Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pie—it’s about gathering, gratitude, and feeling your best. And that includes your hair. Whether you’re dressing up for a big family dinner or keeping things cozy at home, the right hairstyle can pull your whole holiday look together. This year’s top Thanksgiving hairstyles for 2025 blend effortless elegance with seasonal charm—think soft waves, polished braids, playful ponytails, and chic clips.
From sweet looks for kids to elevated styles for busy women who still want to feel special, we’ve rounded up 25 stunning ideas that are easy to recreate and totally celebration-ready. Let’s find the one that’ll make you feel as fabulous as your favorite side dish.
1. Soft Half-Up with Top Knot Volume
This look radiates that perfectly cozy, I-just-threw-this-up energy—without sacrificing one ounce of polish. The soft face-framing pieces and tousled texture make it feel approachable and effortless, ideal for curling up around a Thanksgiving table or heading out for a crisp autumn walk.
This style works beautifully for medium length or long hair, especially if your strands have natural texture or waves. It adds flattering lift at the crown and keeps hair out of your face while still letting your length shine. A spritz of dry texture spray and a few seconds with a curling wand are all you need to recreate this easy holiday vibe.
2. Cascading Braids on Chocolate Curls
This romantic half-up braid style gives off that festive-but-flirty feel we all crave during the holidays. The cascading braids woven through glossy, loose curls add dimension and drama while still feeling soft and wearable for daytime.
If you have curly hair or love to curl your naturally straight hair, this one’s a winner. It’s especially lovely on long hair, but can be modified for medium lengths too. To keep it modern, don’t over-polish the braids—embrace the lived-in texture for that 2025 effortlessly put-together finish.
3. Fishtail Heart Twist
This beautiful fishtail braid design tucked into a heart shape is the kind of whimsical touch that makes holiday hairstyles unforgettable. It’s both elegant and playful, like something out of a fairytale Thanksgiving dream.
It’s ideal for natural hair with a soft wave or light curl, giving just enough grip to hold the intricate twist. A little mousse or styling cream can help tame frizz and keep the shape intact. Works well for kids too, especially if you’re hunting for Thanksgiving ideas that feel polished but still fun.
4. Braided Space Buns with Edge Control
A little edgy, a little cute—this braided double bun style is high energy and high fun. Perfect if you want to show up to Thanksgiving dinner with a look that turns heads (and gets compliments from every cousin and aunt in the room).
This one’s especially great for kids black or for black women who want something protective but still festive. Pair with laid edges and bold earrings for full holiday glam. It also keeps strands secure if you’re cooking, running around, or hosting guests.
5. Loose Curls with a Satin Bow
This hairstyle is Thanksgiving perfection in a bow—literally. The deep black satin ribbon against warm curls feels like something straight out of a Nancy Meyers film. Soft, feminine, and instantly pulled together.
It works beautifully on long hair or medium length, especially with soft layers. The bow accessory adds a sweet touch without much effort, making it a great last-minute style for guests or hosts. Use a curling iron and a lightweight shine spray for that soft luxe finish.
6. Crowned Braided Loops
This crown braid feels like something you’d wear to a fall wedding—but it’s just as fitting for a chic Thanksgiving dinner. The interwoven loops bring texture and elegance to wavy strands without being overly formal.
Best for medium length to long hair, especially those with subtle balayage or highlights, this style lets the dimension in your hair really pop. It’s surprisingly secure and doesn’t need much touch-up—just set with flexible hold hairspray.
7. Classic Voluminous Ponytail
If you love a polished ponytail with a little flair, this one’s calling your name. It’s youthful without being too precious and bouncy without being too casual—basically, the ideal holiday hair middle ground.
This ponytail is perfect for straight hair or hair with a bit of wave. Add a volumizing spray before styling, then wrap a small section of hair around your elastic for that salon-finish feel. Throw on a bold lip and statement earrings and you’re dinner-party ready.
