Xmas Hair Do: 18 Fun Christmas Hairstyles for the Holidays

An Xmas hair do is about having fun with your hair during the holiday season. Think of Xmas hair do ideas like Christmas tree braids, ornament-covered buns, candy cane ribbons, and playful reindeer accessories. Xmas hair do styles are perfect for school Christmas parties, family gatherings, ugly sweater contests, and office celebrations.

Unlike elegant holiday hairstyles, Christmas hair looks are meant to be noticed. Some are bold and silly, while others use small festive details to keep things simple. You don’t need a professional stylist or complicated tools to create most of them.

Below, you’ll find 18 Christmas hairstyle ideas for different hair lengths and occasions, along with styling tips to help you create a festive look without making a permanent change to your hair.

What Counts as an Xmas Hair Do

An Xmas hairdo is a temporary hairstyle inspired by Christmas decorations, colors, and characters. It might look like a Christmas tree, a wreath, a snowman, or even a wrapped present.

The main difference between Christmas hairstyles and regular holiday hairstyles is the amount of decoration. Holiday looks often focus on polished waves, elegant buns, and sparkling hairpins. Christmas hairstyles can be much more playful, using colorful ribbons, ornaments, bows, and festive accessories.

You don’t need to cut or permanently color your hair to create one. Most looks rely on braids, buns, temporary color, and decorations that can be removed after the event.

How to Choose the Right Christmas Hairstyle

Think about the event before choosing your hairstyle. A classroom Christmas party gives you more room to experiment than an office dinner or a family photo session.

• For school parties: Try crazy Christmas hair, colorful braids, or a Christmas tree hairstyle.
• Office parties: A simple bun with a festive clip or a wreath braid looks cute without being too much.
• Family gatherings:Gingerbread buns or pigtails tied with red and green ribbons.
• Christmas photos: A cone bun with a star on top or space buns with tiny ornaments will stand out.
• For a simple look: Add one festive clip or a red ribbon to your usual hairstyle.

Christmas Tree Hair Ideas

1. Christmas Tree Pull-Through Braid

A Christmas tree braid turns an ordinary ponytail into a festive decoration. The sections spread outward as they move down the hair, creating a shape that resembles a Christmas tree.

Start with a ponytail, then separate small sections from each side. Bring those sections together beneath the ponytail. Secure them with a clear elastic band. Repeat this method along the rest of the ponytail gently pulling each section outward to shape a wider ponytail.

Add tiny red and gold hair ornaments between the sections. Finish with a small star clip at the top for a recognizable Christmas tree effect.

Best for: Long hair and Christmas school competitions.

2. Christmas Tree Cone Bun

This hairstyle is a little more dramatic. A tall bun creates the shape of a Christmas tree, while green decorations give it a festive finish.

Pull your hair into a high ponytail and use a cone-shaped hair form or bun accessory to build height. Wrap your hair around it and secure everything with bobby pins. Arrange small green clips around the bun, then place a lightweight star accessory at the top.

If your hair is shorter, a smaller cone shape can create the same effect without needing extra length.

Styling tip: Use a strong-hold hairspray. Secure the bun firmly before adding decorations. Make sure the bun stays in place. Then add your decorations. It helps to hold everything.

Crazy Christmas Hair Ideas

3. Crazy Christmas Hair with Mini Ornaments

Want a hairstyle that gets attention as soon as you walk into the room? This is the one to try.

Create several small ponytails across your head and tease the loose sections to give them height. Use temporary red and green hair color spray to create colorful sections. Finish by attaching lightweight plastic ornaments to the hair with secure clips.

You can make the style as messy or organized as you like. A few uneven sections give it that playful Christmas competition look.

Best for: Ugly sweater parties, school spirit days, and Christmas hair contests.

4. Garland-Wrapped Braid

A regular side braid becomes more festive when you add soft Christmas garland.

Braid your hair over one shoulder, leaving enough space between the sections so that the garland is visible. Wrap a soft garland around the side braid, moving from the top toward the ends. Secure the garland with hair elastics or discreet pins.

Green garland gives the hairstyle a traditional Christmas look, while silver or gold adds a little sparkle.

