The holidays are the one time of year when a single photo can become a keepsake for decades. A great outfit helps, but hair often makes the mood: soft and cozy, bold and glamorous, or playful and candid. Below I share five hairstyles that photograph well, are easy to pull off at home, and help your card stand out. If you want your photo to feel personal instead of cookie-cutter, try pairing one of these looks with unique photo christmas cards that match your vibe – rustic, bright, or minimalist.
1. The Bouncy Blowout (classic, flattering, camera-friendly)
A blowout gives hair body, movement, and life on camera. It suits most face shapes and works for medium to long hair. To get it right, start with a heat-protectant spray, blow-dry in sections with a round brush, and finish with soft waves created by a large-barrel curling iron. Loosen the curls with your fingers so they read as volume rather than ringlets.
For shorter bobs, focus on a curved under finish to frame the face. This look photographs well from different angles and keeps expressions natural, which matters when you’re trying to capture a warm family moment.
2. Braided Crown or Headband Braid (romantic with a handmade feel)
Braids add texture and a crafted look that reads beautifully in photographs. A crown braid or braided headband pulls hair off the face, highlights your eyes, and looks especially sweet with kids or for couples. You can make it casual by pulling pieces loose around the face, or dress it up by weaving in a thin ribbon or small pearls. Braids work on straight, wavy, and curly hair; for thin hair, gently pancake the braid to add width. Photographers love this style because it gives the photo a focal point and keeps things tidy during outdoor shoots.
3. Low Chignon with a Twist (elegant and low-maintenance)
A low chignon looks polished but not stiff. It’s perfect if your holiday card leans formal, or if you want to wear something sparkly without competing with your hairstyle. Try a slightly undone chignon. Twist the hair into a loose knot at the nape, let a few tendrils fall free, and secure with pins. Add a small hairpin or comb for sparkle. This style stays put through hugs and group photos and keeps collars and sweaters neat in the frame. If you prefer a neat finish, smooth the top with a light serum before pinning.
4. Half-Up with Accessories (modern, easy, kid-friendly)
Half-up styles strike the sweet spot between casual and styled. They show off face shape while keeping hair away from the eyes. Pull the top half back, secure with an embellished clip or a row of barrettes, and let the rest fall in natural waves. Right now, pearl clips and decorative barrettes are trending, and they photograph like jewelry for your hair – subtle but eye-catching. This option is especially great if you’re planning a family layout where everyone should look coordinated without being matchy-matchy. Bold clips work well against darker sweaters; lighter metallics complement fair tones.
5. Playful Space Buns or Twisted Pony (fun, modern, kid-approved)
Not every holiday card needs to be serious. If your family vibe is playful or you’re aiming for a social-media friendly shot, try space buns, twisted low ponytails, or a bubble pony. These styles read youthful and spontaneous on camera, and they let personalities shine – perfect for candid smiles. Add tiny ribbons, tinsel strands, or matching knit hats for a cohesive look. For mixed-age groups, pair a playful style on kids with a calmer version for adults so the image balances.
Styling Tips That Make Photos Stronger
- Do a quick trial run the week before. Take phone snaps to check how the style looks from different angles.
- Tame flyaways with a light serum or a toothbrush dipped in hairspray for a precise finish.
- Coordinate hair accessories with clothing textures – pearls and satin pair well with dressier looks; matte clips suit cozy knitwear.
- If someone in the photo has curly hair, embrace the curls. Defined texture shows up beautifully; don’t over-brush. These practices help you avoid surprises and keep everyone feeling confident on the day.
Pulling It All Together: design the card around the hair
Hair and the card design should support one another. If you’re creating a custom holiday card, pick photo crops that show the hairstyle: a head-and-shoulders layout for blowouts, a slightly wider crop for braided crowns, and a full-frame for playful group shots. Match the card’s color palette to subtle tones in your clothes or hair accessories so the whole thing feels intentional.
Final Thought
A memorable holiday card is about emotion more than perfection. Pick a hairstyle that suits your personality and comfort level. When people open your card years from now, they’ll remember the warmth of the smile, the family hug, and the little touches that made the moment yours.
