15 Christmas Ornament Hairstyles (2026)

This holiday season, the most magical decoration isn’t on your tree — it’s in your hair. Christmas ornament hairstyles are the festive trend taking over Pinterest and holiday parties everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. Tiny baubles, glittering glass balls, and sparkling snowflake charms turn an ordinary bun, braid, or ponytail into a show-stopping holiday look.

Whether you’re heading to an ugly sweater party, a formal Christmas gala, or just want your holiday photos to shine, these 15 Christmas ornament hairstyles have you covered. Every look uses affordable, shatterproof mini ornaments you can grab at any craft store, and each one comes with simple how-to steps so you can recreate it at home — no professional stylist required. Let’s deck your hair with boughs of holly (and baubles, and stars, and bells).

1. Bauble Bun With Mini Ornaments

The bauble bun is the queen of Christmas ornament hairstyles — a full, round bun studded with tiny ornaments so it looks like a living Christmas tree topper. It works beautifully on medium to long hair and photographs like a dream.

1. Flip your head upside down and gather hair into a high ponytail at the crown.
2. Twist the ponytail into a rope and coil it around the base, pinning with bobby pins to form a full bun.
3. Choose 8–12 mini shatterproof baubles (1–2 inches) in one color family — red and gold is classic.
4. Attach each ornament by threading a bobby pin through its cap or hanger loop, then slide the pin into the bun.
5. Distribute ornaments evenly around the bun, finishing with a star pick or sprig of faux pine at the top.

Styling tip: Tease the ponytail lightly before twisting to add volume — a bigger bun holds ornaments more securely and looks more festive.

2. Ornament Hair Pins in Loose Waves

For an effortlessly romantic holiday look, scatter miniature ornament hair pins through soft, loose waves. This style is perfect if you want festive without the fuss of a full updo.

1. Curl your hair in 1.5-inch sections with a large barrel curling iron, alternating directions for natural-looking waves.
2. Brush the curls out gently with a paddle brush for soft, flowing texture.
3. Pick 5–7 ornament pins — glitter balls, tiny stars, or pearl baubles on bobby-pin bases.
4. Slide the pins into the hair asymmetrically, clustering a few on one side above the ear for a cascading effect.
5. Set everything with a light-hold hairspray so the pins stay put through dinner and dancing.

Styling tip: Match your ornament pins to your jewelry — silver baubles with silver earrings keeps the whole look cohesive.

3. Chignon With Glass Ball Accents

Elegant and timeless, the glass-ball chignon takes a classic low twist and dresses it up with miniature blown-glass ornaments for a black-tie holiday dinner or Christmas Eve service.

1. Part your hair in the middle and smooth it back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
2. Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a low chignon, securing with bobby pins.
3. Select 6–8 mini glass ball ornaments (about 1 inch) in champagne, gold, and clear.
4. Use floral wire or ornament hooks threaded through bobby pins to anchor each ball along the chignon’s seam.
5. Add a small sprig of baby’s breath or faux cedar for a soft, wintry finish.

Styling tip: Because these ornaments are delicate glass, pin them close to the scalp where they won’t knock against anything — beauty without breakage.

4. Braided Crown With Ornament Picks

A braided crown already looks like a halo — add tiny ornament picks and it becomes an actual Christmas wreath for your head. This style is stunning on thick hair and holds up all night.

1. Create a deep side part and French braid (or Dutch braid) along each side of your head.
2. Bring both braids around the back and pin them together to form a crown.
3. Choose miniature ornament picks — the kind on wire stems sold for wreath-making — in pine green, silver, and red.
4. Push the wire stems into the braid at intervals, bending the wire so each ornament nestles between braid sections.
5. Tuck in a few faux pine sprigs between the ornaments for that fresh-wreath look.

Styling tip: Pancake the braid (gently pull the edges wider) before adding picks — a wider braid gives the ornaments more surface to grip.

5. High Ponytail With Ornament Ties

Fun, flirty, and festive, this high ponytail gets its sparkle from dangling mini ornaments tied at the base — they catch the light and sway when you move. It’s the ultimate Christmas party hairstyle.

1. Smooth your hair into a sleek high ponytail at the crown and secure with a strong elastic.
2. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it, pinning underneath.
3. Thread 5–6 shatterproof mini baubles onto a thin satin ribbon or elastic cord.
4. Tie the ribbon around the base of the ponytail, letting the ornaments dangle at different lengths.
5. Curl the ponytail ends for bounce and finish with shine spray.

Styling tip: Use lightweight plastic ornaments only — heavy glass baubles will drag the ponytail down and give you a headache by midnight.

6. Twisted Updo With Bauble Clips

This sophisticated twisted updo looks like it took hours (it takes fifteen minutes) and the metallic bauble clips pinned along the twist make it pure holiday glamour.

1. Apply a smoothing cream and divide your hair into two sections.
2. Twist each section inward and pin them together at the back, forming a vertical French-twist shape.
3. Choose 6–10 small bauble clips — metallic rose gold, silver, or champagne — already mounted on alligator clips.
4. Clip the baubles in a line following the twist’s seam, spacing them evenly from top to bottom.
5. Mist with strong-hold hairspray and add a dusting of shimmer spray for extra glow.

