15 Christmas Party Hairstyles for Every Kind of Holiday Party

Christmas party season asks a lot of your hair. In the space of a few weeks, you might go from an office party straight after work to a cozy family Christmas Day, an ugly sweater get-together, a dressy cocktail party, and a cold evening at a tree lighting. One hairstyle can’t do all of that well, and the look that’s perfect under string lights at a friend’s apartment can feel completely wrong at a work event or flatten into nothing under a winter hat.

The 15 Christmas party hairstyles below are grouped by the kind of party you’re actually going to. Each one explains why it suits that occasion, who it works best for, and how to keep it looking good from the first drink to the last gift exchange.

Before You Start: The Two Decisions Behind Every Christmas Party Hairstyle

First, what kind of party is it? An office party, a family gathering, and a cocktail party call for very different looks. Work events usually want something polished that doesn’t look like you tried too hard. Family days want comfort and a style that survives kids, cooking, and hours on the couch. Dressy parties are where you can finally go big with volume, shine, and statement accessories.

Second, will your hair meet a hat, coat, or scarf? This is the question most holiday hair advice skips. Winter parties come with coat collars that rub against the back of your hair, scarves that tangle ponytails, beanies that flatten your crown, and dry indoor heat that turns smooth hair static. If you’ll be outside or bundling up to travel, choose a style that can handle a hat and a collar, or plan to fix it after you arrive.

Once you’ve answered those two questions, find the section that matches your party and pick the style that suits your hair.

For the Office Christmas Party

Office parties often start right after work, which means your hairstyle has to look professional at your desk and a little festive by evening. The styles in this section are polished, quick to refresh in a restroom mirror, and easy to dress up with one accessory.

1. Knotted Low Ponytail

A knotted ponytail looks far more intentional than a regular ponytail, but it takes only a couple of minutes. Instead of wrapping hair around an elastic, you tie the hair itself into a soft knot at the nape of your neck, which gives you a sleek, modern shape that looks right in a meeting and just as good with a glass of wine at the party. It works best on medium to long hair that reaches at least a few inches past your shoulders.

Smooth your hair back and split it into two equal sections at the nape. Tie the two sections into a single loose knot, just like the first step of tying a shoelace, then secure the ends underneath with a clear elastic. Tug gently at the knot to make it look fuller. To make it party-ready at the end of the day, slide a gold hair cuff or a small velvet bow onto the ends. For more polished everyday ideas, see our easy braided hairstyles guide, which has quick styles that work from desk to dinner.

Party-proof tip: Mist the knot with a light-hold hairspray so it keeps its shape through a long day at your desk.

2. Deep Side Part With a Jeweled Barrette

This is the easiest way to make everyday hair feel festive. A deep side part instantly looks more dressed up than a middle part, and a single jeweled or pearl barrette on the smaller side adds holiday sparkle without looking over the top in a work setting. It works on almost every length, from chin-length bobs to long hair, and on straight, wavy, or curly textures.

Flip your part to one side, about two inches from center. Sweep the hair on the smaller side back toward your ear and secure it with a barrette, placing it just above and behind your temple. Choose a crystal, pearl, or gold barrette in a slim shape so it reads as elegant rather than childish. If you have a bob, this is one of the fastest ways to style it for a party. Our bob haircut ideas guide shows more ways to wear a bob with accessories.

Party-proof tip: Spray a little dry shampoo on the section before adding the barrette. It gives the clip grip so it doesn’t slide down.

3. Claw Clip French Twist

A French twist looks classic and elegant, but the traditional version takes practice and a lot of pins. This claw clip version gives you the same shape in about a minute, which is perfect when you’re getting ready in an office restroom. It works best on medium to long hair, from shoulder length down.

Gather all your hair at the back of your head as if you’re making a low ponytail. Twist it upward, then fold the ends down and tuck them in along the twist. Secure the whole twist with a large claw clip placed vertically. Pull out a few pieces around your face so it doesn’t look too severe. A tortoiseshell or pearl-finish claw clip looks polished at work, while a gold or glossy black clip feels more evening-ready.

