Long hair gives you more options for a holiday party than any other length. You can wear it down in waves, pull it into a sleek ponytail, or pin it into a full updo.
The hard part is choosing. Whether you are going to an office party, a family dinner, or a night out with friends, there is a style here that fits.
These 27 holiday party hairstyles for long hair range from five-minute looks to styles worth a little more time. Most need only a curling iron, pins, and one festive accessory.
Before you start
- Use heat protectant. Long hair is older at the ends and dries out easily.
- Work in sections. Clip the top layers up and style from the bottom so nothing is missed.
- Choose one accessory. A bow, a barrette, or a headband is enough. More than one tends to compete.
27 holiday party hairstyles for long hair
1. Classic Hollywood waves
Curl each section in the same direction, clip the curls while they cool, then brush them into one smooth wave. A deep side part and a little shine spray complete it. This look suits any dressy party.
2. High ponytail with a satin bow
Pull your hair into a high ponytail and tie a wide satin bow over the elastic. Curl the ends for movement. It is cheerful, quick, and keeps hair off your neck in a warm room.
3. Half-up twist with loose curls
Twist a section from each side and pin them together at the back. Curl the rest of your hair loosely. You get the polish of an updo with the length still showing.
4. Low bun with a velvet ribbon
Twist your hair into a low bun and tie a long velvet ribbon around it, letting the ends hang. Deep red, forest green, or black all work. It looks elegant with very little effort.
5. Dutch braid into a ponytail
Braid a Dutch braid along the top of your head and gather it with the rest of your hair into a ponytail. The raised braid adds detail and holds through a long evening.
6. Sleek straight hair with a center part
Straighten your hair in small sections and finish with a smoothing serum. A sharp center part makes it look intentional. This is the simplest style here and one of the most striking.
7. Side-swept curls
Curl your hair, then pin it all over one shoulder with a few hidden bobby pins. It shows off earrings and a neckline on the open side.
8. Braided crown with waves
Braid a section from behind each ear and cross both over the top of your head. Leave the rest in soft waves. It is pretty, secure, and keeps hair out of your face.
9. Bubble ponytail with gold cuffs
Tie a ponytail and add a gold cuff or elastic every few inches down the length, puffing out each section. Long hair gives you room for four or five bubbles.
10. Messy low chignon
Gather your hair loosely at the nape, roll it under, and pin. Pull out a few pieces around the face. It should look soft and a little undone.
11. Waterfall braid with curls
A waterfall braid lets strands fall through as you braid across the back of your head. Curl the falling pieces afterward. It looks detailed but uses a simple repeated step.
12. Sleek high bun
Smooth your hair into a tight bun at the crown and secure it with pins and a bun net if you have one. It lengthens the neck and works well with high collars and statement earrings.
13. Half-up bow made of hair
Tie a half-up ponytail, pull it halfway through the elastic to make a loop, split the loop in two, and wrap the tail over the middle to form a bow. Pin the ends underneath.
14. Long layered blowout
Blow-dry with a large round brush, rolling each section away from your face. Set with velcro rollers for ten minutes if you have time. The result is bouncy, full hair that moves.
15. Fishtail side braid
A fishtail braid uses two strands instead of three and looks more detailed than a regular braid. Braid it over one shoulder and loosen it gently so it looks full.
16. Twisted low ponytail
Twist the hair on each side back toward the nape and join both twists in a low ponytail. Wrap a strand around the elastic. It is neat and takes about five minutes.
17. Pinned-back front with pearl clips
Take the front section on each side, sweep it back, and secure it with a row of pearl clips. Leave the rest of your hair down. It is a small change that looks festive.
18. Rope braid ponytail
Split a high ponytail in two, twist both sections in the same direction, then wrap them around each other the other way. It holds well on smooth, slippery hair.
19. Big bouncy curls
Use a large barrel iron, curl away from the face, and let every curl cool before touching it. Shake them out with your fingers. Volume like this suits a sequin dress.
20. French twist
Gather your hair at the nape, twist it upward along the back of your head, tuck the ends in, and pin along the seam. It is a classic for formal dinners and office parties.
21. Half-up top knot
Twist the top third of your hair into a small knot at the crown and leave the rest down. It is casual enough for a house party and still looks styled.
22. Braided low bun
Braid your hair in one long braid, coil it into a bun at the nape, and pin it flat. The braid gives the bun texture and keeps it secure all night.
23. Glam waves with a sparkly barrette
Brush out your curls into soft waves and clip a large rhinestone barrette on one side just above the ear. One accessory is enough to make it party-ready.
24. Double braids joined at the back
Make a small braid on each side of your head and tie them together at the back with a ribbon. Leave the rest of your hair loose. Simple and sweet.
25. Wet-look slicked-back hair
Comb gel through the top and sides so the hair sits flat and glossy, and leave the lengths smooth down your back. It is a bold, modern look for an evening party.
26. Low ponytail with a ribbon wrap
Tie a low ponytail and wind a ribbon down the first several inches, crossing it as you go. Tie it off in a small knot. Satin ribbon in a rich colour looks best.
27. Curled ends with a jewelled headband
Keep the top smooth, curl only the last few inches of your hair, and add a jewelled or velvet headband. It takes minutes and looks finished in photos.
How to keep long hair looking good all night
- Set your curls. Pin each curl while it cools and spray lightly before brushing out.
- Anchor updos properly. Long hair is heavy. Use more pins than you think you need and cross them in pairs.
- Fight static. Winter air makes long hair flyaway. A drop of hair oil or a dryer sheet smoothed over the top helps.
- Bring a backup. Keep a hair tie on your wrist. If the style drops, a low ponytail still looks good.
Final thoughts
Holiday parties are a good excuse to try something new with long hair. Pick a style that matches your outfit and how much time you have, practise it once, and add one accessory that feels festive. Then enjoy the party.
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