Styling tip: Alligator-clip baubles are the easiest ornaments to work with — no wiring or pinning required, and they pop in and out in seconds.

7. Half-Up Style With Shatterproof Ornaments

The half-up hairstyle gets a festive upgrade with colorful shatterproof ornaments clipped into the top section. It keeps hair off your face while showing off your length — perfect for holiday photos.

1. Section off the top half of your hair (from temples up) and clip the bottom half out of the way.
2. Twist or braid the top section and secure it at the back of your head with bobby pins.
3. Pick 6–8 pastel or jewel-toned shatterproof ornaments, 1–1.5 inches each.
4. Attach each ornament to a bobby pin through its cap, then slide pins into the twisted section.
5. Let the bottom half fall in soft waves — curl it loosely if your hair is naturally straight.

Styling tip: Shatterproof ornaments are non-negotiable for this look — they’re right at face level, so one bump shouldn’t mean broken glass.

8. Low Bun With Mini Wreath Ornaments

Tiny wreath ornaments pinned around a polished low bun create an elegant Christmas vignette at the nape of your neck. It’s refined enough for the office holiday party but still unmistakably festive.

1. Part your hair in the middle and brush it smooth into a low ponytail at the nape.
2. Twist the ponytail into a neat, compact bun and pin securely.
3. Choose 5–7 miniature wreath ornaments (about 1 inch across) — bottle-brush or grapevine styles work best.
4. Pin each wreath around the bun’s perimeter using bobby pins threaded through the back of the wreath.
5. Add a single red berry pick at the center top of the bun as a finishing touch.

Styling tip: Smooth flyaways with a toothbrush misted with hairspray before pinning the wreaths — a sleek base makes the ornaments stand out.

9. Side Braid With Ornament Charms

Weave tiny ornament charms and jingle bells right into a loose side braid for a whimsical, boho holiday look that literally jingles when you walk. Kids and grown-ups alike love this one.

1. Sweep all your hair to one side and braid it loosely — a fishtail or three-strand braid both work.
2. Secure the end with a clear elastic and gently tug the braid edges wider for softness.
3. Choose small ornament charms and tiny jingle bells with jump rings or wire loops.
4. Thread a few charms onto bobby pins, or use mini clear elastics to tie them directly into the braid at intervals.
5. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and curl them for a romantic finish.

Styling tip: Keep the bells tiny — three or four micro jingle bells give a sweet tinkle, but a dozen will drive your dinner companions up the wall.

10. Top Knot With Metallic Balls

A sleek top knot studded with metallic ball ornaments is bold, modern, and totally festive. This look is a favorite for New Year’s Eve too — it pairs perfectly with a sequin dress.

1. Brush your hair straight up into a high ponytail and secure tightly.
2. Twist the ponytail around its base to form a neat top knot, pinning as you go.
3. Select 8–12 metallic ball ornaments (gold, silver, or copper) in mixed sizes from 1–2 inches.
4. Thread each ball onto a bobby pin through its hanger cap and insert pins all around the knot.
5. Mix sizes for a dynamic look — larger balls at the base, smaller ones toward the top.

Styling tip: Gel the hairline smooth before forming the knot — a polished base makes the metallic balls look intentional, not chaotic.

11. Star Ornament Headband Style

Weave golden star ornaments across the crown of your head like a celestial headband. This no-braid-required style takes five minutes and looks like you planned it for weeks.

1. Style your hair down in soft waves, or pull it into a simple low ponytail — both work.
2. Take a thin, plain headband (or a length of clear elastic) as your anchor base.
3. Attach 7–9 small gold star ornaments to the band using hot glue, floral wire, or ornament hooks.
4. Place the band about two inches behind your hairline, like a crown.
5. Arrange a few face-framing strands in front of the band to soften the look.

Styling tip: Make the headband ahead of time and keep it in your holiday box — it becomes a reusable accessory you can wear with any hairstyle.

12. Berry and Ornament Updo

This romantic updo combines faux red berries with miniature silver ornaments for a classic Christmas color story — think vintage holiday cards come to life.

1. Curl your hair and pin it into a soft, voluminous updo — a French twist or a loose pinned chignon works beautifully.
2. Leave the texture soft and slightly undone rather than perfectly smooth.
3. Choose a small faux berry spray and 5–6 mini silver or white ornaments.
4. Cut the berry spray into small sprigs and tuck them into the updo with bobby pins.
5. Nestle the silver ornaments between the berry sprigs, pinning each through its cap.

Styling tip: This look is gorgeous on silver and white hair — the berries pop against light hair like ornaments on a frosted tree.

13. Snowflake Ornament Pins

Delicate crystal snowflake pins scattered through sleek, straight hair create a winter-wonderland effect that’s subtle enough for the office and sparkly enough for the party.

