The holiday season is the perfect time to experiment with glamorous yet sustainable hairstyles that make a statement. Whether you’re heading to a Christmas dinner, a festive gathering, or a New Year’s Eve party, these upcycled hairstyles are the perfect way to add eco-friendly elegance to your look.
Upcycled hairstyles allow you to reuse hair accessories, embrace natural textures, and refresh previous styles to create something fresh and unique. From twisted buns adorned with holiday embellishments to braided updos with repurposed ribbons, these looks are perfect for any hair type and occasion.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 27 stunning upcycled Christmas hairstyles that will make you shine at your next holiday party. Whether you’re aiming for sophisticated, boho, or effortlessly chic, these styles will inspire you to transform your hair into a festive masterpiece.
Let’s explore these dazzling looks that prove sustainability and style go hand in hand!
1/27. Twisted Holiday Elegance
Repurposed silk scarves create magic woven through this classic low bun. Perfected over years of holiday gatherings, the intertwined fabric adds a pop of color and texture, transforming a simple updo. Secure with bobby pins and a spritz of hairspray for lasting hold.
2/27. Romantic Wavy Updo
Soft curls cascading, pinned loosely create volume and romance, perfect to combine with small, upcycled accents. Consider adding delicate vintage brooches or repurposed beaded necklaces for a touch of sparkle. The best for achieving a timeless, effortlessly chic holiday look.
3/27. Effortless Chic Bun
Charming hairstyle that’s surprisingly easy to recreate, it is excellent with leftover ribbon. Gently twist sections of hair and pin them loosely at the nape of the neck. The Key to mastering this look, use texture spray for added grip and volume.
4/27. Voluminous Curly Glam
Curls pinned high create a dramatic, festive silhouette perfect to impress. Ideal for incorporating lightweight, upcycled ornaments – think small, shatterproof baubles or handcrafted felt decorations. Remember, strong-hold hairspray is your best friend for this look that lasts all night long!
5/27. Festive High Curls
Playful takes on the classic ponytail. This one incorporates height and volume. Secure the base tightly, then gently backcomb sections for added lift. Consider using recycled fabric scraps as a unique, colorful hair tie, which adds to the festive vibe.
6/27. Braided Low Bun
Elegant side braid merges seamlessly into a low, textured bun for an amazing look. Weaving in a thin strand of repurposed tinsel or metallic yarn adds a subtle, festive shimmer, I’ve found it’s a detail that catches the light beautifully.
7/27. Classic High Bun
Timeless and sophisticated, the high bun is perfect for showcasing statement earrings. Wrap the base with a velvet ribbon salvaged from old gift wrapping, perfect for a touch of luxurious texture. Remember to smooth flyaways with a light-hold hairspray for a polished finish.
8/27. Timeless French Twist
Iconic updo exudes sophistication and works beautifully on various hair lengths. Instead of traditional pins, try securing it with a vintage hair comb or a repurposed brooch. Years ago I found it gives the classic style a unique, personal touch.
9/27. Bumped-Up Low Bun
Volume at the crown combines with a sleek low bun, offering a modern twist, to enhance the look. Add tendrils around the face for softness. Fasten small sprigs of faux holly or mistletoe, easily crafted from leftover felt, or fabric into the bun.
10/27. Textured, Curly Highness
Loose tendrils and intricate twists combine to create a high-volume updo. Interweave a string of repurposed beads or pearls for a glamorous touch. The look works best with day-old hair. I have experienced it provides better grip and texture for styling.
11/27. Sleek Twisted Bun
Sophisticated low bun, perfect for showcasing elegant earrings or a statement necklace. Consider using a repurposed silk scarf as a headband, or weaving it into the twists. I found this adds a luxurious texture and a pop of unexpected color.
12/27. Layered Romance
Soft, intertwined layers create dimension and movement in this beautiful updo. Perfect for incorporating delicate, upcycled elements like vintage lace or small fabric flowers. Achieving this look will depend on skillfully pinning each layer to create a seamless, romantic flow.
