The holiday season is officially here, and your social calendar is likely filling up fast. From secret Santa swaps to formal winter formals, looking your best is a top priority.
Finding the perfect balance between youthful energy and sophisticated style is key for older teens. You want a look that photographs well and lasts through every festive activity.
We have curated the ultimate guide to the most trending looks for the season. Discover these 16 festive Christmas hairstyles for teens that will make you the star of every party.
1. The Oversized Velvet Bow Half-Up
The “coquette” aesthetic is dominating trends this year, making a large velvet bow the ultimate holiday accessory. This style keeps your hair out of your face while showcasing your natural length and texture.
To achieve this, pull the top section of your hair back into a secure half-pony and clip the bow directly over the elastic. Use a curling iron to add soft, loose waves to the remaining hair for a romantic finish.
This look is particularly flattering for 16 to 19-year-olds because it feels polished without being too mature. It works beautifully across all hair textures and complements rich, winter-toned outfits like emerald green or deep burgundy.
2. Chunky Glitter Roots
If you want to lean into the festive spirit with an edgy twist, glitter roots are the way to go. This style is perfect for a New Year’s Eve party or a high-energy Christmas concert.
Mix a clear hair gel with cosmetic-grade biodegradable glitter and apply it with a tint brush along your center part. You can pair this with sleek straight hair or two high space buns for a playful, Gen-Z vibe.
For older teens with darker hair tones, silver or gold glitter provides a stunning high-contrast look. It is a bold statement that requires minimal styling effort while providing maximum visual impact for your holiday selfies.
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3. High Bubble Braid Ponytail
The bubble ponytail is a modern classic that remains a favorite for its ease and durability. It provides a structured, architectural look that stays secure even if you are dancing the night away.
Start with a sleek, high ponytail and place clear elastics every two inches down the length. Gently “pancake” or pull at the edges of each section to create the signature rounded bubble effect.
To make it festive, wrap thin gold or silver wire around the elastics. This style is excellent for highlighting your facial features and works perfectly for teens with medium to long hair lengths.
4. Braided Space Buns with Ornament Pins
Space buns offer a youthful and fun energy that is perfect for casual Christmas morning festivities. Braiding the sections before pinning them into buns adds a layer of sophistication and texture.
Divide your hair into two high pigtails, French braid them downward, and then wrap them into tight coils. Secure them with bobby pins and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to prevent flyaways during the day.
For a literal festive touch, add tiny “hair charm” ornaments or star-shaped clips throughout the braids. This look is especially great for those with thicker hair who want to keep their style feeling light and secure.
5. Sleek Low Bun with Pearl Accents
For a more formal winter gala or a family dinner, a sleek low bun is the epitome of “old money” style. This look is sophisticated, timeless, and highlights a clean-girl aesthetic.
Part your hair down the middle and use a smoothing pomade to slick it back into a low knot at the nape of your neck. Use a hair donut if you want extra volume or keep it tight for a minimalist profile.
Finish the look by scattering adhesive hair pearls or pearl-topped pins along the side of the head. This adds a subtle glow that complements cooler skin tones and looks incredible with satin or silk dresses.
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6. Hollywood Waves with Sparkly Side Clips
Classic Hollywood waves are a staple for any formal holiday event. This style provides a glamorous, vintage feel that makes any 18 or 19-year-old feel like they are on the red carpet.
Use a large-barrel curling iron to curl all sections in the same direction, then brush them out gently to create uniform waves. Set the look with a high-shine spray to catch the holiday lights.
The “teen” twist comes from pinning one side back with oversized, rhinestone-encrusted clips. This asymmetrical look is trendy and allows you to show off your favorite festive earrings at the same time.
7. Dutch Braided Crown with Tinsel
A braided crown is a beautiful way to frame your face and keep your hair secure for hours. Adding “hair tinsel” or “fairy hair” into the braid gives it a magical, shimmering effect.
Create two Dutch braids starting from your temples and wrap them around the back of your head, tucking the ends underneath. Ensure the braids are slightly loosened for a soft, ethereal appearance rather than a tight, athletic one.
This style is perfect for those who want a “cottagecore” holiday vibe. It works exceptionally well for teens with highlights or balayage, as the braiding technique showcases the different dimensions of your hair color.
8. High Pony with Candy Cane Ribbons
Elevate a standard high ponytail by incorporating festive ribbons into the structure of the hair itself. This is a creative way to show holiday spirit without using permanent dyes or complex tools.
Tie a red and white ribbon to a small section of hair at the base of your pony and braid it through. This creates a “candy cane” stripe effect that pops against both light and dark hair colors.
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This style is practical for active holiday outings like ice skating or shopping trips. It keeps your hair secure while adding a pop of color that matches the traditional Christmas palette.
9. Natural Curls with a Jeweled Headband
For teens with 3C to 4C hair textures, showcasing your natural curls is the most beautiful way to celebrate the season. This look focuses on moisture, definition, and a single high-impact accessory.
Apply a hydrating curl cream and a light-hold gel to define your pattern while your hair is damp. Once dry, use a pick to add volume at the roots for a full, festive silhouette.
Top the look with a thick, velvet-padded headband encrusted with jewels or crystals. This draws attention to your face and adds a regal, festive touch that requires zero heat styling.
10. Micro-Braids with Gold Thread Accents
If you have your hair in a protective style like micro-braids or box braids, you can easily upgrade them for Christmas. Gold thread is an affordable and stunning way to add holiday flare.
