Okay, let’s be real for a second.
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The holidays are amazing – the food, the parties, the sparkly outfits, seeing people you love. But there’s also that low-key panic that hits when you’re standing in front of the mirror an hour before an event thinking, “What the heck am I supposed to do with my hair?”
Been there. So many times.
Whether it’s your office Christmas party, a family gathering, or that New Year’s Eve bash you’ve been looking forward to for months, you want your hair to look good without spending three hours wrestling with a curling iron or dropping your entire paycheck at a salon.
That’s exactly why I put together this guide. No complicated techniques that require a cosmetology degree. No $500 product recommendations. Just real, practical advice for getting holiday-ready hair that actually works for normal people with normal budgets and normal amounts of time.
We’re going to cover everything – from where to find cute hair accessories that won’t fall apart after one wear, to easy updos you can literally do yourself (I promise), to which styling tools are actually worth buying, and how to find salon deals that won’t make you cry when you see the bill.
So grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s figure out your holiday hair situation together.

Let’s start with the fun stuff – accessories! A cute hair clip or sparkly headband can honestly transform the most basic hairstyle into something that looks intentional and put-together. The trick is finding pieces that look good AND actually stay in your hair.
Look, you don’t need to spend a fortune on hair accessories. Some of my favorite pieces have come from places you’d never expect.
Kitsch has become super popular for a reason. Their stuff is affordable, looks way more expensive than it is, and actually works. Their holiday collections usually include velvet scrunchies, rhinestone clips, and satin bows that are perfect for parties. Most pieces are under $12.
Scünci – yeah, the drugstore brand – has really stepped up their game. Check the holiday section at Target or CVS and you’ll find sparkly clips and festive accessories for literally $5-8. Are they going to last forever? Probably not. But for a few holiday events? They’re perfect.
Amazon is honestly a goldmine if you know what to look for. Search for “holiday hair accessories” and sort by reviews. I’ve found beautiful pearl clips and crystal pins for under $10 in multipacks. Just read the reviews carefully and check the photos from actual buyers.
SHEIN gets a lot of flack, but their hair accessories are actually decent for the price. Just order early because shipping can take a while, and temper your expectations – these are $3 clips, not heirloom pieces.
For more budget shopping tips, check out our affordable beauty finds guide.
If you want something a little nicer that’ll last beyond this holiday season, these brands are worth checking out.
Anthropologie has THE cutest hair accessories. Yes, they’re pricier than drugstore options, but the quality is noticeably better. Their velvet bows and beaded clips are gorgeous and hold up really well. Sign up for their emails – they run sales constantly.
Free People offers more bohemian, artsy options if that’s your vibe. Great for more casual holiday gatherings or if you just don’t want to look too “try-hard.”
& Other Stories (if you can get your hands on their stuff) makes beautiful, minimalist accessories that look expensive. Their pearl and gold pieces are chef’s kiss.
ASOS has a huge selection at various price points. They carry their own brand plus a bunch of others, so you can find everything from simple bobby pin sets to statement headbands.
Okay, if you want to treat yourself (or you’re going to a really fancy event), here are the brands worth the investment.
Lelet NY makes stunning modern pieces that are literal works of art. Celebrities wear this brand on red carpets. The price tags are high, but these are pieces you’ll keep forever.
Jennifer Behr is another celebrity favorite. Hand-beaded headbands, crystal-covered barrettes – the whole nine yards. Definitely investment pieces.
Alexandre de Paris has been making hair accessories in France since 1957. They’re the gold standard for quality, and their pieces are absolutely beautiful. If your grandma has a fancy hair clip from “back in the day” that still looks amazing, it might be from here.
According to beauty editors at Vogue, hair accessories are having a major moment right now, so investing in a quality piece isn’t crazy.

