Festive hairstyles for curls have arrived, and we’ve got the ultimate guide to carry you through the holiday season in style. Whether you’re a Grinch or a believer, chances are your calendar has at least one occasion worth dressing up for. From Thanksgiving dinner and work parties to family gatherings and New Years’ Eve celebrations, every event deserves the perfect finishing touch. Whatever the occasion, these stunning Christmas hairstyles for curly hair will ensure your curls look their best all season long.
Let it Curl: Show Up as You Are This Holiday Season
We’ve probably all experienced the stigma at some point that curly hair isn’t glamorous, and that special occasions call for reaching for the straighteners. For some, that transformation can feel great, but it’s not always the look and feel you’re after. Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to commit to a style that doesn’t feel like you. Natural curls can be every bit glamorous as any heat styled look. The key is knowing the right curly hair styling techniques, and products to enhance your curls and make them occasion ready. With the festival styles below, you’ll discover exactly how to create holiday looks while keeping your natural texture.
How to Prep Your Curls for Holiday Styling
When creating curly looks it’s worth prepping your hair a day or two in advance to allow your curls to settle. Follow this simple curly hair routine to set your curls up for success.
- Double shampoo your curls with a sulphate free shampoo
- Follow with your conditioner using the slip to help detangle your curls, leave for 1 to 2 mins and rinse
- Apply your leave-in conditioner to moisturize and prime your curls
- Distribute your chosen styler in sections to ensure even distribution
-
Fully dry to allow your curls to set
Festive Curly Hairstyles for Every Holiday Occasion
Embrace the beauty of your curly hair with confidence! While styling your hair might seem intimidating, fear not; our simple step-by-step guide is here to make you feel like you're a pro! Elevate your hair game with the assistance of our selected Curlsmith stylers, ensuring you effortlessly recreate our festive styles in the comfort of your own home.
Pineapple With A Twist
It's not just the festive decorations that get to shine; recreate this pineapple with a twist using our Fragrance-free Leave-in Conditioner, Curl Defining Styling Souffle, and Frizz Control Finishing Serum.
Step 1
After your regular curly wash routine, section your hair and apply our Fragrance-free Leave-in, a lightweight leave-in conditioner, to moisturize and prime the hair. Work the product evenly through each section using the raking method.
Step 2
Apply our Curl Defining Styling Souffle to enhance definition and provide long- lasting results. Distribute evenly through each section using your desired styling method.
Step 3
Air dry or diffuse with our XXL Diffrizzion Dryer until your hair is 100% dry. Then scrunch out the cast with Frizz Control Finishing Serum to soften, control frizz, and add shine.
Step 4
Take a section of curls around your face to create bangs. The more curls you add, the fuller your bangs will look.
Step 5
Gather the remaining hair into a pineapple and gently separate the curls where needed to create extra volume and shape for a fuller looking finish.
Reverse Half Up, Half Down
Try this creative half-up, half-down party style with our Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash, Curl Conditioning Oil In Cream and Invincible Volume Mousse in five simple steps.
Step 1
Cleanse with Curl Quenching co-wash, focusing on your scalp before working the product through your mid-lengths and ends. Gently detangle with your fingers, a wide toothcomb, or a brush. Then rinse thoroughly.
Step 2
Section your hair and apply the Curl Conditioning Oil-In-Cream, our nourishing leave-in conditioner. Suitable for all curl types and best for coarse textures. Distribute evenly through each section using the raking method and/or praying hands. Finish each section by working through a small amount of Invincible Volume Mousse for definition and hold.
Step 3
For the twist out, take medium-sized sections of hair throughout your entire hair and create two-strand twists. Ensure you are directing the twists forward in the front section, as this is the direction you want your hair to fall for this style. Allow the hair to fully dry before gently unravelling and separating the twists for a soft, natural finish.
Step 4
Create your half up, half down style by sectioning the hair from ear to ear and secure the back section at the crown of your head with a hair tie.
Step 5
Fluff and separate the curls in the front section to add fullness, then finish with your favorite accessories for a festive touch. Mist with Flawless Finish Stronghold Hairspray to lock in the style, help combat humidity, and provide long-lasting hold.
Au Natural
Let it curl is all about embracing your natural texture and letting your curls take center stage this festive season. Sometimes, the most stunning holiday look is simply healthy, defined curls worn with confidence. Achieve this look with our Frizz Control Duo Conditioner and Frizz Rescue Curl Retainer.
Step 1
Once you have washed and conditioned, section your hair and apply our Frizz Control Duo Conditioner as a leave-in conditioner to moisturize and prime your tresses before the styler. Ensure you work it throughout the lengths and ends using the raking method for even distribution.
Step 2
Apply our Frizz Rescue Curl Retainer to each section using the styling technique of your choice.
Step 3
Air Dry or Diffuse with our Difrizzion XXL Dryer.
Step 4
Once the hair is 100% dry, scrunch the crunch with our Bonding Oil to seal the cuticle, add shine, and reveal soft, bouncy, defined curls.
Step 5
To make your hair look fuller, use our Bamboo Pick at the root to create more volume. Complete this look by misting the Flawless Finish Stronghold Hairspray throughout your curls for adding volume and protection against humidity and unwanted frizz.
Side Swept
Get festive-ready with a red lip, pearl hair accessory, and luscious curls. Our Weightless Air Dry Cream and Hydro Style Flexi Jelly will surely deliver every time!