Party-proof tip: Choose a clip large enough to hold all your hair. If the clip is too small, the twist will slowly slip down during the party.

For Family Christmas Day

Christmas Day with family is long, cozy, and full of activity: opening gifts, cooking, playing with kids, and taking plenty of photos. These styles keep hair comfortable and out of your way while still looking festive in every picture.

4. Ribbon-Woven Candy Cane Braid

Weaving a red ribbon into a braid creates a striped candy cane effect that feels made for Christmas morning. It’s playful without being childish, and it keeps your hair neatly contained through a full day of unwrapping gifts and chasing kids. It works best on medium to long hair.

Tie a thin red or red-and-white ribbon around a small section of hair at the base of your ponytail or at the top of your braid. Then braid a regular three-strand braid, treating the ribbon as part of one strand so it weaves through the whole length. Secure the end with an elastic and tie the leftover ribbon into a small bow. You can wear it as a single braid down your back or over one shoulder. Our easy braided hairstyles guide covers the basic three-strand braid if you want a quick refresher.

Party-proof tip: Use a satin or grosgrain ribbon. Both hold their color and shape better than thin craft ribbon.

5. Half-Up Tartan Bow

Tartan is one of the most classic Christmas patterns, and a tartan bow on a half-up style instantly makes your hair part of your holiday outfit. It’s soft and pretty, and it’s perfect for family photos around the tree. It works on shoulder-length hair and longer, and looks lovely on both straight and wavy hair.

Gather the top section of your hair, from about temple to temple, and secure it at the back of your head with a small elastic. Clip or tie a red or green tartan bow over the elastic. Leave the rest of your hair down, either smooth or in soft waves. The size of the bow changes the whole feel: a small bow feels sweet and subtle, while a larger one makes more of a statement. Our half-up half-down hairstyles guide explains how much hair to take for the top section so the style holds all day.

Party-proof tip: Wrap a thin strand of hair around the elastic before adding the bow, so the elastic stays hidden if the bow moves.

6. Pull-Through Braid

A pull-through braid looks like a big, voluminous braid, but it’s made with elastics instead of traditional braiding. That makes it a great choice if braiding isn’t your strength, and it’s surprisingly sturdy for a full day with family. It works best on long hair and looks especially full on thick hair.

Start with a high or mid-height ponytail. Split off the top section of the ponytail, secure it with a small elastic, and flip it forward over your head. Take a new section from underneath, tie it with an elastic, then bring the flipped section back down and split it around the new one. Repeat all the way down, then gently pull each section wider for a fuller look. Once finished, you can tuck a sprig of faux holly or a small bow at the base.

Party-proof tip: Use clear or hair-colored elastics so the braid looks seamless, and pull each section apart only after all the elastics are in.

For Ugly Sweater and Casual Friends’ Parties

Casual parties are the time to have fun with your hair. These styles are playful, a little festive, and easy enough to do while you’re finishing your sweater decorations.

7. Double Low Buns With Mini Bows

Two low buns at the nape of your neck are cute, relaxed, and much easier to wear than high space buns. Add a small bow to each bun, and the whole look matches the fun of an ugly sweater party without trying too hard. It works on medium to long hair and looks especially good on thick or textured hair.

Part your hair down the middle and gather each side into a low ponytail just behind your ears. Twist each ponytail and wrap it into a small bun, securing it with pins. Clip a mini bow in red, green, or velvet onto each bun. For a softer look, leave a few face-framing pieces out. You’ll find more bun shapes and techniques in our bun hairstyles guide.

Party-proof tip: Make both buns the same size by dividing your hair evenly before you start, and check them in a hand mirror from behind.