Real talk about what’s popular for holiday 2025:
Big bows are everywhere. Like, oversized velvet and satin bows. They look super elegant on the back of a low bun or half-up style. If you’re only going to buy one thing, make it a bow.
Pearls are still going strong. Pearl clips, pearl headbands, pearl bobby pins – they add instant elegance without being over the top.
Claw clips dressed up for parties. You know those claw clips everyone’s been wearing? Now they come in rhinestone and metallic versions perfect for holiday events.
Velvet everything. Scrunchies, ribbons, bows – velvet just screams holiday vibes and looks luxurious.

You don’t need a professional styling setup to create gorgeous holiday hair. Let’s talk about what tools actually matter and how to use them without burning your fingers or giving up halfway through.
Here’s the truth: you probably already own everything you need.
A decent hair dryer. Nothing fancy required. As long as it has at least two heat settings and a cool shot button, you’re good. The cool shot is key for setting your style.
Some kind of curling tool. This could be a curling iron, a wand, hot rollers, or even a flat iron (yep, you can curl with those). Pick whatever you’re most comfortable using.
Bobby pins and hair elastics. Stock up before the holidays. You’ll use more than you think. Get bobby pins that match your hair color.
Dry shampoo. Trust me on this one. It’s a lifesaver for adding texture and making styles hold better.
That’s literally it for the basics. Everything else is bonus.

The “I want pretty curls but I’m not a hairstylist” method:
The “I want volume but my hair is flat” method:
The “my curls fall out in 20 minutes” fix:
Your curls probably fall out because your hair is too clean or too healthy (I know, weird problem to have). Here’s how to fix it:
For more detailed tutorials, visit our hair styling basics page.

Fine hair: You probably need less heat than you think – high heat can fry your hair in seconds. Focus on root volume and don’t overload with heavy products. Volumizing mousse is your best friend. Hot rollers work great for fine hair because they’re gentler than irons.
Thick hair: You might need higher heat settings (sorry) and to work in smaller sections. Give yourself extra time. The good news is your curls will probably last for days once you get them to hold.
Curly hair: Girl, work WITH your curls, not against them. Diffuse for definition, use curl cream, and consider styles that embrace your texture. You don’t have to straighten for fancy events – defined curls look gorgeous!
Short hair: Texture is everything. A good texturizing spray and some cute clips can make short hair look incredibly chic. Don’t underestimate the power of a really good blowout either.

Shopping online for hair accessories can be hit or miss. Here’s where I’ve had good luck and where I’d skip.
Amazon is convenient and usually has fast shipping. Pros: huge selection, easy returns, tons of reviews with photos. Cons: quality varies wildly. My advice? Only buy stuff with at least 100 reviews and check those customer photos carefully.
Ulta is great because you can often find accessories while shopping for other beauty stuff. Free shipping at $35 and easy returns to stores. Their curated selection means less junk to sort through.
Target online has the same stuff as in stores plus some exclusives. Reasonably priced, reliable quality, and you can pick up same-day if you’re in a rush.
Nordstrom for mid-range to nicer pieces. Great return policy. Sign up for Nordstrom Notes to earn points. Their sale section often has hidden gems.
Etsy for unique, handmade pieces. This is where you find stuff no one else will have. Look for sellers with lots of sales and good reviews. Message sellers if you have questions – the good ones respond quickly.
Claire’s – I know, I know. But hear me out. They’ve gotten way better and their holiday accessories are actually cute. Plus everything is super affordable.
H&M has surprisingly nice hair accessories in their accessory section. Check online because in-store selection varies.
Urban Outfitters for trendy, Instagram-worthy pieces. A bit pricier but very on-trend.
Francesca’s if you have one near you or shop online – they have a great selection of occasion accessories.
Honestly? Be careful with:
As shopping experts at Real Simple point out, reading reviews and checking return policies before you buy saves a lot of headaches.
For more online shopping tips, see our smart online beauty shopping guide.

