Hi! I’m Effi from Scissors by Effi in Corfu, and today I want to untie your hands (and your hair) with something we love so much at the salon: bun hairstyles for every festive occasion.
Whether you’re getting ready for New Year’s Eve, a winter wedding, or a professional party that needs “something extra,” updos are the surest choice for looking well-groomed, elegant, and… for the look to last until the last song.
At Scissors by Effi we work as a team: from hair preparation to the final finish, our goal is to create formal hairstyles that suit you, your dress, and the time you’ll be out.
And since we’re talking about hairstyles for holidays, the goal is one: to feel comfortable, flatter you, and take photos without thinking “will it hold up?“.
Below you will find ideas, a selection guide, tips for durability, and the most frequent questions we hear in the salon these days.
Table Of Contents
Why bun hairstyles are the “safe” holiday choice
Bun hairstyles have an advantage that you don’t appreciate until you’re in a place with heating, people, hugs, dancing, and the humidity of Corfu: they last. Not all of them in the same way, but when done right, they are the king of durability.
Formal hairstyles also highlight the neck, shoulders, jewelry, and cleavage. If you’re wearing a high collar or statement earrings, the bun “opens” the face and gives a sense of luxury without being overdone.
Finally, hairstyles for holidays with a bun adapt to everything: from minimal and sleek to romantic and messy, from classic chignon to braids and twists. In short, it’s a concept that can be exactly “you”.
Before you choose: 5 things we always ask at Scissors by Effi
Before we create updo hairstyles, at the salon we work with a few basic questions. These are what make the difference between a nice result and one that “fits” you.
1) Where are you going and how many hours do you want it to last?
One bun for dinner and another for New Year’s Eve with dancing. Formal hairstyles for long events require a stronger “frame”, proper hold, and targeted product.
2) What style is your outfit?
If the dress is a statement, we usually recommend cleaner lines. If it’s simple, you can play with texture, braids, and accessories. Party hairstyles should balance the whole look.
3) What length/thickness of hair do you have?
Bun hairstyles are done in many lengths, but the technique varies. On shorter hair, we do a smaller bun or “fake bun” with proper supports.
4) Do you want the volume to be visible in the front or back?
For some, volume on top is very flattering. For others, a low bun with a parting gives a classy effect. Formal hairstyles are not “in fashion”.
5) Do you want something you can “wear” on other outings?
Because hairstyles for holidays can be repeated on other occasions, we like to suggest options that will stay with you as an idea for later.
11 ideas for bun hairstyles that look festive
Below are our favorite picks at Scissors by Effi. Each one can be customized in length, thickness, and style.
1) Sleek low bun with middle parting
If you love a clean look, this is one of the most timeless formal hairstyles. It goes perfectly with bold makeup or red lipstick and looks “expensive.”
For indoor hairstyles for holidays, the sleek low bun has a big advantage: it doesn’t frizz easily, especially if properly prepared and finished.
2) Low chignon with soft volume (soft chignon)
A more romantic version, perfect for those who want something feminine without being over the top. This style is one of those updo hairstyles that look great in profile photos.
We highly recommend it to those who wear a backless dress, because it leaves the neck clean, while maintaining a “soft” feel.
3) Messy bun with thin strands around the face
If you want something a little lighter, this is one of the most popular holiday hairstyles. Be careful: “messy” does not mean sloppy. It requires the right base, the right texture, and a very specific hold.
At the salon, we make sure the front strands flatter the shape of your face, so they don’t fall out sloppily after 2 hours..
4) Bun with a braid-wreath
We’re talking about a more “festive” mood here. It’s one of those formal hairstyles that adds character, especially if you have a monochrome outfit and want your hair to stand out.
In hairstyles with buns and braids, we pay attention to not “pulling” the head and not tiring you.
5) Braid ending in a low bun
Stylish and practical. It has interest on the side/back, but remains clean. It is a great choice for holiday hairstyles when you have hair that is slippery or very thin, because the braid creates hold.
6) Twisted bun
Twists add luxury without looking “heavy.” They are one of the updo hairstyles that look great on brown, balayage, or highlighted hair, because they highlight the gradations.
7) Low ponytail-base bun
For those who want a more modern vibe: we do a low or medium ponytail and turn it into a bun. It’s stable, photogenic and goes great with sleek dresses.
In formal hairstyles of this type, the secret is to “sit” the base correctly so that it doesn’t tilt.
8) French twist (classic and super elegant)
If you want old-school glam, the French twist is top notch. It’s one of those holiday hairstyles that instantly looks “formal” without a lot of extras.
At Scissors by Effi we customize it: it can be made stricter or softer, depending on your face and style.
9) Banana bun with loose ends
Similar to a twist, but more playful. Ideal for those who want height and movement. If you are wearing a turtleneck or a low neckline, this updo is a very strong choice.
10) High bun (top bun) in polished version
A high bun can be really glam. We’re not talking about an everyday bun, but a polished finish with proper symmetry. It’s one of the formal hairstyles that goes well with bold earrings.
