Finding the perfect look for holiday celebrations doesn’t have to be stressful. Medium-length hair offers incredible versatility for stunning seasonal transformations.
Whether you are attending a formal dinner or a casual gift exchange, these styles provide the right amount of festive flair. Let’s explore the best options for your hair.
These 16 festive holiday hairstyles for medium hair will elevate your aesthetic. Get ready to shine at every event on your calendar this season.
1. The Velvet Ribbon Half-Up
This style is a timeless classic that brings instant holiday cheer to any look. By pulling the top section of your hair back, you create a clean and polished appearance.
Secure the section with a small elastic first to ensure it stays in place all night. Then, tie a long velvet ribbon in a deep red or emerald green over the band.
The contrast between the soft velvet and your hair texture creates a sophisticated finish. It works beautifully on both straight and curled medium-length strands.
2. Hollywood Glamour Waves
Nothing says “holiday party” quite like vintage-inspired waves. This style uses a large-barrel curling iron to create uniform, soft S-shaped waves throughout your medium-length hair.
Once the curls have cooled, brush them out gently with a natural bristle brush. This step is essential to merge the curls into a singular, fluid wave pattern.
Finish with a high-shine hairspray to capture the light of the holiday decorations. It is a high-impact look that requires minimal accessories to look expensive.
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If you prefer wearing your hair down, the side sweep is an elegant modification. Simply part your hair deeply to one side and smooth the smaller side back.
Secure the tucked-back side with three or four pearl-encrusted bobby pins placed vertically or in a star pattern. The pearls add a snowy, festive touch to the look.
This hairstyle is excellent for showing off statement earrings or a high-neck holiday dress. It keeps the hair out of your face while maintaining a flowing silhouette.
4. Braided Festive Crown
A braided crown offers a whimsical, ethereal vibe that is perfect for winter gatherings. Medium hair is the ideal length for this because the braids aren’t too bulky.
Create two simple three-strand braids starting from behind the ears and wrap them across the top of your head. Secure the ends underneath the opposite braid with pins.
You can pull out a few face-framing pieces to keep the look soft and romantic. This style is also incredibly durable, lasting through hours of dancing or socializing.
5. The Metallic Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a modern take on a standard pony that looks intricate but is easy to achieve. Use small, clear elastics to create “bubbles” down the length of your ponytail.
To make it festive, wrap each elastic with a thin gold or silver wire or a metallic string. Gently tug at the hair between elastics to create a rounded, voluminous shape.
This look is perfect for those who want a sporty yet chic holiday aesthetic. It works best on hair that has been prepped with a volumizing mousse.
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A low bun is the ultimate “effortless” style that transitions perfectly from the office to a holiday mixer. Medium hair provides just enough bulk for a full-looking bun.
Gather your hair at the nape of the neck and twist it into a loose coil. Secure it with pins, leaving a few ends out for a relaxed, modern texture.
Scatter several small, star-shaped decorative pins throughout the bun to mimic a clear winter night. It is a subtle way to embrace the theme without being over-the-top.
7. Sleek High Top Knot
For a more formal and “snatched” look, the high top knot is a fantastic choice. This style pulls the hair upward, which can provide a subtle lifting effect to the face.
Use a fine-tooth comb and a touch of styling gel to smooth any flyaways. Secure the hair at the crown and wrap it tightly into a neat, circular bun.
This hairstyle is particularly effective when you are wearing a dress with an intricate back or collar. It keeps the focus on your outfit and your jewelry.
8. Twisted Halo Style
The twisted halo is a softer alternative to a braid and is very easy to do yourself. Take two sections from the front and twist them back, adding more hair as you go.
Meet the two twists at the back of your head and secure them with a decorative clip. The result is a beautiful, laurel-wreath effect that frames the head.
This style looks best when the remaining hair is styled with loose, beachy waves. It provides a bohemian touch to your festive attire.
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If you are heading to a festive New Year’s Eve party, space buns are a fun choice. Part your medium hair down the middle and create two high buns.
To make it truly festive, apply a small amount of hair gel to your part and sprinkle biodegradable glitter. Gold or silver glitter creates a “starry” effect on your scalp.
This look is youthful, energetic, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter. It is a bold way to express your holiday spirit through your hair.
