20 Hairstyle Ideas for the 2024 Holiday Season: Manicured Braids, Bowl Cuts, & High Ponytails 

The Ballerina Bun

There’s nothing more sophisticated than a slicked-back bun, a.k.a. the ballerina bun. The style is easy enough to do at home, but posh enough for a Christmas gala or a New Year’s Eve proposal. This look pairs well with plunging gowns, textured high-neck frocks, collar necklaces, and anything satin. The ballerina bun is also versatile, meaning that you can go for a top knot or a low one. Like I previously mentioned, it’s all about the products, so make sure you have the right gels and tools.

Cornrows

When I was younger, I hated getting cornrows for summer camp because of how tight they were. Now, I long to rock cornrows because they give off this beautifully resilient and elegant aura. While cornrows are usually reserved for summer or warm weather, they are perfect for winter when paired with the right outfit. I suggest going with something soft and ultra feminine like a silk dress or a satin blazer and a sparkly skirt. You want to look dainty and glamorous. I would also accessorize with pearls, like the Dior model did above.

If you want to rock cornrows at your upcoming holiday party, try your best to keep your scalp hydrated and your strands moisturized so that your braids look nice, fresh, and shiny.

A Bowl Cut

Hear me out. Bowl cuts were never a bad idea, they just weren’t meant for elementary schoolers! There’s something so chic about a blunt chop with rounded ends—especially paired with a rich-colored faux fur coat for a Christmas get-together.

While you should definitely rely on a professional when it comes to trying this style, you can maintain that first-day glow with products like hair sprays and shines.

A Greasy But Chic High Pony

The only time greasy hair is acceptable is when it’s done on purpose. On the Christophe Guillarmé fall/winter 2024 runway, models strutted down the runway with gooey, wet high ponytails that made me take a double take. The ‘dos looked like work of art with perfectly bouncy curls and gelled-down baby hairs. I image this style would be a hit on New Year’s Eve with dangling earrings and a bold velvet dress.

To help keep this style looking fresh and intact, I suggest buying a firming gel like the one from Bread, and an oil or shine product that will give your hair a glossy finish.

A Braided Bun

The glam team for the Vaishali S fall/winter 2024 show gave the beloved messy bun a easy-to-copy upgrade with a few braids at the center. This is a great look for a festive holiday shindig because it’s effortless but has a little spark that will draw attention. You can even do a really long center braid and wrap it around the top knot for extra personality and uniqueness.

To perfect this look, use a rat tail comb to create sharp, even parts for your braids. From there, create about three to four different plaits. You can leave the ends loose and gather them with the rest of your unbraided strands and pull it into a bun. Let some hairs fall loosely on your neck and around your ear to maintain a relaxed aesthetic.

A Manicured Mini ‘Fro

There’s a weird myth that natural hair or protective styles can’t be considered elegant or festive, but this gorgeous model from the Ester Manas fall/winter 2024 runway is proof that the claim isn’t true. As a Black woman, I am on a mission to embrace my natural coils, and I’m determined to start wearing my hair as is for big events. If you feel your natural strands are a bit wild, consider going in for a subtle taper. Moisturize your coils and then add some oil for an unforgettable shine. A manicured mini ‘fro would look beautiful with statement earrings and a ruffled dress.

To give your ‘fro shape and shine, products like hair balms or curl creams and gels can give your mane major definition.

Soft, Loose Waves 

Waves aren’t only for summer. The beachy style can be festive for a holiday party when paired with a chic black turtleneck and a sparkly or bright-colored mini skirt. The effortless ‘do will give your outfit unexpected contrast. Think the bright green mini skirt by Vivienne Westwood Carrie Bradshaw rocked with her natural strands during season 4 episode 9 of Sex and the City.

If you need a little assistance activating your waves, reach for a sea salt spray or a wave spray, specifically the one above from OUAI. It’s infused with rice protein, which holds a style in place.

Blunt Bangs

Bangs are all the rage this year, and what better time to try out the style than the holidays. Imagine seeing your years-long crush or your favorite ex at your hometown Christmas gathering with a fresh fringe. Pair it with a festive red faux fur coat and black leather pants to really steal the show.

On the day of you’re big event, you’re going to want to touch up your bangs with a little heat. Make sure to protect your strands with a heat protectant. The above product from Chi is my personal fave.

Knotless Braids in a Bun with Hair Accessories

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your knotless braids, try a low bun with hair accessories. It looks so ethereal, so whimsical. I suggest rocking this hairstyle with a long sleeve fitted dress in a fun color or vibrant pattern.

If you’re not into the flowers, you can really get into the spirit with Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah-inspired hair clips that will also make a celebratory statement.

Springy Blonde Curls 

Bright, golden hair changes are usually on the agenda for spring and summer, but you can be in your honey era this winter too. The sunny hue will serve as the perfect pop of color—especially amid a season where your wardrobe is a bit darker. Go all out with big hair and a statement coat, like a faux fur number or a floor-length shearling design.

