Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Updos

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers

December has arrived, which means the next few weeks will consist of gift giving, tree trimming and our favorite part of the holiday season—parties. As we inch closer to the New Year, it’s time to revel in milestones; another year at the job,  365 more days with your significant other or another grueling college semester.  So, when invitations to office celebrations and ugly Christmas sweater parties hit your inbox, be sure to RSVP! While you may feel compelled to let your hair down, updos are actually the perfect party-proof hairstyle. With your hair out of the way, you can dance and not worry about your hair falling flat and sneak a kiss underneath the mistletoe without having to pluck strands from your lip gloss. From braided crowns to top knots, the possibilities are literally endless. Skip the drama of unruly hair and rock one of these celeb-inspired updos for your holiday mixer. 
By Jennifer Ford · Updated October 26, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
Karrueche Tran

For an edgier holiday look, try this razored bang and braided top knot combo. 

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Jason Merritt
02
Janelle Monae

Copy this look for a multidimensional hairstyle that looks amazing from every angle. 

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Paul Morigi
03
Meagan Good

Got goddess locs? Pin them into a simple and sleek bun. 

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Steve Granitz
04
Gabrielle Union

If your goal is to turn heads, this knotted mohawk will do the trick. 

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Jason LaVeris
05
Jerrika Hinton

Stun everyone with a kinky curly pump.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Kevin Mazur
06
Beyoncé

Upgrade your basic bun with a goddess braid.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Getty Images
07
Keke Palmer

If you’ve got long twists or braids, try this half up, half down hairstyle. 

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Jason Kempin
08
Issa Rae

Be the center of attention with this textured off center bun.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Jeffrey Mayer
09
Zoe Kravitz

If you’re indecisive, this tapered and braided top knot will work. 

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Brent N. Clarke
10
Rihanna

Top knot and bangs? Yes please!

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Barry King
11
Yara Shahidi

You can never go wrong with a sky scraping top knot.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Jon Kopaloff
12
Nicki Minaj

This hairstyle is all things chic and sleek.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Jim Spellman
13
Lala Anthony

These pin curls are pretty and perfect for an ultra-feminine holiday look.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Jason Merritt
14
Andra Day

Here’s inspo for a retro holiday updo.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
JB Lacroix
15
Yaya DaCosta

The runner up during America’s Next Top Model’s third season and star of Chicago Med, DaCosta has a degree in Africana Studies and International Relations from Brown University.

Black And Brilliant: 21 Celebs Who've Attended Ivy League Schools
Getty Images
16
Kerry Washington

If you’re rekindling with an old flame over the holiday, this soft updo will have him swooning.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Mark Davis
17
Aja Naomi King

For your flirtiest updo, add a side swept bang.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Jason LaVeris
18
Zendaya

For a classier holiday hairstyle, try this low bun.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Frederick M. Brown
19
Tracee Ellis Ross

For a fun protective style, try this cornrowed bun.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Frederick M. Brown
20
Tinashe

Flaunt your curls with this simple updo!

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Steve Granitz
21
Christina Milian

If you’re stuck between braids and a ponytail, here’s your happy medium. 

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Paul Archuleta
22
Tika Sumpter

This braided crown, spotted on Tika Sumpter,  is a fun look to rock to your office holiday party.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Stefanie Keenan
23
Kelly Rowland

If you don’t want to rock a polished updo, this messy crown braid is an effortless looking way to keep hair out of your face.

23 Party-Proof Updos That Are Perfect For Holiday Mixers
Jason Merritt
TOPICS:  Celebrity Hairstyles Holiday Hair