These trendy holiday hairstyles suit any destination and keep you looking fabulous.
The trip is finally making it out of the group chat, and you want to look good from takeoff to touchdown. We all have a love-hate relationship with travel prep, especially when it comes to the beauty essentials. There’s that quick online search for trendy holiday hairstyles that look good and are stress-free.
One minute you’re bookmarking flight deals and debating destinations, and the next, you’re deep in packing mode, wondering which dress works for both sightseeing and dinner. But somewhere between outfit planning and confirming bookings, your hair matters just as much as your itinerary.
No one wants to spend their holiday fighting humidity, chasing edge control, or regretting a rushed install. If you would rather ditch your wigs, these trendy holiday hairstyles will ensure you look good and spend less time worrying about styling.
Read also: 6 long-lasting hairstyles to try out this holiday season
Braids
Braids are the vacation MVP. They are protective, stylish, and keep your look intact with zero stress. That’s exactly the kind of energy needed on holiday. The fun thing about braids is that you can get them in different styles depending on the vibe you’re going for. This timeless protective style lets you add length and colour without daily styling stress.
Box braids
Box braids feature neatly parted sections, usually in squares, with each section braided from root to tip using extensions. If you can endure the long hours of sitting to get it done, it’s possibly the best hairstyle for your trip and offers a variety of styling options. It always looks good whether you’re exploring a new city or dancing until midnight. The knotless technique makes it lightweight and comfortable, and a long length gives that soft, goddess flow we love to see in travel photos.
Fulani braids
Fulani braids are a traditional West African hairstyle made with neat cornrows braided close to the scalp — usually with a signature middle braid or side cornrows. It is also usually styled with decorative beads or cowries.
Of all the trendy holiday hairstyles, this one consistently turns heads. It’s the kind of hairstyle you wear when you want your travel photos to make a statement.
Stitch braids
Stitch braids are sleek cornrows with sharply defined parts — each one “stitched” like rows of precision. It gives a clean, polished style that appears carefully curated. It’s perfect if you’re planning to be active and go on adventures. It’s my go-to hairstyle when I need my hair out of the way but still want to look presentable.
Boho knotless braids
Boho knotless braids are a romantic take on traditional braids, mixing knotless box braids with loose curly strands left out for that undone, free-spirited finish.
I love this look for the kind of holiday that doesn’t have an agenda — just vibes. One day it’s a beach club, the next it’s a boat ride at golden hour. This is one of those trendy holiday hairstyles that makes you look like you didn’t try too hard (even if you did a little).
Read also: These exciting braids will inspire your next hairstyle
Flipover braids are that trendy holiday hairstyle you’ll absolutely love
Flipover braids are a modern take on Fulani-inspired cornrows, styled to let you wear your part wherever you want — left, right, or centre. Most versions now come with soft curls added at the ends or peeking between braids, which gives the whole look an easy, romantic vibe that moves with you.
Of all the trendy holiday hairstyles, this one gives me the most styling range. You can flip any way, depending on your choice. It’s the perfect blend of chill and chic, especially for spontaneous plans or back-to-back outings.
Patewo — the trendy holiday hairstyle that feels like home
Patewo, named after the Yoruba word for “clap,” features cornrow patterns that meet at the centre — much like hands coming together.
It’s a style our mums and aunties wore growing up, but now it’s getting a soft refresh. The ladies have taken to exploring patewo in exciting new ways, reimagining it with feathered drop-outs, French braids, and edgy buns amongst others.
It’s protective, rooted in tradition, and the new style’s feathered finish gives it that modern touch that fits right in with the holiday travel mood. It makes me feel beautiful and grounded at the same time.
The hairstyle suits moments where you want your hair to reflect cultural pride but still feels modern.
Maintenance tip: At night, smooth on mousse and tie your braids with a satin scarf to reduce frizz and keep them looking fresh throughout your trip.
Read also: Level up your look! 8 protective attachment hairstyles for healthy hair growth
Pixie cuts or waves
Short hair on holiday just hits differently. A pixie cut brings that instant edge and elegance, while finger waves deliver a soft vintage glam that’s perfect for dinner nights.
Crop pixie for bold first impressions
The crop pixie is a short, sculpted cut that frames your face and keeps everything off your neck. It’s one of the trendy holiday hairstyles that instantly sharpens your entire look. Lately, short hair is everywhere with ladies rocking it in waves, curls, and edgy fades.
Stepping into a new city with a fresh pixie gives a clean, confident, and effortless look. You’re not asking for attention; this hairstyle commands it. I can’t be the only one who believes pixie cuts give grown-woman energy. It shows off your features and gives the image that you’ve got nothing to hide.
Maintenance tip: Keep a small pomade and brush in your bags to define the shape and smooth the look.
Finger waves are the trendy holiday hairstyle for soft glam moments
Finger waves are having a moment again, and I’m fully here for it. This style brings that old-Hollywood movie star glam with a bold, modern twist.
Finger waves are sleek, sculpted waves that lie close to the scalp with a glossy finish. They’re styled with a comb, mousse, and precision, and they frame the face so beautifully. It’s one of the trendy holiday hairstyles the girls are rocking on holiday this year. Finger waves are bold and effortlessly glamorous.
This style is for those dinner nights on your trip where you want to feel confident and sexy. It also works best when you’re not doing too much. However, it’s not the most low-maintenance, but it’s worth it.
Maintenance tip: Use a light hold spray daily and wrap with a silk scarf at night to hold the waves in place.
Bantu Knots – one of my go-to trendy holiday hairstyles
Bantu knots are sculptural mini buns twisted across the scalp, and there’s nothing subtle about them. They’re bold, artistic, and deeply rooted in African heritage — which makes them even more powerful to wear on holiday. I love how they sit like a crown, turning heads effortlessly.
Bantu knots speak loud and proud no matter the destination. They are striking in every shot, and always spark a conversation.
Maintenance tip: Rub a light oil on your scalp and knots every few days to keep them moisturised. Wear satin bonnets to prevent them from getting loose.
Sleek high ponytail – the ultimate trendy holiday hairstyle
The sleek high ponytail is a polished, pulled-back style that sits high on the crown and gives instant lift and elegance. It’s one of the trendy holiday hairstyles that easily suits day to night events. I lean on this style when I need one look that can take me from the boarding gate to dinner. It keeps everything neat and defined, while still serving just the right amount of glam.
Maintenance tip: Use a firm-hold gel and tie it down with a silk scarf to keep the base smooth.
Travel has a way of peeling back the noise and showing me who I am when I’m most free. These hairstyles help me step into that energy — effortless, confident, and fully present. When I feel good in my hair, I show up as the best version of myself, wherever the journey takes me.
