Golden Highlights
Another gorgeous take on the tree braid, this version builds the evergreen shape into a French braid and lights it up with golden highlights woven through. The highlights act like twinkling lights on the tree, catching the glow of candles and string lights beautifully. It’s festive, feminine, and a little bit magical.
This style works best on medium to long hair with some natural texture to help the braid hold. The golden highlights can be your own color, clip-in pieces, or even temporary shimmer spray — whatever fits your comfort level. It’s a wonderful pick for Christmas Eve itself, when you want to feel extra special but still relaxed enough to enjoy the evening.
10. Silent-Night Blue and White Balayage
Not every Christmas look has to shout. This serene style pairs a blue and white balayage with delicate white flowers and silver accents, capturing the quiet beauty of a silent winter night. It’s dreamy and ethereal rather than bold — proof that holiday hair can whisper instead of sparkle.
This is perfect for anyone drawn to cool tones and understated elegance. The blue-white blend is striking on its own, so the accessories can stay minimal — a few small flowers or a silver clip is plenty. Because balayage grows out softly, it’s also one of the lower-maintenance color options here, though blue tones do need color-safe care to stay vibrant.
11. Candy Cane Red-and-White Waves
Sweet, playful, and instantly recognizable, candy cane waves mix bold red streaks through a bright blonde or white base. The high-contrast stripes read as pure holiday joy, and the look has a fun retro charm that works beautifully with cozy winter outfits like fuzzy jackets and turtlenecks.
This style is ideal for anyone who loves a statement but wants something cheerful rather than edgy. The red can be done with semi-permanent dye or extensions depending on your commitment level, and the waves themselves are easy to create with a curling wand. It’s a fantastic choice for holiday photos — the stripes look amazing on camera.
12. Festive Braided Ponytail with Bow and Crimped Ends
This look layers three festive elements into one unforgettable style: a colorful braided ponytail in red, white, and green, a classic red bow at the base, and crimped ends for added texture. Each detail is lovely on its own, but together they create a rich, celebratory effect that’s full of movement.
It’s a great option for anyone with long, thick hair who wants their ponytail to feel like an event. The braid keeps everything secure, so it holds up through long nights, while the crimped ends add a trendy finish. This one takes some time to put together, so it’s best saved for the main event rather than a casual get-together.
13. Burgundy Waves with Satin Bow and Snowflakes
Deep burgundy waves have a natural winter richness, and when you add a blue satin bow and delicate snowflake accessories, the result is pure seasonal elegance. The unexpected blue accent against the burgundy keeps the look fresh and modern rather than predictable.
This style suits anyone who loves rich, moody color palettes. Burgundy is flattering on a wide range of skin tones and feels luxurious without trying too hard. The snowflakes can be small clips or pins, easy to add and remove, which makes this a flexible choice — wear it with all the accessories for a party, or strip it back to just the waves for everyday December.
14. Icy Blonde with Red-Green Highlights and Ribbon Bows
Cool-toned blondes get their moment with this frosty look: long icy waves threaded with deep green and dark red highlights, finished with silver ribbon bows. The contrast between the icy base and the rich holiday colors is striking, like frost on holly berries.
This is a beautiful choice for natural blondes or anyone already rocking a light, cool shade — the highlights add the festive layer without a full color overhaul. The ribbon bows tie everything together (literally) and can be swapped for different colors to match your outfit. Keep purple shampoo in your routine to maintain that icy brightness through the season.
15. Emerald Green Waves with Ruby Red Underlights
Here’s a color combination that never fails: vivid emerald green on top with hidden ruby red glowing underneath. As the waves move, the red peeks through like embers — dramatic, luxurious, and completely captivating. It’s one of the boldest looks on this list, and one of the most beautiful.
This style is made for color enthusiasts who aren’t afraid of commitment, since both shades need upkeep to stay vivid. It looks most dramatic on long hair where the layers can really show off the two-tone effect. Pair it with simple makeup and dark clothing to let the color be the star, and prepare for compliments everywhere you go.
16. Red and Green Braided Bun with Ornaments
When you want elegance with a festive twist, a braided bun in cherry red and pine green, decorated with tiny ornaments, delivers beautifully. The updo keeps the look refined and party-ready while the colors and decorations bring unmistakable Christmas cheer. It’s the rare style that works as well at a formal gala as at a family gathering.
This suits anyone with medium to long hair who prefers updos — the bun keeps everything secure and comfortable for hours. The ornaments should be lightweight (think mini baubles on bobby pins) so they don’t pull. It’s also a smart choice if your hair is color-treated already, since the bun format shows off the shades without needing fresh dye.
17. Dutch Braids with a Beaded Christmas Tree Crown
This is hair art at its most creative: structured Dutch braids leading up to a beaded Christmas tree crown sitting right on top of the head. The combination of precise braiding and dimensional decoration makes it a true showpiece — the kind of style people remember long after the party ends.