Choose soft decorations without sharp edges or loose pieces that could catch in your hair.

5. Red and Green Color-Blocked Braids

Two braids in different Christmas colors make a simple hairstyle look much more festive.

Part your hair down the middle. Add red temporary extension strands to one side and green strands to the other, then braid each section separately. You can also use red and green ribbons if you prefer not to add extensions.

For extra detail, finish both braids with matching bows or small gold elastics.

This look works especially well with long hair because the contrasting colors remain visible along the length of each braid.

6. Elf-Style Pointed Top Knot

Create an elf-like version of your usual top knot by giving it a pointed look and adding an ornament.

Pull your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun. Leave a small section of hair loose and shape it upward with pins and styling product. Add a green ribbon, tiny bell accessory, or red bow around the base.

If you don’t want to reshape your hair, an elf-inspired pointed hair accessory can create a similar effect.

A good choice for: Christmas costume parties and playful holiday photos.

Festive Christmas Bun Hairstyles

7. Ornament Space Buns

Space buns are already fun, and by adding Christmas ornaments to them, they become more festive.

Divide your hair into two equal sections and create a high bun on each side. Secure both buns with elastics and bobby pins. Attach a few small plastic baubles around each bun, mixing red, green, and gold for a colorful finish.

Keep the decorations balanced so one side doesn’t look heavier than the other.

If you have shorter hair, small half-up space buns work just as well.

8. Gingerbread Low Buns

These little buns are inspired by gingerbread cookies and are especially cute for a Christmas gathering.

Create two low buns, one behind each ear. Wrap the hair neatly around the elastics and secure the ends with pins. Add small felt gingerbread decorations or gingerbread-shaped clips to the front of each bun.

You can also use tiny white ribbon bows to imitate the icing details on a gingerbread cookie.

The low placement keeps the hairstyle comfortable and makes it easier to wear with winter hats and headbands.

9. Peppermint Spiral Bun

Red and white ribbon gives this bun the appearance of a peppermint candy.

Gather your hair into a ponytail and twist it around the base to create a neat bun. As you wrap the hair, weave a thin red-and-white ribbon through the outer sections. Secure the ribbon underneath with a small pin.

For a stronger candy-inspired effect, use a striped ribbon rather than separate red and white pieces.

This hairstyle is simple enough for a family Christmas dinner but still has a noticeable festive detail.

10. Christmas Present Bun

Instead of decorating your hair with ornaments, turn your bun into a wrapped Christmas gift.

Make a smooth high bun and secure it firmly. Take a wide satin ribbon and place it across the bun in two directions, just like wrapping a present. Tie a bow at the top or add a separate decorative bow clip.

Red, gold, and green ribbons all work well. A metallic gold bow can make the hairstyle look neater, while a bright red ribbon gives it a festive look.

11. Santa Hat Bun

A small Santa hat accessory can turn an ordinary bun into a Christmas-themed hairstyle.

Start with a high bun and wrap a white fluffy scrunchie around its base to represent the fur trim. Place a small red felt Santa hat over the bun and secure it with hairpins.

You can also use a miniature Santa hat hair clip if you don’t want to make one yourself.

Keep the accessory lightweight so it stays comfortable throughout the party.

12. Snowman Bun Stack

Two buns arranged vertically create a cute snowman-inspired hairstyle.

Make one small bun near the crown and a slightly larger bun underneath it. Secure both sections with pins and add a white ribbon or fluffy white scrunchie between them to create the snowman’s neck.

For the face, attach small black and orange felt pieces to a separate hair decoration. This gives the typical look without attaching the decoration pieces to your head.

Finish with a tiny red bow or scarf detail.

Best for: Children’s Christmas parties and festive family photos.

Christmas Headbands and Dress-Up Hairstyles

13. Reindeer Antler Headband with Low Braids

Sometimes the easiest way to create a Christmas hairstyle is to let an accessory do most of the work.

Wear a reindeer antler headband and divide your hair into two sections. Braid each side into a loose plait and bring the braids forward over your shoulders. Secure the ends with small brown or red elastics.

You can leave a few face-framing strands loose for a softer finish.

