Holiday Hairstyles Using Tinsel

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's time to start getting ready for the holidays. While you're trimming the tree this weekend, digging out boxes of decorations from your attic, and stringing Christmas lights, make sure you save some tinsel for holiday hairstyles. It only happens once a year, so you might as well go all out festive, right?

When it comes to holiday parties, I'm usually more focused on finding the perfect party dress or a hilariously ironic ugly sweater than I am on my hairstyle. I mean, loose curls works every time, right? While it definitely does, you can make your hairstyle a little more exciting and holiday themed without the magic of a curling iron — all you need is a little sparkly tinsel.

Tinsel glitters, comes in tons of colors (including the classic red and green), and just feels a little more magical than basic ribbons and bows, so it makes the perfect addition to a holiday hairstyle. While it's great for braiding into your hair, that's only the beginning of what the garland can do. If you want to try decorating your hair with tinsel this holiday season, try these seven styles. For the purpose of these tutorials, treat the tinsel like ribbon.

1. French Braid

Braids are easy to do but look elegant, so they're one of my go-to party hairstyles. If you want to festive-up your braid, braid tinsel into your hair.

2. Bun

Weave tinsel into your bun for a little more glam.

3. Braid Bow

Braid two pieces of hair on each side of your head, then connect together in the back with a hair tie and tie tinsel in a bow over the hair tie.

4. Headband

Why buy a headband when you could make your own?

5. Ponytail Bow

No hair skills? No problem. Tinsel dresses up even the most basic of pony tails.

6. Crown Braid

Crown braids are even cooler with tinsel.

7. Use Hair Tinsel

If holiday tinsel seems a little too flashy for you, you could try using tinsel for hair. It still has some sparkle, it's just more subtle. This tutorial teaches you how to apply it.