Because of its complexity, this one is best attempted with a friend’s help or a stylist’s hands. It suits anyone with enough length for Dutch braids and a love of avant-garde looks. The beads catch light beautifully, so it’s especially stunning in evening settings. If you try this, do a trial run before the big night — intricate styles always benefit from practice.
18. Five-Strand Ribbon Braid Framed by a Lace Braid
For braiding enthusiasts, this is the crown jewel: a Christmas-tree-inspired Dutch five-strand braid woven with red ribbon, framed on both sides by delicate Dutch lace braids. The technique is advanced, but the payoff is a genuinely breathtaking piece of festive hair artistry with beautiful symmetry.
This style is ideal for anyone who loves intricate craftsmanship and has the patience (or the stylist) to execute it. It photographs incredibly well and holds its shape for hours, making it perfect for events where you’ll be photographed. The red ribbon is the key festive element, so you can adapt the base braid color to whatever suits you — it works over natural hair just as well as colored.
19. Long Emerald Green Hair with a Christmas Wreath
Sometimes simplicity wins. Long, flowing emerald green waves crowned with a lush Christmas wreath is striking precisely because it doesn’t overcomplicate things — one bold color, one perfect accessory, and hair worn beautifully down. It’s vibrant, confident, and effortlessly festive.
This suits anyone who has committed (or wants to commit) to green hair and loves a straightforward glamorous look. The wreath should sit securely — pin it in several places so it stays put while you move. It’s a wonderful choice for outdoor holiday events too, since the wreath reads beautifully against winter scenery in photos.
20. Long Brown Waves with Hanging Christmas Ornaments
If wild color isn’t your thing, you can still join the fun: long natural brown waves decorated with small hanging Christmas ornaments add instant holiday charm without touching your color at all. The ornaments catch the light as you move, creating little moments of sparkle throughout the evening.
This is the most accessible idea on the list — anyone with long hair can do it in minutes with lightweight ornament clips. It’s perfect for people who want a festive touch for a work party or school event without anything permanent. Choose small, light ornaments and distribute them evenly so they don’t weigh sections down, and you’ll have a look that’s charming rather than costume-like.
21. Twisted Knot with Pine and Berry Highlights
Understated with a twist — literally. A sleek twisted knot on long blonde waves, threaded with pine green and deep red highlights, is sophisticated holiday styling for people who prefer subtlety. The knot itself is elegant and modern, while the colored highlights reveal themselves as you move.
This works beautifully for formal occasions where you want polish with personality. It’s comfortable to wear for hours and keeps hair neatly contained, which is practical for dinners and events. The highlights can be temporary or permanent depending on your plans, and the knot technique is simple enough to master at home with a little practice.
22. Ginger Waves with a Classic Red Bow
Warm ginger waves and a classic red bow are a match made in holiday heaven. The coppery tones already feel autumnal and cozy, and the red bow ties the whole look to Christmas without any need for dye or complicated styling. It’s sweet, simple, and universally flattering.
This is a fantastic option for natural redheads or anyone with warm-toned hair — you’re already halfway there. Even if your hair isn’t ginger, warm styling and the right bow can capture the feeling. It’s quick, comfortable, and appropriate for literally any December occasion, from casual to dressy. Sometimes the easiest ideas are the best ones.
23. Bottle Green Waves with Red Highlights and a Wreath
Deep bottle green waves with vibrant red highlights, finished with a Christmas wreath, is rich color done right. The dark green has a jewel-like depth that feels luxurious, while the red highlights add warmth and dimension. The wreath on top completes the picture like the star on a tree.
This style is for committed color lovers — bottle green needs regular upkeep to stay rich rather than fading to murky tones. It looks most stunning on long hair where the color has room to show its depth. Like other wreath looks, secure it well and you’ll have a head-turning style that lasts all evening and looks phenomenal in photos.
24. Fishtail Braid with Ribbon Flowers and Beaded Wreath
A fishtail braid is already one of the prettiest braids there is; dress it in bright green and red with ribbon flowers and a beaded wreath, and it becomes a holiday masterpiece. The fishtail’s intricate woven texture shows off multi-toned color beautifully, and the decorations add layers of festive detail.
This is perfect for long-haired romantics who love detailed, feminine styling. Fishtails take a little practice but are very secure once done, so the style lasts. It’s an excellent choice for holiday parties where you want to look like you put in real effort — because you did, and it shows in the best way.
25. Blonde Bob with Red and Moss Green Tips
Short hair gets its festive moment too. A blonde extended bob with red and moss green tips — plus a few sparkly green streaks — proves you don’t need long lengths for holiday drama. The dipped tips keep the color playful and low-commitment while the bob itself stays chic and modern.