The secret to truly flawless curls is starting in the shower. After making sure your hair is clean and hydrated, give your curls some extra definition via careful detangling and a little defining cream.

A Curly Bob Tucked Behind the Ears

You don’t have to do too much to make your hair look holiday-party ready. Give your wash-n-go a sleek upgrade (like the Off-White model above) by tucking a few strands behind your ear and using gel or edge control to slick down the front region and tame any flyaways. This creates a smooth, glossy look with little to no effort.

I know we’re a bit tired of celebrity beauty brands, but I’m a big fan of Fenty’s Strong Hold Gel. It’s perfect for my lazy slicked-back buns or any time I want a polished look.

Dramatic Baby Hairs

Baby hairs have long been popular among Black and Latinx communities, but in recent years, we’ve seen the look become more dramatic and decorative. Treat your crown like a Christmas tree and your baby hairs like ornaments, decorating your forehead with intricate swirls and shapes.

I haven’t mastered the art of baby hairs, but there are a lot of tutorials on YouTube and kits like the one above that can guide you down the right path.

A Low Ponytail With a Design 

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to statement-making hair, stick to the basics and build from there. One of my favorite fool-proof hairstyles is a low ponytail. It’s simple, easy to maintain, and works for any and every occasion. To spruce up the style, consider covering the scrunchie or hair tie with strands of your own hair (as seen on the Giambattista Valli model above) and add in some clips or create an intricate design.

If you’re excited about the idea of adding a decorative hair design to your low ponytail, I would book an appointment with a professional ASAP. If you’re into experimenting at home, you should stock up on edge control, hair gel, and molding paste.

A Pulled-Back Updo With a Bow and Veil 

Accessories are always the solution. Throw your hair up into a bun or a low ponytail and add on bows or even a veil, if you’re feeling very fancy. You’ll definitely have all eyes on you at the New Year’s Eve ball.

Accessories don’t have to be expensive, you can go luxe via Jennifer Behr, or find something under $15 on Amazon that looks just as good.

A Wet Bob

When wet hair came back in style during the summer of 2016, celebrities (namely Kim Kardashian) couldn’t get enough of the style. It was the red carpet look, but it seemed to be mostly paired with skin-baring ensembles due to its sultry aura. The fall/winter 2024 runways of brands like Avellano, proved that the style is just as hot for winter when styled with leather outwear and futuristic sunglasses.

While the wet hair look is supposed to give a fresh-out-the-shower feel, it requires a bit more work. Kardashian’s longtime hairstylist, Chris Appleton, revealed that when he creates the look for clients, he “saturates” dry hair with Color Wow’s Pop & Lock Glossing Serum. He explained via TikTok that the product is really “hydrating” and gives the appearance of wet hair. Appleton advised against using mousse or gel because it makes the hair look too “hard” or dry.

A Bob With Flipped Up Ends

The saying, “trends come and go, and sometimes come back again” feels truer than ever—specifically hairstyles from the 1960s. Jackie Kennedy’s flipped-up bob is all the rage and was a hit as fashion week as seen on the guest above attending the Robert Wun fall/winter 2024 show. It looks sophisticated, ultra chic, and cheery.

After washing your hair, applying mousse or styling cream, the easiest way to achieve flipped-up ends is with a blow dryer and round brush. When you reach the end of your hair, flip the brush vertically and twist your wrist.

Faux Locs

Faux locs (made to look like authentic dreadlocks) are another protective style that can feel exciting and joyous for a holiday soirée. The style can be dressed up with hair accessories or decadent fascinators—or styled in different ways whether half-up half-down or parted to one side.

When getting faux locs, it’s important to make sure the hair is wrapped tightly and firmly so it doesn’t unravel. You can keep tje style in place with braiding foam or styling wax.

A Crown Braid 

When you think of holidays, or celebratory occasions like New Year’s Eve, hats and festive headbands so why not treat your hair like a crown or a fascinator with a crown braid. You’ll look like the hostess with the mostess at your Christmas dinner with this ‘do and sparkly dangling earrings.

You don’t need to have a lot of hair to try out this style. Grab some braiding hair from Amazon and pin the crown to your hair and you’re good to go!

A Dramatic Top Knot 

Not all buns have to be lazy. This look is also drastically different from the ballerina ‘do because it feels more dramatic and makes more of a statement. It’s so polished. The style would pair well with a sequin mini dress or anything metallic.

Dance the night away without worrying about flyaways or frizzing hair with the Amika Velveteen Dream Soothing Balm.

A Bone-Straight Blowout 

There’s nothing like a fierce, bone-straight blowout. It’s a timeless look that works for any event (big or small). It feels sleek and strong, but also dainty and delicate. It’s a style you can do at home or get at the salon. You can rock it with a power suit, a silk dress, or a leather mini skirt.

The key to maintaining a blowout is how you protect it at night. I wear a bonnet, but I also double up with a silk pillowcase, giving my strands (and skin) extra protection.