8 Easy Thanksgiving Hairstyles We're Borrowing From the Red Carpet

8 Celebrity-Inspired Thanksgiving Hairstyles to Try

1. Tyla's Braided High Ponytail

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A ponytail? For Thanksgiving? Trust us, this one is anything but basic. Tyla's playful braided ponytail at the 2026 Grammys gives the everyday updo a major upgrade with tiny braids, face-framing pieces, and plenty of personality. The best part is that you don't need a professional hairstylist to get the vibe. Start by smoothing your hair into a high ponytail, leaving out two small sections near your face. Secure the ponytail with an elastic, then braid a few small sections throughout the lengths for extra texture. You can even braid those face-framing pieces for a little Y2K flair. Finish with a touch of styling gel to smooth flyaways, and you've got a hairstyle that looks just as good with a cozy sweater as it does with your Thanksgiving best.

2. Rachel Sennott's ’90s Supermodel Half-Pony

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If your Pinterest board is full of ’90s supermodels and Pamela Anderson hair inspo, Rachel Sennott's 2026 Emmys hairstyle belongs on your radar. Her voluminous half-ponytail brought all the nostalgic glamour, complete with bouncy lengths and plenty of lift at the crown. To recreate the look, start by adding loose curls or bends throughout your hair with a curling iron. Next, tease the roots at the crown for a little extra height, then gather the top half of your hair into a high ponytail. Secure it with an elastic and gently tug at the base to boost the volume. Finish by flipping out a few ends with a round brush or flat iron. It's giving '90s bombshell, minus the hours in the glam chair.

3. Billie Eilish's Statement Barrette

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Sometimes the best hairstyle is the one that takes approximately 30 seconds. Billie Eilish proved that a simple hair accessory can make a major statement with her barrette-adorned look at the 2026 Grammys. It's the ultimate low-effort styling trick for anyone who wants to look put together without breaking out the hot tools. Start by creating a deep side part, then smooth one side of your hair back with a little styling cream or gel. Secure it with a statement barrette, whether that's a sleek metallic clip, a sculptural design, or something with a little sparkle. Leave the rest of your hair in its natural texture, or add a few soft bends for extra movement. It's proof that sometimes one really good accessory does all the work.

4. Ayo Edebiri's Accessorized Statement Braid

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Leave it to Ayo Edebiri to turn a braid into a full-on fashion moment. At the 2026 Met Gala, the actress wore a statement braid adorned with feather details, proving that hair accessories can be just as impactful as jewelry. While her red-carpet version was decidedly high fashion, recreating the spirit of the look is surprisingly simple. Start by gathering your hair into a ponytail and braiding the lengths, securing the ends with a small elastic. Then comes the fun part: Weave a thin ribbon through the braid, clip on a few metallic hair cuffs, or add decorative pins for an unexpected finishing touch. If you have textured or curly hair, leave a few tendrils loose around your face for extra softness. Consider this your sign to make your Thanksgiving hairstyle the main accessory.

5. Supriya Ganesh's Glossy Mermaid Waves

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Forget everything you know about traditional beach waves. Supriya Ganesh's glossy, crimped hairstyle at the 2026 Emmys gave the mermaid hair trend a sleek, modern twist, with defined S-shaped waves and a high-shine finish. To recreate the look, apply a heat protectant to dry hair, then use a three-barrel waver to create uniform bends from the mid-lengths to the ends. Work in small sections for a more defined finish, or larger sections if you prefer a softer effect. Once your hair has cooled, gently separate the waves with your fingers and smooth a lightweight shine serum over the lengths. Skip the heavy brushing to preserve that cool, sculpted texture. The result is glossy, statement-making hair that feels a little more unexpected than your usual curls.

6. Chase Infiniti's Brushed-Out Glam Waves

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For the Thanksgiving plans that call for a little extra glamour, take your cues from Chase Infiniti. Her soft, brushed-out waves at the 2026 Emmys brought Old Hollywood beauty into the present with gorgeous volume and a relaxed, touchable finish. To get the look, start by applying a heat protectant, then curl sections of your hair in the same direction using a large-barrel curling iron. Let each curl cool completely before brushing through with a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb to create soft, flowing waves. Add a little volume at the roots with a texturizing spray, then finish with a lightweight shine serum. It's romantic, polished, and just dramatic enough to make your Thanksgiving outfit feel extra special.

7. Florence Pugh's Elevated Messy Bun

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The messy bun has officially entered its red-carpet era, and Florence Pugh is making a convincing case for giving this everyday hairstyle a little more attitude. Her artfully undone updo proves that a few intentionally loose pieces can look just as chic as a perfectly polished finish. Start by spritzing your hair with texturizing spray, then gather it into a high ponytail. Loosely twist the lengths into a bun, securing with bobby pins while allowing a few pieces to fall naturally. Gently pull at the crown to create volume and leave a couple of face-framing strands loose. The goal isn't perfection—it's that effortlessly cool, I just threw this together look. Perfect for when you're hosting, cooking, or simply want your hair out of your face while still looking cute.

8. Emily Blunt's Sleek Spiky Bun

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If the messy bun isn't quite your thing, Emily Blunt's sleek spiky bun offers a completely different take on the classic updo. Her 2026 Met Gala hairstyle brought a little '90s nostalgia to the red carpet, combining a glossy, slicked-back finish with playful, spiky ends. To recreate the look, start by creating a clean center part, then use a smoothing gel and brush to pull your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a tight bun, but instead of tucking all the ends away, leave the last inch or two sticking out. Secure everything with bobby pins, then use a little gel to define the exposed ends. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style looking sleek all night. It's edgy, polished, and a lot more interesting than your average bun.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're going all out with a statement braid or keeping things simple with a chic hair accessory, Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse to switch up your usual hairstyle. The best part? You don't need a celebrity glam squad to recreate these looks. A few styling essentials, a little creativity, and some inspiration from the red carpet are all it takes.

Ready to give your holiday hair routine a refresh? Head to the IPSY Shop to discover haircare favorites, from volumizing sprays and shine serums to styling tools that make getting ready a whole lot easier.