Christmas hair clips are the fastest way to turn a regular ponytail or bun into something party-ready. This season, soft face-framing layers and curtain bangs give you a natural base that makes any clip look intentional, not like an afterthought.
These 20 Christmas Hair Clips Ideas range from a five-second clip-in to a salon-finished updo, so there is something for every holiday calendar and skill level. Whether your hair is fine, thick, straight or wavy, you will find a way to add festive sparkle without fighting a fringe that will not sit or a style that falls flat by the second hour.
The 20 looksOpen list +
Messy Bun With Santa Hat Clip
A Santa hat-shaped clip on a messy bun signals holiday spirit with one small accessory. Fine, collarbone-length brown hair with wispy bangs suits this look because the clip sits front and center. Ask your stylist for: messy bun with wispy bangs. Tease the crown before pulling the hair up so the bun has enough body to hold the clip securely, then let a few bangs fall loose to soften the whole thing.
Textured Chignon With Pink Christmas Tree Clip
A textured chignon relies on grip and mass to stay put, which is why thick, wavy hair of mid-back length or longer is the natural candidate for this technique. The pink glitter Christmas tree clip with red and green gems becomes the focal point when the hair is smoothed into a low knot at the nape. Ask your stylist for: textured chignon with pink glitter Christmas tree clip. A texturizing spray applied before twisting adds enough friction to keep waves defined and the chignon compact. This style suits a holiday party or festive dinner where the back of the head stays visible.
Twisted Updo With Candy Cane Clip
How do you describe a twisted updo that uses a candy cane claw clip as the anchor? You ask for the twist sections to be clean enough that the clip sits flat against the nape. Thick, straight dark brown hair of chin length or longer is ideal because it holds a twist without slipping. Ask your stylist for: twisted updo with candy cane claw clip. A smoothing serum on the surface before twisting controls flyaways so the rhinestone clip reflects light evenly. This is a salon move: the precision of the twists determines whether the clip looks intentional or jammed in.
Low Bun With Sparkly Snowflake Clip
A large snowflake clip on a low bun reads as winter formal, but the reality of chin-length thick wavy hair is that the bun is small and the clip has to do the visual work. Ask your stylist for: low bun with sparkly snowflake clip. Wrap a section of hair around the elastic to hide it before clipping the snowflake on the side. The side parting keeps the bun off-center, which helps the clip sit flat rather than at an awkward angle. A trim every eight weeks keeps the ends blunt enough that the bun stays tidy through an evening.
Elegant Updo With Cartoon Dog Clip
A cartoon dog clip with a floral pattern sounds like a casual pick, but on a polished updo in thick wavy red hair it creates a deliberate contrast. Compare this to a sleek low ponytail with the same clip: the ponytail would make the accessory look like an afterthought, while the updo gives it a proper backdrop. Ask your stylist for: elegant updo with Christmas dog clip. The updo needs enough height at the crown to balance the visual weight of the clip at the back. A flexible hold hairspray on the finished style keeps stray wavy pieces from competing with the detail on the clip. This one works best for a holiday celebration where the hair is seen from multiple angles.
Wavy Dark Brown Hair With Christmas Tree Clips
The two small Christmas tree clips are placed near the temple, making them a clear focal point. Wavy hair of shoulder length or longer with a side part handles this without fuss. Ask your stylist for: air dried waves with two Christmas tree clips. Start with damp hair, apply a sea salt spray and scrunch upward to wake up the wave pattern. Let it air dry completely, then slide the clips into a section near the front hairline, one above the other. The whole thing takes about ten minutes of active work.
Shoulder Length Waves With Snowflake Clips
Can shoulder-length hair with layers handle two sparkling snowflake clips without looking crowded? Yes, but only if the layers are soft enough to hold a wave. Wavy hair of shoulder length or longer suits all face shapes, and a side part keeps the clips visible. Ask your stylist for: loose waves with two snowflake clips. A large barrel curling iron creates the bend, and a shine spray stops the texture from reading as dull. No bangs means the clips sit cleanly against the hairline.
