36 Holiday Hairstyles 2024-2025 for Curly, Short, Long Hair for Everyday Party and Formal Occasions
Looking for inspiration for holiday hairstyles 2024-2025? From sleek buns to playful braids, these festive looks work for all hair lengths, textures, and occasions. Whether you need a chic style for a formal occasion, a casual party, or a school event, these 36 ideas offer something special. Plus, we’ve included options for black women and ideas for kids.
Glamorous Half Up Half Down with Curls
For those with medium hair or long hair, the half-up, half-down hairstyle is the perfect balance between elegance and fun. This style works well for formal holiday occasions like Christmas dinners or New Year’s Eve parties. The top section is pulled back, leaving loose curls to cascade over the shoulders. This look complements heart-shaped faces and pairs beautifully with blue or green eyes, adding a touch of romantic allure.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a curling iron or hot rollers to create those bouncy curls. A light hairspray will hold the style in place without making the hair stiff. For maintenance, try using a curl-enhancing mousse like Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse to keep those curls defined throughout the evening.
Elegant Low Bun for Formal Occasions
A sleek low bun is a go-to for formal occasions like a winter wedding or a formal party. This hairstyle works wonderfully on medium length and long hair, creating a polished, timeless appearance.
It’s ideal for oval or square faces, as it draws attention to the jawline, and it works well with dark brown or hazel eyes.
To create the bun, start by smoothing the hair back with a boar bristle brush. Secure it into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck and twist it into a bun. Finish with a shine serum to keep the hair sleek and flyaway-free. A lightweight serum like OGX Nourishing Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist is a great choice for added shine and softness.
Festive Box Braids
For black women looking for a protective style, box braids are both chic and low-maintenance for the holiday season. This look is ideal for long hair and can be styled in various ways, such as pulled into a ponytail or left cascading down the back. It’s a perfect fit for diamond-shaped faces and highlights brown or amber eyes, making it great for Christmas gatherings or casual family events.
To create box braids, you’ll need hair extensions to add length and thickness. A good hydrating shampoo and conditioner, like SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo, will help maintain the health of your hair while it’s in braids. Regularly applying a leave-in conditioner will also keep your scalp moisturized.
Short and Sleek Pixie Cut
For those with short hair, a sleek pixie cut is a modern and chic choice for the holidays. This style suits round or oval faces and works particularly well with bold eye makeup to accentuate blue or brown eyes. Perfect for formal occasions or holiday office parties, it’s a low-maintenance yet stylish option.
To style a pixie cut, use a straightening iron for a sleek look, then apply a lightweight styling cream like Bumble and bumble Sumotech for a soft finish. A shine spray will add a festive shimmer, making sure your hair gleams under holiday lights.
Shoulder-Length Locs for Black Women
Locs offer a beautiful way for black women to embrace their natural texture while maintaining a holiday-appropriate look. Shoulder-length locs are versatile, allowing you to style them in an updo, ponytail, or half-up, half-down for holiday parties. This look suits square or oblong faces, and the warm tones in the locs complement brown or hazel eyes.
To create the look, you’ll need loc extensions if your hair isn’t already locked. For maintenance, use a loc moisturizer like Dr. Locs’ Imani Locking Spray to keep your locs hydrated and prevent frizz. Styling tools like small hairpins can help you achieve various styles with ease.
Afro Puff for Curly Hair
The Afro puff is a playful and bold hairstyle that’s perfect for those with curly hair and natural texture. This easy hairstyle is great for black women who want to keep their look natural but festive during the holidays. The puff works best for oval and heart-shaped faces and draws attention to dark or amber eyes.
To style the Afro puff, gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie. Use a wide-tooth comb to tease the hair for added volume. For maintenance, a curl-defining cream like As I Am Curling Jelly can keep the curls looking fresh throughout the day.
Beach Waves for Long Hair
For a more laid-back holiday vibe, beach waves are a great option, especially for long hair. This relaxed, wavy hairstyle is ideal for casual holiday parties or a tropical winter vacation. It’s particularly flattering for those with square or oval faces and adds a touch of warmth to blue or green eyes.
To create beach waves, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose curls, then tousle them with your fingers. Finish with a texturizing spray like Bumble and bumble Surf Spray for that lived-in, beachy feel. A salt spray will give your waves a little extra grit and volume.
Cornrows with Beads for Kids
Cornrows are a fun and festive option for kids during the holiday season. Adding beads to the ends can make the style even more playful, making it perfect for school holiday parties or family gatherings. This style works well for black women and kids with curly hair, as the braids keep the hair neat and stylish. It complements oval or heart-shaped faces and draws attention to the eyes.
To achieve this look, section the hair into small parts and braid each section close to the scalp. Add colorful beads to the ends for a fun, festive touch. A braid control gel like ORS Olive Oil Gel can help keep the cornrows looking neat and defined.
Ponytail with French Braid Accent
A high ponytail with a French braid accent is the perfect blend of classic and modern. This look is ideal for medium hair or long hair, making it versatile for a range of holiday events, from a work party to a night out with friends. It suits heart-shaped and oval faces, with hazel or blue eyes being highlighted by the soft, sweeping braid.
To style, create a small French braid along the side of your head, then pull the rest of the hair into a high ponytail. Use a smoothing serum like Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Oil to keep the style sleek and frizz-free. The French braid adds a detailed touch to an otherwise simple ponytail.
