Find inspiration for holiday gatherings with our holiday hair-how to series!
Holiday parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations date back millennia, and we’re betting even then a “modern gal” struggled to find just the right hairstyle to set the tone for the evening.
But while #christmastreehair may be trending on Instagram, our desire to recreate a Christmas Tree in our hair is a holiday style now 70 years old…and is arguably tired out. For instance, there are these historical treasures, some undoubtedbly using human hair extensions:
Instead of some of these more laughable examples of celebrating the season with our hair, go for an elegant and refined approach…that is just as festive.
Instead? Create the Illuminated Braided Bun!
WHAT YOU NEED:
- A set of battery powered LED lights
- Suitable length to create a large bun (Your choice of tape-in hair extensions, clip-in-hair extensions, sew-in weaves, or fusion hair extensions)
- If you're choosing to use bulk hair for braiding, learn how to braid with human hair first. It'll help you with future looks!
THE STEPS:
- After an installation of Perfect Locks extensions (bonded, weaves or tape-ins), section the hair vertically into 3 separate sections.
- In the middle section, create 3 braids going down the back of the head - one at the crown, one in the middle and one at the nape of the neck. As you braid, do not separate the ends. Instead, allow them to knot for a more textured look. Spray your braids with texturizer for hold and added texture.
- Take a small piece of hair at the end of each braid and push the braid upward to loosen and add texture to the braid.
- Use the braid closest to the nape of the neck as the anchor for the battery pack. Place the battery against the nape while leaving the lights off to the side. Pin your braid around the battery with bobby pins to hide the pack and secure onto the head.
- Take the other two braids and pin randomly around the battery pack and back of the head to create a messy looking and textured chignon.
- Twist each side section over the top of the chignon and secure on either side with bobby pins. Spritz with a shimmer spray to add shine and an anti-humidity hairspray for a strong hold.
- Take the holiday lights and gently secure into chignon with bobby pins in a random fashion for a festive and effortless look. And just like that, you've got the most unique look at the party!
Creating the Illuminated Braided Bun
The illuminated braided bun - a structured updo with braided elements woven through and subtle shimmer - is one of those holiday styles that works from office parties to formal events. Here's how to achieve it.
"Holiday hair should feel special without requiring a salon appointment the morning of every event. The illuminated braided bun is the kind of style that photographs beautifully, holds through an evening of activity, and can be done at home with practice."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
Step-by-Step: The Illuminated Braided Bun
Add extensions for the base
Install clip-in extensions throughout to give the bun fullness and structure. A thin bun doesn't hold its shape as well as a full one, and extensions provide the volume needed for a bun that reads as intentional rather than minimal.
Create the braid elements
Take two or three small sections from the front or sides and braid them. These braids will be woven into the bun for the illuminated effect. Keep them loose rather than tight for a more romantic look.
Gather into a low bun
Gather the remaining hair (and extension hair) into a low bun at the nape or slightly higher. Secure with bobby pins rather than an elastic for a cleaner result. Leave the braided sections loose for now.
Weave the braids through the bun
Take each braided section and wrap or weave it around the bun, securing the ends with bobby pins underneath. The braids add visual interest and texture against the smooth bun base.
Add shimmer and finish
Apply a light-hold finishing spray over the entire bun. For the illuminated effect, add hair tinsel or shimmer hair spray throughout. Place decorative pins or pearl pins at strategic points in the bun for additional sparkle. A few face-framing pieces left loose at the temples complete the look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you put Christmas lights in your hair?
Battery-operated micro LED strands can be woven into a bun or braid for a dramatic illuminated effect. Use very small, lightweight strands designed for crafting rather than tree lights (which are too heavy). Weave them through the bun structure before adding your final pins, with the battery pack tucked at the base of the bun. Hair tinsel is a lower-maintenance alternative that catches light beautifully without requiring batteries.
What accessories work best for holiday hair?
Pearl pins, crystal barrettes, gold geometric hairpins, and hair tinsel all photograph beautifully and work with most holiday updo styles. The key is choosing one focal accessory and supporting it with simpler pins rather than layering too many statement pieces that compete with each other.
Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC
Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality.
Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide.
