20 Sparkly Christmas Hairstyles for New Year’s Eve Too

The holiday season is the one time of year when a little sparkle on your hair feels completely right. Between Christmas Eve dinners, office parties, family photos and New Year’s Eve countdowns, you’ll want a style that photographs well and holds up through hours of hugging, dancing and toasting. The good news is that you don’t need a salon appointment to get there. A few well-chosen accessories, a bit of cosmetic-grade glitter and some simple techniques can turn everyday hair into something festive. The 20 hairstyles below cover long, short, curly and straight hair, so you’ll find a look for every texture and skill level. Best of all, each style works for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve, which means one hairdo can carry you through the whole holiday week.

Glitter Roots with Loose Waves

Glitter roots are one of the easiest ways to add sparkle without changing your hairstyle at all. Start with loose, beachy waves made with a curling iron or wand, then brush a little cosmetic-grade glitter gel or hair-safe glitter spray along your part. Gold and silver both look beautiful against dark hair, while soft champagne suits blondes. The waves keep the look relaxed, while the shimmer at the crown catches the light every time you turn your head. Make sure you choose a product made for hair and skin, since craft glitter can irritate the scalp. A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray helps the waves last through dinner and dancing. This style works well for long and medium hair, and it takes about fifteen minutes. It’s an ideal pick when you want something glamorous that still feels effortless.

Rhinestone Clip Half-Up Half-Down

A half-up, half-down style keeps your hair off your face while still showing off its length, and a rhinestone clip makes it feel special. Gather the top section of your hair, twist or loosely pin it back, and fasten a sparkling barrette at the center. Leave the rest of your hair down in soft curls or smooth waves. Silver rhinestones suit winter outfits in black, red or emerald, while gold clips look warm against ivory and champagne tones. This hairstyle is comfortable enough for a long dinner and secure enough for dancing. It also works on almost every hair length past the chin. A single statement clip is enough, so you don’t need to fill your hair with accessories. It’s a quick, polished look that takes about five minutes once your hair is styled.

Sleek High Ponytail with a Sequin Scrunchie

A high ponytail has a clean, confident look that suits holiday parties better than people expect. Brush your hair smooth, add a little shine serum and tie it high on the crown for a lifted, face-framing effect. Finish with a sequin or glitter scrunchie in gold, silver or deep red. The scrunchie becomes the sparkle point, so you don’t need any other hair accessories. This is a great option for anyone who plans to dance, since the style stays secure and keeps hair off your neck. It works especially well with off-the-shoulder tops, statement earrings and bold lip colors. A swipe of smoothing cream on flyaways keeps the surface glossy. The whole look takes under ten minutes, which makes it perfect for last-minute plans.

Hollywood Waves with Gold Hair Pins

Old Hollywood waves bring instant glamour to Christmas dinner or a midnight countdown. Create deep, sculpted waves with a curling iron, then brush them out gently so they flow together. Sweep the hair to one side and secure it with a few small gold pins or a slim gold comb above the ear. The side part and polished finish pair beautifully with red lipstick and a satin dress. Use a light-hold hairspray, since too much product can make the waves look stiff. This style suits medium to long hair best, and it looks striking in photos. It takes some practice, but the result lasts for hours. It’s a good choice if you want to feel dressed up without wearing anything bulky in your hair.

Braided Crown with Pearl Pins

A braided crown looks like a holiday tiara, and pearl pins give it a soft sparkle that feels elegant instead of flashy. Part your hair down the middle, make two braids, then wrap them across the top of your head and secure them with bobby pins. Slide pearl pins between the braids at even intervals. The style keeps your hair off your face for hours, which is ideal for a long family dinner. It works best on medium to long hair, and it looks lovely with a high-neck dress or a cozy knit. Pull the braid edges gently to make them look fuller. Allow around twenty minutes the first time you try it. Once you’ve practiced, it’s a style you can repeat all season.

