Especially during the holidays, when you’re creating memories (and let’s be honest, starring in a lot of photos), a great hairstyle can be the perfect ingredient for an extra dash of confidence and festive cheer. Forget complicated and time-consuming – we’re talking effortless elegance.
Why This Holiday? The Power of a Festive Hairstyle
Choosing the right hairstyle for Thanksgiving isn’t just about vanity; it’s about setting a mood.
It’s a way to signal that you’re ready to celebrate, to feel put-together even amidst the (beautiful) chaos of hosting or traveling. It can be that little act of self-care that makes you feel more present and joyful.
Practically speaking? You need a look that can handle a little kitchen steam, a lot of hugs, and maybe even a cozy post-dinner nap on the couch. It’s about finding that sweet spot between “I woke up like this” cool and “I’m ready for my close-up” chic.
Planning Your Perfect Thanksgiving Look: Beyond the Turkey
Before you reach for the bobby pins, let’s think strategy. What’s your hair situation and your Thanksgiving day plan?
- Hair Texture & Length: Is your hair fine and floaty, thick and luscious, curly, straight, short, or long? This will guide what styles feel easiest and look best.
- Time on Your Hands: Are you the master chef needing a quick, out-of-the-way style, or a guest with a little more prep time?
- The Day’s Vibe: Is it a super casual jeans-and-sweater affair, or are people dressing up a bit more? Your hair should complement your outfit and the overall mood.
- Your Role: Hosting usually means you want something that stays put. As a guest, you might have more freedom to play with looser styles.
Most importantly, what’s the feeling you’re after? Effortlessly cool, cozy and chic, glamorously festive, or simply beautifully you?
Dish Up the Style: 20 Thanksgiving-Ready Hairstyles
We’ve gathered 20 gorgeous hairstyles perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration. Each one brings its own unique flavor, ready to match your personal style and the holiday spirit.
Let these ideas spark your imagination. Find your faves, maybe do a quick practice run, and get ready to serve some serious holiday hair!
Effortless & Chic Updos
Perfect for when you want your hair up and out of the way, but still looking like you made an effort (even if it was minimal!).
1. The Classic Low Chignon
- Visual Vibes: Timeless elegance, Audrey Hepburn at a casual Sunday brunch. It’s polished, sophisticated, and says “I’ve got this.”
- Best For: Medium to long hair, any texture. Ideal for hosts who want to look chic while managing the kitchen.
- Get the Look: Gather hair into a low ponytail. Twist it around its base to form a bun, then secure with bobby pins. Pull out a few soft tendrils around the face for a touch of softness.
- Festive Flair & Durability: Add a delicate gold or pearl hair pin. This style is surprisingly sturdy and will last from turkey prep to pumpkin pie.
2. The Messy-Chic Low Bun
- Visual Vibes: “I just threw this up, and yes, I look amazing.” It’s relaxed, approachable, and effortlessly cool. Think cozy sweater and perfectly undone hair.
- Best For: Medium to long hair, especially with some natural wave or texture. Great for a more laid-back Thanksgiving gathering.
- Get the Look: Loosely gather your hair at the nape of your neck. Twist and coil it into a bun, securing with pins. Don’t aim for perfection; the charm is in the “messy.” Gently tug at sections for volume.
- Festive Flair & Durability: Weave a thin velvet ribbon around the base or tuck in a sprig of baby’s breath if you’re feeling whimsical. Surprisingly resilient!
3. The Twisted Side Bun
- Visual Vibes: Romantic, soft, and a little bit whimsical. Like a character from a cozy autumn movie.
- Best For: Medium to long hair. Works beautifully with wavy or curly textures.
- Get the Look: Part your hair to one side. Take a section from the heavier side near your temple and start twisting it back, incorporating more hair as you go along your hairline. Gather all hair to the side at the nape, twist into a bun, and pin.
