Holiday parties call for hair that feels a little more special than usual but still survives dancing, hugs and a long evening. This collection of forty looks covers every length and level of effort. For long hair there are fishtail crown braids, side braids with wavy ponytails, a loopy mohawk braid and a teased babette. Medium lengths get messy twisted updos, a low knot with flat side twists and a sculpted side chignon. Short hair has options too, including spiky and brushed-back pixies, a curly bob with a side braid and a Gatsby-style faux bob.
Accessories do much of the festive work. Sparkly clips, gold leaf headbands, jewelled ear cuffs, sequin bands and pearl ponytail cuffs turn simple shapes into party looks. Retro styles, such as the beehive, Hollywood waves and finger-wave faux bobs, suit sequin and velvet outfits particularly well.
Choose by how long you can spend styling and how active your night will be. Teased updos and braided bases hold well through dancing, while loose waves may drop by midnight without a good setting spray. Fine hair benefits from texturising spray before pinning so styles grip.
1. Textured Middle Bun
Tousled hair shaped into an airy, messy bun in the middle of the head strikes a balance between festive and romantic. One loose tendril escapes at the side, and a glittering clip finishes the look. It works on medium-length curly or wavy hair.
Inspiration: @masha_colorist
2. Long Bob with a Side Braid
A delicate side braid accents a slightly tousled long bob for a party look that feels relaxed yet chic. The braid keeps hair away from the face. Finish with a shine spray for the evening.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
3. Fishtail Crown Braid
A skilfully executed blonde fishtail crown braid suits all kinds of holiday plans. Add a dainty sparkling clip or glitter along the roots to make it stand out. Pull gently at the braid’s edges for a fuller crown.
Inspiration: @leighannsays
4. Messy Off-Center Buns
Two messy buns placed off-centre on either side of the head break the usual rules for bun placement. A gold crown set off to one side adds a regal holiday touch. Texture spray helps the buns hold their shape.
Inspiration: @heatherchapmanhair
5. Low Knot with Side Twists
Flat twists along the sides lead into a low bun for an unusual party style. A multicoloured jewelled ear cuff and a matching hair accessory pointing toward the bun become the focal points. Smooth edges with a little gel.
Inspiration: @jane_hahaeva
6. High Textured Ponytail
Voluminous blonde waves gathered high on a braided base create a party-ready ponytail. The curls fall over the shoulders, softening and framing the face. Curl the lengths before tying for maximum bounce. Mist with a flexible hairspray to keep the waves defined.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
7. Low Twisted Chignon
A low chignon sits at the nape with the front lightly twisted to one side. The rest of the hair is sleek and polished, letting a simple silver headband placed near the crown shine. Elegant and timeless.
Inspiration: @sexyhair
8. Teased Updo
Light teasing and hairspray create a firm base for this voluminous updo, keeping it secure through dancing and celebrations. A floral hair accessory complements the look. Smooth the top layer for a refined finish. Choose a floral clip in a colour that matches your outfit.
Inspiration: @jane_hahaeva
9. Spiky Pixie Style
A spiky pixie flatters round faces and suits anyone wanting a fresh holiday look. Dress it up with a fun headband or statement jewellery. A strong wax gives the spikes hold. Work a little shimmer spray through the tips for extra sparkle.
Inspiration: @pinkpewter
10. Messy Updo with Side Bangs
Medium sections twisted and pinned at random create a truly effortless updo, with a few flyaways left on purpose. Side bangs soften the face, and a gold leaf headband ties everything together. Texture spray first will help the pins grip better.
Inspiration: @thatbritish.msk
11. Side Braid and a Wavy Pony
An extremely long wavy ponytail worn to the side pairs with a half-braided crown on the same side. Lightly teasing the crown adds height and drama. A great option for long hair at formal parties.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
12. Side-Parted Crown Braids
Two crown braids with a side part and a gentle bouffant make an unexpected yet festive look. The double braids add texture and dimension. Secure each braid with pins for comfort. Start each braid behind the ear and pin the ends under the opposite braid.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
13. Curly Bob with a Side Braid
Thick curls add volume to a bob, while a loose, unfinished side braid along the hairline adds interest. A single sparkling clip keeps it festive. It mixes dressy and casual elements nicely. Spritz curls with a light hairspray to keep them bouncy.
Inspiration: @hairbylindseymichelle
14. Sculpted Side Chignon
An expertly sculpted side chignon with a retro feel looks almost too perfect to be real. An embellished comb is the final touch. Set curls first for a smooth, shaped finish. Pin the curls in sections and finish with a firm-hold spray.
Inspiration: @hairandmakeupbysteph
15. Messy Faux Bob
A faux bob inspired by the 1920s and the Great Gatsby is made by pinning textured lengths under and leaving a few loose wisps. Add a headband with rhinestones or feathers to complete the period glamour.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
16. Long Side Braid
An extra-long platinum side braid paired with a half-braided crown feels classy, simple and flirty. A foil leaf crown keeps the look party-ready. Ideal for long, thick hair. Pull the edges of the braid gently for fullness and a softer, festive finish.
Inspiration: @kylee.pickering
17. Loose Swirly Updo
A highly teased crown, side part and swirled low bun create a stunning night-out updo. A gold leaf accessory sits just above the base of the bun. Backcomb at the crown for lasting volume. Secure the swirl with U-pins.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
18. Fauxhawk Updo
Extreme teasing and braids combine into a creative faux hawk updo with plenty of personality. Intricate pinning and tucking keep everything in place. A bold choice for a New Year’s party. It suits long, thick hair best.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
19. Messy Beehive Updo
A messy updo shaped like a beehive gives a retro, party-ready feel. A soft side bang keeps it feminine, and a sequin headband separates the fringe. Tease at the crown for height. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray.
