Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving hairstyle that combines elegance with ease? Whether you’re hosting dinner, traveling to see family, or attending a festive gathering, your hair deserves special attention for this holiday celebration.
Finding time to style your hair can be challenging when you’re busy preparing dishes, traveling across town, or welcoming guests. That’s why we’ve curated this collection of 30 stunning yet practical Thanksgiving hairstyles that work for all hair types, lengths, and styling abilities.
From quick five-minute updos to elegant braided styles, these Thanksgiving hair ideas will ensure you look polished and camera-ready without spending hours in front of the mirror. Let’s dive into these holiday-worthy hairstyles that combine festive charm with practical staying power!
1. Thanksgiving Hairstyles For Short Hair
The easiest way to style short hair, especially when it is pixie haircut short (as above) is to add some well-placed hair accessories. Play around with barrettes, hair scarves, or fabric headbands.
2. Cute Thanksgiving Hairstyles For Short Hair
There are many cute ways to style your short hair, especially if it is about neck length. Get inspired by the braided half-up styles above and add a bow to it for a more festive touch.
3. Cute Thanksgiving Hairstyles For Medium Hair
Be on top of trends and wear your hair in a top knot. This half up, half down hairstyle works on all hair lengths, from short to long, but looks especially pretty on medium to shoulder-length hair.
4. Thanksgiving Hairstyles For Medium Hair
Another cool way to wear you medium hair and get it out of the way too is by going for an updo. Choose among one of the many types of buns – we’re loving this messy look with bangs and face-framing strands.
5. Thanksgiving Hairstyles For Long Hair
As expected, having long hair means you will have so many more possibilities in terms of hairstyling. However, sometimes, the best way to go is with a relaxed and comfy look, like the loose half up ponytail above.
6. Cute Thanksgiving Hairstyles for Little Girls
Give your little girl – be it a niece, little sister, or your own bundle of joy – a cute and fun hairstyle for Thanksgiving. Give a simple bun a festive mood by making it resemble a turkey. Great for school plays too!
7. Thanksgiving Hairstyles For Kids
Similar to the hairdo above, this too starts from a bun base, but this time around, a braided one. You can either leave it in the braids and bun combo or add a Thanksgiving touch, like in this photo.
8. Thanksgiving Hairstyles For Girls
This hairstyle will look great on girls of all ages! Start from a simple half up half down hairstyle and make it look special by going for not one but two fishtail braids on the sides of the head – leave them loose around mid-way.
9. Pumpkin Bun Look for Small and Big Girls Alike
Another sweet look that just channels fall and its holidays is this pumpkin bun. Gather the hair into a tighter bun and help it resemble a pumpkin by adding in some orange ribbons and a little “tail”.
10. Thanksgiving Hairstyles For Black Girls – A Slicked Back Look
Afro-American hair is usually characterized and easy to recognize thanks to its curly texture. So make the most of your curls and leave them hanging free and loose! For a more finished look, slick back the front.
11. Protective Hairstyle with Braids and Loose Ponytails
This is a great protective style for Afro hair that can be easily made to look as festive as you want it to. Here, the top of the head braids are gathered in a ponytail with loose ends while two face-framing braids are left free and decorated with beads.
12. Cute Easy Hairstyles For Thanksgiving with Feathers
Add a Native American touch and complete your Thanksgiving look by adding two feathers to your headband (and wear it on your forehead) – still, no cultural appropriation and do this only for a play or to celebrate your heritage.
13. The Half Bun Holiday Hairstyle
The half bun is one of the coolest trends of these past seasons, and also a very versatile hairstyle. It can easily be made to look more festive simply by braiding it, for example. The face-framing bangs are also a very pretty touch.
14. Easy Hairstyles For Thanksgiving – Half Ponytail with Hair Scarf
Hair scarves and hair accessories, in general, are very much in – so don’t hesitate to use them in a festive hairstyle. Depending on their patterns, hair scarves will help make for a cool and relaxed or simple but elegant look.
15. Relaxed Half Bun with Scrunchie
Another example to prove the versatility of the half bun. Looking forward to a relaxed evening or going out with friends? Simply style your bun by adding a scrunchie for a touch of nostalgia. Go for a dark or earthy colored scrunchie to reflect the season.
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16. Easy Thanksgiving Hairstyles – Braid it Up
There’s no easier and prettier way to style your hair than by braiding it up. It makes for instant glam and a look that everyone will approve and love. Depending on your braiding skills, go for a simple 3-strand or elevate it to a fishtail, French braid or Dutch braid.
17. Thanksgiving Hairstyles Tutorials
Depending on the difficulty of the hairstyle you pick, it might also be a good idea to look for a tutorial online. You can find numerous Thanksgiving hairstyles tutorials on YouTube or Pinterest.
18. Hairstyles For Thanksgiving Dinner
Impress everyone at the Thanksgiving table with this seemingly complicated but actually quite simple hairstyle. It is a reversed hair bow bun that’s held together by an elegant black ribbon. Leave some loose strands in the front and you are all done.
19. Funky Braided Low Buns
Have some fun with your low buns and make them all the funkier by starting from a braided base. Alternatively, you can only braid one of them, or transform a waterfall braid into a two buns look.
20. Pretty Hairstyles For Thanksgiving with Simple Ribbon Bow
We’ve shown you a hair bow, but there is a much simpler way of sporting one: simply gather your hair into a lower ponytail and keep it in place with a pretty ribbon bow.
21. Thanksgiving Day Hairstyles – Braided Chignon
The chignon is one of the most elegant hairstyles out there and fit for all events. Take yours down a peg and make it more Thanksgiving friendly and ‘relaxed’ by braiding it.