Choose a comfortable headband that doesn’t press too tightly behind your ears. A few discreet pins can also help keep it in place during the party.

14. Ugly Sweater Updo with Mini Lights

This hairstyle is made for people who enjoy the fun side of Christmas dressing.

Gather your hair into a loose updo, allowing a few pieces to frame your face. Add a short strand of lightweight, battery-powered decorative lights designed for wearable costumes. Secure the decoration with clips and keep the battery pack away from your scalp and skin.

Use only accessories specifically designed for safe wearable decoration. Avoid exposed wires, hot components, or ordinary electrical lights.

For a simpler version, replace the lights with small star clips and colorful Christmas pins.

15. Pigtails with Red and Green Ribbon Wraps

Pigtails become a Christmas hairstyle with just two ribbons.

Divide your hair into two equal sections and secure each one with an elastic. Take a red ribbon for one side and a green ribbon for the other. Wrap each ribbon around the pigtail, leaving a little hair visible between the sections.

Tie a small bow at each end to complete the look.

If you want more texture, try turning the pigtails into bubble braids. Add red and green elastics along the length instead of wrapping the entire hairstyle with ribbon. You can find more inspiration in our bubble braids guide.

16. Christmas Wreath Braid

Wreath braid is a great choice when you wish to have some festivities, but not decorate your whole hairstyle.

Create a long braid and gently curve it into a circle at the back of your head. Pin it in place to form a wreath shape. Add small faux holly berries, green leaf clips, or a thin red ribbon around the braid.

You can also create a similar look with a crown braid if your hair is long enough.

Unlike the more exaggerated Christmas styles, this one has a neat finish that works well for family gatherings and holiday pictures.

Christmas Hairstyles for Short Hair and Loose Waves

17. Christmas Hairstyles for Short Hair with Ornament Pins

Short hair can still have plenty of Christmas character. You don’t need a long ponytail or a complicated braid to create a festive look.

Sweep your hair to one side and secure three or four decorative bobby pins above the ear. Choose small stars, red beads, gold ornaments, or tiny Christmas tree shapes.

For a bob haircut, you can also pin one side behind your ear and place a festive clip just above it.

The trick is to pick accessories that will not strain the hair, as they are light in weight. It is better to wear fewer decorations than too many.

18. Easy Christmas Waves with a Festive Clip

Not everyone wants a full Christmas costume hairstyle. Sometimes a little holiday detail is enough.

Create waves using a curling iron or a heatless curling method. Gently brush through the waves to soften the shape. Then sweep one side behind your ear. Finish the look by adding a red bow, a gold star clip or a pearl Christmas accessory.

For a more noticeable Christmas style, use a velvet red ribbon instead of a regular hair clip.

This is a good option for Christmas dinner, a casual family gathering, or an office celebration where you want something festive without going over the top.

How to Make Your Christmas Hairstyle Last

A little preparation can make a big difference, especially when your hairstyle includes decorations.

• Start with the right texture: Second-day hair often holds braids and buns better than freshly washed hair. If your hair is very slippery, use a small amount of texture spray.
• Choose lightweight decorations: Plastic ornaments, felt shapes, Satin ribbons, along with small clips, are simpler to fasten than cumbersome decorations.
• Use enough pins: Cross two bobby pins over each other when you need extra grip, particularly around buns and braided shapes.
• Be careful with temporary color: Place a towel over your shoulders before using hair chalk or temporary spray. Follow the product instructions and check that the color is suitable for your hair.
• Keep decorations away from your eyes: Loose ribbons, long wires, and dangling ornaments can become uncomfortable during the day.
• Check your hairstyle before leaving: Move your head gently and make sure the decorations are secure.

How to Remove Christmas Hair Decorations

When the party is over, take out the decorations before brushing your hair.

Remove clips, ornaments, ribbons, and other accessories one at a time. Carefully slide out bobby pins rather than pulling them through tangled sections.

If you used temporary color spray, follow the product’s washing instructions. Gently brush your hair from the ends upward to remove tangles, then shampoo and condition as usual.

For hairstyles with several tight sections, loosen the elastics carefully and allow your hair to rest. A loose braid or low ponytail is a comfortable choice the following day.

Frequently Asked Questions