11+ Thanksgiving Hairstyles and Tips You’ll Love

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s not only about the food, the family, or the football. It’s also about looking your best and feeling fabulous, right?  Whatever you do even if you’re hosting, visiting family, or just celebrating with friends, you want a hairstyle that stands out while keeping you comfortable all day long. From my own personal experience, I’ve noticed how the right hairstyle can set the mood for the holiday and even add a little extra sparkle to your Thanksgiving photos.

Let me show you how I make my holiday hair shine, and let’s jump into these chic Thanksgiving hairstyles that are easy to style, give you that chic vibe, and will make you feel ready to take on the day.

1. Messy Side Braid

If you’re in the mood for something a bit different but still festive, try the messy side braid. This hairstyle combines charm and elegance with just the right amount of relaxed, boho vibes. The side braid is versatile enough to work for a cozy Thanksgiving at home or a fun family gathering.

This hairstyle is ideal for those who want something practical and effortless, and it works beautifully with all hair types, whether you have long or medium-length hair. The messiness of the braid gives you a carefree, lived-in feel, while the side part adds that chic factor to your look.

How to Style a Messy Side Braid

Achieving a messy side braid is straightforward, and you’ll only need a few minutes to create the style. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep your hair: Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. If you have naturally straight hair, you might want to add a bit of texture with some sea salt spray or mousse.
2. Create a side part: Decide which side you want your braid to fall on and create a deep side part.
3. Begin braiding: Take a section of hair from the front, near your forehead, and begin braiding it down the side of your head. As you braid, try to incorporate hair from the front and back for a fuller look.
4. Add volume: Before you reach the end, pull on the sides of the braid to loosen it. This will give it that relaxed, messy vibe.
5. Finish off: Tie the end of your braid with a small elastic band and, if you like, add a cute hair accessory like a flower clip or gold pin for a little extra flair.

This style is perfect for those who want something low-maintenance but still cute. Plus, the braid keeps your hair out of your face while you enjoy all your Thanksgiving activities—like playing games or helping in the kitchen.

Pro Tip:

If you have layers, the messy braid adds movement and texture to your look, so don’t worry about having perfectly even pieces. The beauty of this braid is in its imperfections!

Experiment with the Braid Trend

If you’re someone who loves to experiment, you can even add a second braid, going in the opposite direction, or try a fishtail braid for a more intricate style. Don’t hesitate to pull out some pieces around your face for that effortlessly messy vibe.

2. Soft, Loose Waves

Let’s kick things off with one of the most popular hairstyles that’s never gone out of style: soft, loose waves. If you love the idea of having your hair flow freely but want something more polished than your usual beachy waves, this is the perfect hairstyle for you. It’s effortless yet elegant and adds a touch of glam without feeling overdone.

The beauty of this style lies in its versatility. It’s perfect for any hair length, and it works well whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair. Soft waves give you that fresh, fun look without being too fussy, which is ideal for a holiday like Thanksgiving when you’re busy cooking, eating, and catching up with loved ones.

How to Style Soft, Loose Waves

You don’t need to book an expensive salon appointment to achieve this look. You can easily create soft waves at home using a curling iron or flat iron. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:

1. Prep your hair: Start by washing and conditioning your hair, making sure to use a heat protectant spray. This keeps your hair healthy while you’re styling.
2. Divide your hair: Part your hair into manageable sections. This ensures every strand gets the attention it deserves.
3. Curl each section: Take each section of hair and wrap it around your curling iron or flat iron. If you use a curling iron, wrap the hair around the barrel away from your face for a more natural, flattering look.
4. Set your waves: Once your hair is curled, use your fingers to gently break apart the curls, creating soft, loose waves.
5. Finish off: Apply a light-hold hairspray to ensure the waves stay in place throughout the day.

This hairstyle works for both casual family dinners or more formal gatherings. Whether you decide to leave your hair down or pair it with a cute headband or hairpin, these waves will give your look a perfect touch of effortless beauty.

If you’re someone who’s always on the move, you’ll love how this style lasts with minimal maintenance. Throughout the day, your waves will only get better, adding a natural, lived-in feel.

Pro Tip:

Want extra volume? Tease the roots slightly before curling your hair for some added bounce!

Experiment with the Wavy Trend

The great thing about soft, loose waves is that there are no rules! You can adjust the size of your waves by using different barrel sizes on your curling iron or flat iron. Bigger waves can give you that dreamy, Hollywood-glam vibe, while tighter waves can add a little more texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks until you find one that works best for your hair type.