8. Braided Pigtails With Jingle Bell Ties

This is the most playful style on the list, and it’s perfect for ugly sweater parties, holiday game nights, or a casual Christmas get-together with friends. Two braided pigtails tied off with ribbons and tiny jingle bells feel festive, fun, and completely in the spirit of the season. It works on medium to long hair.

Part your hair down the middle and braid each side, using regular three-strand braids for a softer look or Dutch braids if you want them raised and sturdier. Secure each end with an elastic, then tie a thin ribbon with a small jingle bell over each one. Keep your braids comfortable rather than tight at the hairline, especially if you’ll wear them for hours. If you’re doing hair for the kids too, our Christmas hairstyles for kids guide has more ideas they’ll love.

Party-proof tip: Choose small, lightweight bells. Heavy ones pull on the ends of your braids and can loosen them over the night.

9. Twist-Out With Gold Hair Cuffs

If you have coily or curly hair, a defined twist-out with a few gold cuffs is a festive, eye-catching look that celebrates your natural texture. The gold catches the light from string lights and candles, and it adds instant holiday sparkle without any glitter. It works best on Type 3 and Type 4 hair.

Create your twist-out the night before on damp hair, using products suited to your curl pattern, and let the twists dry completely before you take them down. Once they’re unraveled and separated, slide small gold cuffs onto a few twisted pieces around your face and crown. You’ll find the full twist-out technique, along with product advice for each curl type, in our guide to curly hairstyles by curl type.

Party-proof tip: Separate the twist-out gently with your fingers, not a comb, so the definition lasts through the party.

For the Dressy Holiday Cocktail Party

A cocktail party or dressy holiday dinner is your chance to go full glam. These styles have shine, shape, and statement details that look stunning in photos and under party lights.

10. The Hair Bow

A bow made entirely from your own hair is the ultimate Christmas party hairstyle. It’s festive, unexpected, and always gets noticed. You can wear it on top of your head for a bold look or as a half-up style at the back for something softer. It works best on medium to long hair, since you need enough length to form the loops.

Tie a ponytail where you want the bow to sit, but on the last loop of the elastic, don’t pull the hair all the way through; leave a loop with the ends hanging forward. Split the loop into two equal halves to form the sides of the bow. Then bring the loose ends back over the middle to create the center of the bow, and pin them underneath. Smooth the loops with a little hairspray so they hold their shape. Our bun hairstyles guide includes other looped and wrapped updos if you want to practice the technique first.

Party-proof tip: Mist each half of the bow with hairspray and hold it in shape for a few seconds. It keeps the loops from collapsing during the party.

11. Glossy Waves With Crystal Hair Pins

If you love wearing your hair down for a party, glossy waves scattered with a few crystal pins are elegant and festive at the same time. The crystals catch the light every time you move, so the look feels dressed up without needing a complicated updo. It works on shoulder-length hair and longer.

Curl your hair in large, soft waves, then brush through them gently with your fingers for a smooth, glossy finish. Apply a heat protectant to towel-dried, damp hair before styling rather than to soaking-wet hair, and match your curling iron’s temperature to your hair’s thickness. Our heat damage repair and prevention guide explains both steps. Then slide three to five small crystal bobby pins into one side of your hair, placing them in a loose line or scattered around the crown.

Party-proof tip: Hide the grip of each pin under a small section of hair so only the crystal shows.

12. Sleek High Bun With a Velvet Bow

A sleek high bun looks sharp, elegant, and perfect with a strapless dress or an off-the-shoulder top. Adding a small velvet bow at the base gives it a soft, festive finish that feels made for the holidays. It works best on medium to long hair.

Brush your hair smoothly up to the crown and secure it with an elastic. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a round bun, then secure it with pins. Smooth any flyaways with a little styling cream. Keep the ponytail secure but not pulled tight at your hairline, since constant tension there can lead to breakage over time. Our guide to hair breakage causes and fixes explains why that matters. Finish by clipping a small black, burgundy, or emerald velvet bow at the base of the bun.

