'Tis the season to be jolly... but it's also the season where hair gets dry, brittle, and mussed up thanks to your new tres chic French beret (which is totally worth the hat hair). But the colder weather is no excuse to be boring with your beauty look, even though it's so easy to slap on a hat and call it a day. Celebrities like Viola Davis, Lupita Nyong'o, and Tessa Thompson refuse to do so. And sure, these are all A-listers who have the benefit of a glam squad. But their red carpet looks also serve as handy natural hairstyle ideas for all of the holiday parties and house visits that are sure to pop up on your calendar.
And there's not one tartan ribbon in sight: stylists like Lacy Redway and Vernon François prefer to use actual jewelry for their accessories. Just don't forget that glimmering bobby pins and heavy-duty ponytail holders need a healthy base, too... meaning that the proper prep and products are essential — especially because hair tends to get weak and even dryer in the winter; sometimes, a protective style (like Sanaa Lathan's Senegalese twists, or Justine Skye's box braids) is a sufficient option to shield natural hair from the elements. Whatever you choose, there's a wealth of trends to try no matter what your texture or length is. (That's a pretty good reason for holiday cheer, if you ask me.)
Half-Up, Half-Down Locs
Be sure to use a wide elastic headband for updos like Ava DuVernay's, as they hold a larger volume of locs and braids.
Half Bun
Yara Shahidi's hairstylist Nai'vasha Johnson said that she used Moroccanoil products to achieve this easy, elegant updo.
Twisted Updo
"Hair inspiration: Elizabethan coiffures of the 16th Century and Ms. Alice Pugh McGaugh (1908)," Lupita Nyong'o said in an Instagram of her updo, laced with thread.
Big Braid
For a weave ponytail like Amandla Stenberg's, a sleek and secure base (held down by a non-flaky gel) is key.
Bantu Knots; Front Twists
Chloe x Halle gave a double dose of inspo as always, adding a creative spin to their long locs. To make sure they stay down, grab some small bobby pins for hold.
Stretched-Out Texture
Lacy Redway is responsible for some of the most innovative hairstyles in Hollywood — many of which are in this roundup. But sometimes, she'll flip the switch and show off her own impressive Afro. A twist-out, done with a curling cream, is a great way to define and extend your hair.
Long Twists
Sanaa Lathan's hair has grown so much since her big chop last year... and protective styles, like these glamorous twists. For high wattage shine, just add oil.
Side Braid
Marsai Martin's baby hairs were impeccably laid, likely with the help of an edge control product.
Blunt Bob-Length Curls
Elaine Welteroth's light-as-air texture can be achieved with air-drying — or, if you're low on time, try using your diffuser attachment.
Deep Side Parts
Danai Gurira and Lupita Nyong'o both wore deep side parts for an event, proving that great minds think alike — and that the look is one that works on all lengths.
Sleek Low Ponytail
Want a base as sleek as Lynn Whitfield's? Brush your hair back while wet with product, wrap with a scarf, and let it set overnight.
Big Puff Ponytail
You've got to check out François' Instagram post to see Melanie Liburd's pretty cornrows all around.
Sleek Sew-In
SZA wore a sleek sew-in weave for the Soul Train Awards. Pro tip: Hairstylist Yene Damtew tells TZR that she prefers ceramic irons, because the grooves in the plate help retain the natural fullness and curl pattern of the hair.
Gilded Low Bun
Tessa Thompson nailed every single look throughout her Creed II press tour (all of which you'll see here)... but this one meets the gold standard.
Shiny Center Part Ponytail
Or if you don't feel like wearing your hair down, sweep your blowout into an easy low ponytail like Zoe Saldana's.
Box Braid Tendrils
Logan Browning added variation to her half-up style by leaving a few front-facing braids out.
Loose Curls
A styling foam, like the below one from Ouai, keeps air dried curls defined without all of the crunch.
Voluminous Curls
Or, use a creme for stronger hold and volume.
Ponytail With Curly Tendrils
Kiki Layne's curly tendrils were such a nice compliment to her textured pony. For your own, take a small section of hair and apply a bit of holding gel before wrapping the tendril around the end of a styling comb.
Blonde Buzzcut
Backstage at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Iesha Hodges told TZR that she uses Olaplex's at-home system to maintain her platinum blonde hue.
Half-Up With Center Braid
Felicia Leatherwood, Issa Rae's go-to hairstylist, tells TZR that she uses a good leave-in conditioner to retain moisture.
Corkscrew Curls
For defined curls (like the ones Viola Davis is rocking), try wrapping a few random sections around a tiny curling iron.
Simple Scarf Headband
Just wrap your scarf around your head, fluff your curls out, and go.
Pineapple With Baby Hairs
"Curls and baby hairs," hairstylist Tym Wallace captioned of Yara Shahidi's ponytail.
Low Bun
The true party of this bun (on Zoë Kravitz) is in the back — Nikki Nelms assembled it into a bow shape.
Fluffy Afro With Front Twists
To prevent your hair from drying out during the day, spritz it with a refreshing mist. Personally, I keep a bottle of Mist~Nourishing Water at home and at my desk.
Center Part Box Braids
Justine Skye let her braids loose, but made sure that her baby hairs were as flat as possible.
Segmented Buns
A good styling wax (and a hard brush) comes in handy for a structured style like this one.
Textured French Twist
"I think I’m calling this one my textured Gumby meets modern French twist," Lacy Redway captioned, crediting Lelet NY for the custom accessory. Shop a similar one below.
