60+ Cute Christmas Hairstyles for Short and Medium-Length Hair

Short and medium-length hair can be just as festive and versatile as long styles during the holidays. Whether you want quick, camera-ready looks for parties or cozy, low-maintenance styles for family gatherings, this guide collects fresh ideas and easy techniques to make your hair feel celebratory. If you’re working with a layered mid-length cut, these styles pair especially well with a soft, airy silhouette like a soft layered medium cut.

Quick Festive Looks for Short Hair (5–10 minutes)

• Textured side sweep: Use a small amount of texturizing spray, finger-comb a deep side part, and pin one side behind the ear with a decorative clip or barrette.
• Mini twined braids: Add two tiny braids from the temples and secure at the back with a jeweled clip for instant interest. For braid inspiration, see the braided hairstyles collection.
• Sleek blunted bob with a festive clip: Flat-iron for gloss and attach a ribboned barrette near the part.

Styling tips: small-barrel curling wands work well on short hair, and a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray keeps everything in place without stiffening your movement.

Charming Medium-Length Hairstyles (10–25 minutes)

• Twisted half-up crown: Twist 1–2-inch sections from each side and pin them at the back, creating a faux crown that works great with soft waves.
• Low knotted chignon: Gather hair at the nape, twist into a knot, and secure with bobby pins. Tuck a festive comb or sprig of faux greenery for holiday charm.
• Faux bob: Roll the ends under and pin inside for a polished faux bob that looks shorter and more structured.

Color and finishing: Adding subtle highlights or warmth can amplify curls and waves; explore modern palettes and inspiration in these hair color ideas to refresh your holiday look.

Braids, Twists and Textures

Even short to medium lengths can host playful braids and twists:

• Halo twist: Create a soft twist along the hairline and secure with discreet pins.
• Messy fishtail accents: Tiny fishtail braids tucked under waves add boho-chic texture.
• Vintage finger waves (for shorter cuts): Use a setting lotion and a fine-tooth comb for a timeless, glamorous finish.

These techniques add dimension and photograph beautifully under party lights.

Accessories That Elevate

• Pearls and clips: Scatter small pearl pins through curls or attach a pearl barrette for instant sophistication.
• Velvet bows and ribbons: Tie a narrow velvet ribbon around a small ponytail or attach it to a low bun.
• Sparkle sprays and metallic hair tinsel: Use sparingly on the surface layers for subtle holiday shimmer.

If you like coordinating nails and hair, matching your manicure to metallic pins and bows creates a pulled-together effect and can be inspired by fun, playful designs like these cute manicure ideas.

Prep and Hair Health Before Styling

Good styling starts with healthy strands:

• Cleanse with a balancing shampoo, add a lightweight conditioner, and use a heat protectant before any hot tools.
• For extra hold or bounce, try a root-lifting spray on damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush.
• Regular trims keep short and medium cuts looking sharp and prevent split ends from spoiling your holiday updos.

For detailed routines and product suggestions, check out these simple hair care tips.

Step-by-Step Holiday Looks (3 easy tutorials)

1. Glitter Side Wave (5–8 minutes)

   • Spray heat protectant, curl small sections away from the face.
   • Brush through for soft waves, clip one side with a decorative pin.
   • Lightly mist with sparkle hair spray and set.

2. Mini Braided Crown (10–15 minutes)

   • Part hair in the center. Create small three-strand braids from each temple.
   • Pull braids across the top and pin behind opposite ears.
   • Loosen by tugging for a softer, fuller appearance.

3. Textured Low Knot (8–12 minutes)

   • Add texture spray to damp hair and blow-dry.
   • Gather into a low pony, twist into a knot, and pin.
   • Pull a few face-framing pieces loose for a relaxed feel.

Photo-Ready Finishes and Longevity

• Use a shine serum sparingly to catch twinkle lights without looking greasy.
• Dry shampoo at the roots on day two refreshes volume and grip.
• Carry a few emergency bobby pins and a travel hairspray for touch-ups between events.

Styling for Different Face Shapes

• Round faces: Angled bobs, deep side parts, and lifted crowns create the illusion of length.
• Heart-shaped faces: Chin-length waves and soft side-swept bangs balance a narrower chin.
• Square faces: Textured layers and rounded ends soften strong jawlines.

Match accessories and placement to the areas you want to emphasize (or downplay) for the most flattering effect.

Conclusion

For glamorous yet approachable party looks that suit mature hair, this guide pairs practical techniques with stylish finishing touches, and you can find additional inspiration in a roundup of glamorous but easy party hairstyles for the older woman. If you’re exploring shorter cuts that hold up beautifully for holiday styling, consider the 24 best short haircuts for women over 60 for ideas tailored to mature textures. To try virtual looks before committing, the YouCam Makeup: Face Editor App – App Store can help visualize styles and colors. For a curated list of flattering, age-appropriate cuts to inspire your next salon visit, see The 25 Best Hairstyles For Women Over 60.