Long hair is a gift at Christmas — more length means more styling possibilities, from cascading waves to intricate braids to elegant updos that show off every inch. Whether the plan is a cozy family dinner, a festive office party, or Christmas morning photos, long hair can be dressed up or kept effortless. These 20+ Christmas hairstyles for long hair range from romantic curls to holiday braids, each designed to make the most of length. Many take under 15 minutes, and all of them photograph beautifully against Christmas lights. Long hair, holiday magic — let’s style it.
1. Cascading Christmas Waves
Long, cascading waves are the ultimate Christmas hairstyle — romantic, effortless, and endlessly flattering. Curl large sections away from the face with a 1.5-inch iron, then brush through for soft, flowing waves. The length does the dramatic work. This style suits all face shapes and every Christmas occasion, from church services to parties. A center or side part both work beautifully. Pro tip: curl the hair in the same direction on each side for uniform waves, or alternate for a more natural, beachy finish.
2. Festive Side Braid
A chunky side braid draped over one shoulder is cozy, charming, and perfectly Christmas. Create a loose three-strand or fishtail braid, pancaking it for fullness, and secure with a festive ribbon or velvet scrunchie. The asymmetry flatters most face shapes. Best on long hair where the braid has real presence. It’s practical for cooking Christmas dinner or opening gifts — hair stays contained and cute. Pro tip: weave a thin gold ribbon through the braid for a subtle holiday shimmer.
3. Half-Up with a Velvet Bow
Nothing says Christmas like a velvet bow — and paired with a half-up style on long hair, it’s pure holiday charm. Gather the top half into a twist or small bun and secure with an oversized velvet bow in red, green, or black. The remaining hair falls in waves or sleek lengths. Suits all face shapes and works on long hair of any texture. It’s festive without trying too hard. Pro tip: clip the bow slightly off-center for a modern feel, or dead-center for classic Christmas-card charm.
4. Elegant Christmas Dinner Bun
For the formal Christmas dinner, a polished low bun in long hair is timeless elegance. Smooth hair back, twist into a neat bun at the nape, and pin securely. The sleekness shows off the neckline and earrings. Suits oval and heart-shaped faces. Long hair creates a substantial, luxurious bun. A pearl or crystal hairpin adds festive polish. Pro tip: wrap the bun over a hair donut for perfect roundness, then cover completely so no form shows.
5. Winter Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid’s intricate weave looks stunning on very long hair — like something from a winter fairy tale. Braid loosely and pancake generously for a thick, romantic plait. A side fishtail is especially photogenic. Best on long, one-length hair. Dark or highlighted hair shows the woven detail. It’s secure enough for a full day of festivities. Pro tip: start the fishtail as a regular three-strand braid for the first few stitches — the transition is invisible and the top stays neater.
6. Romantic Christmas Curls
Defined romantic curls in long hair bring old-fashioned Christmas glamour. Use a medium-barrel iron for bouncy, defined curls, setting each with a clip while cooling. The result is polished and festive. Suits medium to long hair with density. Perfect for Christmas parties and evening events. A deep side part adds drama. Pro tip: don’t brush these curls out — separate them gently with fingers and a drop of serum for defined, touchable ringlets.
7. Holiday Braided Crown
A braided crown on long hair looks like a Christmas wreath — festive, romantic, and regal. Dutch braid around the head, pin the ends under, and pancake for fullness. Long hair creates a substantial crown with real presence. Weave in baby’s breath, small red berries (faux), or gold thread for holiday magic. Suits most face shapes. Pro tip: braid slightly damp hair with texturizing spray — the grip keeps the crown from slipping on silky long hair.
8. Waterfall Braid for Christmas
The waterfall braid lets long hair cascade through the weave — romantic and intricate for Christmas. Braid across the crown, dropping strands to create the waterfall effect. Best on long, one-length hair where the falling strands read clearly. Highlighted hair shows the detail beautifully. Perfect for Christmas Eve gatherings and photos. Pro tip: secure the braid end with a clear elastic hidden under a curled strand — invisible and secure.
9. High Christmas Ponytail
A high, voluminous ponytail on long hair is festive and fun — bouncy, glamorous, and full of movement. Tease the crown, secure high, curl the lengths for bounce, and wrap the base. Long hair gives this style real drama. Suits most face shapes and keeps hair off the face for eating, dancing, and celebrating. A velvet scrunchie or ribbon at the base adds Christmas spirit. Pro tip: curl the ponytail in sections, alternating directions, for maximum bounce and dimension.
10. Sleek Holiday Straight Hair
Long, pin-straight hair with mirror shine is minimalist Christmas elegance. Flat iron in small sections, seal with serum, and keep the part clean. The simplicity lets the length speak. Best on healthy long hair with trimmed ends — split ends are very visible when straight. Pairs with bold holiday makeup. Pro tip: a shine spray applied in light mists (not heavy spritzes) gives gloss without weighing long hair down.