Party-proof tip: Use a bun donut or sock bun if your hair is fine. It gives the bun a fuller shape that holds all night.

For Outdoor Christmas Plans

Tree lightings, Christmas markets, caroling, and ice skating are some of the best parts of the season, but cold weather is tough on hair. These styles are made to handle beanies, scarves, and coat collars.

13. Low Braids Under a Beanie

When you know you’ll be wearing a hat, choose a style that looks good with it rather than fighting it. Two low braids peeking out from under a knit beanie look cozy and cute, and because the braids sit below the hat, there’s nothing for the beanie to crush. It works on medium to long hair.

Part your hair down the middle and braid each side loosely, starting just below your ears so the braids begin under the edge of the hat. Secure the ends with small elastics. Put your beanie on after braiding, pulling it down gently so it doesn’t drag the braids upward. For more cold-weather looks, the Dutch braid versions in our Dutch braid hairstyles guide also hold up well under hats.

Party-proof tip: Leave a few soft pieces out around your face so the look stays pretty even after you take the hat off.

14. Side-Swept Low Ponytail

Coat collars and scarves constantly rub against hair worn down your back, which leads to tangles and frizz. A low ponytail swept over one shoulder avoids that completely, keeping your hair in front of your coat instead of trapped behind it. It works on shoulder-length hair and longer, and looks especially nice with soft waves.

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, then pull it to one side and secure it just below your ear with an elastic. Wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic to hide it, then drape the ponytail over your shoulder on top of your coat and scarf. A cream or tartan scarf around your neck ties the whole look together.

Party-proof tip: Use a soft fabric elastic or scrunchie. It’s gentler on your hair than a thin rubber band, especially when a scarf rubs against it for hours.

15. Beanie-Friendly Soft Waves

If you prefer wearing your hair down with a hat, soft waves are the most forgiving choice. A beanie will flatten your crown no matter what, but loose waves below the hat still look pretty, and they recover quickly when you take the hat off. This works on shoulder-length hair and longer, on straight to wavy textures.

Create soft waves using a curling iron, or set heatless waves the night before with loose braids. Before putting on your beanie, flip your part to the side you’ll wear it on and leave a few face-framing pieces out at the front. When you take the hat off indoors, flip your head upside down and shake your roots gently with your fingers to bring the volume back. Dry indoor heat can make hair static, so smoothing a tiny drop of hair oil or leave-in conditioner over the lengths helps keep flyaways down.

Party-proof tip: Choose a beanie with a satin or silk lining if you wear hats often. It reduces friction, frizz, and static.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hairstyle for an office Christmas party?

A knotted low ponytail, a deep side part with a jeweled barrette, or a claw clip French twist are the best choices. All three look professional during the day and can be dressed up for the evening with one accessory, such as a bow, a gold hair cuff, or a sparkly clip.

How do I keep my hair from going flat under a winter hat?

Choose a style that sits below the hat, such as low braids or a side-swept low ponytail, so there’s nothing for the beanie to crush. If you prefer wearing your hair down, soft waves recover quickly: flip your head over and shake out your roots with your fingers after you take the hat off.

How do I stop static in my hair during winter parties?

Dry indoor heat and wool hats and scarves are the main causes of winter static. Smooth a small amount of hair oil or leave-in conditioner over the lengths of your hair, avoid over-brushing, and choose a satin-lined beanie if you wear hats often.

What Christmas party hairstyles work for short hair?

A deep side part with a jeweled barrette is one of the easiest Christmas looks for a bob or pixie. You can also wear a velvet headband, a few crystal pins, or a small bow clip. Our updos for short hair guide has more ideas for bobs and lobs.

Looking for more holiday hair ideas? Our festive hairstyles guide covers everything from casual parties to black-tie events, our New Year’s Eve hairstyles will keep you ready for the countdown, and our Thanksgiving hairstyles are perfect for the start of the season. If you have short hair, our updos for short hair guide shows how to create polished holiday styles with less length.