- There are countless holiday hairstyles for natural hair to choose from.
- If you can't pick, consider trying one of the latest hair trends.
- From updos to elevated ponytails, these tutorials will help you re-create the look at home.
Every year it feels like the holidays sneak up on us, and suddenly we're left to plan our holiday hairstyle [1], manicure, and makeup look [2], which is often easier said than done. There's nothing wrong with busting out a classic ponytail or sticking with your signature updo for this year's festivities, but sometimes it's nice to change things up and follow one of the latest trends. And in the natural hair category, you have options.
Accessories are your best tool for turning a regular hairstyle into holiday glam. Rhinestone-embellished baby hairs, blinged-out ponies, and statement headbands complete every look. Whether you have short coils or curls that stretch down your back, this holiday hairstyle inspiration [3] will have all eyes on you at every party. Ahead, learn how to re-create some of the top holiday hair trends for natural hair, complete with product recommendations.
Holiday Hairstyles For Natural Hair: Slicked Back Voluminous Curls
Celebrity hairstylist Monae Everett [4] who's worked with Tia Mowry, Nia Long, and Yara Shahidi [5], to name a few, created this curly look with rhinestone details. "Razzle and dazzle this holiday season with nourished and voluminous curls that will wow," Everett said. To get the look, she used the Sebastian Professional No.Breaker [6] ($34) and Twisted Curl Styling Cream [7] ($10) on damp hair and then used gel to smooth back one side of the head. After diffusing the curls, Everett "used a pick to lift the curls and activate the volume." Last but not least, "for a little razzle-dazzle, I added hair crystals to make this style stand out just in time for the holidays." Try these Crystal Hair Snaps [8] ($25) or these Swarovski Crystal Hair Swirls [9] ($15) for a similar look.
Holiday Hairstyles For Natural Hair: Extra Long Wrapped Ponytail
This is no average ponytail. The extra-long style was created by celebrity hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew [10] whose clients include Kerry Washington [11] and Gabrielle Union [12]. She described it as a "bold, edgy, flirty look."
To start, separate a small section of hair on either side of the head at the front to create two face-framing braids and use TSD hair extensions [13] to add length. Then, "smooth down and tie remaining hair into a low ponytail and braid the ponytail" before securing more TSD hair extensions in two different colours to the braid with an elastic.
"Take a section of hair from the right side of the extensions and wrap snugly around and down the entire ponytail in a counterclockwise motion until you reach the middle," said Sturdivant-Drew. "Take another free section of ponytail at the bottom and wrap clockwise upward around [the] entire ponytail until you reach the middle." The end of the ponytail should be left free for more volume.
Set the look with the Sebastian Professional Shaper Hairspray [14] ($10), and then add an assortment of sparkly hair clips, like the Scunci Barrettes [15] ($10) or A New Day Square Barrettes with Pearls Clips and Pins [16] ($8).
Holiday Hairstyles For Natural Hair: Rhinestone Baby Hairs
Looking for a fun and easy way to dress up a simple updo? Try decorating your baby hairs with rhinestones. You can get a kit that includes 3,000 gems [17] in multiple different colours for just $10 and secure them in place with eyelash glue.
Holiday Hairstyles For Natural Hair: Old Hollywood Glam Curls
"Glamour to me is always in style, but especially around the holidays," said celebrity hairstylist Stephen Hudson [18]. For a quick and easy hairstyle on short to medium-length natural hair, try this Old Hollywood glam inspired curly look. Start with a hair oil, like the Sebastian Professional Dark Oil [19] ($48), on damp hair to smooth and nourish the hair. "Be sure to emulsify the product in your hands before applying, then lightly blow-dry the hair," said Hudson. Section the hair into two parts down the middle of your head, and then subdivide those two sections again before blow-drying until hair is fluffy.
"Take a 1/2 inch curling iron or wand and twist/coil the hair around the strands," he said. "After removing the heat, make sure to hold the curl in your hand before releasing it; pin and let set before styling." Finish off with more hair oil for shine and add some clips, like the Scunci Collection Multi Stones Bobby [20] ($8). "Your hair will be shining like a diamond for any holiday fête."