Mid-Back Wavy Hair With Gingerbread Man Clip
The gingerbread man clip is a single focal point on thick, wavy hair, which means the cut underneath has to earn its keep. Long layers are essential here: they stop the weight from pulling the wave flat at the root. Ask your stylist for: mid-back wavy hair with a gingerbread man clip. Thick, wavy hair of mid-back length or longer with long layers is the starting point.
The honest trade-off is daily effort. Air-drying with a diffuser or heat protectant maintains the shape, but skipping product means the wave loosens by midday. A trim every eight weeks keeps the long layers from turning into a single heavy triangle.
Dark Brown Hair With Glitter Holly Claw Clip
The red glitter claw clip with holly leaves is large enough to anchor a section of thick, wavy hair, but the cut has to move with it. Long layers that start around the collarbone let the wave stack without bunching at the clip. Ask your stylist for: wavy hair with a red glitter holly claw clip. Thick, wavy hair of mid-back length with long layers and a side parting gives the clip a natural drape to sit against.
The technique is about distribution. A wide-tooth comb on damp hair keeps the wave pattern intact, and the clip goes in after the hair is fully dry. No bangs, so the holly leaves read as the only accent.
High Ponytail With Jeweled Christmas Clips
How do you get multiple jeweled clips to stay scattered through a high ponytail without slipping out? Start with thick, wavy hair of mid-back length or longer. Ask your stylist for: high ponytail with scattered jeweled Christmas clips. Pull the hair into a high ponytail at the crown, then wrap a section around the elastic for a polished base. Use a curling iron to add loose waves to the ponytail itself, then clip the jeweled pieces into the wave bends, not the flat sections. This is a DIY option: about fifteen minutes start to finish, and no salon visit needed.
Side Ponytail With Silver Star Clips
A side ponytail with loose waves gives you festive sparkle without the commitment of an updo. On thick, wavy hair of mid-back length, the clips typically stay put for several hours, though a few may need a nudge by the evening. This style leans on a side parting and layered cuts to keep the pony from looking like a sad tail. Ask your stylist for: side ponytail with silver star clips. A texturizing spray on the ponytail enhances the loose wave effect and gives the clips something to grip. Blonde hair with highlights adds dimension, making the silver stars pop against the lighter strands.
The real challenge is distribution. Scatter the clips near the temple and through the upper section of the pony, not all clustered in one spot. This is a salon-leaning look, so book time if you want it polished. For a holiday party, it comes across as playful yet put-together, and the star clips glint when you move. Just check the clips before you hit the dance floor, gravity is not your friend with heavy accessories.
Long Layered Waves With Gold Sequined Bow
A large sequined gold bow clip turns long layered waves into a focal point. This design suits those with thick, wavy hair of mid-back length, as the layers give the waves movement and the bow something substantial to anchor into. A middle part keeps the look balanced, and the light brown base with subtle highlights lets the gold sequins shine without competing. Ask your stylist for: long layered waves with a large gold sequin bow clip. The gold sequin bow clip is the star here, so keep styling simple. Use a heat protectant before creating waves with a curling iron, and let the hair cool completely before placing the clip to avoid drooping. This is a DIY-friendly option for a festive event, but it helps to have a second mirror to check the back placement. The waves just need to be loose and touchable, not perfect.
Embellished Red Velvet Bow Clip
A large red velvet bow clip, heavily embellished with white pearls, green beads, and clear rhinestones, combines soft velvet against hard stones, deep red against bright sparkle. It attaches to the back of dark wavy hair, where the rich color stands out. This is a holiday party staple, especially for formal gatherings where you want the accessory to carry the look. Ask your stylist for: dark wavy hair with a large embellished red velvet bow clip. Because of the weight from the embellishments, secure the clip firmly, and consider a root spray for extra grip. The bow works best as the sole accent, so skip additional clips or pins. It is not a subtle piece, and that is the point.