Step 1
Apply our Weightless Air Dry Cream to freshly washed hair to moisturize and prime. Ensure you work the product through the sections evenly using the raking method.
Step 2
Apply our Hydro Style Flexi Jelly to define your curls without compromising on volume. Work the product throughout your strands using the styling method of your choice, ensuring that you have created a side parting.
Step 3
Air dry or diffuse with our XXL Diffrizion Diffuser until 100% dry.
Step 4
Gently shake out the roots and break the cast with Bonding Oil if needed.
Step 5
Gently smooth the lesser side of the hair just behind the ear and secure it with your chosen accessory.
After following these easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll be ready for any festive occasion with beautifully defined glamorous curls.
Curly Updo with Face-Framing Curls
Another elegant option for keeping most of your curls tucked away is a low bun or chignon. With a few loose curls left around the face, this timeless style is perfect for the season, creating a sophisticated look while still embracing your natural texture. Follow these steps to achieve the look:
Step 1
Lightly refresh your curls with a mist of water and smooth a small amount of Awestruck Definition Cream through the hairline to help control frizz and flyaways.
Step 2
Create your preferred parting and leave a few face-framing curls loose around the front of the hair.
Step 3
Gather your curls at the nape of the neck and secure them into a low ponytail using a satin scrunchie or snag-free hair tie.
Step 4
Twist the ponytail into a bun or chignon shape and secure it with hair pins, tucking the ends neatly underneath.
Step 5
Gently loosen areas of the bun for a softer, more romantic finish and complete the look with a mist of Flawless Finish Hairspray to provide long-lasting hold and smooth any remaining flyaways
High Curly Bun or Ponytail
A curly bun or ponytail is a great way to create a polished, elevated look when your outfit calls for a sleek, pulled-back finish. Better yet, this style can be completed in minutes and works regardless of where you are in your wash day cycle. Simply follow these five steps, starting with already-styled curls.
Step 1
Lightly mist your curls with water and create a center parting. Apply In-Shower Style Fixer around the hairline, crown, and any areas you would like to smooth.
Step 2
Using a soft brush, gently smooth the hair towards your desired ponytail or bun position, taking care not to disturb the curl definition through the lengths.
Step 3
Secure the hair with a satin scrunchie or snag-free hair tie to minimize friction and help protect against breakage.
Step 4
If creating a bun, wrap the ponytail around its base and secure with hair pins. Alternatively, leave the ponytail loose to showcase your natural curl definition.
Step 5
Finish with a light mist of Flawless Finish Hairspray to smooth fly aways, add hold, and help keep your style looking polished throughout the day.
Braided Curly Crown
A braided crown is a timeless style that makes an appearance every festive season. Elegant yet practical, it works beautifully across all curl types and textures. As the name suggests, you'll need some basic braiding skills, but once mastered, it's a simple way to create a polished look while showcasing your natural curls. Follow these five steps to recreate the style.
Step 1
Refresh your curls with a light mist of Shake and Shine to add moisture and smooth any frizz.
Step 2
Create a deep side or center parting, depending on your preference, and divide the front section of hair into two equal sections ready for braiding.
Step 3
Begin braiding from one side of the head, working along the hairline towards the opposite ear. Keep the braid firm but not overly tight to avoid unnecessary tension on the scalp.
Step 4
Repeat on the opposite side if desired, then wrap the braid or braids across the crown of your head and secure discreetly with bobby pins.
Step 5
Gently adjust the braids to create your desired fullness and finish with a light mist of Flawless Finish Hairspray to provide hold, smooth flyaways, and keep your festive style in place.
Add a Pop of Festive Colour to your Curls
If you want to add a pop to your curls, why not get in the mood and pair your festive style with a festive color such as our Ruby Red. Our temporary hair colours do not contain any dye; the colour comes from pigment-like makeup so it sits on top of the hair shaft, leaving the hair undamaged. It is great for those who don't want to commit to a colour as it rinses from the hair in just one wash. The color is also combined with a gel, providing the perfect hold once applied to your tresses.
How to Make Your Holiday Curls Last
If you haven’t guessed by now, the secret to making any curly hairstyle last longer is finishing with Flawless Finish Hairspray as the final step in your routine. This strong-hold hairspray helps lock your style in place without leaving curls feeling crispy, sticky, or stiff as it does not contain drying alcohol. Unlike many traditional hairsprays, it allows curls to maintain their movement and touchability, helping your style last for days.
To preserve your look for longer, try to avoid touching your curls throughout the evening, as excessive handling can disrupt curl definition and encourage frizz.
During the colder months, it's also important to keep curls properly moisturized. Cold, dry air and indoor heating can draw moisture from the hair, leaving curls looking dry, frizzy, and less defined. Incorporating hydrating products into your routine and sealing in moisture with oil can help maintain softness and shine.
Once you've taken your style down, resist the urge to wash your hair straight away. Instead, use a curl refresher on day two like the Shake & Shine Mist. This bi-phase formula helps replenish moisture, revive definition, and boost shine, allowing you to extend the life of your curls for longer.
Seasons Greetings from Curlsmith
Spread the love this year in style with one of our festive looks. If you would like assistance selecting products, take our curl quiz to receive personalised recommendations and be on your merry way! Our products are suitable for all curl types and textures, are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and only contain curl-loving ingredients.
Whatever your festive plans, wear your curls with confidence and remember to Let It Curl this holiday season.