The holiday season brings a whirlwind of parties, family gatherings, and festive dinners. Finding the perfect look for your mid-length locks shouldn’t be another chore on your to-do list.
Medium-length hair offers the perfect balance of manageable weight and enough length for intricate styling. Whether you want something sleek or voluminous, these ideas provide endless inspiration for the season.
Prepare to turn heads at every event this winter. Here are 16 festive holiday hairstyles for medium hair that will keep you looking polished from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.
1. The Velvet Bow Low Ponytail
A low ponytail is a timeless classic that works beautifully for medium-length hair. By gathering your strands at the nape of the neck, you create a sophisticated silhouette that highlights your collarbone.
The festive magic happens with the addition of an oversized velvet bow. Choose a deep emerald green, rich burgundy, or classic black to instantly elevate this simple style into a holiday statement.
To ensure this look lasts through dinner, use a clear elastic to secure the ponytail first. Then, clip or tie your ribbon over the band for a secure and stylish finish.
2. Glittery Deep Side Part
If you prefer wearing your hair down, a deep side part creates an instant sense of drama. This style works exceptionally well for medium hair, as it adds perceived volume and a red-carpet edge.
To add a festive touch, apply a small amount of hair gel mixed with fine cosmetic glitter along the part line. This subtle shimmer catches the light beautifully under holiday decorations and evening lamps.
Keep the rest of the hair sleek by using a flat iron and a finishing spray. This contrast between the sparkling roots and smooth ends creates a modern, high-fashion aesthetic.
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This style combines the elegance of an updon with the softness of loose waves. By braiding the top sections of your hair, you keep strands out of your face for festive feasting.
Integrating a thin metallic ribbon into the braid adds a festive glimmer without being overwhelming. The ribbon weaves through the hair, creating a pop of gold or silver that feels intentional and chic.
Finish the look by curling the remaining loose hair into soft, beachy waves. This texture balances the structure of the braid, making the overall appearance feel romantic and effortless.
4. Sleek High Bun with Pearl Pins
Medium-length hair is often the ideal thickness for a sturdy, high ballerina bun. It provides enough volume for a visible top knot without the weight that causes headaches during long parties.
Upgrade this clean look by scattering pearl-encrusted pins throughout the base of the bun. Pearls offer a wintery, snowy aesthetic that is perfect for formal holiday galas or office parties.
Use a boar bristle brush and a light-hold pomade to smooth down any flyaways at the crown. This ensures the focus remains on the decorative pins and the sharp silhouette of the style.
5. Messy French Twist
The French twist is synonymous with sophistication, but a slightly “undone” version feels perfect for cozy holiday gatherings. It allows medium-length layers to fall naturally, creating a soft and face-framing effect.
Secure the twist with a decorative gold claw clip or traditional U-shaped pins hidden within the folds. The goal is to make it look like you effortlessly swept your hair up before the party.
Pull out a few tendrils around the ears and forehead to maintain a relaxed vibe. This style is particularly forgiving for hair that hasn’t been washed in a day or two.
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Nothing says “holiday party” quite like vintage-inspired Hollywood waves. This style emphasizes the healthy shine of your hair and provides a structured, expensive-looking finish that suits medium lengths perfectly.
Use a large-barrel curling iron to curl all sections in the same direction. Once the hair has completely cooled, brush it through with a paddle brush to transform the coils into uniform waves.
Tuck one side behind your ear and secure it with a sparkly vintage-style brooch or clip. This asymmetrical look is flattering for all face shapes and adds a touch of old-world charm.
7. The Bubble Braid Ponytail
For those who want a fun and youthful vibe, the bubble braid is a fantastic choice. It is much easier to achieve than a traditional braid but offers a high-impact, architectural look.
Space out clear elastics down the length of your ponytail and gently pull the hair between the bands to create “bubbles.” On medium-length hair, three or four bubbles usually create the perfect proportion.
Hide the elastics by wrapping a small strand of hair around each one or by using festive tinsel elastics. This style is incredibly secure and will stay perfectly in place during holiday dancing.
8. Bejeweled Headband with Natural Texture
If you are short on time but need to look festive, a padded, bejeweled headband is your best friend. It instantly transforms natural texture or a simple blow-dry into a planned holiday look.
Push the headband slightly forward to create a bit of lift at the crown. This prevents the hair from looking flat and adds a regal quality to your festive ensemble.
This is the ultimate “five-minute” hairstyle for busy hosts. It works regardless of your hair’s curl pattern or thickness, making it a versatile staple for the winter season.
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9. Double Dutch Braids with Festive Tinsel
Double Dutch braids are practical for keeping hair secure during outdoor holiday activities like ice skating or Christmas markets. They offer a sporty yet festive look that stays put in the wind.
To make them holiday-ready, weave a few strands of hair tinsel into the braids as you go. The tinsel adds a “fairy hair” effect that twinkles whenever you move your head.
Tie off the ends with small festive ribbons rather than standard elastics. This adds a whimsical touch that balances the tight, structured nature of the Dutch braids.