- Festive Flair & Durability: A few jeweled pins tucked into the twist or bun. Stays put beautifully.
4. The Elegant French Twist
- Visual Vibes: Pure sophistication. Grace Kelly vibes. Perfect for a Thanksgiving dinner that’s a bit more formal or if you just want to feel extra fancy.
- Best For: Medium to long, relatively straight or manageable hair.
- Get the Look: Gather hair as if for a low ponytail. Twist it upwards tightly, tucking the ends underneath the roll you’re creating against your head. Secure vertically with bobby pins or a large French twist comb.
- Festive Flair & Durability: A sleek, metallic barrette along the seam of the twist. This style is built to last.
5. The Voluminous High Bun
- Visual Vibes: Fun, flirty, and statement-making. It draws attention upwards and feels playful yet put-together.
- Best For: Medium to long hair, especially if you want to add the illusion of height or just love a bit of drama.
- Get the Look: Flip your head upside down and gather hair into a high ponytail. Secure with an elastic. Tease the ponytail slightly for extra oomph, then wrap it around the base to form a bun. Pin securely. A bun shaper or “donut” can help!
- Festive Flair & Durability: Wrap a silky scarf around the base of the bun or add some sparkly pins. Solid and secure for all-day wear.
Flowing & Festive Styles
For those hair-down moments that feel special, celebratory, and oh-so-touchable.
6. Soft Loose Curls
- Visual Vibes: Effortlessly glamorous, like you just stepped out of a cozy, candlelit room. It’s approachable, romantic, and always a winner.
- Best For: Any hair length past the shoulders, all textures (can be created with heat tools). Universally flattering.
- Get the Look: Use a 1.25″ or 1.5″ curling iron or wand. Curl sections away from your face. Let curls cool completely, then gently brush through or use your fingers to soften them into waves.
- Festive Flair & Durability: A spritz of flexible hold hairspray and a touch of shine serum. These waves will relax beautifully throughout the day.
7. Side-Swept Waves
- Visual Vibes: Old Hollywood glamour meets modern chic. It’s dramatic, romantic, and instantly makes you feel like a star.
- Best For: Medium to long hair. Works best if your hair holds a curl well.
- Get the Look: Create deep, luscious waves or curls using a curling iron. Make a deep side part. Sweep all your hair over one shoulder. You can secure it subtly at the nape of your neck with a few bobby pins hidden underneath.
- Festive Flair & Durability: A statement earring on the exposed side really pops. Use a stronger hold spray for this one.
8. Half-Up, Half-Down with a Twist
- Visual Vibes: Sweet, charming, and practical. Keeps hair off your face while still showcasing your length. The girl-next-door with a touch of elegance.
- Best For: Any hair length below the ears, all textures.
- Get the Look: Take a section of hair from each temple. Twist each section back towards the crown of your head and secure them together with a clear elastic or bobby pins. Let the rest of your hair flow.
- Festive Flair & Durability: Use a pretty clip or a small bow where the twists meet. Curl the loose ends for extra bounce. Stays put nicely.
9. Loose Beachy Waves (Autumn Edition)
- Visual Vibes: Relaxed, cool, and “I didn’t try too hard” perfection. It’s the fall cousin of summer beach waves – a bit more polished but still effortless.
- Best For: Shoulder-length or longer hair, especially with natural wave.
- Get the Look: Use a texturizing spray on damp hair and scrunch, or create loose, imperfect waves with a flat iron or wand, leaving the ends straight. The key is an “undone” finish.
- Festive Flair & Durability: Tuck one side behind your ear and add a simple gold barrette. This style is meant to look lived-in, so it holds up well to a busy day.
10. Side-Parted Straight Hair
- Visual Vibes: Sleek, modern, and sophisticated. A deep side part adds a touch of drama to an otherwise minimalist look.
- Best For: Any hair length, naturally straight or easily straightened hair.
