26 Gorgeous Christmas Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Curly hair shines during the holidays because it already carries volume, texture, and character. This guide shares simple, pretty, and affordable Christmas hairstyle ideas that work with natural curls instead of against them. Each look is easy to recreate at home without pricey tools. Whether your curls are tight, loose, short, long, or somewhere in between, you’ll find practical styles that feel fun for parties, dinners, and family photos.
- Soft Low Curly Bun with Loose Tendrils
A soft low curly bun works well for any holiday event. Keep the front loose so your curls fall naturally. This gives the style a relaxed, warm vibe. Gather your curls at the nape and twist them lightly before pinning. Don’t pull tight. A few bobby pins are enough. Add curl cream if your hair feels dry. For a budget touch, wrap a thin ribbon around the bun. If you want extra shape near the face, twirl small bits with your fingers. This look takes about five minutes, so it’s a great last-minute option. If your curls shrink when dry, style on damp hair for more length.
- Half-Up Curly Puff with Ribbon
A half-up curly puff gives height without heavy work. Scoop the top section of your curls and secure it with a small elastic. Fluff it gently to add soft shape. Tie a simple ribbon around the elastic for a holiday feel. Choose a ribbon color that fits your outfit—red for classic, green for playful, or gold for something warm. A small amount of gel keeps the front neat. This style works great on stretched or shrunken curls. If you want it fuller, shake the curls at the root. The best part is how quick it is. You need only an elastic, a ribbon, and a dab of moisture.
- Curly High Ponytail with Sparkly Clip
A curly high ponytail looks playful and polished at the same time. Flip your hair upside down to gather curls smoothly. Use a strong elastic so the pony sits high. Let the curls fall naturally. Add a sparkly clip or small gemstone pin at the base for that holiday touch. If your curls dry out fast, mist water and scrunch in a little cream before styling. You can also wrap a curl around the elastic to hide it. For more volume, pull gently at the ponytail base. This is a low-cost style that still feels party-ready.
- Defined Side-Part Curls with Mini Twists
A deep side part adds instant shape to curly hair. Twist a few small sections along the smaller side and pin them back. This opens the face while keeping the curls bouncy on the other side. Work in a little leave-in conditioner before styling. Twists take only a few minutes and hold well with two or three pins. For a holiday hint, add a tiny decorative pin at the end of each twist. This style works well on second-day curls. If your curls look dry, mist lightly and refresh with fingers. It’s a simple way to look ready without fuss.
- Curly Crown Twist
A curly crown twist frames the head in the prettiest way. Take two medium sections from the front and twist them backward. Pin them together at the back. Let your curls flow naturally behind. Use a little oil or cream on the twists to keep them smooth. Add small decorative pins for sparkle. You don’t need perfect parts—soft lines look warm and relaxed. If your curls are long, twist larger pieces. If short, twist smaller sections. This style keeps hair out of your face while still letting curls shine.
- Voluminous Curly Afro with Holiday Headband
A curly afro looks stunning with very little effort. Pick your curls gently to add fullness. Slide on a holiday headband to frame your face. Choose thin metallic styles if you want something subtle. For more softness, apply a little leave-in conditioner and stretch curls with your hands. This style is affordable because it uses pieces you already own. If your curls shrink overnight, stretch them lightly with a banding method before styling. It takes only minutes to look party-ready.
- Loose Curly Side Bun
A loose curly side bun feels charming and simple. Sweep your curls to one side and secure with an elastic. Twist the length into a fluffy bun and pin loosely. Leave some curls around the face. This style works well for dinner events or family photos. To keep curls soft, add a tiny amount of curl cream. For a small upgrade, tuck in a decorative pin or ribbon. It’s a no-stress style that still looks thoughtful.
- Curly Pineapple Updo
A pineapple updo is quick and keeps curls defined. Gather hair at the very top of your head using a loose elastic. Let the curls fall forward. This adds height and shape. Smooth the sides with gel if you want a clean look. Add a soft scarf around the base for a holiday touch. If your curls need moisture, mist water and scrunch before styling. This works best on longer curls but short curls can do a smaller version.
- Curly Low Pony with Green Velvet Bow
A low ponytail feels classic and cozy. Gather curls gently without pulling tight. Secure with an elastic and tie a velvet bow around it. Green looks great for Christmas, but burgundy works too. Use light gel if flyaways bother you. If your curls shrink, style on damp hair for a longer look. This can be ready in minutes and costs almost nothing. It’s great for casual or dressy events.
- Half-Up Curly Top Knot
A half-up top knot gives height but still shows your curls. Scoop the top half of your hair and twist it into a small bun. Keep it loose so it has soft shape. The bottom curls stay free. Refresh curls with a little water and cream. This works well if you want your hair out of your face but not fully tied up. Add a ribbon for a festive touch. Easy, cute, and budget-friendly.
