Braids and Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Parties

Trying to find the perfect hairstyle for holiday parties doesn’t have to be stressful. The best solution is a gorgeous braid or updo. The great thing about most of these hairstyles is they look complex, but are actually simple to do. Ask a friend to help out to save time and make sure the style is absolutely perfect.

Holiday Perfect Hair

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  Side Bun

This classic updo is perfect for parties. It’s elegant and works with any outfit. Try this one on slightly dirty hair to make it a little easier to work with. Simply pull your hair into a low side ponytail and back comb the ponytail slightly to give it texture. Wrap in a loose bun and pin into place. Christina of Hair Romance shows us how to do a quick side bun.

Milkmaid Braid

Get the perfect mix of braid and updo with this hairstyle. The braid wraps around the top of your head and looks cute and pretty. Start a loose french braid just off to one side of your middle part. Wrap it around to the base of your head and either braid the rest of your hair like normal and wrap it into a bun or continue the braid around to the other side of your head and pin in place. Here’s a milkmaid braid tutorial with photos.

Messy Fishtail Braid

Messy braids look great all year, but a slightly messy fishtail braid gives you a bit of elegance for holiday parties. Brush hair around to one side and start a low fishtail braid. When pulled around, the braid should start near the middle of your neck or lower. Keep the top portion of your hair loose as possible so it frames your face.

Sleek Ponytail

Nothing is more universal and classic than a sleek ponytail. Pull your hair into a tight ponytail at the center of the back of your head or higher. Sleek ponies look best when they’re a little higher. Add some texture by back combing the top of your hair a little first. Make it look a little more festive with a holiday ponytail holder.

 

Chignon

This elegant look requires a little bit of length to get the right roll, but it’s perfect for holiday parties. With a little practice, it’s easier than it looks. Start by brushing hair to one side and rolling hair inwards tightly from tip to root and pinning in place. You can also use chignon kits to make this easier. Here’s a great chignon tutorial by Christina of Hair Romance.

Braid Wrapped Bun

This one can be done in one of two ways. Either a classic bun with a braid wrapped around the base or a bumped pony with a braid wrapped around it. For the classic bun, start by leaving one section of hair out and wrapping the rest into a bun. Pin in place, braid the remaining section and wrap it around the base of the bun and pin in place.

For the second option, divide your hair into two sections with the top section being slightly bigger than the other. Pull the thicker section into a ponytail, midway on the back of your head. Roll the pony inwards towards your scalp until you have a bump-it look. Braid the remaining section and wrap it around the base of the ponytail and pin in place to hold the style.

I also highly recommend the new book by braid guru, Christina Butcher (of Hair Romance) –  “Braids, Buns and Twists” – it gives you 82 step by step tutorials. This would be great for yourself or a holiday gift! You can get it on Amazon or at Urban Outfitters.

Practice these styles a little before the day of the party. You’ll then be ready to wow everyone with your perfect holiday hair.