1. Straighten your hair with a flat iron for a smooth, glass-like finish.
2. Create a clean center or side part.
3. Choose 6–10 snowflake ornament pins — crystal, acrylic, or glitter styles in white and silver.
4. Slide the pins in along your part line and above one ear, graduating from larger to smaller snowflakes.
5. Finish with a shine serum through the lengths so the hair gleams like fresh snow.

Styling tip: Place the largest snowflake near your temple as a focal point, then scatter smaller ones around it — like a real snowfall, no two placements should be identical.

14. Gold Ball Low Chignon

Champagne-gold ball ornaments tucked into a smooth low chignon give you old-Hollywood holiday glamour. It’s the look to choose when your outfit is the star and your hair needs to whisper, not shout.

1. Apply a smoothing serum and brush hair back into a low ponytail at the nape.
2. Twist the ponytail into a smooth, round chignon and pin firmly.
3. Choose 6–8 champagne-gold ball ornaments, all the same size (about 1 inch) for a uniform, elegant effect.
4. Pin each ball into the chignon’s surface through its cap, spacing them in a crescent along one side.
5. Set with a medium-hold hairspray that won’t dull the ornaments’ shine.

Styling tip: Stick to one ornament finish — all matte or all shiny — for this look. Mixing finishes breaks the sleek, monochrome elegance.

15. Ornament-Trimmed Bubble Braid

The playful bubble braid gets the ultimate Christmas makeover: tiny multicolored ornaments tied between every bubble. It’s joyful, photogenic, and surprisingly easy.

1. Pull your hair into a high or mid-height ponytail and secure with an elastic.
2. Place clear elastics down the length of the ponytail every 2–3 inches.
3. Gently tug each section outward to create full, round “bubbles.”
4. Tie a tiny ornament (1 inch or smaller) onto each elastic band with a short piece of ribbon or thread.
5. Alternate ornament colors — red, gold, green, silver — for a true Christmas-tree effect.

Styling tip: Spray the finished braid with a flexible-hold hairspray and let the ornaments be the star — skip other accessories so the look stays playful, not busy.

How to Attach Ornaments Safely

Beautiful holiday hair shouldn’t come with a headache or a hair-pulling disaster. Follow these attachment rules and your ornaments will stay put all night — and come out without a fight.

Use the Bobby-Pin Method

The most reliable way to attach almost any mini ornament is threading a bobby pin through its cap, hanger loop, or a small wire you twist around it. Slide the pin into your hair with the wavy side down for maximum grip. This method works on updos, braids, and half-up styles.

Choose Clip-On Ornaments When Possible

Many craft stores sell mini ornaments pre-mounted on alligator clips or bobby pins during the holidays. These are the safest, fastest option — they grip the hair firmly and remove in seconds with no tugging.

Keep Ornaments Away From the Hairline

Heavy or dangling ornaments near your forehead or temples pull on fine baby hairs and cause headaches. Place the heaviest pieces close to the crown or nape, where your hair is thickest and pins grip best.

Best Ornaments for Hair

Not every tree ornament belongs in your hair. Here’s what to look for when shopping the craft aisle:

• Shatterproof plastic ornaments (1–2 inches): The gold standard — lightweight, unbreakable, and available in every color.
• Mini bottle-brush trees and wreaths: Adorable and feather-light; they pin in easily.
• Felt or fabric ornaments: Stars, stockings, and snowflakes in felt weigh almost nothing.
• Lightweight jingle bells: Use the smallest size; they add movement and sound.
• Ornament picks on wire stems: Made for wreaths, perfect for braids and crowns.

Avoid: full-size glass ornaments (too heavy and fragile), anything with sharp wire edges, and glitter that sheds — it will end up in your eyes.

Removing Them Without Damage

Take your ornament hairstyle down gently and your hair will thank you. Never yank an ornament out by its string or cap — you’ll pull hair with it.

1. Remove bobby pins first, sliding them out in the direction the hair lies.
2. Unclip alligator clips by squeezing them open — don’t pull.
3. Gently untwist or unbraid the style, working from the ends up.
4. Run a wide-tooth comb through your hair to release any tangles before washing.
5. Wash with a clarifying shampoo if you used heavy hairspray, then deep-condition.

Where to Wear These Christmas Ornament Hairstyles

These looks aren’t just for Christmas Day. Try the snowflake pins or gold-ball chignon for your office holiday party, the bubble braid or side braid for a kids’ Christmas pageant or ugly-sweater party, and the glass-ball chignon or berry updo for Christmas Eve dinner or a winter wedding. The bauble bun and top knot make fantastic holiday photo-shoot styles — your Christmas card has never looked this good.

Conclusion

Christmas ornament hairstyles are proof that the best holiday accessory might already be sitting in your decoration box. With a handful of mini ornaments, some bobby pins, and one of these 15 festive styles, you can turn any holiday event into your own personal runway. Start with a simple look like the ornament hair pins in loose waves, then work your way up to the braided crown or bubble braid as your confidence grows. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to be the most memorable guest in the room. Happy holidays — and happy styling!