25 Curly Hair Christmas Hairstyles That Look Fabulous

Finding the right way to style your curls for the holidays shouldn’t be a chore. Whether you have tight coils or loose waves, Christmas is the perfect time to let your natural texture shine with a few festive tweaks. You can achieve high-end holiday looks without spending a fortune at the salon. These styles focus on easy techniques, affordable accessories, and methods that keep your hair healthy while you celebrate.

1. The Classic Deep Side Part

A deep side part is a simple way to change your look instantly. It creates immediate volume at the roots. Flip your hair to the side where it naturally feels heaviest. Use a few Bobby pins to secure the thinner side behind your ear. This opens up your face and shows off your jewelry. For a holiday twist, use a decorative clip instead of a plain pin. You can find glittery clips at any local drugstore for a few dollars. If your curls feel flat, use a tiny bit of hairspray on your fingertips and scrunch the roots. This style works well for office parties or family dinners. It is low effort but looks very polished.

2. High Pineapple with a Velvet Ribbon

The pineapple is a favorite for protecting curls, but it also makes a great festive updo. Gather your curls at the very top of your head. Secure them loosely with a silk scrunchie to avoid breakage. Let the ends of your curls fall forward over your forehead like a faux fringe. Wrap a long piece of velvet ribbon around the base and tie a large bow. You can buy velvet ribbon by the yard at craft stores for pennies. It looks expensive and feels very “Christmas.” This keeps your hair off your neck if you are wearing a high-collared sweater. It also preserves your curl pattern for the next day.

3. Half-Up Top Knot

This style is perfect if you want the best of both worlds. You get to show off your length while keeping hair out of your eyes. Section off the top third of your hair. Twist it into a loose bun and secure it with a clear elastic. To make it festive, add pearl stick pins into the knot. You can make these yourself by gluing craft pearls onto standard hairpins. Pull a few face-framing tendrils out to soften the look. This works best on second-day hair when you have a bit more grip and texture.

4. The Low Chignon with Berries

A low bun looks sophisticated and takes less than five minutes. Gather your curls at the nape of your neck. Loosely tuck the ends under and pin them in place. Don’t worry about making it look perfect; the texture makes it look better. Tuck a small sprig of artificial holly or berries into the side of the bun. You can grab these from old wreaths or craft sections. It adds a pop of color that looks professional. This is a great choice if you are wearing a statement scarf or a heavy coat.

5. Sparkling Headband Accent

When you are short on time, a headband is your best friend. Choose a thin band with rhinestones or gold leafing. Push it back about two inches from your hairline to maintain your natural volume at the front. This keeps your curls back without flattening them. If you don’t have a fancy headband, wrap a gold necklace or a piece of tinsel around a plain one. It’s a quick DIY fix that looks custom-made. It’s a reliable way to look festive for a last-minute gathering.

6. Space Bun Ornaments

Space buns are playful and youthful. Divide your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails. Wrap the curls around the base to create two puffy buns. Secure them with U-shaped pins so they don’t feel too tight. For a true Christmas vibe, use miniature plastic ornaments. You can hook them directly into the hair ties. Make sure they are lightweight so they don’t pull on your scalp. This is a hit for “Ugly Sweater” parties or casual holiday hangouts.

7. Triple Tucked Roll

This looks like a complex “tuck and roll” but is actually quite simple. Divide your hair into three horizontal sections. Roll each section upward toward the head and secure with pins. This creates a beautiful, structured look that highlights your hair’s thickness. Add small gold stars along the path of the rolls. You can buy star stickers and place them on bobby pins for an easy DIY accessory. This style stays secure all night, even if you are dancing. It works best on medium to long hair lengths.

8. The Fro-Hawk with Gold Cuffs

A fro-hawk is a bold, beautiful way to celebrate your texture. Slick the sides of your hair upward using a bit of water and alcohol-free gel. Secure the sides with long pins. Let the center curls tumble forward. Place gold hair cuffs or rings on individual curls throughout the center. These are very affordable and add a regal touch to the look. It’s a great way to show off your bone structure. This style is also perfect for showing off a pair of festive earrings.

9. Braided Crown with Tinsel

A crown braid keeps your hair completely protected and out of the way. As you braid around your head, weave in a thin strand of silver or gold tinsel. This gives the braid a subtle shimmer whenever you move. If you can’t braid well, try a two-strand “flat twist” instead. It gives a similar effect and is much easier to do on yourself. Use a little bit of coconut oil on your hands while styling to keep frizz down. This look is elegant enough for a formal Christmas Eve dinner.

10. Loose Waves with a Santa Hat

Sometimes the best style is the most classic one. If you want to wear a Santa hat, the key is placement. Tilt the hat slightly to the back of your head so it doesn’t crush your front curls. Drape all your curls over one shoulder to create a focal point. Use a leave-in conditioner before putting the hat on to prevent static. If you’re worried about “hat hair,” carry a small travel-sized curl refresher spray in your bag. This is the ultimate “ready for photos” Christmas morning look.

11. The Pearly Ponytail

This style focuses on the contrast between a smooth top and textured ends. Pull your hair into a mid-height ponytail. Use a soft brush to smooth the hair on your scalp. Take adhesive craft pearls and place them in a line down your part or scattered across the smooth section. They stick easily and come off without pulling hair. This looks high-fashion but costs almost nothing. It’s a clean, modern way to do holiday hair.

