5 Matching Mother-Daughter Christmas Hairstyles for Holiday Photos, Parties, and Cookie Baking

There is nothing quite like the moment my daughter and I stand side by side in front of the mirror on Christmas morning, hair done, matching bows in place, ready for pajamas, pancakes, and about four hundred photos. Matching mother-daughter Christmas hairstyles are one of my absolute favorite holiday traditions, and the best part is that they do not have to be complicated.

Between school concerts, cookie decorating, family dinners, and the annual holiday card photo, December gets busy fast. So I put together five festive looks that take about 15 minutes or less each, use simple supplies, and hold up through hugs, hot cocoa, and a whole lot of wrapping paper.

Whether your daughter has fine straight hair or thick curls, you can adjust every one of these styles. Grab a comb, a few pretty accessories, and let’s make this the cutest holiday season yet. If you loved my Thanksgiving matching hairstyles, think of this as the sparkly sequel.

Before You Start: Quick Prep for Holiday Hair

A little prep makes every style easier, especially with a wiggly little one in the chair. Here is my five-minute setup routine:

• Start with day-old hair if you can. Slightly textured hair grips better and braids stay put instead of slipping.
• Detangle first. Work from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb so there are no tears before the photos.
• Set out everything in a tray. Ties, pins, clips, and bows lined up means no hunting mid-style.
• Turn on a Christmas playlist or movie. It is the best distraction I know for a daughter who is tired of sitting still.
• Do hair last. Put on your sweaters and pajamas first so nothing messes up your finished style.

Look #1: Matching Red Bow Low Ponytails

This is the easiest look on the list and my go-to when we are running late. It looks polished, photographs beautifully, and works on almost every hair length.

1. Brush hair smooth and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck.
2. Secure with a snag-free elastic.
3. Clip a big, bouncy red bow right over the elastic.
4. Smooth flyaways with a little water or a touch of styling cream.
5. Optional: curl the ends with a wand for a soft, holiday-card finish.

Mom tip: choose the same bow style in two sizes if you can, a smaller one for her and a slightly larger one for you. Matching without being identical is the secret to a sweet photo.

Look #2: Twin Candy Cane Braids

Candy cane braids are playful, cozy, and so festive. The trick is twisting two contrasting strands together, so the braid has that peppermint swirl feel.

How to do it

1. Part hair down the middle and make two low pigtails (or one side ponytail for each of you).
2. Divide each pigtail into two sections.
3. Twist each section tightly in the same direction.
4. Wrap the two twisted sections around each other in the opposite direction. This keeps the twist from unraveling.
5. Secure the ends with a red or white elastic and finish with a bow.

My daughter loves choosing which color goes on the bottom, and honestly it is a sweet little ritual we look forward to every year.

Look #3: Matching Holiday Space Buns

Space buns are fun, a little whimsical, and perfect for a Christmas party or a mommy-and-me skating date. They also keep hair off the face so little hands can be busy with cookies and crafts.

1. Part the hair down the center from forehead to nape.
2. Gather each half into a high ponytail near the crown of the head.
3. Twist each ponytail and wrap it around its base to form a bun.
4. Pin the bun in place with bobby pins in an X pattern for a secure hold.
5. Pull a few face-framing strands loose for a soft, playful vibe.

For extra sparkle, tuck a few mini clips or a tiny bow beside each bun. If your little one has fine hair that struggles to hold a bun shape, a hair bun maker will give you that full, round look with almost no effort.

Look #4: Mommy-and-Me Crown Braid

If you want something a bit more dressy for Christmas Eve service or dinner, the crown braid is stunning. It looks like you spent an hour on it, but it really only takes about 15 minutes.

1. Part hair in the center and braid each side down into a simple three-strand braid.
2. Secure the ends with small elastics.
3. Lift one braid up and over the top of your head like a headband.
4. Pin it in place with bobby pins, tucking the end under.
5. Repeat with the second braid, crossing the ends and tucking them in to hide them.

