10 Christmas Braids to Try This Season (Easy to Fancy)
You want a braid for Christmas, but the ones on Pinterest look like they took three hours and a second pair of hands. Or you’ve tried before, and yours came out lumpy, flat or halfway undone by dessert.
These ten Christmas braids range from five-minute fixes to showpiece styles. Each one comes with the exact words to use at the salon, who it suits, and an honest note on upkeep. Pick one, practice it once, and it will look easy on the day.
Quick-pick box
- Long, thick or wavy hair: the Dutch braid crown (#1), milkmaid braids (#6) or the waterfall braid (#5).
- Short or chin-length hair: the braided headband (#9) or a bubble braid ponytail if you can reach a ponytail (#8).
- Textured or curly hair: knotless box braids with gold cuffs (#7) or the French braid into a low bun (#3).
10 Christmas Braids
1. Dutch Braid Crown: Christmas Braids for Long Hair That Look Like a Halo
A Dutch braid starts behind one ear, travels across the crown, and finishes behind the other ear, with the tail pinned out of sight. Pull the edges wider and it reads as a soft wreath, which suits the season.
Long hair with medium to thick density is the easiest to work with. Oval and long faces suit it best, while a round face may want a little extra volume at the front.
If you color your hair, ask for “a shadow root and balayage” so the braid shows depth instead of one flat tone. Expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes. The catch: short, fine layers poke out, so skip it unless most of your hair sits below the collarbone.
2. Loose Fishtail Side Braid with Pearl Pins: Easy Christmas Braid Hairstyles
Fishtail braids look complicated but only use two sections. Pull the finished braid loose, drape it over one shoulder, and slide a few pearl pins into the twists.
This works on medium to long hair, straight or slightly wavy. Heart-shaped and square faces suit it well. Very thick hair can turn chunky, so take thinner sections than you think you need.
Book “long layers” and a “gloss treatment” before the holidays, since shine makes the weave show up. Trim every eight to ten weeks. Beginners should plan for a slow first try, because the tiny sections take patience, and a slippery strand will unravel quickly without a snag-free elastic.
3. French Braid Into a Low Bun: A Braided Christmas Updo for Dinner
Start with a French braid down the back of the head, then tuck the tail into a low bun at the nape. Leave two thin curtain pieces out at the front. It looks polished with a velvet dress or a knit jumper.
It flatters round and square faces, and it works on shoulder-length hair and up. Curly textures hold the braid beautifully because the strands grip each other.
Ask for “a money piece” around the face if you want brightness near the front. Maintenance is low, with a trim every ten to twelve weeks. One drawback: the braid hides a lot of your cut, so it’s a poor choice if you just paid for a fresh, layered style.
4. Double Dutch Boxer Braids with Red Bows: Easy Christmas Braids for a Casual Day
Two tight Dutch braids run from the front of the head to the neckline, each tied with a small red or plaid bow. They keep your hair neat for a long afternoon of cooking, games and wrapping paper.
They suit nearly every face shape and work on medium to long hair, from straight to wavy. Round faces gain a bit of height at the top, and long faces look balanced.
Ask for a clean “center part” first, because a crooked line shows. Reapply the braid each morning, which takes about ten minutes. These can feel tight at the temples, so loosen them if your scalp is tender, and skip them if you need a fancy finish.
5. Waterfall Braid with Loose Curls: Festive Braids for Long Hair at Parties
The waterfall braid lets strands drop out of the braid, so they cascade like falling water. Pair it with loose curls underneath and you get a romantic, effortless shape across the back of the head.
It suits long and medium hair with a bit of natural wave. Oval and heart-shaped faces look best, and straight hair needs a curl set first to hold the pattern.
Ask for “long layers” and a “curling-iron finish, brushed out” if you’re booking a styling appointment. It lasts one evening. The drawback is the technique: it’s tricky to do on yourself, so ask a friend, or practice twice before the party.
6. Milkmaid Braids: Cozy Christmas Braids for Thick Hair
Split your hair into two braids, wrap them across the top of your head like a crown, and pin the ends. It’s a traditional look that fits snow, scarves and mulled wine.
Thick and long hair is ideal. Round faces get some lift, and oval faces look lovely. Thinner hair can work too if you pancake each braid by gently tugging the loops wider.
Ask your stylist for “blunt, healthy ends,” since the braid tails are tucked under and any splitting will show. Skip heavy products. Maintenance is easy, with no salon upkeep. Skip it if your hair is shorter than mid-back, because the braids won’t reach all the way across.
7. Knotless Box Braids with Gold Cuffs: Christmas Braids for Textured Hair
Knotless box braids in a medium size, finished with small gold cuffs and curled ends, look festive without much effort. A deep black, brown or burgundy shade makes the gold stand out.
