The Coolest Hair Trends to Try for Holiday 2023, From Baby Bows to Braided Buns

Hailey Bieber wearing a red dress and French twist — @haileybieber/Instagram

The holidays occur at the same time every single year, yet they always seem to take us by surprise, leaving us scrambling to finish our shopping, and, more importantly, figuring out what to wear. Should we prioritize comfort or style? Should we go full glam or all natural? What's the manicure vibe? Don't even get me started on what to do with our hair—the season of giving quickly turns into the season of stressing when you have to put a new look together for each and every party on your cal.

Luckily, we can take at least one thing off your plate, as we found the coolest hair trends to wear all season long. No matter what your style or skill level, there's something for you from bows to bouffants. Read on for the coolest holiday hair trends of 2023.

01 of 08

Priscillacore

All things Priscilla Presley have been having a moment since Sofia Coppola's film hit theaters this November. And for good reason, as it's ripe with ‘60s beauty and fashion looks from which to draw inspiration. Think baby beehives with lots of volume and dramatic cat eyes. Though walking into a holiday party in full Priscilla cosplay might be a bit much, a voluminous hairstyle will elevate any outfit you pair it with. Style your hair in a middle part with a small bump at the crown of your head, and you'll be the most Memphis glam girl at the party.

02 of 08

'90s Updo

The '90s show no signs of leaving the trend cycle anytime soon, and an updo from the era is the best way to live out your end-of-millennium fantasies this holiday season. It's a little bit edgy yet glamourous, and can be executed in so many ways. Emulate the archetype Pamela Anderson, or switch it up like Megan Thee Stallion and Selena Gomez. Regardless, a voluminous bun on the crown of your head with tons of curls, volume, and loose strands is what you're aiming for.

03 of 08

Sleek French Twist

If you're a fan of classic, timeless elegance, a sleek French twist is the perfect holiday hair trend for you to try out this season. This hairstyle, which has been championed by everyone from Hailey Bieber to Keke Palmer as of late, is perfect for any holiday event that requires a little extra effort in the outfit department. The perfect way to make any look more fancy is to pull all your hair back behind your head, twist, pull up, and pin. You can easily customize it by leaving out some face-framing tendrils, adding some volume at the crown, parting your hair to the side, or adding some fun hair clips or bows.

04 of 08

Chic '60s Headband

Another '60s-inspired look, the retro headband trend is look gaining popularity this season. Sydney Sweeney, Rosalía, and Bella Hadid have all co-signed this trend, trying it out in the perfect casual-cute look. Pair the accessory with curls, a beehive bump, pin-straight hair, a ponytail, or even leave out some face-framing strands—anything goes so long as the chunky headband is the star of the show. For even more of a Holiday spin, make the headband festive with a cute print or jolly color.

05 of 08

Baby Bows

If you’re into all things coquette and balletcore, baby bows are the perfect holiday hair trend to break out for any event. A true fairytale hairstyle, all you need is some slim ribbon and bobby pins. Any hairstyle works; just simply tie the itty bitty bows in various strands of your hair (or around the pin) to achieve the cutesy style. Braids, buns, waves, or pin-straight hair all make a great base, and you can customize the ribbon color to match or contrast your outfit.

06 of 08

Sculptural Updo

FKA Twigs with a sculptural bow updo hairstyle and glittery makeup — @fkatwigs/instagram

This one is for all the tried-and-true maximalists with better hair skills than the rest of us. What better way to ring in the holidays than turning your hair into a decoration? FKA Twigs has done it, making her hair the bow rather than accessorizing with one. For this, you need lots of gel, hairspray, and patience, or a truly incredible hairstylist.

07 of 08

Braided Bun

Who doesn’t love a braided bun? This look is always in style but especially around Christmas for its wholesome, fancy feel. Simply slick all your hair back into a classic braid, then twist the braid into a bun, pinning as you go. You can leave out some face-framing strands, part your hair down the middle or to the side, or even add a festive bow for the occasion.

08 of 08

Classic Ponytail

Even more classic than the braided bun is the sleek pony. This hairstyle fits any occasion—from a casual family function to an ultra-fancy cocktail—and makes the perfect simple look for the holidays. You can style it pretty much any way you please, but a sleek front paired with soft waves will instantly make you feel more put-together (and show off some gorgeous earrings). It also makes the perfect base for any trendy hair accessories you may have picked up during the year.

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