13/27. Braided Crown Bun
Regal and festive, this combines a crown braid with a textured low bun. Try using repurposed ribbon, weaving it into the braid for a pop of color. Make sure to secure with plenty of bobby pins, I remember that is a crucial point for all-night-long hold.
14/27. Short Curly Festive
Embrace natural curls with this playful, textured updo, even on shorter lengths! Use small, upcycled clips or decorative bobby pins, perhaps adorned with repurposed beads or sequins. This styling is best for adding a touch of festive sparkle without overwhelming shorter hair.
15/27. Effortless Messy Bun
Perfectly imperfect, this combines a loose, textured bun with face-framing curls. Consider incorporating a thin, repurposed chain or a delicate string of beads for a subtle bohemian touch. Remember to use a texturizing spray, I´ve learn this helps to create that “undone” look.
16/27. High Bun Glam
Elegant high bun with softly curled, face-framing strands to provide a sophisticated yet relaxed look. Try wrapping the base of the bun with a repurposed satin ribbon. This small detail adds a polished touch, in my experience, it elevates the entire style.
17/27. Curly Bang Delight
Playful high bun with curly bangs and face-framing tendrils, to show off personality. Perfect for adding small, upcycled accents, like tiny bows made from leftover ribbon or small, sparkly beads. The key is to keep the styling, loose, and fun.
18/27. Chic Multi-Bun Style
Sophisticated updo that features multiple, intertwined buns for added dimension. Instead of traditional hair ties, try securing each bun with a repurposed piece of jewelry, like a broken necklace chain. Many times I have found that it gives a unique, edgy vibe.
19/27. Multi-Bun Variation
Intriguing hairstyle with multiple buns, gives you an elegant and sophisticated look. Decorate using small, lightweight Christmas ornaments – like tiny bells or stars. Securing each bun tightly to keep a very neat and polished appearance during the celebrations.
20/27. Classic Chignon
Timeless elegance defines this smooth, tucked-under chignon, to achieve a chic and polished appearance. Decorate with a repurposed vintage brooch or a hairpin made from recycled materials. I’ve learned that placement just above the nape of the neck is key for classic appeal.
21/27. Stunning Braided Bun
Combines a loose, romantic braid with a textured bun. Weave in a delicate strand of repurposed tinsel or metallic yarn for a subtle, festive shimmer. I´ve experienced that loose braid adds softness, making it perfect for a more casual holiday gathering.
22/27. Glamorous Volume
Creates a statement with height, soft curls, and sweeping side bangs. Consider adding a touch of sparkle with hairpins adorned with repurposed rhinestones or small, upcycled beads. I know that backcombing at the crown is key to achieving this voluminous look.
23/27. Curly Cascade Bun
Combines a high, voluminous bun with long, cascading curls for an excellent style. Perfect for showcasing statement earrings. Try incorporating a repurposed velvet ribbon, tying it around the base of the bun. Creating a luxurious and festive look.
24/27. Twisted Low Bun
Elegant and understated, this features a smoothly twisted low bun. Consider adding a touch of sparkle with hairpins adorned with repurposed beads or small, upcycled charms. Best for achieving a chic and polished look without being overly elaborate, especially with off-shoulder outfits.
25/27. Floral Fantasy Bun
Whimsical and romantic, features a loose, low bun adorned with delicate flowers. Perfect for using repurposed fabric scraps or dried flowers. Secure the accents with bobby pins, I learned that it´s the key to achieving a natural, effortlessly beautiful look.
26/27. Textured, Twisted
Creates a romantic and slightly undone look with interwoven sections and loose tendrils. Incorporate a repurposed necklace or bracelet as a unique hair accessory. Remember to be gentle while doing it, I’ve learned that it is key to achieving a look that’s both elegant and effortless.
27/27. Elegant Braided
Combines sleekness and texture with a beautifully intricate braided design. Weave a thin ribbon or a strand of repurposed metallic yarn through the braid. I learned to secure the ends discreetly with bobby pins, for an extra touch of holiday shine with elegance.
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