25 Curly Hairstyles for Christmas That Are Easy and Beautiful

Christmas morning often feels like a race against the clock. Between opening gifts and prepping dinner, your hair should be the least of your worries. If you have natural curls or waves, you already have the perfect festive texture. You don’t need a salon visit to look polished for the holidays. These styles work with your natural pattern to keep you looking festive without spending hours in front of a mirror. Grab some bobby pins and your favorite hair ties, and let’s get your curls ready for the season.

1. The Velvet Ribbon Half-Up

This is the fastest way to look festive. Pull the top section of your curls back toward the crown. Secure it with a small elastic first to keep it tight. Then, tie a long velvet ribbon over the band. You can buy a spool of ribbon at a craft store for a few dollars. It looks much more expensive than a standard hair tie. Let the ends of the ribbon hang long to mix with your curls. This keeps hair out of your face while you eat dinner. It works on day-two curls perfectly. If your ends look dry, add a tiny bit of water or oil.

2. Low Messy Bun with Pine Sprigs

A low bun is a lifesaver for frizzy holiday hair. Gather your curls at the nape of your neck and loop them into a loose bun. Don’t worry about stray hairs. The “messy” look adds character. To make it holiday-ready, tuck a tiny piece of fresh pine or a faux berry sprig into the side. You can often find these for free in your backyard or at a tree lot. Use bobby pins that match your hair color to keep everything stable. This style stays secure all day long. It’s great if you plan on wearing a winter hat later.

3. High Pineapple with Gold Cuffs

The pineapple is a curly girl staple. Usually, we wear it to sleep, but you can make it a party look. Pull all your curls to the very top of your head. Let them fall forward over your forehead like a fringe. To make it fancy, slide gold hair cuffs onto individual curls. You can find packs of these online for very little money. They clip right on and don’t damage your hair. It’s a bold look that shows off your length. Plus, it protects your curl pattern from getting crushed by chair backs.

4. Side-Swept Curls with Jeweled Pins

This style mimics a sophisticated undercut without the commitment. Part your hair deeply to one side. Smooth the “short” side back using a little bit of gel or water. Secure that side behind your ear using two or three sparkly bobby pins. Line them up in a row for a clean, intentional look. Let the rest of your curls tumble over the opposite shoulder. It’s a classic Hollywood look that takes five minutes. You can use old clip-on earrings as hair deco if you’re on a budget. Just slide them onto a plain bobby pin.

5. The Triple Twisted Crown

Don’t let the name fool you; this is simple. Take a small section of hair near your temple. Twist it back toward the center and pin it. Do the same on the other side. Repeat this twice more with sections underneath. You end up with a beautiful braided effect without actually braiding. It keeps the hair secure and looks very intentional. If you have shorter curls, this is a great way to manage layers. Use clear elastics to hold the ends of the twists before pinning. It’s a very sturdy style for active Christmas parties.

6. Loose Pigtail Braids with Gold Thread

Pigtails aren’t just for kids. For a cozy Christmas look, part your hair down the middle. Braid each side loosely, leaving the ends curly. Instead of plain elastics, wrap gold embroidery thread around the base and the ends. This adds a subtle metallic shimmer that catches the light. This style is perfect for a casual “pajamas and hot cocoa” morning. It also prevents tangles if you’re busy in the kitchen. If your hair is short, just do two small twists at the front. It’s a playful but polished vibe for the holidays.

7. The Faux Hawk of Curls

If you want high drama, go for the faux hawk. Use bobby pins to pull the sides of your hair tightly toward the center of your head. Start at the nape and work your way up. Let the curls in the middle stand tall and messy. This creates a mohawk silhouette that looks edgy and fun. It’s a great way to show off your earrings. If you have fine hair, use a little dry shampoo at the roots for extra lift. You don’t need heat tools for this; your natural volume does the work.