10. French Twist with a Festive Clip
The French twist is a sophisticated updo that exudes “old money” elegance. Medium-length hair is actually easier to twist into this shape than very long hair.
Gather your hair and rotate it upwards against the back of your head, tucking the ends inside the fold. Use a large, jeweled claw clip or decorative comb to hold it.
This style is perfect for more formal holiday galas or church services. It keeps you looking polished and put-together with minimal effort.
11. Voluminous Retro Flip
The 90s-inspired hair flip is making a major comeback and fits the festive season perfectly. Use a round brush while blow-drying to flip the ends of your hair outward.
The key to this look is volume at the roots and a sharp, clean flip at the bottom. It creates a bouncy, energetic silhouette that feels very celebratory.
Apply a shine spray to give the hair a glass-like finish. This style is simple, effective, and works well with almost any holiday outfit.
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A fishtail braid adds a layer of texture and detail that looks much more difficult than it actually is. Take a small section from each side and create a central fishtail.
The intricate pattern of the braid catches the light beautifully, especially on highlighted hair. Secure the end with a tiny clear elastic or a holiday-themed barrette.
This style is great for those who want a balance between casual and formal. It keeps hair away from the eyes while showing off your length.
13. Elegant Side Braid
A side braid is a romantic option that works well for medium-length hair that might be too short for a full back braid. Sweep all hair to one shoulder.
Create a loose Dutch or French braid that follows the hairline. Pancake the loops by gently pulling them outward to make the braid look thicker and more lush.
Finish by tying the end with a sparkly hair tie or a small piece of tinsel. It is a cozy yet stylish look for a holiday brunch.
14. Jeweled Headband Tuck
Using a headband as a styling tool is a quick way to achieve a “Gibson Girl” inspired updo. Place a stretchy, jeweled headband over your hair like a crown.
Take the lengths of your hair and tuck them up and over the back of the headband. Continue until all the hair is rolled into the band, creating a soft roll.
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The headband acts as both the fastener and the decoration. This is a brilliant solution for hair that is a day or two past its last wash.
15. Textured Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid allows you to keep your hair down while adding a decorative element. It involves letting pieces of hair “drop” through the braid like water.
This style creates a beautiful horizontal line across the back of your head. It is particularly striking when paired with wand curls or natural waves.
It is a sophisticated choice for a holiday family photo. The detail is visible from the front and the back, ensuring you look great from every angle.
16. Gold Leaf Accented Curls
For those who want a truly unique and artistic look, gold leaf is the answer. Style your medium hair into soft, voluminous curls using your favorite method.
Using a small amount of hair gel as “glue,” apply flakes of gold leaf to a few select strands. The gold flakes will catch the holiday lights and shimmer as you move.
This is a high-fashion approach to festive hair that doesn’t require any clips or ribbons. It is temporary and washes out easily with your regular shampoo.
How do I make my holiday hairstyle last all night?
The secret to longevity is prepping the hair with the right products before styling. Use a heat-protectant with hold before curling, and always finish with a high-quality setting spray. Using “dry texture spray” can also help braids and updos stay secure by giving the hair more “grip.”
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Can these styles be done on fine medium-length hair?
Yes, most of these styles are excellent for fine hair because they use techniques like “pancaking” braids or adding accessories to create the illusion of thickness. Using a volumizing powder at the roots before you begin can also help provide the lift needed for updos and buns.
What are the best accessories for a festive look?
Velvet ribbons, pearl-encrusted pins, and metallic clips are currently the most popular trends. For a more subtle look, try using gold or silver bobby pins. These accessories can turn a standard everyday hairstyle into something special for the holidays in seconds.
Do I need professional tools to achieve these looks?
Most of these styles only require a standard curling iron or flat iron and some basic elastics. For more intricate looks like the French twist, a few sturdy U-shaped hairpins are helpful. You don’t need a professional kit to get salon-quality results at home.
How can I add volume to a medium-length ponytail?
To prevent a “sad” ponytail, try the double-ponytail trick: place one small pony on top of another. This creates a much thicker, tiered look that appears longer. Teasing the base of the ponytail slightly can also provide an extra boost of holiday volume.
How do I hide the hair elastics in my festive style?
The easiest way is to take a small strand of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic. Secure that strand with a bobby pin tucked underneath the pony. Alternatively, use a festive ribbon or a jeweled cuff to cover the band entirely.