Low Chignon with Jeweled Pins

A low chignon is one of the most refined holiday styles, and jeweled pins add exactly the right amount of shine. Smooth your hair into a low ponytail at the nape, twist it into a coil and pin it flat. Slide three or four jeweled pins in a diagonal line along the bun. Crystals in silver, gold or champagne work with nearly any outfit. The style is lightweight and comfortable, and it shows off earrings and necklines beautifully. It’s a smart choice for formal dinners, weddings that fall over the holidays and New Year’s Eve galas. A bit of texturizing spray before you pin gives the bun grip so it won’t slide. Allow about fifteen minutes. It’s polished, timeless and easy to wear all night.

Velvet Bow Ponytail with Glitter Accents

The bow ponytail is a holiday favorite, and a velvet bow with a touch of glitter makes it feel truly festive. Brush your hair into a low or mid ponytail, wrap the base with a little hair so the elastic is hidden, and tie a velvet ribbon into a full bow. Deep red, forest green and black velvet all look great, and a sprinkle of glitter spray on the ribbon adds sparkle. The look suits casual Christmas gatherings and cute matching-outfit photos. It’s also easy to adjust, so you can wear the ponytail low for dinner and higher for the New Year’s Eve party. Keep the rest of your hair smooth for contrast with the bow. It takes about five minutes and works on almost any length.

Glam Curls with Metallic Ribbon

Big, bouncy curls feel instantly celebratory, and a metallic ribbon threaded through the hair makes them shine. Curl sections of your hair with a one-inch barrel, then brush gently for volume. Tie a thin gold or silver ribbon as a headband, or weave it into a loose braid at the side. The ribbon catches the light with every movement and photographs well. This is a strong choice for long hair and for anyone who wants a party-ready style. Finish with a flexible-hold spray, since hairspray that is too strong can weigh curls down. Plan on about thirty minutes if you’re curling all your hair. The result looks glamorous and fun, a lot like a holiday card come to life.

Twisted Updo with Crystal Combs

A twisted updo looks complicated, but it’s really a series of simple twists pinned into place. Divide your hair into sections, twist each one upward and pin it so the ends tuck in. Slide two crystal combs into the sides or the back to add shine. The finished style keeps your neck bare, which shows off earrings and necklaces. It works well for medium to long hair, and a little texture spray at the roots helps the twists stay in place. Expect about twenty minutes. This hairdo suits black-tie events, Christmas Eve services and New Year’s Eve parties. It holds up through dancing, which is a big bonus for midnight celebrations.

Space Buns with Star Clips

Space buns bring a playful note to the holidays, and star-shaped clips make them feel made for New Year’s Eve. Part your hair down the middle, gather each side into a high bun and pin them in place. Add a few small gold or silver star clips around each bun. The look is youthful, fun and ideal for casual parties, festivals or ice-skating outings. It works best on medium to long hair, and it keeps hair secure during active events. A bit of glitter spray on the buns adds extra shimmer. You can finish the whole look in about ten minutes. It’s a great choice when you want something cute that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Fishtail Braid with Tinsel Threads

A fishtail braid has a delicate, woven look, and tinsel threads add a gentle sparkle. Braid a few strands of fine silver or gold hair tinsel into a loose fishtail, pulling the sides slightly to make it look fuller. Let the braid rest over one shoulder for a soft, romantic finish. This style suits long hair and looks lovely with off-the-shoulder sweaters and festive dresses. Choose real hair tinsel designed for hair, and secure the ends well so they don’t fall out. It takes about twenty minutes. Tinsel is lightweight, so it won’t tug or feel heavy by the end of the night. The result is whimsical, wintry and perfect for photos by the tree.

Sleek Straight Hair with Crystal Barrettes

Not every sparkly look needs curls or braids. Sleek, straight hair paired with crystal barrettes is simple, modern and very flattering. Flat-iron your hair until it’s smooth, add shine serum for a glossy finish and clip one or two crystal barrettes at the temples. The clips hold the front sections back while the rest of your hair falls straight. This works well on shoulder-length to long hair, and it suits minimalist outfits like a black dress or a satin slip. It takes around fifteen minutes. Choose clips with secure grips so they stay in place all night. The look is clean and elegant, and the crystals give it the right amount of festive shine.