10. The Twisted Low Chignon
A twisted chignon is a refined way to handle medium-length hair that might be too short for a large bun. By twisting two side sections into a central knot, you create a complex look with very little effort.
This style is perfect for showing off backless holiday dresses or intricate necklines. It keeps the hair contained and elegant without the need for excessive heat styling.
Spray the finished look with a high-shine gloss spray. This reflects the holiday lights and makes the twists more visible, showcasing the detail of the style.
11. Space Buns with a Half-Up Twist
For a playful and trendy holiday look, try half-up space buns. This style keeps the hair out of your eyes while still showing off the length and volume of your medium-length hair.
Wrap the two top buns with small sprigs of artificial holly or tiny red ribbons. This gives the look a clear holiday theme that is perfect for casual parties or gift exchanges.
Leave the bottom half of the hair straight or in loose curls to add movement. This style is especially great for adding height and interest to your overall silhouette.
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Sweeping all your curls to one side creates a glamorous, asymmetrical look that feels very intentional. It’s a great way to show off a statement earring on one side while keeping your hair voluminous on the other.
Use a cluster of star-shaped hair clips to pin the hair back behind one ear. The stars evoke a “starry night” or “star of Bethlehem” theme that is perfectly suited for the season.
Apply a firm-hold hairspray to the pinned side to ensure it stays flat and sleek. This creates a beautiful contrast with the bouncy, voluminous curls cascading over the opposite shoulder.
13. Braided Crown with Gold Leaf
A braided crown is a romantic and ethereal choice for holiday dinners. It wraps around the head like a festive wreath, making it a literal crowning glory for your holiday outfit.
For a truly high-end finish, apply small flakes of gold leaf along the ridges of the braid. This provides a luxury artisanal feel that looks stunning in holiday photography and candlelight.
Medium hair is the perfect length for this because the braids aren’t too bulky. It results in a delicate, wearable halo that feels comfortable for hours on end.
14. Textured Fishtail Half-Up
The intricate pattern of a fishtail braid looks stunning when paired with festive knitwear. For medium hair, a half-up fishtail provides visual interest without the difficulty of braiding the entire length.
Pancake the braid by gently pulling on the edges to make it appear thicker and more relaxed. This texture works well with the cozy, rustic aesthetic of many holiday celebrations.
Finish the braid with a small sprig of dried greenery or a silver clip. This brings a natural, “winter woodland” element to your look that is both sophisticated and charming.
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15. The Sleek Middle Part with Sparkle Clips
Minimalism meets holiday cheer in this sleek, centered style. It is the perfect choice if you want your makeup or a bold holiday lip color to be the main focus of your face.
Tuck both sides of the hair behind your ears and secure them with identical sparkly barrettes. The symmetry of the clips creates a balanced, modern look that feels very polished.
Use a flat iron to get the hair as straight as possible, then apply a tiny amount of hair oil for a glass-like finish. This high-shine look reflects the festive atmosphere perfectly.
16. Faux Hawk Braided Style
If you want a look with a bit of an edge for New Year’s Eve, a braided faux hawk is a showstopper. It uses three parallel French braids on the top of the head to create volume and height.
Keep the sides very sleek to emphasize the “hawk” effect in the center. This style is surprisingly durable and can survive a full night of dancing and celebration.
Sprinkle a little bit of hair glitter or metallic spray on the central braids for extra festive flair. It’s a bold, confident look that starts the new year on a high note.
How do I make my holiday hairstyle last all night?
To ensure your style stays put, start with a texturizing spray on dry hair to give the strands “grip.” For updos, use professional-grade bobby pins and cross them in an ‘X’ shape for maximum security. Finally, finish with a high-hold hairspray that offers humidity resistance to combat crowded party environments.
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Medium hair is versatile enough for almost any accessory, but lightweight items like silk ribbons, small pearl pins, and thin metallic headbands work best. Avoid extremely heavy or large clips that might slide out if your hair is on the finer side. Velvet and satin materials are particularly festive and gentle on your strands.
Can I achieve these looks on second-day hair?
Absolutely, many of these styles actually work better on second-day hair because the natural oils provide better hold. Braids and twists benefit from the extra “grit” that unwashed hair offers. If your roots look oily, simply apply a bit of dry shampoo before styling to add volume and freshness.
What tools do I need for festive styling?
A basic holiday hair kit should include a 1-inch curling iron, a flat iron, a teasing brush, and clear elastics. For more intricate looks, U-shaped hairpins are essential for securing buns and twists invisibly. A shine spray is also highly recommended to give your hair that “holiday glow” under festive lights.
How can I add volume to a medium-length holiday style?
If your hair feels flat, try blow-drying it upside down before you begin styling. You can also use a crimping iron on the bottom layers of your hair near the scalp to create hidden “lift.” For braids and ponytails, gently “pancaking” or pulling at the strands will make them appear much fuller and thicker.
Are these styles suitable for formal and casual events?
Yes, most of these styles can be “dressed up” or “dressed down” depending on the accessories you choose. A low ponytail with a ribbon is perfect for a casual family brunch, while the same ponytail with a jeweled brooch becomes formal enough for a black-tie gala. The versatility of medium hair allows you to adapt easily.