10 Christmas Hairstyles for Women Who Want Easy Party Hair

Christmas party hair should take minutes, not an hour. These easy party hairstyles work on short, medium and long hair.

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Half-Up Velvet Bow

This is the fastest way to look dressed up on long or medium hair. Gather the top section, twist it once and fix it with a large velvet bow in burgundy.

The bow does all the festive work, so the rest can stay loose and brushed out. Wide velvet ribbon about two inches across holds its shape best; thin satin slips by the second hour.

Add a few loose curls at the ends with a large barrel iron. Great for family dinners where you want to look pulled together without effort.

Low Bun with Satin Ribbon

A low bun wrapped in a cream satin ribbon suits medium and long hair and takes about ten minutes. Twist the hair at the nape, pin it flat and tie the ribbon around the base.

Pull two thin strands loose at the front so it looks soft rather than severe. Wide ribbon needs a few hidden bobby pins underneath, because satin is slippery.

This works with a dark velvet dress or a cream sweater alike. It also keeps hair off your face while you eat and mingle.

Double Bows on Short Hair

Short hair loves small accessories. Two mini bows clipped on either side of a side part turn a bob into a party style in under five minutes.

Pick clips with a strong grip, since short hair has less to hold on to. Black or deep red bows read festive without looking like a costume.

Tuck one side behind the ear and leave the other falling forward for balance. Best for office parties and casual get-togethers.

Sleek High Ponytail

A glossy high ponytail is the cleanest party look and works best on medium to long straight or wavy hair. Smooth it with a paddle brush and secure it at the crown.

Wrap a small section around the elastic and pin it to hide it. The shine matters most here, so finish with a light serum rather than heavy hairspray.

It frames earrings beautifully, which makes it a smart pick with statement gold or pearl drops. Ideal when your outfit is already busy.

Ponytail with Green Ribbon

Take a mid-height ponytail and tie a forest green ribbon around the base in a loose bow. It is festive, quick and works across most hair lengths.

Add soft waves to the tail with a flat iron or curling wand so it looks full. Leave the ribbon ends long enough to move when you turn your head.

Good for daytime holiday events and family brunches where you want something cheerful but relaxed.

How to Pick the Right Style for Your Hair Length

Short hair: choose bows, clips and soft waves. Medium hair: ponytails, half-up styles and low buns work best. Long hair: braids, chignons and glam waves hold up all night. Prep matters more than length, so start with dry, lightly textured hair.

Crown Braid Updo

A crown braid looks intricate but is simply two braids pinned across the head. It suits long and medium hair and stays put all evening.

Braid loosely and pull the edges apart with your fingers for volume. Tuck the ends under and pin, then add a few small gold pins for sparkle.

It keeps hair off the neck, which is helpful in a warm crowded room. A strong pick for a formal holiday dinner.

Side Fishtail Braid

A fishtail braid over one shoulder is elegant and takes about fifteen minutes once you know the move. It works best on medium to long hair with a bit of grip.

Spray the hair with texture spray before braiding so the strands do not slip. Pull the braid wide, then secure with a thin clear elastic or a small ribbon.

Pair it with an off-shoulder or open-neck top to show off the shape. Lovely for a party where you will be photographed a lot.

Low Chignon with Face Frame

A low chignon with two soft face-framing pieces is the classic dressy answer for medium to long hair. Roll the hair into a knot at the nape and pin it flat.

Curl the front strands lightly so they fall around the cheekbones. A little shine serum on the knot keeps it looking expensive rather than stiff.

It pairs well with a dress that has a bare back or interesting neckline. Perfect for a formal dinner or evening party.

Soft Waves for Short Hair

Short hair can still look glamorous with soft waves. Use a medium curling wand and curl away from the face, then brush through lightly with your fingers.

Finish with a pearl or gold clip on one side to hold the hair back. Keep the volume at the crown and the ends smooth rather than frizzy.

This is the easiest choice if you want to do very little. Works for a chin-length or shoulder-length cut at any holiday party.

Glam Waves with Gold Clip

For long hair, brush out large Hollywood-style waves and sweep them to one side with a gold barrette. It looks like a salon style but takes about twenty minutes.

Curl in sections, all in the same direction, then brush gently to merge the curls. Use a flexible-hold spray so the waves move instead of crunching.

It suits a champagne or red dress and handles hugs and dancing well. A great finish for the biggest party of the season.

Your Easy Holiday Hair Plan

Pick one style, practice it once before the party and keep the makeup soft. For more ideas, browse our holiday beauty guides.

FAQ

What is the easiest Christmas hairstyle for a party?

A half-up style with a velvet bow is the easiest and takes about five minutes. It works on medium and long hair and needs only a bow and a few pins.

What Christmas hairstyles work for short hair?

Soft waves with a clip, or a side part with two small bows, work best on short hair. Both take under ten minutes and need very few products.

How do I make my party hairstyle last all night?

Start with slightly textured, not freshly washed, hair and use a flexible-hold spray. Pin styles securely and add small hidden pins under bows and ribbons.

What ribbon colors look best for Christmas hair?

Burgundy, forest green, cream and black all look festive and suit most outfits. Choose velvet or wide satin so the ribbon keeps its shape.

Do I need to curl my hair for a party updo?

Not always, but light curls add softness and help pins grip. A quick pass with a curling wand on the front strands gives a polished finish.