This style suits natural and textured hair of many lengths, and nearly every face shape. Rich warm skin tones glow next to gold, while cool undertones look striking with silver cuffs.
Book with a braider who specializes in “knotless braids, medium size, mid-back length, with curled ends.” Set aside four to eight hours. They last roughly four to eight weeks. The drawback is the time and cost, and a smaller, lighter braid size is kinder if your scalp feels tender.
8. Bubble Braid Ponytail: Fun Christmas Braids with Clear or Red Elastics
A bubble braid is a ponytail divided into sections with elastics every few inches, then puffed out between them. Red or green elastics make it festive, while clear ones keep it subtle.
It works on medium to long hair, from fine to thick. Long and oval faces suit a high ponytail, while square faces look softer with a lower placement. Straight hair shows the shape best.
No special cut is needed, but “long layers” can make the bubbles look uneven, so a one-length trim helps. It takes about ten minutes and survives a day of wear. The catch: it’s a playful look, so it won’t suit a formal dinner.
9. Braided Headband: Christmas Braids for Short Hair and Bobs
A thin braid runs from ear to ear across the top of the head, like a headband, with the rest of the hair left loose. It keeps a chin-length bob out of your face and looks dressed up in seconds.
Hair needs to reach at least the jawline. It suits fine to medium hair, and works on round, oval and heart-shaped faces. A tiny pearl pin or gold clip at the end makes it festive.
Ask for “a blunt bob with soft layering” so the loose section falls smoothly. Trim every six to eight weeks. Skip it if your hair is shorter than the ears, as the braid won’t have enough length to stay put.
10. Candy Cane Ribbon Braid: Christmas Braids with Ribbon for Kids and Adults
Weave a red ribbon and a white ribbon around a classic three-strand braid so it spirals like a candy cane. It’s cheerful, a bit silly and great for photos.
This suits medium to long hair, any texture, and any face shape. It’s popular on children’s hair, but adults can wear it as a single side braid. Use satin ribbon for a smooth finish.
No special salon request is needed, but a “dusting trim” keeps the ends tidy so the ribbon tails look neat. It takes about fifteen minutes. The drawback: the ribbon can slip on very fine or slippery hair, so tie it off with a small elastic underneath.
How to Choose Your Christmas Braid
Start with the occasion. A long dinner calls for a tidy style like the French braid bun, while a day of games suits boxer braids or a bubble braid. Parties are the right place for a waterfall braid or a crown.
Next, think about your hair length. Long hair can do almost anything on this list. Chin-length hair does best with a braided headband, and very short hair is better off with an accessory instead of a braid.
Then look at texture and density. Fine hair needs pancaking and a little texture spray to look full. Thick or textured hair gives clean, defined braids and holds them for days.
Finally, check your skill and your time. If you’ve never done a Dutch braid, practice it once in December. Book any salon braiding or color treatment at least two weeks before Christmas, because the schedule fills up fast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Braiding on clean, slippery hair. Day-old hair or a little texture spray gives the braid some grip.
- Pulling too tight. A braid that’s too tight causes a headache and looks stiff, so keep the tension firm but comfortable.
- Forgetting to pancake. Gently tugging the loops wider makes a thin braid look fuller and more festive.
- Trying a new braid on the day. Practice once, so you know how long it takes and where it goes wrong.
- Using too many accessories. One ribbon, one clip or a few pins is enough, and anything more can look cluttered.
FAQ
What is the easiest Christmas braid for beginners?
A loose side braid is the easiest. Use a basic three-strand braid, secure it with a snag-free elastic, and pull the sections wider. Add a ribbon or a few pearl pins to make it festive. Most people finish it in under ten minutes.
How can I make my Christmas braids look fuller?
Pancake the braid by gently pulling the outer loops sideways after you finish. Start with texture spray or dry shampoo for grip, and work with slightly larger sections. A loose braid always looks thicker than a tight one.
How long do knotless box braids last?
Knotless box braids usually last four to eight weeks, depending on your hair, size of braid and how well you care for them. Wrap them at night with a satin scarf, and ask your braider how long they recommend for your hair.
Can I do Christmas braids on short hair?
Yes, as long as your hair reaches about the jawline. A braided headband or two small braids at the sides can look pretty on a bob. For very short hair, use a pearl clip or a satin headband instead.
What accessories go with Christmas braids?
Satin ribbon, velvet bows, pearl pins and small gold cuffs are all lovely. Red, green, white and gold keep to the season. Choose one accessory per braid, so the weave stays the focus.
Conclusion
A good braid is mostly about practice and one or two small details. Choose one style from this list, try it before the big day, and bring the salon phrases with you if you’re booking an appointment.
If one of these Christmas braids caught your eye, save this article to your Pinterest board so you can find it again when the party invitations arrive.
