Glitter is the quickest way to turn a familiar hairstyle into party hair, and it works on almost any length. This gallery shows the main ways to wear it: chunky glitter along a parting or at the roots for an icy New Year’s look, a glittering base on a wrapped low or high ponytail, sparkly ends on a sleek bob, sequins scattered through a blowout, shimmer spray over a rainbow bun, glitter highlighting an undercut tattoo, and longer-lasting tinsel extensions.
The golden rule is placement. Glitter looks deliberate when it follows a line, such as a part, a braid, a ponytail base or the edge of a cut, and messy when sprinkled at random. Fine shimmer sprays suit busy outfits and bold makeup; chunky flakes are best when the rest of the look is simple. Mixing particle sizes keeps roots from looking flaky.
Think about your hair too. Glitter gels are easier on textured and natural hair than loose flakes, and dark hair shows silver and gold most dramatically, while blondes can try iridescent or coloured glitter.
1. Voluminous Dutch Braid with Glitter
A full Dutch braid sprinkled with sparkle spray resembles a festive fir tree, an ideal Christmas party look. Avoid covering every loop; applying glitter to only some sections keeps the braid from looking overloaded and lets the texture show.
Inspiration: @kellyellesalon
2. Sleek Twist with Hair Shimmer
Sparkles scattered over the crown and down a twisted strand add glamour to a sleek ponytail. The twist wrapped around the base hides the elastic, and the shimmer catches the light beautifully for an elegant evening look.
Inspiration: @chiriac.ionela
3. Bob with Sparkly Hair Ends
A poker-straight bob gets a party upgrade with contrasting glitter on the ends. Apply it evenly along the line of the cut so the sparkle highlights the sharp shape rather than looking scattered or patchy.
Inspiration: @maggiemh
4. Space Buns and Glitter Roots
Space buns with braided sections get a fresh update when bright blue kanekalon is twisted into the braids and matching glitter is pressed into the parting. Coordinating colours make the whole look feel planned and fun.
Inspiration: @events_by_kmms
5. Chic Blowout and Sparkly Sequins
Sequins scattered down the full length of a smooth, bouncy blowout create a magical effect. Keep the hairstyle itself simple, without complicated elements or accessories, so the sparkle remains the star. A light mist of hairspray helps the sequins cling.
Inspiration: @maggiemh
6. Icy Glitter Roots
Silver glitter at the roots and along a side part creates a frosty look for New Year’s Eve. Be generous and mix different particle sizes so the result looks like snowflakes rather than flakes of dry scalp.
Inspiration: @vaso_theohari_hair_salon
7. Sparkly Undercut
An undercut with a shaved design becomes the focal point when filled with colourful glitter. Parties are a great opportunity to show off a hair tattoo, and sparkle makes it impossible to miss. Press the glitter into a thin layer of gel.
Inspiration: @gitty_und_goeff
8. Tinsel Glitter Extension
Tinsel extensions, here from the Goddess Glitter brand, last far longer than loose glitter. Tied onto individual strands as the brand suggests, the shimmer can stay in for up to six weeks, making it ideal for a season of events.
Inspiration: @hairbymermzs
9. Party Hairstyle with a Few Glitter Touches
Highlighting just a few elements with glitter spray, like a loose braid, adds festive spirit without overwhelming the style. It is a simple idea for a birthday party or Valentine’s Day celebration, and rose gold or red shimmer suits the mood perfectly.
Inspiration: @_braidsandbrushes_
10. Twisted Cornrow Braid Framed with Glitter
A single twisted cornrow becomes a stunning party look when silver glitter is applied to the roots around it. Add a few sparkles to the skin, such as cheekbones or shoulders, to balance the shine.
Inspiration: @revistadelooks
11. Stacked Bob with Shiny Particles
A stacked bob with side bangs keeps all its volume and movement while chunky glitter is scattered through the layers. There is no need to change the cut for the holidays; sparkle alone makes it party-ready.
Inspiration: @misscharlottehair
12. Wrapped Ponytail with a Glittering Base
Glitter on the wrapped base of a low ponytail has become a classic holiday look. Apply particles of different sizes to the base and around two inches beyond it, leaving the edges uneven for a natural, scattered finish.
Inspiration: @herlo_hairlounge
13. Shimmering High Ponytail
A high wrapped ponytail gets a generous coat of chunky golden glitter at its base. Keeping the rest of the hair glitter-free prevents the look from feeling overloaded and focuses attention on the polished pony.
Inspiration: @rasec.hair
14. Glitter Playing Around with Your Hair Color
Vivid balayage and peekaboo colour already stand out, but glitter in a matching shade enhances them further. Light blue sparkles over bright blue highlights show how well colour-coordinated shimmer can work. Spray from a distance for an even veil.
Inspiration: @ssscoundrel
15. Hair Shimmer Spray on a Rainbow Bun
Shimmer spray gives a much subtler finish than chunky glitter, often only noticeable when the light hits it. On a rainbow bun, it adds a soft glow, ideal when your outfit and makeup are already bright.
Inspiration: @dubbleh
16. Short Pixie with Glitter
Glitter along the part turns a short pixie into edgy holiday hair. Add a few touches on the crown too to highlight texture and give the cut a rounded, dimensional shape. Style the pixie with paste first.
Inspiration: @salon13pgh
17. Bold Pink Hairstyle with Golden Glitter Spray
Golden shimmer spray dusted over the top of a bright pink half updo with space buns looks like fairy dust. The warm gold contrasts beautifully with the pink for a festive, playful style. Keep the spray light near the face.
Inspiration: @kk_styless
18. Glimmering Vintage Hairstyle
Retro curls inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s iconic blonde look pair beautifully with chunky glitter. The vintage shape and modern sparkle create a winning combination for a themed party or holiday event. Gold flakes complement platinum blonde best.
Inspiration: @sevanova
19. Occasional Chunky Glitters
A few random but large glitter pieces add sparkle without looking overdone. Place them along the lengths rather than on the crown; if you do use them near the roots, arrange them in a deliberate pattern.
Inspiration: @jill901
20. Shimmering Base for Complex Elements
Large twists are laid over a base of glitter hair gel, so the sparkly background makes the sculpted elements stand out. It is a creative way to highlight an intricate hairstyle for a special event.
Inspiration: @chiriac.ionela
Applying glitter so it stays put
- Choose cosmetic-grade glitter made for skin and hair; craft glitter has sharp edges that can scratch the scalp and eyes.
- Lay down a base first: a clear glitter gel, aloe gel or a little hair gel along the part gives the flakes something to cling to.
- Press glitter on with a flat makeup brush or fingertip rather than sprinkling, then mist with hairspray to seal.
- Keep it away from the face and eyes, and cover clothing with a towel while applying.
Getting it out afterwards
Glitter tends to linger. Before washing, brush the hair gently with a boar-bristle brush to remove loose particles. Apply a little oil or a rich conditioner to dry hair to loosen glitter set in gel, then shampoo twice. A lint roller or wide piece of tape picks up stray flakes from the scalp, pillowcase and clothing. Tinsel extensions should be removed by a stylist or carefully snipped at the knot, never pulled out.