Easy Holiday Updos Without Heat
The holidays are when you have the least time to do your hair and the most reasons to want it done. You're cooking, hosting, wrapping, getting everyone out the door, or rushing straight from work to a party. Hot tools are usually the first thing to go.
The good news is that some of the best holiday hair doesn't need heat at all. Updos actually look better on hair that isn't freshly blown out. Here are the heat-free looks I recommend when time is short.
Why updos work better without heat
Freshly washed, freshly styled hair is smooth and slippery, which makes it hard for any pin to grip. Hair on day two or three has some natural texture, and that's exactly what a pinned updo needs. Skipping heat is also easier on your hair during a season that's already full of late nights, dry indoor air, and cold weather.
Four heat-free holiday updos
The twist and flip (about 30 seconds). Twist your hair up at the back of your head and hold the base with your thumb. Push a pin down through the twist against your scalp, flip it up, and push it through. That's it. It's the fastest updo I know, and it looks finished with any outfit. A Petite Power Pin works for most hair. Use the Power Pin for long, heavy hair.
The braided low bun (about 3 minutes). Braid your hair loosely from the nape, coil the braid into a bun, and anchor it with one pin through the base. The braid adds texture and detail, so it looks more involved than it is. It's also very forgiving on hair you haven't styled.
The knotted half-up (about 1 minute). Take the top section of your hair, tie it loosely into a knot at the back of your head, and secure it with one pin through the knot. Your natural texture does the rest.
The air-dry twist (5 minutes, then let it set). After washing, twist damp hair into a loose low bun and pin it while you cook, wrap, or get ready. Once it's dry, take it down for soft, heat-free waves, or leave it up and loosen the edges for a romantic bun.
Tips for heat-free holiday hair
Lean on dry shampoo. A little at the roots adds grip and volume and makes second-day hair look fresh.
Keep a pin in your bag. A Petite Power Pin is small enough to carry and turns hair that's fallen flat by evening into an updo in seconds. It's the most useful thing you can keep in a coat pocket in December.
Use a pin that won't snag. Textured hair catches more easily on rough edges. Our pins are plastic-free, made in the USA from upcycled stainless steel, and coated in a smooth plant-based nylon, so there's no chipped paint or peeling tip to catch on the way out.
Finish with your hands. Run your fingers over the surface, pull a few pieces loose at the face, and you're done. Holiday hair should look like you enjoyed the evening, not like you spent it in front of a mirror.
Need something dressier? Read holiday party hair: pinned updos that last all night. Or see more second-day hair styles, the full hairpin guide, and all our hair pins.