Sometimes you just want someone else to do your hair. I get it. Here’s how to find good salon deals without ending up with a style you hate or a bill that makes you gasp.
Let’s set realistic expectations:
Basic blowout: $35-75 depending on where you live and hair length. This gets you smooth, styled hair but nothing super elaborate.
Blowout with curls or waves: $50-100. Worth it if you want something more polished than you can do yourself.
Simple updo: $65-100. Think low buns, ponytails with a twist, half-up styles.
Fancy formal updo: $100-200+. More intricate styles with braids, lots of pinning, and serious hold.
Full glam (hair + makeup): $150-300+. Usually the best deal if you need both done.
Prices vary HUGELY based on location. Big cities like NYC or LA can be 2-3x more expensive than smaller towns.
Groupon – people love to hate on Groupon but honestly, I’ve found great salon deals there. Just read the reviews carefully and check the salon’s actual website/Instagram before booking.
Local salon social media – follow salons you’re interested in on Instagram. Many announce holiday specials to followers first.
Email lists – sign up for emails from salons you like. They often send subscriber-only discounts.
Beauty schools – if you’re on a tight budget, beauty schools offer significantly discounted services. Yes, students do the work, but instructors supervise everything. I’ve gotten great blowouts at beauty schools.
New client specials – many salons offer discounts for first-time customers. Worth trying somewhere new if the reviews are good.
Off-peak booking – ask if there’s a discount for booking morning or early afternoon appointments. Some salons offer this.
Vague pricing. If they won’t give you a clear price estimate before you book, that’s a problem.
Pushy upselling. “You NEED this $50 treatment” – no, you probably don’t.
Bad reviews about bait-and-switch pricing. If multiple reviews mention being charged more than quoted, run.
No photos of their work. Any good stylist has before/afters. No portfolio = no proof they’re any good.
Extremely cheap prices. If someone is charging way less than everyone else, ask yourself why.
Don’t feel weird asking questions! Good stylists expect them and will happily answer.
Check out our salon guide for more advice on choosing the right place.

Okay, the moment you’ve been waiting for. Here are three holiday updos that look fancy but are actually doable. I’m talking real-person doable, not “professional-stylist-pretending-it’s-easy” doable.
This is my go-to for pretty much every holiday event. It looks intentional but also effortless, and it hides mistakes well.
What you’ll need:
How to do it:
Start with day-old hair. If your hair is freshly washed, spray in some dry shampoo or texturizing spray and rough it up a bit.
Create loose waves if your hair is straight. They don’t need to be perfect – actually, imperfect is better here.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Keep it loose – we’re not going for a slicked-back look.
Before tightening the elastic on the last loop, only pull your hair halfway through. You’ll have a loopy bun and some ends sticking out.
Take those ends and wrap them around the elastic, pinning as you go. It doesn’t have to be neat!
Pull a few pieces out around your face. Curl them if they’re not already wavy.
Gently tug at the bun to make it fuller and messier. Spray lightly.
Troubleshooting: If your bun looks too small, try backcombing/teasing the ponytail before you form the bun. If it won’t stay, use more pins and make sure you’re pushing them in at an angle.
This one looks more polished and works great for formal events. It sounds complicated but I promise it’s not.
What you’ll need:
How to do it:
Smooth a tiny amount of serum through your hair to tame flyaways.
Part your hair wherever you normally do.
Take a section from one side of your head (about 2 inches wide) near your temple. Twist it away from your face.
Keep twisting and adding hair as you go back toward the nape of your neck (like a twisted French braid, but simpler).
When you reach the back of your head, hold that twist and repeat on the other side.
Combine both twists plus the rest of your hair into a low ponytail.
Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a bun. Pin securely.
Gently pull at the twists to loosen them and make them look softer.
Spray and go!
Troubleshooting: If the twists keep falling out, you might need to add more pins along the way. Some people find it helps to twist in one direction consistently.
Perfect if you want your hair down but also want it out of your face. Works on almost any hair length and texture.
What you’ll need:
How to do it:
Spray texturizing product throughout for grip.
Take a section of hair from your temple on one side – about 2-3 inches wide.
Create a simple three-strand braid. Don’t make it too tight.
When you reach behind your ear, stop and secure with a tiny elastic.
Repeat on the other side.
Now here’s the trick: gently pull at each section of both braids to make them look bigger and fuller. Don’t skip this step – it makes a huge difference!
Take both braids to the back of your head and pin them together. You can cross them over each other or pin them side by side.
Hide the pins under the braids if possible.
Curl the rest of your hair if you want waves.
Spray lightly to set.
Troubleshooting: If the braids look too thin, you’re probably making them too tight. Loose braids that you pull apart always look better.
For more tutorials and style ideas, browse our updo inspiration gallery.