8. Playful Bubble Braid Accents
There’s something so joyful about this bubbly look. With pops of color from the elastics and big voluminous curves, this style screams fun and family festivities. It’s like a party for your hair.
This is a top choice for kids or anyone craving something outside the traditional braid box. It looks best on curly hair or hair with curl added by wand or rollers. A tiny dab of pomade on each section helps define the bubbles without frizzing up.
9. Side Braids with Soft Waves
This side braid melts into cascading waves for a soft, angelic holiday look that feels just as good with a cozy knit sweater as it does with a dress. There’s a relaxed elegance to it, like the grown-up version of your favorite childhood fairy-tale braid.
Great for long hair, this style enhances volume while pulling just enough away from the face. If your strands are on the finer side, add a light wave with a curling iron and a texturizing spray for that soft fullness.
10. Boho Pull-Through Braid
This undone braid look feels like it walked straight out of a Pinterest board—and we are here for it. It’s equal parts boho and polished, perfect for a relaxed yet stylish holiday atmosphere.
Ideal for natural hair with a bit of wave, this style thrives with volume and a touch of messiness. A bit of dry shampoo or texturizing spray adds grip and body. It’s a cute alternative to traditional braids that still holds its own at any family gathering.
11. Elegant Waves with Houndstooth Bow
There’s a certain old-Hollywood charm to this look, especially with that oversized houndstooth bow adding a statement finish. It’s the kind of detail that says “I dressed up” without screaming it—subtle, classy, and timeless.
This style is a dream for long hair or medium length waves. You can create the soft curl with a large-barrel curling iron or heatless overnight methods. The bow elevates the look and makes it ideal for gatherings where you want to look styled but still relaxed.
12. Effortless Mini Braids with Beach Waves
This soft, free-spirited style is giving cozy boho energy, perfect for a more laid-back Thanksgiving vibe. The face-framing braids add just enough interest without overcomplicating the look.
It’s a great go-to for curly hair or those who embrace heatless natural hair texture. Add mousse and scrunch into damp strands, then braid a few pieces to keep it playful. You can wear this all day and still feel fresh into the evening.
13. Playful Double Braids with a Twist
Channeling childhood nostalgia in the best way, this double braid look feels fresh and modern thanks to the soft, loose structure and pastel elastics. It’s simple, sweet, and packed with charm.
Perfect for kids or anyone with long hair, this one’s great if you’re going to be chasing little ones or helping in the kitchen. Add a few spritzes of leave-in conditioner before braiding to keep strands hydrated and frizz-free.
14. Sleek Layers with Natural Volume
Sometimes, simplicity speaks the loudest—and this sleek, voluminous look is proof. The body through the mid-lengths and the gentle curl at the ends make this cut feel elegant yet easy to wear.
Ideal for medium length or long hair, especially if you’re dealing with straight hair that needs a bit of bounce. Add volume mousse and a round brush for that soft fullness, or let your natural texture shine with a quick diffuser blow-dry.
15. Side-Swept Ponytail with White Ribbon
This dreamy low ponytail tied with a crisp white bow is all things festive, feminine, and classy. It’s like your favorite holiday dress—but for your hair. Sweet, polished, and quietly stunning.
A lovely choice for natural hair or curled medium length strands. The soft pieces pulled loose around the face make it extra flattering, while the ribbon pulls the whole thing together. It’s one of those styles that requires very little effort but gets all the compliments.
16. Voluminous Curly High Pony
Nothing says confident like a bouncy high ponytail with romantic tendrils. This one is full of attitude in the best way, and it instantly elevates your look—whether you’re hosting or just showing up fabulous.
Best for curly hair or those with thick, voluminous strands. Pull it up high, tease a little at the crown, and let some curls cascade. A touch of curl cream adds bounce without crunch. Add statement earrings to finish it off.
17. Classic Braid with Velvet Ribbon
A simple braid dressed up with a lush velvet bow? Yes, please. This style gives “Thanksgiving with a vintage twist” in the best way. It’s charming, nostalgic, and just feels right with a cozy sweater dress.