11) Low bun with accessories (bow, pearls, clips)
For holiday hairstyles, accessories work wonders. A subtle bow or a pearl pin is enough to make the whole look more festive. At our salon, we prefer to keep things balanced: if you have a bold dress, go for more minimal accessories.
How to choose according to your face and neck
Updo hairstyles can be incredibly flattering, as long as the volume is placed correctly to highlight the shape of your face in the best way.
Oval face
Almost everything suits you. We play with a sleek low bun or a messy texture, depending on the outfit. Your formal hairstyles “sit” easily.
Round face
We usually recommend a little height on top or strands that “break” the outline. A twisted updo or high bun with volume is ideal for holiday hairstyles.
Square face
We love soft sides and loose lines. A messy bun or soft chignon with face-framing strands is one of the most flattering updo hairstyles.
Long face
A lower bun and volume on the sides, not too much height on top. A low chignon is one of the most beautiful formal hairstyles here.
The base that makes updo hairstyles last
Let’s face it: holiday hairstyles aren’t just about the end result, they’re about durability. At Scissors by Effi, we put a lot of emphasis on the base.
Hair preparation
Sometimes, a “fresh wash” on the same day is not the best for all formal hairstyles. If the hair is very slippery, it needs a proper primer product.
Texture and support
We use techniques to create braids without weighing down the hair. This way, bun hairstyles look natural, but are stable.
Hairpins: few and correctly placed
It’s not about quantity, it’s about placement. The right bun “locks” in with strategic grips.
What to ask for at the appointment to achieve the result
If you want to get formal hairstyles for a festive event, these 4 things are very helpful:
- Bring inspiration photos (2-3 are enough).
- Tell us if you want your ears/earrings to be visible.
- Tell us if the tufts in your face bother you.
- Tell us how long you’ll be out and if you’ll be dancing.
So, our team at Scissors by Effi will guide you to the right type of bun hairstyles that suit you, not just “something you saw.”
Styling ideas depending on the event (celebrations edition)
Christmas Eve
We recommend a sleek low bun or a twisted bun. These are festive hairstyles that go well with velvet, satin, and warmer shades.
New Year’s Eve
Here we love a little more sparkle: accessories, more intense texture, or a braided bun. Formal New Year’s hairstyles “lift” something extra.
Festive table/invitation
Soft chignon or messy low bun. These bun hairstyles look elegant without looking too much.
Business party
Sleek lines, clean parting, minimal accessories. Formal hairstyles here should be stylish but also “serious”.
Extra tips to keep your bun in place all night
Holiday hairstyles are designed for a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some tips we often use:
- Don’t mess with the bun with your hands (the less, the better).
- If you have a scarf/coat with a high collar, take it off carefully so it doesn’t “catch” studs.
- Opt for earrings that don’t get tangled in the tufts.
- If you know it’s going to be humid, ask for a more “closed” finish. Corfu has its own way.
Key Takeaways (quick and useful)
- Updo hairstyles are the most stable choice for long-lasting events and dancing.
- Formal hairstyles need the right foundation: texture, support, and strategic holds.
- For holiday hairstyles, the right accessory can make a huge difference without going overboard.
- Choose a bun based on your outfit, your face shape, and how comfortable you want to feel.
- The humidity (especially in Corfu) requires a smarter finish and the right products.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Updo Hairstyles
Can bun hairstyles be done on short hair?
Yes. We adapt technique and placement. We can work with a smaller bun, a fake bun or a twist, so that it looks complete and lasts like a formal hairstyle.
Should I wash my hair the same day?
It depends. For some holiday hairstyles, it’s okay, but if your hair is slippery, we prefer to let it sit for a while or to properly prepare it with texturizing products.
Which bun lasts longer?
Typically, sleek low buns and French twists have the best durability. But messy bun hairstyles also hold up well when the base is set properly.
Will the hairpins and tweezers be visible?
Our goal is to make them invisible. In formal hairstyles, proper concealment from hairpins and bobby pins is part of the technique.
Can I add accessories that I already have?
Of course. Bring it with you to the appointment so we can incorporate it properly. In holiday hairstyles, a favorite accessory can be the highlight.
Does a bun hairstyle hurt?
It shouldn’t hurt. If something bothers you, let us know right away. At Scissors by Effi, we care about making it beautiful and comfortable, especially for long formal hairstyles.
What should I do if I have a lot of frizz?
There are options for updo hairstyles that work great with frizz (e.g. a sleeker finish or a more “closed” structure). Proper preparation and the right products also help.
How early should I book an appointment for holiday hairstyles?
The closer the holidays get, the harder it is to find an appointment. If you know the date, book early so we can find the ideal timing and discuss your style for formal hairstyles.
Closing
If you are in Corfu and are looking for updo hairstyles that look festive, elegant and long-lasting, at Scissors by Effi we are here to make it easy and enjoyable. My team and I love formal hairstyles because they are a small way to “dress up” with confidence.
And the best part? Holiday hairstyles aren’t just for the holidays. They’re for any time you want to feel a little more glamorous, with an updo that really suits you.