Thinking about switching up your color for the holidays? Let’s talk about what’s trending, what works for different skin tones, and how to not end up with a hair color disaster.
Rich Brunettes
Deep chocolate, espresso, and warm brown shades are everywhere. They look luxurious, photograph beautifully, and work with almost everything you’ll wear during the holidays. Bonus: brunette is lower maintenance than lighter colors.
Warm Copper and Auburn
Red tones are having a major moment. From subtle copper highlights to full-on auburn, these warm shades catch light beautifully and feel very holiday-appropriate. Just know that red fades faster than other colors.
Expensive Brunette
This is what it sounds like – brown hair that just looks… expensive. It’s all about dimension. Think caramel or honey highlights around the face with rich brown throughout. Very “I just stepped out of a Beverly Hills salon.”
Champagne Blonde
For blondes, the trend is warm but not brassy. Creamy, champagne tones look softer than platinum and are more forgiving as roots grow in.
Bold Burgundy
If you want something more daring, burgundy and wine shades are stunning for the holidays. They’re bold but still feel sophisticated, especially in candlelit party settings.
Permanent color is great if you want a long-term change. It’ll last until it grows out. Pros: most even results, best grey coverage. Cons: commitment, more potential for damage, requires touch-ups.
Semi-permanent color lasts about 6-8 weeks and gradually washes out. Pros: less commitment, gentler on hair, great for trying something new. Cons: won’t lighten hair, might not cover grey completely.
Demi-permanent color is in between – typically lasting 12-24 washes. Pros: adds shine, good for enhancing natural color. Cons: still fades eventually.
Temporary options wash out in one shampoo. Hair color sprays, mousses, and chalks are great for one-night changes. Pros: no commitment, fun for parties. Cons: can be messy, might transfer onto clothes.
If you’re doing anything drastic or going lighter, please go to a professional. Box bleach is how hair nightmares happen.
As Allure’s hair experts explain, going more than two shades lighter at home is risky business.
At salon:
Premium at-home:
Drugstore:
Temporary:
If you color your hair, keep it looking fresh:
Our hair color maintenance guide has more detailed advice.

Let’s cut through the marketing fluff and talk about which products actually work for maintaining holiday hairstyles.
Heat Protectant (Non-Negotiable)
If you’re using any hot tools, you need heat protection. Period. It’s not optional.
Volumizing Products
For flat hair that needs life:
Texture Spray
This is the secret to styles that actually hold:
Hairspray
Choose your hold level based on your style:
Bobby Pins That Actually Hold
Not all bobby pins are created equal. The ones with the little rubber tips grip better. Get them at Sally Beauty or Amazon – drugstore ones are often too slippery.
Shine Serum
For that finished, glossy look:
Flyaway Tamers
Dry Shampoo
For refreshing day-two hair:
Recovery Treatments
After all that heat styling:
For our complete product guide, visit best hair products 2025.