- Get the Look: Create a deep side part. Use a flat iron for a super smooth, glossy finish. A little anti-frizz serum goes a long way.
- Festive Flair & Durability: A shine spray is your best friend here. Tuck the hair on the shallower side sleekly behind your ear. This look maintains its chicness all day.
Braids & Twists: Detail-Oriented Charm
Adding that extra something special with woven wonders that are both pretty and practical.
11. The Braided Crown
- Visual Vibes: Bohemian queen, fairytale princess, effortlessly romantic. It’s a beautiful way to frame your face.
- Best For: Medium to long hair. Easier if your hair has a bit of grip (second-day hair is perfect!).
- Get the Look: Create two braids, one on each side of your head, starting near your temples. Drape them over the top of your head like a headband and pin them securely behind the opposite ear. You can pancake the braids (gently pull sections apart) for more volume.
- Festive Flair & Durability: Weave a thin metallic ribbon into one of the braids or dot small pearl pins along the crown. This style is surprisingly secure.
12. The Loose Dutch Braid to the Side
- Visual Vibes: Casual chic with a touch of whimsy. It’s like a regular braid, but with more pop and personality.
- Best For: Shoulder-length or longer hair. Works well with thicker hair.
- Get the Look: Start a Dutch braid (where you cross strands under instead of over) on one side of your head, incorporating hair along your hairline. Braid down towards the opposite shoulder/nape and secure. Gently pull on the edges of the braid to make it look fuller and more relaxed.
- Festive Flair & Durability: Let a few tendrils escape around your face. This braid actually looks better as it gets a little looser throughout the day.
13. The Twisted Halo Braid
- Visual Vibes: Angelic, ethereal, and oh-so-pretty. It’s softer than a full braided crown but just as impactful.
- Best For: Medium to long hair.
- Get the Look: Take a 2-inch section of hair on one side of your head, near your temple. Split it into two and twist them around each other, adding small pieces of hair to the twist as you work your way around your hairline towards the back. Repeat on the other side. Pin the ends of the twists at the back of your head, tucking them under each other.
- Festive Flair & Durability: Tiny flower pins or delicate pearls can be tucked into the twists. Holds well and looks gorgeous.
14. The Braided Updo
- Visual Vibes: Intricate yet approachable. A stunning way to keep all your hair up while showcasing beautiful texture.
- Best For: Medium to long hair, especially if it’s thick or has layers you want to control.
- Get the Look: Create several braids of varying sizes throughout your hair – some French, some regular, some fishtail if you’re ambitious! Then, artfully pin them up into a low or mid-level bun or chignon. Don’t aim for symmetry; let it be organic.
- Festive Flair & Durability: This is a statement in itself, but a few strategically placed shiny pins can add sparkle. Very secure.
Polished & Put-Together Ponies (and Bobs!)
When sleekness, playful movement, or a sharp cut is the name of your holiday game.
15. The Sleek High Ponytail
- Visual Vibes: Power pony! Confident, chic, and a little bit sassy. It’s a classic for a reason.
- Best For: Medium to long hair, straight or straightened.
- Get the Look: Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any bumps. Gather hair at the crown or slightly higher and secure tightly with an elastic. For an extra polished touch, take a small strand of hair from the ponytail, wrap it around the elastic, and pin it underneath.
- Festive Flair & Durability: Use a strong-hold gel or spray at the roots for a super sleek, flyaway-free finish. This style means business and stays put.
16. The Curled Low Ponytail
- Visual Vibes: Softly romantic, elegant but not trying too hard. It’s the ponytail’s dressed-up cousin.
- Best For: Medium to long hair. Perfect if you have natural waves or want to add some curls.
- Get the Look: Curl your hair in sections. Gently gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, securing with an elastic. You can leave out a few face-framing pieces. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic or use a pretty scrunchie or ribbon.
- Festive Flair & Durability: A velvet scrunchie or a metallic ponytail cuff. The curls might soften, but it will still look lovely.
