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10 Easy Thanksgiving Hairstyles That Won’t Take Time Away From Your Turkey

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It’s Thanksgiving morning, and things are about to get hectic. Stuffing the turkey, mashing the potatoes, and baking the pumpkin pie are just some of the things on your long to-do list for the day. Whether you’re the host of the whole thing or just bringing the paper plates, it’s safe to assume your Thanksgiving hairstyle is probably last on your priority list. Luckily you have us—we’re here to make Thanksgiving hairstyle woes a little easier on you. (After all, looking good on Thanksgiving day—even if you aren’t leaving the living room—will give you the confidence to tackle and enjoy the quality family time this day is made for.) 

From hair accessories to updos to a classic wavy look, we’ve gathered a bunch of foolproof Thanksgiving hairstyles to take away some of your stress on the big day. Read on for a bounty of hairstyle inspo we have a feeling you’ll be very thankful for—trust, the turkey isn't the only thing you’ll get complimented on.

1. Braided Crown

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Crown yourself the queen of the dinner table with this classic style. If you’re a pro at braiding, this one is easy-peasy. Just create two braids on each side of your part and secure them at the nape of your neck with some small hair ties like the LUXE & WILLOW 8 Pack No-Crease Hair Ties. Finish off the look with a low pony or wear your tresses loose.

2. Half Up, Half Down

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We’re obsessed with this look not only because it’s easy to achieve, but because it looks good on everyone. Split your hair using a comb, then slick back a bun and secure hairs in place using a smoothing gel like the EDEN BODYWORKS Lavender Aloe Smoothing Gel. Keep the bottom half in braids or wear it in its natural curl—whatever you choose to do with the bottom half of your hair is really up to you!

3. Bring Out the Bangs

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If you’ve got a hairstyle with bangs, now’s your time to shine. Bringing out the bangs is the easiest way to look effortlessly put-together. Plus, they look good with almost every hairstyle you can imagine. 

4. Sleek & Slick

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We’re in love with this slicked-back look because it’s simple and sophisticated, but in an understated way. Plus, you can never go wrong with a side part—it always takes a hairstyle up a notch. The most important thing to remember when achieving this look is keeping flyaways at bay with an extra-hold product like TRESEMMÉ TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray.

5. Wavy, Baby

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To achieve this just-left-the-beach-in-the-middle-of-winter look, you’ll need a really good texturizing spray. Our fave right now is the ORIBE HAIR CARE Dry Texturizing Spray. We added this one to the bunch of easy Thanksgiving hairstyles because you can get a little messy with it, making it very hard to mess up.

6. Buns Out

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If you’re looking to channel your inner off-duty model, this look is for you. While it may look complicated to achieve, it made our list of easy hairstyles because it takes a lot less time and effort than you’d think. Slick your hair back in a bun like you’d normally do, but while leaving out a piece that will act as your bang. Then take a small barreled curling iron like the SUTRA Mini Curling Wand and curl the piece of hair in as tight or loose of a curl as you’d like.

7. Braided Pony

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We love this classic hairstyle for your Thanksgiving day because it’s quick and easy—all you need to know how to do is a simple braid. Then, secure your hair with a cute scrunchie like one from the REFRESHMENTS Scrunch Bunch Scrunchie Trio and you’re ready to take on the Thanksgiving grub.

8. Put a Bow on It

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When in doubt, put a bow on it. This style is so simple, yet whimsical, chic, and sooooo cute. The bows definitely make it look like you’ve put in way more effort into the hairstyle than it requires. Plus, if you don’t have any bow clips handy, opt for some ribbon to create your own bow instead.

9. High Pony

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If there’s one thing a high pony is going to do, it’s going to look good. It works on everyone, and it definitely snatches the face (move over, Bella Hadid). The only thing you need is a secure and hair-safe tie like the GOOMEE 4-Pack Hair Tie (high ponies can be really damaging to your hair, so this is important!) and some handy-dandy hair spray to hold everything in place—then you’re all set!

10. Bring Back the Head Band

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The ‘90s called and they said you should definitely bring headbands back. This style takes little to no effort and there are a million and one headbands out there to choose from. Just slide it on and your hair is instantly cute and away from your plate. 

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About the author
Alexandra Schultz
Alexandra Schultz
Alexandra is a senior copywriter at IPSY, a foodie, and a beauty lover. With over nine years of experience, her work has been published in both the fashion and beauty industries for brands including Savage x Fenty, Biossance, and NYX Cosmetics.
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Article Last Updated October 25, 2023 12:00 AM