18 Hairstyles for Christmas Braids with Festive Ribbon Accents

The holiday season is the perfect time to elevate your look with creative textures. Braids offer a timeless foundation for festive flair and seasonal joy.

Adding ribbons transforms a classic style into a holiday masterpiece. These accents capture the light and embody the spirit of Christmas celebrations.

Discover these unique braided styles featuring festive ribbons. From subtle weaves to bold bows, find your next favorite holiday hair inspiration right here.

1. Red Velvet Ribbon French Braid

The classic French braid serves as the perfect canvas for a deep red velvet ribbon. This style creates a rich, textured look that feels both traditional and sophisticated for holiday gatherings.

To achieve this, weave the ribbon into one of the three strands before starting the braid. As you cross the sections over, the velvet texture will emerge periodically, creating a beautiful contrast against the hair.

Secure the end with a small clear elastic and wrap the remaining ribbon around the base. This ensures the ribbon stays prominent and the style remains secure throughout your Christmas festivities.

2. Candy Cane Striped Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are known for their “3D” appearance, making them ideal for showcasing bright accents. By using alternating red and white ribbons, you can mimic the iconic look of a candy cane.

The technique involves feeding two different colored ribbons into the side strands of the braid. Because Dutch braids sit on top of the hair, the ribbons remain highly visible and vibrant from every angle.

This style works exceptionally well for active holiday events like ice skating or tree decorating. The double-braid structure keeps hair neatly tucked away while maintaining a playful, sugary-sweet aesthetic.

3. Emerald Green Fishtail Weave

The intricate nature of a fishtail braid pairs beautifully with a thin emerald green satin ribbon. This jewel-toned accent adds a touch of forest-inspired elegance to the complex weaving pattern.

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Instead of traditional braiding, the ribbon is treated as a “traveler” strand that moves from side to side. This creates a shimmering green “spine” down the center of the fishtail, catching the light perfectly.

Finish the look by gently pulling at the edges of the braid to create a pancake effect. This broadens the style and allows the green ribbon to peek through the gaps for a more organic feel.

4. Ribbon-Wrapped Bubble Braid

Bubble braids are a modern favorite because they provide incredible volume and visual interest. Enhancing these “bubbles” with festive ribbons adds a whimsical holiday touch to a contemporary silhouette.

Tie a ribbon at the base of each section before creating the bubble. You can use different holiday colors for each section or stick to a monochrome metallic for a more polished appearance.

This style is particularly effective for those who want a high-impact look without the complexity of traditional weaving. It provides a structured, architectural feel that holds up well during long holiday dinners.

5. Corset Braided High Ponytail

The corset braid technique involves creating two parallel braids and “lacing” them together with a ribbon. This creates a stunning visual reminiscent of Victorian holiday attire and gift-wrapped presents.

Start by creating two Dutch braids on either side of a central part, ending at the crown. Use a festive ribbon to crisscross between the inner loops of the braids, drawing them together toward the center.

Gather the remaining hair into a high ponytail and let the ribbon ends dangle or tie them into a large bow. This style is a showstopper that combines athletic sleekness with holiday charm.

6. Gold Shimmer Halo Braid

A halo braid circles the head like a crown, making it a regal choice for Christmas Eve services or parties. Integrating a gold metallic ribbon adds a divine shimmer to this angelic hairstyle.

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As you wrap the braid around the circumference of the head, ensure the ribbon stays on the outer edge. This creates a “glittering ring” effect that frames the face with warmth and brilliance.

Tuck the ends of the braid and the ribbon seamlessly under the start of the weave. The result is a continuous, glowing circle of hair and gold that looks effortless and ethereal.

7. Pine-Toned Pull-Through Braids

Pull-through braids offer maximum volume and a unique teardrop shape in each link. Using a deep pine-green ribbon through the center provides a grounded, natural holiday vibe.

Each “link” of the pull-through braid acts as a frame for the ribbon accent. By threading the ribbon through the center of each loop, you create a vertical line of color that elongates the appearance of the hair.

This style is great for showcasing the contrast between the ribbon material and the hair’s natural sheen. It feels lush and full, mirroring the density of a well-decorated Christmas tree.

8. Satin Ribbon Crown Braid

The satin ribbon crown braid focuses on a soft, romantic aesthetic. Using a wide satin ribbon in a champagne or cream color provides a luxurious finish that complements winter whites.

The ribbon is woven loosely into the crown braid, allowing the fabric to fold and catch the light naturally. This creates a softer look than metallic ribbons, focusing on texture rather than just shine.

Secure the look with pearl-tipped pins for an extra layer of holiday detail. This style is sophisticated and works perfectly for formal holiday galas or sophisticated family gatherings.

9. Tinsel-Infused Micro Braids

For those who love a bit of sparkle, micro braids infused with holographic ribbon or hair tinsel are a top choice. These thin accents mimic the look of shimmering icicles.

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Because the braids are small, the ribbon should be equally fine to maintain the delicate balance. Every movement of the head causes the tinsel-ribbon to flash, creating a magical, snowy effect.

These can be styled down or gathered into a festive updo. The versatility of micro braids allows the holiday sparkle to be integrated into almost any secondary hairstyle you choose.

10. Reindeer-Inspired Braided Buns

This playful style features two braided buns positioned high on the head. Using brown ribbons woven into the braids adds a subtle nod to classic holiday characters without being overly costume-like.

Braid two sections of hair with the ribbon, then coil them into tight buns. The ribbon adds structural support to the buns while providing a consistent pop of festive color throughout the coils.