17. The Low Ponytail with a Braid
- Visual Vibes: A simple pony with a secret style weapon. It’s an easy way to elevate a basic look.
- Best For: Medium to long hair.
- Get the Look: Create a low ponytail. Take a small section of hair from the ponytail (or from underneath, before you tie it up) and braid it. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic and secure with a bobby pin.
- Festive Flair & Durability: Make the accent braid a fishtail for extra texture. This small detail adds a lot of staying power to the style’s chicness.
18. The Chic Straight Bob
- Visual Vibes: Modern, sharp, and effortlessly cool. A well-cut bob needs minimal fuss to look fabulous. (If you have one, rock it!)
- Best For: Bob-length hair, obviously! Especially great for straight textures.
- Get the Look: If your bob isn’t freshly cut, ensure the ends are crisp. A quick pass with a flat iron can enhance the sleekness. Consider a center part or a deep side part.
- Festive Flair & Durability: A touch of shine serum on the ends. Maybe one side tucked behind an ear with a minimalist gold clip. Bobs are beautifully low-maintenance.
19. Soft Finger Waves (for Shorter Hair)
- Visual Vibes: Vintage glamour with a modern twist. Perfect for adding texture and sophistication to shorter cuts like bobs or pixies.
- Best For: Shorter hair, from pixie cuts to chin-length bobs.
- Get the Look: Apply a firm-hold mousse or gel to damp hair. Use a fine-tooth comb and your fingers to create “S” shapes, working from the roots. You can use clips to hold the ridges of the waves in place while they dry or set them with a diffuser.
- Festive Flair & Durability: A single, sparkly clip placed artfully in the waves. This style has great hold once set.
20. Retro Pin-Up Curls
- Visual Vibes: Playful, flirty, and full of personality. A nod to vintage charm that’s always fun for a special occasion.
- Best For: Medium to long hair that can hold a curl.
- Get the Look: Set your hair in large hot rollers or use a large barrel curling iron, curling sections towards your face. Once cooled, gently brush out the curls to create voluminous, soft waves. You can create a faux “Victory Roll” at the front or simply sweep bangs to the side.
- Festive Flair & Durability: A classic red lip completes this look! A good setting spray is key. These curls are designed to be big and bouncy.
Accessorize It: Turning Up the Thanksgiving Glam
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen hair accessory! It’s the quickest way to make any style feel more festive:
- Velvet Ribbons/Scrunchies: Tie them around ponytails or the base of buns for a touch of luxe texture. Deep jewel tones like burgundy, forest green, or navy are perfect for fall.
- Pearl or Jeweled Pins: Tuck them into updos, along braids, or to secure a side-swept style. Instant elegance.
- Metallic Barrettes & Clips: Gold, rose gold, or silver clips can add a modern, chic touch to even the simplest styles.
- Delicate Headbands: A thin, embellished headband can keep hair off your face and add a subtle sparkle.
Last-Minute Miracles: Quick Fixes for Thanksgiving Day
Running behind? Don’t panic!
- Dry Shampoo is Your Hero: Lifts roots, absorbs oil, and adds texture for quick volume.
- The Power Tuck: Simply tucking one or both sides of your hair behind your ears and adding a statement earring can look incredibly chic and intentional.
- Texturizing Spray + Messy Bun: If all else fails, spritz some texturizing spray, flip your head, and whip it into a quick, high messy bun. Done!
Your Festive Flair Awaits
This Thanksgiving isn’t just about the feast on the table; it’s about feeling good, inside and out.
A great hairstyle is a simple way to boost your confidence and add a little extra sparkle to your celebration.
Whether you go for an elegant updo, romantic waves, or a playful braid, the most important thing is that you choose a style that makes you feel fantastic.
So, experiment, have fun, and get ready to turn heads (in the best way possible!).
Happy Thanksgiving, gorgeous! Now go enjoy that well-deserved slice of pie.