12. Tucked Side Braid

A loose side braid is cozy and romantic. Start a braid at the nape of your neck and pull it over your shoulder. Keep it very loose so your curls still have volume. Tuck a small piece of fresh rosemary or evergreen into the links of the braid. It smells amazing and looks very rustic. You can find these in your backyard or at a grocery store. This style is perfect for a relaxed day opening presents by the fire.

13. Ribbon-Wrapped Pigtails

Pigtails can be sophisticated when done low and sleek. Part your hair down the middle and tie two low ponytails. Wrap thin red ribbons around the hair ties, leaving long tails that hang down. This is a great way to use up leftover gift-wrapping supplies. If your hair is very thick, use a sturdy elastic first, then cover it with the ribbon. It’s a playful look that keeps your curls contained but still visible.

14. Glitter Parting

If you want to shine, try a glitter part. Mix a little bit of clear hair gel with cosmetic-grade glitter in a small bowl. Apply it to your part using a makeup brush. This creates a “starry” effect that looks incredible under Christmas lights. Make sure to use cosmetic glitter so it’s safe for your skin and hair. To remove it later, just saturate the area with oil before washing. It’s a bold move for a New Year’s Eve or Christmas party.

15. The Faux Bob

If you have long curls but want a change, try a faux bob. Fold your hair under at the nape and secure it with large bobby pins. This creates a round, bouncy shape that looks like a short haircut. Add a festive green clip to one side to hold back any loose pieces. It’s a fun way to “cut” your hair for a night without the commitment. This works best if your hair has layers, as they will naturally fall forward to frame your face.

16. Criss-Cross Bobby Pin Art

Bobby pins don’t have to be hidden. Buy a pack of metallic red and green pins. Slide them into the side of your hair in a “V” or “X” pattern. This creates a geometric design that acts as jewelry for your hair. It’s a very cheap way to add detail to a simple “down” style. You can even find pins with small rhinestones for extra sparkle. It’s practical because it keeps your hair out of your face while you eat.

17. Curly Bun with a Scarf

Scarves are a great tool for curly hair. Gather your hair into a bun and wrap a holiday-themed silk scarf around the base. Silk helps prevent frizz and keeps your hair moisturized. You can find inexpensive scarves at thrift stores. Look for patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, or simple red plaid. This adds a lot of visual interest and covers up any messy sections of your bun. It’s a very stylish, “Parisian” way to celebrate.

18. The “Gift-Wrapped” Bun

Turn your hair into a gift! Create a large, round bun at the crown of your head. Wrap a wide gold mesh ribbon around it. For a funny touch, you can even attach a small, lightweight gift tag. This is a great conversation starter at holiday parties. It’s easy to do and uses items you likely already have in your gift-wrap box. Just make sure the ribbon is secured with pins so it doesn’t slide.

19. Slicked Back with Gold Leaf

For a very high-end look, use gold leaf. Apply a bit of hair gel to your temples and press gold leaf flakes onto the damp hair. You can find gold leaf at craft stores for a low price. It looks incredibly expensive and stays in place until you wash it out. This is a great option for short curly hair or “TWAs” (Teeny Weeny Afros). It focuses all the attention on your face and your glow.

20. Double Braided Headband

If you have enough length, you can use your own hair as an accessory. Create two small braids behind your ears. Pull them over the top of your head and pin them behind the opposite ear. This creates a natural headband made of braids. It’s a classic, “milkmaid” style that feels very festive and cozy. You can tuck small flowers or sequins into the braids for more detail. It’s a timeless look that works for any age.

21. Pinecone Hair Pin

Nature provides some of the best holiday accessories. Take a tiny pinecone and hot glue it to a sturdy hair clip. Nestle it into your curls for a woodland-inspired look. It’s earthy, beautiful, and completely unique. Pair this with a cream-colored sweater for a perfect winter outfit. It’s a great way to use natural elements in your styling.

22. The Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid looks difficult but is just a variation of a regular braid. As you braid across the back of your head, drop the bottom strand and pick up a new one. This allows your curls to flow downward while still being styled. It’s a very romantic look that is perfect for holiday photos. Use a bit of shine spray once you are finished to make the “waterfall” effect pop. It’s a great way to show off your curl definition.

23. Twisted Side Pull

This is a modern take on the side-swept look. Instead of just pinning the hair, twist it tightly in sections starting from your hairline. Secure each twist with a small pin at the back. This creates a beautiful textured pattern on one side of your head. It’s a great way to manage volume if your hair is very thick. You can add a few gold beads to the twists for extra holiday spirit.

24. Floral Wreath Halo

You don’t need a full flower crown to look festive. A thin wire halo with winter greenery is enough. Place it on top of your curls and let them fluff out around it. You can make this using floral wire and some greenery from a bouquet. It feels very ethereal and special. This is a wonderful choice for a Christmas wedding or a formal church service. It’s a gentle way to frame your face.

25. The Messy Top Bun with Tucked Ornaments

For a fun and audible style, use miniature bells. Pin them into a large, messy top bun. They will jingle slightly as you move, which is perfect for a Christmas party. The messy bun is the easiest style for curly hair because it embraces frizz and flyaways. Use a few U-pins to keep the bells from falling out. It’s a lighthearted way to end the list and celebrate the season with a bit of sound and color.

Conclusion

Getting your curly hair ready for Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By using simple items like ribbons, craft supplies, and natural greenery, you can create looks that are both festive and protective. These styles celebrate your natural texture while adding a touch of holiday magic. Pick your favorite style from this list and try it out today to see how easy it is to look fabulous for the holidays.