Let me save you from buying overhyped garbage. Here’s what’s actually worth your money and what you can skip.
If you have money to spend:
The ghd Platinum+ ($249) is what most professionals use. It heats evenly, maintains temperature well, and lasts forever. The Dyson Corrale ($499) is fancy and cordless but honestly, unless you travel a lot or just love Dyson, the ghd is better value.
If you’re on a budget:
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium (around $100) is solid. Hot Tools Pro Artist (around $60) also works well. I’d avoid the very cheapest options – they heat unevenly and can fry your hair.
Skip: Anything under $30 is usually a waste of money. It’ll die quickly or damage your hair.
For most people:
A 1 to 1.25 inch barrel works for most curl types. The Bio Ionic Long Barrel and Hot Tools 24K Gold are both reliable mid-range options.
For beachy waves:
The Beachwaver S1 (the one that rotates) is actually easier to use than I expected. Or just get a 1.5 inch wand.
For major splurging:
The Dyson Airwrap ($599) does curls, waves, and blowouts with less heat damage. Is it worth $600? If you use styling tools constantly and can afford it, maybe. It’s not magic, though.
For tight budgets:
Remington and Conair make decent curling irons in the $25-40 range. They won’t last as long as pricier options, but they work.
Hot rollers are making a comeback and honestly, they’re great for holiday styling. You can set your hair while doing your makeup, they’re gentler than direct heat, and they create really nice volume. T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers are popular but pricey. Conair Compact Hot Rollers are budget-friendly and work fine.
Unless your current dryer is ancient or broken, you probably don’t need a new one. But if you’re shopping:
Best overall: ghd Helios or T3 Cura
Budget pick: Revlon 1875W (surprisingly good for the price)
Splurge: Dyson Supersonic (it’s good, but $400 good? Debatable)
According to tool reviews at Byrdie, the most important features are adjustable heat settings and a cool shot button.
Whatever tools you use, PLEASE use heat protectant. I can’t stress this enough. Damaged hair is so much harder to style than healthy hair. It’s worth the extra 30 seconds.
More detailed tool comparisons in our styling tools guide.

Want to support local salons and get pampered? Here’s how to find the best holiday deals in your area.
Google Maps: Search “hair salon near me” and look at websites for holiday specials. Many salons list current promotions on their Google Business profiles.
Instagram: Follow local salons and watch their stories. Holiday deals often show up there first. Search location tags for your area.
Facebook: Local community groups often have salon recommendations. Also check for local “deals” groups.
Yelp: Beyond reviews, check the “Deals” section for your area.
Groupon/LivingSocial: Yes, still useful. Just read reviews carefully.
Nextdoor: Your neighbors can recommend places with good holiday specials.
Word of Mouth: Ask friends, coworkers, family. Personal recommendations are often the best.

Most salons offer some version of these during the holidays:
Book early. Like, now. Holiday appointments fill up fast, especially the week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Be flexible on timing. Morning appointments on event days are usually less competitive than afternoon/evening.
Confirm your appointment. Call or text to confirm a day or two before. Miscommunication during busy season is common.
Show up prepared. Bring photos of what you want, wear a button-down shirt (so you don’t mess up your hair changing), and arrive with clean, dry hair unless they tell you otherwise.
Communicate clearly. Tell them exactly what event you’re going to, what you’re wearing, and what time you need to be ready by.
For more salon advice, check out our complete salon guide.
Okay, we covered A LOT. Let me break it down into what actually matters:
For accessories: You don’t need to spend a fortune. Budget options work fine for most events. Invest in one or two nicer pieces if you want something to keep.
For styling: Master one or two easy techniques. You don’t need to be able to do everything – just a few styles that work for you.

For products: Heat protectant is non-negotiable. Texturizing spray helps styles hold. Everything else is optional.
For tools: Quality matters more than quantity. A good straightener OR curling iron is enough.
For salons: Book early, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up about what you want.
For color: If you’re doing anything dramatic, go to a professional. For refreshing or subtle changes, at-home options work fine.
Most importantly? Don’t stress too much about your hair. The holidays are about enjoying yourself, not achieving Instagram perfection. A simple style you feel confident in beats an elaborate style that stressed you out to create.
You’re going to look great. Now go enjoy those holiday parties!
Looking for more holiday beauty content? Check out our holiday makeup guide and party outfit ideas to complete your festive look.
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