11. Cozy Messy Bun
Christmas morning calls for a cozy messy bun — effortless, comfortable, and cute in photos. Gather long hair into a loose high bun, pull out face-framing pieces, and don’t overthink it. The imperfection is the charm. Suits all face shapes and works on any texture. Perfect for pajama mornings, gift exchanges, and relaxed family time. Pro tip: a scrunchie instead of an elastic gives the bun softness and prevents the dreaded ponytail dent.
12. Winter Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids are playful, practical, and perfect for active Christmas days — sledding, winter walks, and kitchen chaos. Braid tightly from the hairline back for a sporty look, or loosely for boho charm. Long hair makes substantial braids. They keep everything secure for hours. Add festive ribbons at the ends. Pro tip: Dutch braid (underhand) rather than French (overhand) — the braids pop outward and look thicker on long hair.
13. Twisted Half-Up Holiday Style
Twisted half-up styling is quick Christmas elegance: twist back two front sections, join at the back, and let long waves flow. It takes five minutes and looks intentional. Suits most face shapes and all long hair textures. A decorative clip or small bow at the join adds festivity. Great for last-minute invites. Pro tip: twist the sections away from the face and pin with crossed bobby pins — the twists stay put all evening.
14. Festive Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail turns long hair into a festive statement — playful sections of volume down the back. Secure into a ponytail, add elastics down the length, and puff each section. Long hair creates an impressive bubble cascade. Hide elastics with wrapped hair or tiny bows for Christmas charm. Suits younger party-goers and fun gatherings. Pro tip: tease each section before puffing — the bubbles hold their round shape much longer.
15. Voluminous Christmas Blowout
A big, bouncy blowout on long hair is Christmas glamour at its most classic. Round-brush blow-dry in sections with volume at the roots and flipped ends. Long layers enhance the movement. This style suits every Christmas event and photographs with gorgeous dimension. It demands time and arm strength — or a salon appointment. Pro tip: Velcro rollers on the crown while the hair cools set volume that lasts from morning gifts to evening dinner.
16. Low Chignon for Long Hair
The low chignon uses long hair’s length for a substantial, elegant knot at the nape. Twist and coil, pinning as you go, keeping it smooth or slightly loose. Long hair wraps into a full, luxurious chignon. Suits formal Christmas events and flatters most face shapes. A decorative comb or pins add festive detail. Pro tip: a light mist of hairspray on each section before twisting gives the chignon grip and longevity.
17. Christmas Milkmaid Braids
Milkmaid braids on long hair create a folk-Christmas look — sweet, old-world, and utterly charming. Two substantial braids wrap over the crown and pin. Long hair gives full, thick braids with real presence. Weave in red ribbon or tiny faux holly for the season. Suits round and heart-shaped faces. Comfortable for all-day wear. Pro tip: pancake the braids generously before wrapping — flat braids disappear against the head on long, thick hair.
18. Side-Swept Formal Waves
Sweeping long waves to one side creates formal Christmas glamour with beautiful asymmetry. Curl the full head, gather over one shoulder, and pin at the nape. The exposed shoulder shows off festive necklines. Best on long, voluminous hair. Suits formal dinners and parties. Statement earrings complete the look. Pro tip: a light backcomb at the crown on the swept side prevents the style from falling flat within the hour.
19. Winter Rope Braid
The rope braid — two twisted sections coiled together — looks intricate but takes minutes on long hair. Twist each section the same direction, then coil them opposite. The spiral effect is striking on very long hair. Secure and long-lasting for full Christmas days. A ribbon woven through adds festivity. Pro tip: apply a smoothing cream before twisting — flyaways blur the clean spiral that makes this braid special.
20. Braided Holiday Ponytail
Combine the best of both: a high ponytail finished with a braid down its length. Secure high, then three-strand or fishtail braid the ponytail. Long hair makes this a dramatic, eye-catching style. Festive and practical — it stays put through any celebration. Pancake the braid for fullness. Pro tip: curl the ponytail before braiding for a thicker, more textured braid.
21. Romantic Half-Up Curls
Half-up curls on long hair are Christmas romance — the top swept back softly while curls cascade below. Tease the crown, gather the top loosely, and curl everything for softness. Suits most face shapes and every festive occasion. A jeweled clip at the back adds sparkle. It’s the hairstyle equivalent of a Christmas movie ending. Pro tip: leave the front pieces slightly longer around the face and curl them away — the frame softens the whole look.
Long hair at Christmas is pure styling joy — these 21 hairstyles prove there’s a perfect look for every event from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. The common thread is making the most of length: braids with presence, waves with movement, updos with substance. Prep hair with a deep-conditioning mask in the week before for maximum shine, keep bobby pins and a travel hairspray handy, and enjoy having the most versatile hair at every celebration.