8. Silk Scarf Turban

Some days the curls just don’t cooperate. On those days, use a silk scarf. Fold a square scarf into a triangle and wrap it around your head, tying it at the front or back. Leave your curls popping out of the top or the front. It looks chic and keeps your hair protected from the dry winter air. Look for scarves at thrift stores for unique, holiday patterns. It’s a great way to add color to a plain outfit. It also hides any roots if you missed your color appointment.

9. Giant Pearl Headband Look

The headband is the ultimate “lazy girl” hack. If your curls are wild, just push them back with a pearl-encrusted headband. The contrast between the structured pearls and the wild curls is beautiful. This works on any length, from a short bob to waist-long hair. Look for headbands at discount fashion stores to save money. It takes literally three seconds to do. It’s also very practical for keeping hair out of your eyes while you’re opening presents. This style feels very “Nutcracker” ballet and classic.

10. The Braided Headband

You don’t need a store-bought accessory if you can braid. Take a section of hair from behind one ear. Braid it all the way to the end and secure it with a tiny elastic. Wrap that braid over the top of your head and pin it behind the other ear. It creates a natural crown made of your own hair. This works best on medium to long curls. If your hair is too short, try two smaller braids that meet in the middle. It’s a romantic, soft look that’s perfect for Christmas dinner.

11. Low Ponytail with a Sparkly Scrunchie

The scrunchie is back and better than ever. For a quick Christmas update, pull your hair into a low ponytail. Use a sequined or metallic scrunchie to secure it. This is much gentler on curls than standard elastics. It prevents the “ponytail dent” and looks intentional. You can find festive scrunchies at almost any grocery or drug store in December. It’s a great way to manage hair that’s gotten a bit frizzy throughout the day. If you want more volume, gently tug the hair at the crown to loosen it.

12. Pinned Back Bangs

If you have curly bangs that are acting up, just pin them. Take the front section of your hair and twist it slightly. Secure it to the side or straight back with a decorative clip. This opens up your face and lets your eyes shine. It’s a simple change that makes your everyday hair feel special. Use clips with stars, leaves, or snowflakes to stay on theme. This is an excellent solution for the awkward “growing out” phase of bangs. It takes almost no effort but looks very sweet.

13. The Half-Up Bun (The Hun)

This style is a favorite for a reason. It gives you the best of both worlds. Pull the top half of your hair into a small, messy bun on top of your head. Leave the bottom half flowing freely. To make it festive, tie tiny red bows onto a few bobby pins and stick them into the bun. You can buy a bag of pre-made bows for very little. It’s a trendy, youthful look that works for any casual holiday gathering. It also helps control volume if your hair tends to get too “big” in the cold.

14. Space Buns with Glitter Roots

For a fun Christmas party, try space buns. Part your hair down the middle and create two high buns. Leave some tendrils out near your ears to frame your face. If you’re feeling bold, apply a little hair gel to your part and sprinkle on biodegradable glitter. It looks like a dusting of Christmas magic. This is a high-energy look that’s great for New Year’s Eve too. Make sure to use a wide-tooth comb for the part to keep the curls from frizzing. It’s a great way to handle very thick hair.

15. The Wrapped Low Bun

This is a more “grown-up” version of the messy bun. Secure your hair in a low ponytail. Take a small section of hair from the bottom of the pony and set it aside. Create your bun with the rest. Then, wrap that extra section around the base of the bun to hide the hair tie. Pin it underneath. It looks like you spent a lot of time at a stylist. It’s sleek, elegant, and very professional for a work holiday party. Use a little hairspray to keep the wrap in place.

16. Diagonal French Braid

This style is great for showing off color highlights in your curls. Start a French braid at one temple and work your way across the back of your head. Stop at the opposite side of the neck and secure it. Let the rest of the hair hang as a side ponytail. It’s a sophisticated look that keeps your hair secure. If you struggle with braiding, a simple “rope twist” works just as well. This is a very sturdy style for a long day of travel or visiting family.