- Curly Braided Front Row
Two small braids at the front add detail without hard work. Part the front into two narrow sections. Braid each and secure with small elastics. Pin them back and fluff the rest of your curls. This keeps hair away from your face while adding texture. If your curls feel dry, apply a tiny bit of oil. This style pairs well with sparkly hairpins. It’s fast, simple, and picture-friendly.
- Curly Faux Hawk
A curly faux hawk uses bobby pins to lift curls upward. Pin the sides inward to guide curls toward the middle. Fluff the top for height. This gives a bold but soft holiday style. You don’t need tight pins—just enough to shape. For shine, add a bit of cream. You can highlight the front with a sparkly clip. This style works especially well with tighter curls.
- Twisted Curly Ponytail
Twist two side pieces and pull them back into a ponytail. This frames the face nicely. Let the curls cascade naturally. Use a ribbon for holiday charm. For extra definition, refresh curls with a little water and scrunch. This style works on all curl lengths. It’s easy to do and looks thoughtful without taking time or money.
- Curly Bun with Gold Accessories
A curly bun becomes festive with tiny gold pins. Make a loose bun and slide in the accessories wherever you like. They catch the light for a gentle sparkle. Use a small amount of gel to smooth flyaways. This works with long or short curls. Even if your bun isn’t perfect, the gold details keep it cute. It’s a low-cost way to look holiday-ready.
- Curly Side-Swept Waves
Sweep all curls to one side and secure gently with bobby pins. Define a few curls with your fingers. This gives a soft, romantic look. Add a decorative clip near the ear. Style on damp hair if you want longer curls. This is great for dresses with one shoulder shown. It’s simple and pretty for any holiday event.
- Short Curly Holiday Puff
Short curls can still shine with a little puff. Gather what you can at the top and secure lightly. Add a thin metallic headband. Use cream or gel to refresh curls. This style is quick and wallet-friendly. If your curls are very short, skip the puff and let the headband frame your face.
- Curly Low Chignon
A curly low chignon feels calm and clean. Gather curls at the nape, twist loosely, and pin into a rounded shape. Pull a few curls at the front for softness. Use oil for shine. This works well for dressy gatherings. Add a holiday clip for a little sparkle. It looks polished but doesn’t take much time.
- Curly Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail adds playful detail. Tie your curls into a low or mid ponytail. Add elastics every few inches. Gently tug each section to puff it out. This works best on longer curls. To keep the look soft, avoid pulling tight. Add a ribbon at the base for a holiday twist. It’s easy and fun.
- Curly Twisted Half Crown
Twist two large sections from the sides and pin them together at the back. Let the curls fall naturally. This gives height while keeping hair away from your face. Add a soft clip or small holiday pin. Refresh curls with water if needed. It’s quick, soft, and flattering.
- Curly Space Buns
Space buns feel playful for holiday events. Part the hair down the middle. Create two high buns. Keep them loose so curls show. Leave small curls by the ears for softness. Add glitter clips if you want something extra. This style works well for casual gatherings and fun photos. It’s quick, cute, and affordable.
- Curly Claw Clip Updo
A claw clip makes styling simple. Gather curls and twist upward. Secure with a sturdy clip. Let the curls fall over the top. Add a holiday-colored clip if you have one. Refresh curls with a little water. This style takes less than a minute and looks soft and relaxed.
- Curly Braided Halo
A simple front braid can change your whole look. Braid along the hairline and pin behind the ear. Fluff the curls behind. Use cream for smoothness. Add a small holiday pin if you want sparkle. This style keeps hair out of the face and works on many curl types.
- Curly Side Puff
A side puff adds shape and volume. Pull curls gently to one side and secure with an elastic. Let the curls fall naturally. Tie a ribbon around the base. Refresh curls if needed with water. It’s easy and works for all curl patterns. Great for quick holiday photos.
- Curly Messy Bun with Face Curls
A messy bun suits curly hair perfectly. Gather curls loosely and pin into a soft bun. Pull out two curls near the face. This makes the look soft and warm. Add a sparkly pin if you want something extra. Style takes only minutes and works on many lengths.
- Curly Double Twists into Ponytail
Twist both sides and secure them into a ponytail. Let the curls fall naturally. Use a velvet ribbon for the holiday feel. Smooth the front with gel if you like neat edges. This style is easy and works well for long or medium curls. It’s fast, tidy, and festive.
- Defined Curly Wash-Day Look with Sparkly Pins
Defined curls look amazing on their own. Refresh or wash your curls, then scrunch in cream or gel. Let them dry naturally or diffuse lightly. Add two or three sparkly pins near the front. This keeps the style simple but still holiday-ready. If you’re short on time, just refresh curls with water. This is an affordable way to look polished without any complicated styling.
Conclusion
Curly hair makes holiday styling fun and easy. Each look above works with natural texture and needs only simple tools, a few pins, or a ribbon. Try one for photos, parties, or quiet celebrations at home. Pick a style that fits your mood and enjoy the season with curls that feel comfortable, soft, and festive.