This is ideal for anyone with short to medium hair who felt left out of the long-hair festivities. Dip-dyed tips grow out with zero awkward phase (you just trim them off), making it one of the lowest-risk color ideas here. The sparkly streaks can be temporary glitter spray for party nights. It’s fresh, fun, and fashion-forward.
Who Should Try These Styles?
The beauty of Christmas hairstyles is that there’s truly something for everyone — but here’s how to pick your perfect match:
- Hair types: Long, thick hair suits the elaborate braids and updos best, since they need length and volume to show off the detail. Shorter hair shines with color-focused ideas like the dipped-tip bob or bold bows. Fine hair benefits from styles with texture — crimped ends, waves, and teased crowns all add the illusion of fullness.
- Face shapes: Updos and crown decorations flatter round faces by adding height; soft waves and face-framing braids suit longer faces; bold color works on literally everyone. When in doubt, choose a style that keeps some softness around the face.
- Occasion: Match the drama to the event. Office party? A bow or subtle ornaments. Christmas Eve dinner? An elegant updo or wreath. Themed party with friends? Go all out with the tree braid or full fantasy color.
One caution: fantasy colors (greens, reds, blues) often require bleaching first, which stresses the hair. If your hair is already fragile, stick to temporary colors, extensions, and accessories — you’ll get the festive effect without the damage, and your hair will thank you in January.
How to Style Them
Most of these looks share the same foundation skills. Here’s a general game plan:
- Start with the right base. Clean, dry hair with some texture holds styles best. For braids and updos, second-day hair (or hair prepped with texturizing spray) grips better than freshly washed silk.
- Add color first, style second. If your look involves temporary color, apply it before braiding or pinning so the placement looks intentional. Clip-in colored extensions go in before you start the main style.
- Build the structure. Create your braid, bun, knot, or waves first and get the shape right. Don’t rush this step — a solid foundation is what makes the style last all evening.
- Decorate last. Bows, ornaments, wreaths, and beads go on after the hairstyle is complete and secured. Step back and check the balance in a mirror before finalizing placement.
- Lock it in. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray, and keep a mini emergency kit (bobby pins, a small brush, extra spray) in your bag for touch-ups.
Quick tip: do a trial run of any intricate style a day or two before the event. You’ll work out the tricky parts without time pressure, and you’ll know exactly how long it takes on the day.
Maintenance Tips
- Protect fantasy colors. Wash colored hair in cool water with sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo. Red and green tones fade fastest, so wash as infrequently as you comfortably can during the season.
- Refresh temporary color. Spray and wash-out colors can be reapplied before each event. Keep the products on hand so touch-ups take minutes, not hours.
- Care for your accessories. Remove wreaths, ornaments, and heavy clips gently — don’t yank. Store delicate pieces in a pouch so they survive the whole season.
- Deep condition weekly. December hair takes a beating between heat styling, color, and dry winter air. A weekly hydrating mask keeps everything soft and shiny.
- Plan your grow-out. If you went bold with permanent color, book a January appointment now for either a refresh or a graceful transition back. Your stylist will thank you for planning ahead.
FAQs
How long do Christmas hair colors last?
It depends on the method. Temporary sprays and clip-ins last until you wash or remove them. Semi-permanent dyes typically last 4–8 washes, while permanent fantasy colors need root touch-ups every 4–6 weeks. Choose based on how long you want the festive look to stick around.
Will green or red dye damage my hair?
The dye itself is usually gentle, but getting to a light enough base often requires bleach, which does stress hair. If your hair is fragile, use temporary color or extensions instead — you get the look with zero damage.
Can I do these styles on short hair?
Absolutely. While the elaborate braids need length, plenty of ideas work beautifully on short hair: the dipped-tip bob, bold bows, ornament clips, mini wreaths on pixie updos, and statement color all shine at shorter lengths.
How do I keep ornaments and wreaths from falling out?
Anchor everything with bobby pins crossed in an X shape, and choose lightweight decorations. For heavier pieces, pin them to a braid or bun rather than loose hair — the structure holds weight much better.
What’s the easiest Christmas hairstyle for beginners?
The oversized bow on a ponytail or waves, hands down. It takes minutes, needs no special skills, works on almost any hair, and still looks completely festive. Ornament clips on loose waves are a close second.
Final Thoughts
Christmas only comes once a year, so why not let your hair celebrate too? Whether you go for a show-stopping tree braid, a dreamy silent-night balayage, or simply a perfect red bow, the right holiday hairstyle adds a little extra magic to every party, photo, and quiet moment by the fire.
Pick the look that makes you smile, give yourself time to enjoy creating it, and wear it with confidence — that’s the real secret ingredient. And if you try one of these styles, we’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment and share your holiday hair story!
Happy holidays, and happy styling!