You can accent the base of the buns with small red ribbon bows to represent “noses.” This adds a whimsical touch that is perfect for casual holiday parties and family photos.

11. Silver Bells Side Braid

A side-swept braid is a classic look for holiday portraits. Incorporating a silver ribbon creates a cool, wintry aesthetic that pairs beautifully with blues and grays.

The ribbon can be used to tie off sections of the braid or woven through a loose bohemian-style weave. The silver provides a crisp contrast that looks stunning under the glow of holiday lights.

For an added sensory element, small decorative bells can be attached to the ends of the ribbon. This creates a gentle jingle with every movement, truly embodying the spirit of the season.

12. Plaid Patterned Feed-in Braids

Plaid is a staple of holiday fashion, and it can be integrated into your hairstyle through clever ribbon placement. Using multiple ribbons in red, green, and black creates a “tartan” effect.

Feed the ribbons into the braids at staggered intervals to create a cross-hatch pattern. This requires a bit of precision but results in a highly customized and fashion-forward holiday look.

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This style is perfect for those who want their hair to match their favorite holiday flannel or pajamas. It is a bold, graphic choice that stands out in any holiday setting.

13. Glitter Ribbon Waterfall Braid

Waterfall braids allow for cascading strands of hair, which can be mirrored by cascading lengths of glittery ribbon. This creates a fluid, moving hairstyle that resembles falling snow.

Attach the ribbon to the horizontal braid that travels across the back of the head. As you drop each “waterfall” strand, let a piece of the glitter ribbon fall along with it.

The result is a shimmering curtain of hair and ribbon that looks spectacular from the back. It is an elegant way to incorporate sparkle while keeping the hair mostly down and flowing.

14. Mistletoe Accent Braid

The mistletoe accent braid uses a thin green ribbon and small red beads or ribbon knots to mimic the look of berries. This botanical-inspired style is subtle yet undeniably festive.

A small accent braid is created near the temple, with the ribbon woven through. The “berry” accents are placed periodically along the length of the braid to complete the mistletoe look.

This style is ideal for those who prefer a “less is more” approach to holiday decorating. It provides a small, delightful surprise when tucked behind an ear or pinned into a half-up style.

15. Ombre Ribbon 4-Strand Braid

A four-strand braid is visually striking because it looks more like a woven basket than a traditional braid. Using an ombre ribbon that transitions from white to red adds a dynamic holiday gradient.

The ribbon acts as the fourth strand, weaving in and out of the hair sections. The color transition in the ribbon creates a beautiful “fading” effect as the braid progresses downward.

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This technique highlights the architectural nature of the 4-strand braid. It is a sophisticated way to play with holiday colors while maintaining a high level of technical artistry.

16. Festive Bow-Tied Pigtail Braids

Pigtail braids are a nostalgic and charming choice for the holidays. By adding oversized ribbons tied into large bows at the top and bottom, you turn them into a “gift-wrapped” style.

Use a wide grosgrain ribbon for maximum volume in the bows. The texture of the grosgrain provides a nice grip on the hair, ensuring the bows stay upright and perky throughout the day.

This style is cheerful and photogenic, making it a favorite for Christmas morning. It brings a sense of youthful joy to holiday traditions and looks great with seasonal accessories.

17. Star-Spangled Infinity Braid

The infinity braid is a figure-eight pattern that is mesmerizing to look at. Weaving a thin metallic ribbon through this pattern creates a “constellation” effect that is perfect for winter nights.

The ribbon follows the figure-eight path, highlighting the unique flow of the hair. Choose a ribbon with a holographic finish to represent the twinkle of stars in the December sky.

This style is intricate and best suited for events where you want your hair to be the main accessory. It is a modern take on holiday hair that feels both futuristic and festive.

18. Peppermint Swirl Braided Low Bun

For a polished and festive updo, the peppermint swirl bun is a top contender. It involves braiding hair with red and white ribbons and then spiraling it into a low, neat bun.

The circular motion of the bun creates a spiral pattern with the ribbons, resembling a gourmet peppermint candy. It is a clean, organized style that keeps hair secure and out of the way.

Pin the bun low at the nape of the neck for a classic silhouette. This style is perfect for more formal holiday dinners where you want to look put-together yet seasonally themed.

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What is the best type of ribbon for Christmas braids?

Satin and velvet ribbons are popular for a classic, luxurious look. If you need more grip, grosgrain ribbon is excellent because its ribbed texture prevents it from slipping out of the hair during movement.

How do I stop ribbons from sliding out of the braid?

You should secure the ribbon at the very start of the braid by tying it to a small section of hair or looping it through a clear elastic. Additionally, using a light-hold hairspray on the ribbon can provide extra friction.

Can these styles be done on shorter hair?

Yes, many of these styles, like the French braid or the mistletoe accent braid, can be adapted for shorter lengths. For very short hair, focus on small accent braids near the face where the ribbon can be easily pinned.

Are these ribbon accents safe for all hair types?

Ribbon accents are generally safe, but it is important to avoid tying them too tightly to prevent tension on the scalp. Always use smooth ribbons to ensure they don’t snag or create tangles when it is time to remove them.

Which colors are most trending for holiday ribbons this year?

While traditional red and emerald green remain favorites, metallic gold, silver, and “winter berry” burgundy are very popular. Champagne and cream satin ribbons are also trending for those wanting a more neutral, elegant holiday aesthetic.

How do I remove the ribbons without tangling my hair?

To remove the ribbons safely, cut the elastic bands first rather than pulling them. Gently unweave the braid from the bottom up, sliding the ribbon out as you go, rather than trying to pull the entire ribbon length through the hair at once.