22. Double Crown Braid Hairstyle Idea
Another very popular and fit for all occasions hairstyle is the crown braid. Be the belle of the ball by going for a double crown braid that you can wear all day – from the early Thanksgiving parade and even after the traditional family dinner. You will look stunning at all of them!
23. Pretty Hairstyles For Thanksgiving – Twist it Up
If braids are not your thing, but you would still like to style your hair someway, go for some twists! Take out the curling iron and twist two strands on opposite sides of the head. Tie them in the middle, and curls some two or three other strands for an all-out sweet and pretty look.
24. Pipe Braid with Loose Ends
We’ve shown you several types of braids already, but get ready to meet and admire the pipe bride. It is easy to see where its name comes from, and we just love that here, it only goes as far as neck-length and the hair is left loose and wild after that.
25. Cool Hairstyles For Thanksgiving – a Messy Half Bun
Long gone are the days when messy hair was frowned upon. You can now wear a messy bun (or a stylized version of it) and look gorgeous at any event. The messy bun above is made all the prettier by the fact that it is made on naturally wavy hair.
26. Loose Relaxed 3-Strand Braid
Just because it is braided hair, that doesn’t mean it has to be tight and fixed in place. Instead, go for a loose braid that starts at neck level. Ultra-long hair will make this style really stand out.
27. Best Thanksgiving Hairstyle – Elegant Low Bun
There was the messy bun, now we’re showing you the elegant bun. Gather your hair in a low bun – around neck level – and then use a strand of hair to hide the hair tie. The loose strands of hair are optional – but very cute.
28. Pretty Crown Braid with Hair Crown Accessory
You can go for a crown braid, or you can make your hair into a crown braid and accentuate it with a hair crown – go for one that fits the occasion. The crown above, for example, will look really pretty for both Thanksgiving and winter festivities alike.
29. Thanksgiving Hairstyles With Hair Accessories
Make the most of the hair accessories trend and play around with different ones. We’ve already shown you hair ribbons, scrunchies, and hair crowns, so now, we’ll let the barrette shine!
30. Hairstyles with Pretty Hair Accessories
For a simpler yet still accessorized look, choose hair clips. The ones above are just four examples of the many hair clips and accessories available nowadays. Use them to tie your hair at the back or to add a touch of something to any hairstyle.
Ready to Change Your Look?
So there you have it, a list of the coolest Thanksgiving hairstyles that deserve a parade of their own for how pretty they are. As no one has that much time before Thanksgiving day, these dos are also easy to make, and quick.
They will also help you look stylish no matter how you will be spending your day – either at the parade, at the traditional game, out with friends, or however you’d like to!
So, which of these have made it on your shortlist of Thanksgiving hairstyles? Or are you already set on another hairdo (and if yes, which)? Leave a comment and let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Hairstyles
How long before Thanksgiving should I practice my chosen hairstyle?
For best results, try to practice your chosen Thanksgiving hairstyle at least once or twice in the week before the holiday. This gives you time to get comfortable with the technique, determine exactly how long it will take, and make any necessary adjustments. For more complex styles like intricate braids or elegant updos, you might want to practice several times to perfect the technique.
What hair products should I use to make my Thanksgiving hairstyle last all day?
To ensure your Thanksgiving hairstyle lasts through cooking, eating, and socializing, use a combination of styling products. Start with a heat protectant if using hot tools, then apply a lightweight mousse or styling cream for hold and shape. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray that won’t make your hair feel stiff but will keep everything in place. For updos, bobby pins and texturizing spray will add grip and security.
What are the best Thanksgiving hairstyles for very short hair?
Even with very short hair, you can create festive Thanksgiving styles! Try adding decorative clips, headbands, or small barrettes with fall-colored gems or designs. A texturizing paste or pomade can create definition and visual interest in pixie cuts or short bobs. For slightly longer short hair, mini braids along the hairline or a twisted crown section can add elegant detail while keeping hair off your face during the feast.
How can I incorporate fall colors or Thanksgiving themes into my hairstyle?
There are several ways to add seasonal touches to your Thanksgiving hairstyle: use hair accessories in autumn colors like burnt orange, deep red, or golden yellow; incorporate velvet or suede hair ribbons in fall shades; try a headband with small decorative fall leaves or flowers; or weave a thin colored ribbon through braids or twists for a subtle festive touch. You can also use metallic bobby pins in bronze or gold tones to secure your style while adding a seasonal accent.
What hairstyles work best if I’m the one cooking Thanksgiving dinner?
If you’re the chef this Thanksgiving, opt for hairstyles that keep your hair completely secured away from your face and off your shoulders. A sleek, high bun, braided crown, or low braided bun are all practical yet elegant options. Avoid styles with loose tendrils that might fall forward when you’re checking the oven. A decorative headband or scarf can add a festive touch while helping to keep every strand in place during busy kitchen activities.
Ready For Your Thanksgiving Hair Transformation?
With these 30 gorgeous Thanksgiving hairstyles, you’re now equipped to create a holiday look that will have everyone asking for your styling secrets. Whether you’re hosting the feast, visiting family, or enjoying a Friendsgiving celebration, these versatile styles offer the perfect blend of festivity and practicality.
Remember, the best Thanksgiving hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable while complementing your overall holiday look. Don’t be afraid to personalize these ideas with your own creative touches!
We’d love to see your Thanksgiving hair creations! Share your photos with us in the comments below or tag us on social media with #ThanksgivingHairstyles.
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Tasha W.
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Emma R.
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