Embellished Green Satin Bow Clip
Where the red velvet bow feels plush and traditional, this green satin version is slicker and more glamorous. The satin finish is glossy, and the white pearls, red beads, and clear rhinestones add a festive texture. It sits on dark wavy hair, where the green and red stand out against the deeper tones. Ask your stylist for: dark wavy hair with a large embellished green satin bow clip. The satin can slide on smooth hair, so apply a texturizing spray to the section where you’ll place it, and push the clip in at an angle for a secure hold. This style suits a holiday party where you want drama without an updo. It’s a close cousin to the red bow, but the green reads more playful, less formal.
Velvet Bow And Sequin Accessory Duo
Can’t decide between velvet and sequins? You don’t have to. This pairing brings a deep red velvet bow and a shimmering green sequin accessory together for a maximalist holiday statement. The contrast between the matte velvet and the reflective sequins creates a texture mix that works on any hair type or length, though it shines most on dark hair where both colors stand out. Ask your stylist for: velvet bow and sequin hair accessories. For a DIY approach, start with a low bun or half-up style, then place the velvet bow at the crown and the sequin piece lower, near the nape. Wear them together for full effect, or split them between two events. The sequin accessory alone is a subtler nod to the season, while the velvet bow does the talking on its own. This duo is all about layering textures, not competing with your outfit.
Embroidered Christmas Motif Fabric Clips
Embroidered Christmas fabric clips bring a handmade touch that plastic versions can’t match, with designs like trees, snowflakes, and holly berries stitched right in. They suit anyone who wants a subtle festive detail without the weight of metal or resin. Ask your stylist for: embroidered Christmas fabric hair clips. The fabric texture grips hair gently, so they work on ponytails, braids, or loose sections without pulling. Expect them to stay put through a full day of holiday errands, and they’re light enough to wear several at once.
Woven Green Clips With Reindeer Charms
The woven green texture gives these clips a natural, almost rustic feel, while the reindeer charm and silver ribbon bow push them firmly into festive territory. They suit all hair types and lengths, though they shine brightest on a simple ponytail or half-up style where the details can actually be seen. Ask your stylist for: woven green hair clips with reindeer charms. If your hair is fine, the woven band provides enough grip to hold a small section without slipping, but thick hair may need a bobby pin underneath for security. Skip them for formal events because the charm is playful, not polished.
Red Velvet Star Hair Clips
Red velvet star clips deliver a classic holiday shape in a texture that feels richer than plain plastic. They suit all hair types and lengths, and you can wear one as a single statement or a pair for symmetry. Ask your stylist for: red velvet star hair clips. The velvet surface does have a tendency to snag on fine or textured hair, and it will attract lint if you store them loose. Keep them in a small pouch and they’ll stay clean through the season.
Polymer Clay Christmas Figure Clips
How do they get a Santa face to stay on a hair clip without looking like a craft project gone wrong? The answer is polymer clay, molded and baked directly onto the clip base. Each piece, from the Santa with his white beard and green hat to the red gift box with a green ribbon, is handcrafted, so no two pairs are exactly alike. Ask your stylist for: polymer clay Santa and gift box hair clips. These are a DIY project if you’re patient, but a skilled maker will get a cleaner finish. Wear one as a statement piece; two might tip into costume territory.
Messy Updo With Snowman Hair Clip
For dense, straight hair, a messy updo with a snowman clip is a festive look. Gather hair into a loose bun at the nape, then secure it with a clear plastic claw clip covered in tiny snowmen with red hats and scarves. Ask your stylist for: messy updo with a snowman hair clip. The clip provides all the hold, so you can skip the bobby pins. A spritz of texturizing spray before you twist adds grip and keeps the bun from falling flat. The straight texture means the updo stays tidy, while the clip adds the holiday cheer.
Final Thoughts
For low-maintenance styles, choose clips with simpler designs and place them in air-dried or loosely styled hair. For updos, pick clips that complement the structure of the style, like a statement claw for a bun or a cluster of smaller clips for a chignon.
- Handle delicate clips with care to avoid dislodging gems or beads.
- Store embellished clips separately to prevent scratching.
- Clean fabric or velvet clips gently with a dry cloth.
- For DIY clips, ensure all elements are securely glued or attached.
Let your hair clips do the talking this holiday season.
