Season’s greetings and tidings, it’s that time of year again to get a little pumpkin-spicy with cute hairstyles for Thanksgiving! Whether you’re looking for something quick and basic to wear for family photos or a hairstyle that’s a little edgier, we’ve got the looks you won’t want to miss.
Plus, they’re super quick! From traveling to baking pies to shopping and taking pictures, you’ll want to look good without spending all afternoon doing your hair.
And we should mention that while each of these hairstyles offers a fun and unique twist on holiday style, don’t forget to give your strands the love they deserve. Hot or cold, each season brings its haircare challenges, causing frizziness, dryness, breakage, and other environmental stressors.
No matter if you’re celebrating American Thanksgiving or live Down Under and celebrate Australia’s National Day of Thanks in May, make sure you’re prepared for whatever life throws at you (and your hair!). Keep it silky and all-natural with our Super Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Set, made with our signature ResistHyal Hyaluronic Acid technology, no devolumising silicones, and zero drying sulfates for cleaner locks and instant hydration.
Ready to get started? Below are 10 Thanksgiving hairstyles you’ll want to try right away for your next holiday get-together or party!
1. The Ballerina Bun
Ballerinas on stage traditionally wear a particular type of bun (called the ballerina bun, no surprise) that you can try at home, too. This quick and dirty version requires no special tools, donuts, or anything else besides bobby pins and a hair tie. (So no, it won’t hold up on stage but will be just fine for holiday festivities.)
Start by making a high ponytail. Then, using a brush or Tangle Tamer, tease strands of the pony all the way around to help open up your hair so it’s easier to shape. Pull your teased pony to one side, smoothing things slightly with your hands. Twist counterclockwise and pull into a bun shape. Pin into place, adjusting and wrapping extra strands around as many times as needed!
2. The Vintage Roll
This chic throwback is one of our favuorite cute hairstyles for Thanksgiving! It works best if your strands have a little curl, whether naturally or from styling. Start by brushing out any tangles and adding a center or side part.
Place an elastic headband over your hair, angling it so it rests on the top of your head just in front of your ears and at the bottom of your head just below the occipital bone. Take the hair that’s below the headband and roll it up, tucking the ends into the band. If you have longer locks, it helps to work in sections. Do the same for the sides.
Once stray strands have been tucked in for a nice, even roll, use bobby pins to keep everything secure. Adjust as needed and keep your bangs loose to frame your face and add a touch of vintage style.
3. French Braids
Who doesn’t love French braids? In only a few minutes, your locks will be looking bolder and more festive than pumpkin pie and bonfires. You can do a single or double braid depending on the occasion and what you’re wearing. If you have curlier tresses, try letting a few strands fall loosely around your ears for a lightly tousled and windblown look.
4. The Messy Top-Knot
Like a ribbon on a present, this messy top-knot gives some glamour to both your photo-ready and most casual outfits (yes, even sweatpants). Starting with clean hair, secure a high ponytail. Wrap the end around the base, adding small twists and teases as you go if you're feeling extra festive. Use bobby pins as needed to keep things in place. Finally, fold the end in and you’re good to go. Hello, Thanksgiving hairstyles in a pinch!
5. The Wavy Side Part
Simple and chic, all you’ll need is a curling wand or flat iron for lustrous waves and a gorgeous shine. Start by brushing out your hair to get rid of any knots and tangles. Make a side part — not too far to one side but enough that it doesn’t just look off-center! Wrap sections of hair around your curler or iron on both sides of your head, adding slightly tighter curls as you go for a subtle accent. (Need to repair heat damage? Check out these tips.)
6. Braided Low Ponytail
Braided low ponytails are a fun twist on a classic look. Start by making a small braid. You’ll want to make sure the braid goes in the same direction as the ponytail; mismatched angles can make things look wrinkled! Next, put your hair into a ponytail, incorporating the braid. For some extra pizzazz wrap the rest of the braid around your tie!
7. Overnight Waves
If you have a little extra time to play with but still can’t make it to the salon, try these overnight waves. You’ll want to do this on freshly washed and dried hair, starting by forming a loose but secure braid before going to bed (and don’t forget to secure with your microfibre hair wrap!). In the morning, undo the braid and lightly tousle for a wavy Thanksgiving glow-up. Strands looking a little dull? Spritz in some dry texturizing spray.
8. High Ponytail
A high ponytail is one of the quickest hairstyles on this list. Understated and timeless, you can add some extra flair and waves by teasing the hair along the pony using a comb. Want to hide that hair tie? Take a bottom strand from the pony and wrap it around the base, keeping it in place with a bobby pin or two.
9. The Low Bun
Dress it up or down; go with a quick and sleek low bun if you need to be picture-ready in a pinch. Start by parting down the middle and securing a low ponytail. Then, simply wrap the pony into a bun and hold it in place with bobby pins. Make it loose and messy or tighter and more refined depending on the occasion.
Worried about fly-aways? Finish your look with a few drops of our Miracle Hair Elixir (which also works great as a protectant before heat styling)!
10. Space Buns
Try this super cute Thanksgiving hairstyle for some preppy, sci-fi flair. Start by making a center part to divide your hair into two distinct sections. As with some of the other styles on this list, feel free to leave a few stray face-framing strands at the front, too!
Next, make a high ponytail on each side of your head, keeping them symmetrical and at the same height if possible. Once the ponytails are secure, twist each into a loose bun and use bobby pins to keep in place.
Check out more hair guides & tips here!
Edited By: Vidhya