17. Curly Top Knot with a Scarf Wrap

If your curls are on day three or four, a top knot is your best friend. Pile all your hair into a high, secure bun. Take a thin holiday-themed scarf and wrap it around the base several times. Tie it in a small bow at the front or side. This covers up any “flat” spots at the roots. It’s a great way to coordinate your hair with your outfit. You can even use a festive cloth napkin if you’re in a pinch! It’s a bold, stylish way to stay comfortable.

18. Double Front Twists

This is the “no-style” style. It’s perfect if you want to wear your hair down but hate it in your face. Take two small sections from the very front. Twist them away from your face and pin them back above your ears. Use snowflake clips for a winter touch. It takes less than sixty seconds. It’s great for kids with curls too! It keeps the hair neat for photos while still showing off the length and volume. This is a very gentle style that doesn’t pull on the scalp.

19. The Sleek-Back Curls

This is a very trendy, editorial look. Use a firm-hold gel to slick the top and sides of your hair back behind your ears. Leave the entire back section of your curls natural and big. The contrast between the wet-look top and the dry, bouncy back is very striking. It’s a great way to wear “big hair” without it overwhelming your face. Use a fine-tooth comb only for the slicked part to get it very smooth. This style is perfect for a fancy Christmas gala or a night out.

20. Ribbon-Intertwined Braid

If you’re doing a single braid, add a ribbon to the middle strand. As you braid, the ribbon weaves through the hair, adding a pop of color. It’s an old-fashioned, “cottagecore” look that’s very popular right now. Secure the end with a small elastic and let the rest of the ribbon hang. It’s very affordable and uses items you likely already have. This works best on damp hair if you want a “braid out” look the next day. It’s a win-win for style and hair health.

21. Side Braid with a Flower

A simple side braid is classic. To make it festive, tuck a silk flower—like a small poinsettia—behind your ear. You can find these in the floral section of a craft store. It’s a very soft, feminine look. This is perfect for a Christmas brunch. It keeps your hair controlled but still looks very special. If your hair is too short for a braid, just use the flower with your hair down. It’s an instant holiday upgrade for a few cents.

22. The Curly Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid looks difficult but is actually just a modified French braid. You let a strand “drop” through the braid each time you cross. This allows your curls to hang down like a waterfall. It’s a stunning way to show off your curl definition. It’s a very romantic style that works well with a dressy outfit. If you find it too hard, search for a “fake waterfall” tutorial that uses small elastics. It gives the same look with much less effort.

23. Glitter Parting

If you don’t want to change your actual hairstyle, just add glitter. Style your curls as you normally would. Use a little hair gel along your part and press festive glitter stars into it. It’s a simple way to add “party” to your everyday look. It’s especially effective for short hair or pixie cuts. Use a makeup brush to apply the glitter precisely. It’s a fun, affordable way to sparkle under the Christmas lights. Just be prepared to find a little glitter in your shower for a few days!

24. Low Side Bun with Pearls

The side bun is slightly more playful than a center bun. Pull your curls to one side and pin them into a soft, round shape. Instead of one large accessory, use several pearl bobby pins scattered throughout the bun. It looks like little snowballs. This is a very elegant look for a holiday wedding or a formal dinner. It’s a great way to hide uneven curl patterns on the back of your head. Keep the pins secure by crossing them in an “X” shape.

25. The Tucked-Under Bob

If you have long hair and want a change, try a “faux bob.” Fold your curls under themselves at the nape of your neck and pin them securely to your scalp. This creates the illusion of a short, bouncy bob. It’s a fun way to surprise your family at Christmas dinner. It works best on curls because the texture hides the bobby pins. Add a festive clip to the side to finish the look. It’s a zero-cost way to “cut” your hair for the day.

Conclusion

Getting your curls ready for Christmas shouldn’t be a source of stress. Whether you choose a simple velvet ribbon or a bold faux hawk, the best hairstyle is the one that makes you feel confident. These ideas prove that you don’t need expensive tools or professional skills to look amazing. Most of these styles take under ten minutes and use items you can find around the house or at a local craft store. This year, embrace your natural texture and spend more time making memories and less time in front of the mirror.