Spiral the gold thread around individual braids at random intervals to create a shimmering, metallic effect. This adds a touch of luxury to your everyday style without damaging your hair.
You can gather the braids into a high half-up bun to further highlight the gold accents. This look is incredibly durable and will last from your first holiday brunch all the way to New Year’s Day.
11. Messy Low Bun with Pine Needle Accents
The messy bun is a teen staple, but for Christmas, it gets a “woodland chic” makeover. This style is perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic over a stiff, polished look.
Gather your hair into a loose, low bun, leaving several face-framing tendrils out to soften the look. Use a sea salt spray beforehand to add the necessary “grit” and texture for that effortless feel.
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Tuck a small sprig of artificial pine or a tiny holly clip into the side of the bun. It is a subtle nod to the season that looks artistic and custom-made for holiday photoshoots.
12. Fishtail Braid with Metallic Tinsel
Fishtail braids are known for their intricate look, and adding metallic tinsel makes them look like something out of a fairytale. This style is ideal for long-haired teens who want a unique texture.
Weave strands of silver or iridescent tinsel into your sections as you perform the fishtail technique. The tinsel will catch the light with every movement, creating a “frozen” or “icy” holiday effect.
This style is particularly striking on cooler blondes or icy blue-black hair tones. It is a sophisticated way to play with the Y2K “hair tinsel” trend while maintaining a classy holiday silhouette.
13. Double French Braids into Mini Buns
This “pigtail bun” look is a favorite for younger and older teens alike because it is both sporty and cute. It is the perfect choice for a casual Christmas pajama party with friends.
French braid two sections from the hairline down to the nape of the neck, then twist the remaining hair into two small buns. Secure with festive scrunchies in holiday patterns or colors.
This style is great for keeping hair out of the way while opening presents or playing holiday games. It also works well for all hair lengths, including those with shorter bobs or lobs.
14. Side-Swept Curls with Star Pins
For a dreamy, celestial holiday look, try side-swept curls adorned with star-shaped hair jewelry. This look is soft, romantic, and perfect for a winter formal or a semi-formal holiday dance.
Sweep all your hair to one shoulder and secure it at the back with a few hidden bobby pins. Use a wand to create tight ringlets, then shake them out for a more voluminous, cloud-like appearance.
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Place several small, silver star pins throughout the side that is swept back. This creates a “starry night” effect that is trendy for the 16-19 age group and looks beautiful against any skin tone.
15. Sleek Middle Part with Tucked Ears and Clips
The “tucked ear” look is a major trend among Gen Z influencers and offers a very modern, clean aesthetic. It is simple to execute but looks incredibly intentional and high-fashion.
Flat iron your hair until it is pin-straight and create a precise middle part using a rat-tail comb. Tuck both sides behind your ears and use a small amount of hairspray to keep the hair flat against your head.
Place two matching decorative clips—perhaps snowflake-shaped or emerald-toned—just above the ears. This keeps the hair secure and adds a festive focal point that frames your face perfectly.
16. Twisted Pull-Through Braid
If you struggle with traditional braiding, the pull-through braid is a “cheat code” for a high-volume, professional-looking style. It looks like a complex Dutch braid but only requires small elastics.
Create a series of small ponytails down the back of your head and loop them through each other to create the “braid” effect. This technique allows you to add immense volume, making your hair look much thicker than it is.
For the final festive touch, weave a thin string of battery-operated fairy lights through the loops. This literally lights up your look and is a viral-worthy style for any teen’s holiday social media feed.
How do I make my holiday hairstyle last all day?
To ensure your festive look survives from morning brunch to evening parties, start with a high-quality primer or mousse on damp hair. Use professional-grade hairspray and consider carrying a travel-sized “finishing spray” in your bag for quick touch-ups. For braided styles, using small clear elastics rather than just bobby pins will provide much better security.
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What are the best festive accessories for short hair?
Teens with short hair or pixie cuts can still get festive by focusing on high-impact accessories. Rhinestone-encrusted bobby pins, thin metallic headbands, or even small amounts of hair glitter along the part can transform a short style. Side-swept looks with a single oversized holiday clip are also very trendy for shorter lengths this year.
Are these hairstyles safe for colored or treated hair?
Yes, but you should always prioritize hair health when using heat or accessories. If you have bleached or dyed hair, always apply a heat protectant before using curling irons or straighteners. When using “hair tinsel” or clips, be gentle during removal to avoid snagging or breaking sensitized strands.
How can I incorporate my culture into my Christmas hairstyle?
The holiday season is a great time to celebrate your heritage through hair. You can integrate traditional beads, gold cuffs, or silk wraps into festive styles like braids or bantu knots. Choosing accessories in colors that reflect your specific cultural celebrations alongside traditional Christmas colors creates a beautiful, personalized fusion look.
Can I achieve these looks on a budget?
Absolutely, most of these styles rely on basic techniques rather than expensive tools. You can find festive ribbons, velvet bows, and glitter at local craft stores for just a few dollars. Repurposing jewelry, like using a silver necklace as a hair wrap or small ornaments as hair charms, is a great way to look premium without spending much.
What should I do if my hair gets frizzy in the winter cold?
Winter air is notoriously dry, which often leads to static and frizz in teenage hair. To combat this, use a leave-in conditioner or a light hair oil before styling to lock in moisture. For an on-the-go fix, lightly running a dryer sheet over your hair can neutralize the static and keep your festive style looking smooth.