Perfect for kids or grown-ups looking to add a cute touch to their style. It works especially well on straight hair or lightly curled locks. Velvet adds a seasonal, elevated detail without needing heat tools or complicated styling.
18. Textured Twists and Loose Waves
This twisty half-up moment brings just the right mix of structured detail and soft texture. It’s romantic, effortless, and ideal if you want to look festive without looking too “done.”
Great for natural hair or blended highlights, this style works best when you lean into that soft, undone finish. Use a texture spray to build movement, and pull a few strands loose to keep it breezy and soft.
19. Braided Crown with Low Ponytail
This romantic braided crown feeds into a soft ponytail, striking that perfect balance between polished and relaxed. It’s giving elegance with ease—ideal for hosting or attending a dressier Thanksgiving dinner.
A gorgeous option for curly hair or thick strands that hold braids well. It pairs beautifully with statement earrings or a bold lipstick, adding just enough structure while still feeling easy to wear all day.
20. Loose Waterfall Braids on Wavy Hair
Soft waterfall braids bring a touch of magic to this style—almost like a crown woven from your own hair. It’s flowy, pretty, and perfectly matched to a festive fall mood.
Best for long hair or medium length with natural waves or heat-styled texture. If your hair is on the finer side, prep with a bit of volume mousse and a curling wand before weaving in your braids for fullness that lasts through dessert.
21. Bubble Pull-Through Half-Up
This playful pull-through bubble look brings a modern twist to your holiday hair. The cascading bubbles add texture and dimension, giving the illusion of volume and structure while still feeling whimsical.
Perfect for medium length or long hair, this style holds especially well on thicker strands. It’s also great for kids or teens who want something fun yet polished. Use clear elastics and gently tug each section for that full bubble effect. Bonus: it holds through long dinners and couch naps.
22. Sleek High Ponytail with Waves
Clean at the base, voluminous in the tail—this is the kind of cute and effortless ponytail that feels put together without being too serious. The cascading waves offer softness and movement that pair perfectly with a knit dress or holiday blouse.
Best suited for long hair or extensions, this look flatters straight hair and wavy types alike. Add dry shampoo at the roots and a touch of shine spray to the length for that polished-meets-natural effect.
23. Cozy Twin Braids with Ribbon
This twin braid look feels as warm as a chunky sweater and a mug of cider. With soft pink bows tying it all together, it’s ideal for a relaxed family Thanksgiving or a cozy brunch the next day.
Great for kids and adults alike, especially those with natural hair or thick strands. It’s functional and low-fuss—just add leave-in conditioner and braid tight. The little ribbon ties make it feel festive without trying too hard.
24. Soft Side Part with Glossy Curls
There’s a classic elegance in this soft side part paired with glossy, structured curls. It’s giving quiet luxury and pairs beautifully with gold jewelry and deep lipstick.
Perfect for medium length to long hair, especially for straight hair that holds curl well. Use a curling iron and pin-curl each section to cool before releasing for that smooth, bouncy finish. A light-hold spray will keep the shape without crunch.
25. Clipped Half-Up with Loose Waves
This relaxed half-up look with a soft clip twist gives “I made an effort, but didn’t stress.” It’s ideal for casual Thanksgivings or laid-back family hangs where comfort and style go hand in hand.
Best for natural hair or soft wavy textures, this style thrives when a little imperfect. Just twist, clip, and go. It’s also a great solution for second-day hair when you want volume without full styling.
Whether you’re hosting a full house or just sharing a quiet meal with loved ones, these Thanksgiving hairstyles are all about helping you feel confident, comfortable, and effortlessly put together. From braids to bows, curly hair to short hair, there’s something here for every vibe and hair type. So go ahead—bookmark your favorite, pull out your curling wand or hair ties, and treat your hair to a little holiday magic. You deserve to feel as radiant as the season itself.