Messy Bun with Hair Extensions
A messy bun with hair extensions adds volume and height to short or medium length hair. This style is perfect for a casual holiday brunch or school party. The tousled bun is ideal for round or square faces and pairs beautifully with bold eye makeup to highlight blue or hazel eyes.
To create the look, add extensions to boost the volume of your bun, then twist your hair into a loose bun, letting a few strands fall naturally. A texturizing spray like Garnier Fructis Texture Tease will add volume and grip to the bun, ensuring it stays in place all day.
Twisted Crown Braid for Formal Occasions
The twisted crown braid is a stunning choice for formal occasions like holiday galas or weddings. This elegant style works beautifully for those with medium hair or long hair, giving off a regal vibe that’s perfect for oval or heart-shaped faces. The intricate braiding highlights dark brown or blue eyes, adding an air of sophistication to any look.
To create this look, part your hair down the middle and start twisting two sections from each side, working toward the back of your head. Secure the ends into a low bun or twist them into a crown shape. A styling wax like Redken Brews Wax Pomade will help keep the braid neat and in place.
Dutch Braids with Hair Extensions
Dutch braids paired with hair extensions offer a playful and voluminous look perfect for holiday events like school parties or Christmas gatherings. This hairstyle works best for those with short hair or medium hair who want to add length and drama to their look. It flatters round or oval faces and pairs well with bright, festive makeup.
To achieve the look, part your hair into two sections and braid each side using the Dutch braid method. Add extensions as you braid to create a fuller look. Use a flexible hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist for long-lasting hold without stiffness.
Fishtail Braid for Beach Holiday Parties
The fishtail braid is a laid-back, yet stylish option for those spending the holidays at a tropical destination or a beach party. This style works best for long hair and is perfect for those with square or heart-shaped faces. The soft, intricate braid pairs beautifully with beachwear and glistening bronzed skin.
To create this look, section your hair into two parts and weave small sections from each side into a fishtail braid. A sea salt spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Soft Waves will give your braid a relaxed, beachy texture.
Classic French Twist for Weddings
A French twist is the epitome of timeless elegance, making it perfect for a wedding or holiday formal occasion. This style suits medium and long hair and looks particularly striking on those with oval or heart-shaped faces. It draws attention to the neckline and complements bold, dramatic eye makeup.
To create a French twist, sweep all the hair to one side, then twist it upwards and secure it with pins. Use a strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to ensure the style stays in place for hours.
Afro with Hair Accessories for Black Women
An Afro adorned with holiday-themed accessories is a bold and festive option for black women with curly hair. This hairstyle celebrates natural texture and works well for casual holiday parties or gatherings. It’s ideal for heart-shaped or round faces and beautifully frames deep-set eyes.
To style an Afro, fluff your hair with a pick comb and use an accessory like a jeweled headband or gold hairpins for a festive touch. To maintain volume and definition, try using Cantu Shea Butter’s Coconut Curling Cream.
Side-Swept Curls for Medium Hair
Side-swept curls are a glamorous option for medium hair or long hair, perfect for holiday parties or weddings. This hairstyle flatters oval and square faces, with its cascading curls drawing attention to the jawline and highlighting hazel or green eyes.
To create this look, use a curling iron to form loose waves, then sweep all the curls to one side and pin them behind your ear. A lightweight mousse like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse will keep the curls bouncy and full throughout the night.
Sleek High Ponytail with Extensions
A high ponytail with sleek, straight strands is a powerful look for holiday formal occasions or even a fun school dance. This style is ideal for those with short hair or medium hair looking to add length and drama with extensions. It works best for oval faces and highlights bold makeup looks.
To achieve this style, straighten your hair with a flat iron and pull it into a high ponytail, adding extensions for volume. Finish with a shine spray like OGX Coconut Miracle Oil to add a glossy sheen.
Messy Chignon for Shoulder Length Hair
The messy chignon is a laid-back yet elegant style that’s perfect for shoulder length or medium hair. This look works well for casual holiday gatherings or family dinners and flatters heart-shaped or oval faces. The soft, tousled look adds charm and complements a natural makeup palette.
To create the chignon, gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it loosely, and secure it with bobby pins. A texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray will help add volume and hold.
Cornrows with Box Braids 2025
Cornrows combined with box braids are a stunning holiday style for black women who want a unique and protective look for 2025. This style is perfect for those with curly hair and long hair, offering a sleek yet bold appearance for holiday parties or festive family events. The intricate braiding adds depth and draws attention to dark or amber eyes.
To achieve this look, braid small sections of the hair close to the scalp, then transition into box braids. Maintain the style with a braid oil like Mielle Organics’ Mint Almond Oil for scalp hydration and shine.
Braided Crown for Kids
A braided crown is a whimsical and festive hairstyle, especially for kids attending holiday events or school parties. This look works best for medium hair or long hair and is ideal for round or heart-shaped faces. The delicate braiding adds charm and makes the hairstyle perfect for Christmas celebrations.
To create this look, braid two sections of the hair and wrap them around the head, securing them with bobby pins to form a crown. A light gel like Cantu Care for Kids Styling Gel can help keep the braids in place without weighing down the hair.
In conclusion, these holiday hairstyles for 2024-2025 offer something for everyone, from black women seeking protective styles to those with curly hair looking for easy, elegant options. Share your favorite look in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to try one of these festive styles for your next holiday celebration!