A tiny gold or pearl pin tucked near the braid adds just enough glam. For more coordinated photo-day inspiration, check out my mommy-and-me photoshoot hairstyles, since many of those looks translate beautifully to the holidays.

Look #5: Half-Up Waves with Mini Claw Clips

This one is perfect for kids with shorter hair and moms who want a relaxed look. Soft waves, half pulled back, and a cute clip. Done.

1. Create loose waves with a curling wand, flexi rods, or a heatless curling method.
2. Gather the top section of hair from temple to temple.
3. Twist it gently and secure it at the back of the head with a mini claw clip.
4. Run your fingers through the curls and add a light mist of hairspray.

Mom tip: for sleepovers, wrap her hair in damp sections the night before so you wake up to Christmas curls without any heat at all.

Tips to Make Your Matching Holiday Hair Last All Day

• Use gentle elastics. Snag-free hair ties prevent breakage and the dreaded ouch moment.
• Pin before you spray. Secure everything first, then lightly mist to lock it in.
• Pack a mini touch-up kit. A few extra bobby pins, a spare elastic, and a comb in your purse can save the day at grandma’s house.
• Keep it kid-comfortable. If the style is too tight, she will pull it out in ten minutes. Comfort wins every time.
• Take the photo early. Hair looks its freshest right after styling, so snap pictures before the party begins.
• Let her pick an accessory. Giving her a choice makes her feel proud of the final look.

🏆 Our Top Picks for Holiday Mother-Daughter Hair

Here are the accessories I would reach for to recreate these looks. Prices are from Amazon’s Hair Accessories best sellers list at the time of writing and may change.

• LuSeren 2 PCS Double Layer Red Hair Bows (about $6.79): Perfect for Look #1 and Look #2. A set of two means one for you and one for her, which is exactly what matching is about. The double-layer ribbon looks festive without being over the top.
• Teenitor Hair Bun Maker, 4 Size Set (about $9.99): Great for the space buns in Look #3, especially on fine hair. The multiple sizes let you pick the right bun fullness for you and your daughter.
• Amazon Basics No Slip Bobby Pins, 48 Count (about $2.69): A holiday hair essential. Use them for the crown braid and to anchor buns. They are an inexpensive staple to keep in your styling kit.
• Kitsch Mini Claw Clips, 6 Pieces (about $6.75): Ideal for the half-up waves in Look #5. They are small enough for kids and gentle on hair, and the six-piece set is enough to share.
• Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Ties, 30 Count (about $4.17): My everyday pick for braid ends and ponytails. They are pain-free, so there is no pulling and no tears on a busy holiday morning.

Disclosure: these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the blog, and I only share things I would genuinely use with my own daughter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do these holiday hairstyles take?

Most take 10 to 15 minutes per person. The red bow ponytail is the fastest, and the crown braid takes the longest.

What if my daughter has short hair?

Go for Look #1 with a tiny ponytail or Look #5 with a mini clip. Short hair looks adorable with a small bow or a clip on one side.

Can I do these styles on natural or curly hair?

Absolutely. Twists, space buns, and half-up styles all look gorgeous on curls. Just add moisture first and use a wide-tooth comb for detangling.

How do I keep my daughter happy while I style her hair?

Make it a ritual. Hot cocoa, a favorite Christmas movie, and letting her style a little of your hair too turns it into quality time rather than a chore.

Let’s Make Matching Holiday Memories

At the end of the day, it is not about perfect hair. It is about sitting together, laughing at the crooked parts, and making memories your daughter will remember long after the decorations come down. Pick one of these looks, play your favorite carols, and enjoy the moment.

Pin this for later so you have your holiday hair ideas ready when December gets hectic. And if you want more behind-the-scenes fun, subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow along on Instagram at @betsydianna. I would love to see your matching holiday looks, so tag me!