Natural Curls with Gold Hair Cuffs

Natural curls and coils already have beautiful volume, and gold hair cuffs add holiday polish without hiding the texture. Refresh your curls with a leave-in conditioner and a defining cream, then diffuse or air-dry them. Slide two or three gold cuffs onto a few twists or sections of curls near the front or sides. The metal catches the light and makes a graceful statement. This look suits all curl patterns, from loose curls to tight coils. It’s low-maintenance, protective of your hair and perfect for holiday photos. Keep the rest of your hair loose and full. It takes about twenty minutes plus drying time, and the cuffs can be reused for later events.

Short Bob with a Sparkly Headband

A short bob is easy to style for the holidays, and a sparkly headband does most of the work. Smooth or gently wave your bob, then add a rhinestone or beaded headband just behind the hairline. Tuck one side behind your ear to show off an earring. The headband gives the look a vintage feel, especially paired with a classic red lip. It suits chin-length and shoulder-length cuts, and it takes only about ten minutes. A light shine spray keeps the hair glossy. This option works for a Christmas Eve dinner and a New Year’s Eve party. It’s a polished, retro-inspired style for anyone who prefers short hair.

Pixie Cut with Rhinestone Clips

A pixie cut is bold and chic, and a few rhinestone clips make it party ready. Style the top of your hair with a light texturizing paste, then place two or three small clips along one side. The sparkle frames your face and highlights your cheekbones, which is especially striking with statement earrings. This look needs almost no time, around five minutes, and it stays put all night. Choose small clips so they match the scale of the cut. Pair it with a bold lip or shimmering eyeshadow for extra glam. It’s a fun, modern pick for anyone with short hair who wants something festive without a complicated routine.

Messy Bun with a Sparkly Claw Clip

For an effortless holiday look, a messy bun secured with a sparkly claw clip is hard to beat. Twist your hair into a loose bun at the back of your head, then fasten it with a large claw clip decorated with rhinestones or glitter. Pull out a few strands around the face for a soft, undone finish. It works on medium to long hair and takes about three minutes. The clip holds firmly, so you can cook, travel and dance without redoing it. It’s a perfect choice for Christmas morning, a casual family gathering or a relaxed New Year’s Eve at home. The sparkle adds just enough festive energy.

Side-Swept Waves with a Jeweled Comb

Side-swept waves are glamorous without being fussy, and a jeweled comb keeps everything in place. Curl your hair, brush it out softly and sweep it over one shoulder. Tuck the opposite side behind the ear with a decorative comb, choosing crystals, pearls or gold details. The asymmetry shows off an earring and neckline, which makes the style ideal for dresses with a statement neckline. It works on medium to long hair, and it takes about twenty minutes. A light mist of hairspray keeps the waves in shape. This hairdo is romantic, easy to wear and suits both Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve cocktails.

Double Dutch Braids with Silver Ribbons

Double Dutch braids look sporty and sweet, and silver ribbons make them festive. Part your hair in the middle and create two Dutch braids from the hairline down, weaving a thin silver ribbon into each. Tie the ends with a bow or secure them with elastics. The braids keep hair neat for long days, such as holiday travel or ice skating, and the ribbon adds a flicker of shine. This works well on medium to long hair, and it takes about twenty-five minutes. Pull the braid edges slightly to create a fuller effect. It’s a charming option for casual gatherings and winter outings.

Butterfly Clip Half-Up Style

Butterfly clips are making a comeback, and a sparkly set gives a half-up style a playful, nostalgic twist. Gather the top half of your hair and divide it into two small sections. Twist each one back and fasten it with a small butterfly clip in silver, gold or rhinestone. Leave the rest of your hair down in soft waves or straight. It’s an easy choice for casual holiday parties and younger guests, and the clips stay firmly in place. The style takes under ten minutes. Choose clips with a good spring grip so they don’t slide out. It’s cute, light-hearted and just festive enough for New Year’s Eve photos.

Headband Braid with Glitter Hairspray

A headband braid keeps your hair off your face and doubles as a pretty frame for your look. Create a small braid along the hairline from one ear to the other, and pin it in place behind the ear. Leave the rest of your hair down in waves or curls, then add a light mist of hair-safe glitter spray over the top. The braid gives structure while the glitter adds a subtle holiday shimmer. It suits long and medium hair and takes about fifteen minutes. Use a spray made for hair, and hold it at a distance to keep the sparkle fine. It’s a dreamy option for Christmas photos and midnight countdowns alike.