3. Classic Low Bun

The classic low bun is a timeless, elegant choice for Thanksgiving. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, this hairstyle works for nearly any outfit. It’s polished, practical, and incredibly easy to create. You can leave some strands loose around your face for a softer look or go sleek for a more refined appearance.

The low bun is perfect for those who want their hair out of the way without compromising on style. Whether you’re busy in the kitchen or enjoying family time, this updo will keep you looking put-together.

How to Style a Classic Low Bun

Styling a low bun is quick, and you don’t need to be a hairstyling pro to get it right. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Prep your hair: Begin by brushing your hair to make sure it’s smooth. If you have texture or waves, consider using a bit of hairspray to add hold.
2. Create a low ponytail: Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it into a low ponytail using a hair elastic.
3. Form the bun: Twist the ponytail around itself, creating a tight or loose bun depending on your preference. Secure the bun in place with bobby pins, making sure it feels secure enough for the day.
4. Finish with hairspray: Lightly spray your bun with hairspray to set the style. If you want a bit of texture or a messy look, gently pull out a few strands from the bun.

The classic low bun is a super versatile style that can go from casual to formal, depending on how you dress it up. A little accessory, like a sparkly hairpin or a ribbon, can turn this simple hairstyle into something special for the holiday.

Pro Tip:

To make the low bun feel a bit more relaxed, add a little volume at the crown of your head before you gather your hair into a ponytail.

Experiment with the Bun Trend

If you’re someone who loves options, you can experiment with a braided low bun, or a twisted low bun for something unique. Don’t be afraid to use some accessories to elevate your style, whether it’s a chic velvet ribbon or a glitzy clip.

4. Effortless Loose Curls

Loose curls are a classic for a reason, and they’re especially perfect for Thanksgiving. Whether you’re hosting the dinner or just hanging out with family, loose curls will add a soft, romantic vibe to your style. This hairstyle works well for both short and long hair, giving it a naturally full look that feels sophisticated but not too overdone.

The key to this style is all about creating those soft, bouncy waves. You don’t want tight ringlets; instead, aim for gentle, beachy curls that move freely with your natural texture. To create loose curls, use a curling iron or wand with a larger barrel size. Wrap sections of hair around the barrel and hold for just a few seconds before releasing.

A few tips:

1. Always curl your hair away from your face for a more flattering effect.
2. Don’t overwork the curls; they should look effortless.
3. Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add volume and prevent your hair from falling flat throughout the day.

Loose curls can be worn as they are, or you can pin back one side to show off your natural waves even more. The look works great with any outfit, from casual to dressy.

5. Sleek High Ponytail

If you’re looking for something that will stand the test of time (and potential food-related distractions), a sleek high ponytail is an excellent choice. This hairstyle is perfect if you’re someone who wants a polished, chic look without sacrificing comfort. A high ponytail can give you the feeling of being ready to conquer any challenge, whether it’s preparing the perfect mashed potatoes or just enjoying a game of post-dinner charades.

To create the sleek high ponytail, start by brushing your hair thoroughly to ensure it’s smooth. Apply a small amount of styling gel or hairspray to control flyaways. Gather your hair at the crown of your head, using a brush to make sure it’s smooth and polished. Secure it tightly with an elastic band, and for an extra touch, wrap a small section of your hair around the elastic to hide it.

The sleek ponytail can be styled to be as high as you want. If you have shorter hair, you can tease the crown to create more volume and lift. You could also add a bit of curl to the ponytail’s end to give it a more voluminous, playful vibe.

This style is perfect for a casual Thanksgiving dinner or a more formal gathering. You can also pair it with statement earrings for an extra pop.

6. Fishtail Braid

For a unique twist on the classic braid, try a fishtail braid. This hairstyle is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little extra flair to their Thanksgiving look. Fishtail braids look intricate but are surprisingly simple to do once you get the hang of it. This is a great style for keeping your hair out of your face while still showing off a neat, stylish look.

To create a fishtail braid, divide your hair into two even sections. Then, take a small strand from the outside of one section and cross it over to the other section. Repeat this step, alternating sides, and continue braiding all the way to the ends. Once you’ve finished the braid, gently pull on it to loosen the strands, creating a more relaxed, bohemian feel.

The fishtail braid can be styled in several ways, too. You can keep it loose for a laid-back vibe, or tighten it for a more polished look. If you want to add a little extra detail, you can incorporate a small flower or decorative pin at the base of the braid.

