Braided Holiday Hairstyle How-To

I’ve always thought of Thanksgiving as the official start to the holiday season and I am more than ready to kick things off tomorrow! I’m not sure what’s gotten into me this year, but my holiday spirit is through the roof – we even bought a tree (no poking fun at its small stature).

I met up with my sister Jordan, Sarah of One Sparrow Creative and Shanley this week over at Skyline Downtown Salon to work on a few holiday hairstyle how-tos so that you’ll be armed with everything you need to know in order to create a few glam looks all on your own. Who doesn’t want to wow everyone at this year’s company Christmas party or your best friend’s holiday soiree? I sure do.

Follow along with Jordan as she shows you step-by-step how to create the braided holiday hairstyle below!

braided holiday hair tutorial

After blow drying, begin by curling the hair in vertical sections prepped with Oribe Soft Lacquer Heat Styling Spray. Be sure to start the curl from the mid-strand or closer to the root to achieve a soft, loose texture.

Holiday Updo How To

Lightly spray the curls with Oribe Impermeable and allow the hair to cool completely.

Holiday Updo How To tutorial

Using your fingers or a Mason Pearson hairbrush, gently brush through the curls to separate.

chic holiday hairstyle

Loosely sweep hair off the face, starting on the lighter side of your part, securing with bobby pins behind the ear.

easy holiday hair tutorial

Gather hair at the nape on the side that is partially pinned into place.

Festive holiday hair how to

Begin twisting upward, securing with bobby pins until you’ve worked across the hairline to the base of the opposite side.

holiday hairstyle how-to

Braided Holiday Updo How To

Using your fingers, gently lift at the root and apply short spritzes of Oribe Dry Texurizing Spray.

holiday hairstyle step-by-step

Leaving out the section in front of the ear, wrap the ends of the hair upward, pinning in a loose bun.

Holiday Hair

Section the remaining hair in two, braiding the portion closest to the back of the head while leaving loose the hair that frames the face.  Secure the braid with a small hair tie.

braided hair tutorial

Gently open the braid by pulling at the edges, then cross the braid to the opposite side of the head, tucking the ends and pinning beneath the bun.

braided holiday hair tutorial

Finish the look by sweeping the remaining hair above the braid and pinning, pulling loose a few pieces to frame the face and spraying lightly with Oribe Superfine Hairspray.

holiday updo tutorial

braided holiday hair tutorial

There you have it! I’m a huge fan of the braided detail and the tousled nature of this ‘do will give a look of whimsy to your holiday style. I’m thinking of recreating this elegant look for myself, but I’ve got some practicing to do. If you decide to give it a go, be sure to tag me on Instagram so that I can see it! And don’t forget, you can always pin images and save them for later by hovering over the top left hand corner of the photo.

SHOP THE POST:

I’m putting together a few more easy holiday hairstyle looks for next week and I can’t wait to share them with you! Think velvety bows and chic ponytails, but until then, I’m off to enjoy one of my favorite holidays with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

Photos: Sarah Sweeney // Stylist: Jordan Zimlich of Calico Beard & Mercantile

Leave a Comment

20 Comments

  1. This is such an AWESOME tutorial! Thanks for the step-by-step! – J

    Posted 11.26.14 Reply
  2. Love this tutorial! So pretty! Can’t wait to see more:) Happy Thanksgiving!!

    Posted 11.26.14 Reply
  3. This is so pretty!!!! I need to try this!

    xo,
    Angela

    Posted 11.26.14 Reply
  4. Wake Up for Makeup wrote:

    Wow-that’s gorgeous! Dare I say, it even looks do-able!

    Posted 11.26.14 Reply
  5. Love the hair style. easy but elegant. the lip color really suits you too!

    happy thanksgiving!

    Xo, Belen

    A Hint of Life

    Posted 11.26.14 Reply
  6. What a great tutorial for such a pretty hairstyle! I’m usually pretty awful when it comes to my hair but I just may have to give this a try….

    Posted 11.26.14 Reply
  7. Amanda Risius wrote:

    This is such a pretty hairstyle – and I think I might actually be able to do it! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

    hammerandheelsblog.com

    Posted 11.26.14 Reply
  8. Your sis is mega-talented (this we knew). 🙂 Love this post- and isn’t Shanley a babe?! Great collab, doll! Happy Thanksgiving!

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

    Posted 11.27.14 Reply
  9. Natalie wrote:

    OMG! This looks like the hairstyle someone who is seriously challenged in the hair department (a.k.a. me) can do! The combination of your sister’s hairstyling, Shanley’s adorable top and the gorgeous images made this one fantastic post! Can’t wait to try this look at home.

    xo,
    Natalie | CincinNatalie
    cincin-natalie.com

    Posted 12.1.14 Reply
  10. erinmbassett wrote:

    Beautiful! I’m putting this on my list… might do it for the WCBC Holiday Party on Monday!

    Posted 12.2.14 Reply
  11. I love this look! Your sister is amazing with hair and Shanley models it so well 🙂

    Posted 12.2.14 Reply
  12. Rachel wrote:

    OMG this is perfection – – – so so so so so beautiful!

    Posted 12.2.14 Reply
  13. We are loving this tutorial, you look so pretty! Thanks for sharing with us.

    Posted 7.26.15 Reply
  14. Jess wrote:

    LOVE this!! I’m totally trying this for the holidays! So pretty!

    Posted 11.19.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      You have the PERFECT hair for this! I get bummed out that I have shorter hair when it comes to things like this haha. You will have to let me know if you do it 🙂

      Posted 11.20.15 Reply