7. Elegant Chignon Bun

When in doubt, an elegant chignon bun never fails to impress. This timeless style is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their Thanksgiving outfit while maintaining a level of grace and sophistication. Whether you’re serving up a stunning dinner or simply enjoying the company of your loved ones, a chignon bun can add a polished, feminine touch to your look.

Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Then, twist the ponytail into a bun shape, securing it with bobby pins as you go. To create a more relaxed chignon, leave a few strands loose around your face, adding a soft, romantic element to the style.

One trick is to tease your hair slightly before creating the bun. This will give the chignon a fuller, more voluminous appearance, making it look even more elegant. You can also wrap a ribbon around the base of the bun for a bit of extra flair.

The best part? This hairstyle works for both dressy and casual occasions, and it pairs beautifully with everything from a cute sweater to a sleek dress.

8. Half-Up, Half-Down Twist

For a hairstyle that strikes the perfect balance between polished and relaxed, try a half-up, half-down twist. This look is ideal for Thanksgiving because it keeps your hair out of your face while still allowing you to show off your beautiful locks. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, this style can work wonders and add some flair to your look.

To achieve the half-up, half-down twist, start by sectioning the top half of your hair. Twist each side of the section towards the back of your head, gathering it in the middle. Once the twists are secure, pin them in place using bobby pins. Leave the bottom half of your hair loose, creating a soft wave or curl for a more feminine look.

For an added touch, you can incorporate a small braid into the twist for more texture or even add a decorative hair clip to elevate the style. This hairstyle is great for all hair types and lengths, and it’s versatile enough to transition from day to night if you’re heading out after your Thanksgiving feast.

9. Sleek and Shiny Straight Hair

Sometimes, simplicity is the key to a stunning look, and sleek, straight hair can do just that. If you’re after a minimalist yet chic style for your Thanksgiving dinner, straightening your hair can give you that effortlessly polished vibe. The key is to achieve smooth, shiny strands without any frizz, creating a clean and crisp appearance.

To get this look, use a high-quality flat iron to straighten your hair in sections. Be sure to apply a heat protectant to keep your strands healthy and prevent damage. Once your hair is fully straightened, add a little shine serum or light hairspray to keep everything in place and give it a glossy finish.

This hairstyle works best when paired with a sophisticated outfit. Whether you’re wearing a cozy sweater or a festive dress, sleek, straight hair will complement your style without stealing the show. It’s a perfect option if you want to keep your hairstyle simple and low-maintenance but still look absolutely gorgeous.

10. Messy Top Knot

If you’re looking for a style that’s both casual and stylish, a messy top knot could be your go-to Thanksgiving hairstyle. This look is ideal for those who want to keep their hair out of their face while enjoying all the food and fun that Thanksgiving has to offer. It’s laid-back yet fashionable, and it works with both casual and dressy outfits.

To create a messy top knot, pull your hair up into a high ponytail. Don’t worry about making it too neat—this look is all about imperfection. Twist the ponytail around itself, then secure it with an elastic band, leaving some hair loose around the edges. Gently pull at the bun to create volume, and let a few strands fall loosely around your face for a more relaxed, boho feel.

If you want to add more texture, try using a dry shampoo or texturizing spray before styling. This will help give your hair more volume and prevent it from looking too flat. You can even add a decorative hair tie or a scrunchie for a fun pop of color to match your outfit.

11. Soft Braided Crown

For a feminine and romantic look that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, the soft braided crown is a stunning option. This hairstyle can add a touch of elegance without being too formal, making it great for those who want to look put-together while staying comfortable and relaxed.

Start by dividing your hair into two sections. Braid each side loosely, making sure to leave a few strands out for a more natural look. Once both braids are complete, cross them over the top of your head like a crown and secure the ends underneath the braids with bobby pins. Let a few strands fall around your face to soften the look, and voilà—you’ve got a gorgeous braided crown!

This style is great for adding some boho charm to your Thanksgiving outfit. You can also switch things up by using a fishtail braid or a Dutch braid for a more intricate look. The soft braided crown is versatile enough to wear with a flowy dress or even a more structured top, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

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Let’s Chat About Your Thanksgiving Look!

So, which hairstyle do you think you’re going to try this Thanksgiving? Have you tried any of these styles in the past, or are you planning to rock a new look this year? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to include your real name and location so we can spot your post! We’re excited to hear what worked for you and if you’ve got any tips to share, based on your own personal experience! Let’s make this Thanksgiving the most stylish one yet!