Inspiration: @marzipan_stylist
20. Thick Textured Ponytail
Tons of curls are gathered into a dramatic mid-height ponytail, ideal for thick, curly hair or anyone trying extensions. The front is sculpted, and a pearl accessory decorates the base. Curl the lengths with a medium iron before tying them up.
Inspiration: @elena_mua_blg
21. Messy Fishtail Style
Gently pulling at a finished fishtail creates a chunkier, voluminous braid with a loose, messy finish. Dimensional highlights add the appearance of extra volume. Great for casual celebrations. Leave a few face-framing strands loose and mist with a light spray to keep the braid soft.
22. Bouffant Ponytail
Lifting the top section into a bouffant upgrades an everyday ponytail into something chic. Wrap a strand around the elastic to hide it. Ponytails remain quick and versatile for any occasion. Secure the bouffant with a couple of hidden pins.
23. Loopy Mohawk Braid
A loopy mohawk braid suits luxuriously long hair and echoes the texture of a golden dress. Long lengths allow all kinds of experimental updos. Use texturising spray for grip. Ask a friend or stylist to help with the back sections, as the loops are tricky to reach.
24. Soft Curly Pixie Style
Light curls on short hair offer a simple style when your outfit is heavily embellished. They look particularly sweet on dark blonde or light brown hair. Curve the pieces alternately toward and away from the face.
25. Backcombed Textured Bixie
Jennifer Lawrence’s short hair is lifted at the roots and curled into light waves for an easy festive look. Backcombing at the crown adds volume. A light hairspray keeps the shape. The look takes only minutes with a curling wand.
26. Low Messy Knot
Keri Russell’s cosy low messy knot gathers side-parted hair at the nape. Highlights brighten even simple styles and add a flattering lift. The relaxed updo suits casual holiday gatherings. Pull out a few pieces around the face for softness, and secure the knot with U-pins.
27. Pompadour Hairstyle
Bangs lifted into a pompadour above the forehead and sleek sides give this updo an aristocratic polish without feeling dated. Its simplicity leaves room for bold accessories that might otherwise look too heavy. Hold the lifted front with a firm pomade.
28. Curly Side-Swept Hairdo
Romantic curls created with a ceramic flat iron are swept to one side and secured with bobby pins. The flat iron adds shine. A pretty option for fans of soft, feminine styles. Mist with spray to keep the curls in place.
29. Loose Hair with a Headband
Loose, flowing hair paired with a cute headband makes a simple yet festive party look for girls. It requires minimal styling but still shines. Brush hair smooth before adding the band. Choose a sparkly or velvet band for the season.
30. Braided Hairstyle
Bailee Madison wears a milkmaid braid that feels sweet without being overly festive. The style can take you from girl-next-door to polished and stylish. Pin the braids across the crown securely. Loosening the plaits slightly makes the look softer.
31. Ultra Short Asymmetric Style
Rihanna often wears daring short punk styles. The key is styling the bangs correctly and lifting the longer pieces at the roots. Pair the asymmetric cut with bold makeup for impact. A strong wax helps the lifted pieces hold.
32. Brushed Back Pixie
Carey Mulligan shows how a pixie can look very feminine: hair is lifted at the front and combed back into soft, smooth waves that mimic an updo. Hairspray and a few bobby pins control any stray strands.
33. Upswept Pixie Style
Halle Berry has made the short pixie part of her signature style, lifting her strands into spikes for special occasions. The chic, rock-inspired look is feminine and eye-catching. Use a strong-hold wax. Add a sparkly ear cuff to complete the look.
34. Backcombed Hair with a Headband
Dianna Agron’s ash blonde hair with darkened roots looks fresh, backcombed for volume and finished with a whimsical headband that echoes her black dress. Rooted blonde makes party styles look more modern. A texturising spray adds extra grip.
35. Wavy Faux Bob Hairstyle
Katy Perry’s faux bob fits naturally into a 1920s look. Smooth, shiny waves are essential for the glamour. A beaded headband and a strand of pearls complete the vintage effect. Set the waves with clips and brush them out gently for shine.
36. Shattered Waves Hairdo
Taylor Swift’s medium-length curls feature a curved fringe and face-framing pieces in defined, separated waves. It is a cute choice for anyone not planning anything elaborate. Set each curl and leave it unbrushed. Finish with a light shine spray.
37. Low Nape Bun
Keira Knightley’s romantic, Jane Austen-inspired updo uses light waves fixed at the nape in a compact low knot. Festive hair clips can decorate a few strands. Ideal for elegant dinners. A few loose wisps around the face keep the knot soft.
38. Side-Parted Hollywood Waves
Kim Kardashian’s glossy brunette hair is styled into large, side-parted waves inspired by Golden Age Hollywood. Dark chocolate and medium brown tones add to the glamour. Brush curls out for smooth, shiny waves. Pin each curl to cool before brushing.
39. Messy Side Braid Hairstyle
A messy side braid offers an informal yet slightly elevated downdo for a party with friends. Asymmetric styles always feel a little fancier than symmetrical ones. Loosen the braid for a relaxed finish. Pull out a few strands for softness.
40. Babette Hairstyle
To build a babette, make a ponytail and add a second elastic a few inches down. Flip the pony forward and clip it, slide a volumising insert over the elastics and pin it. Release the clips, bring the pony back over the insert and tuck the ends under.
Prepping hair for a long party night
- Style on second-day hair or add dry shampoo to freshly washed hair; clean, silky strands slip out of pins.
- Curl in small sections and let each curl cool in your palm or pinned in a loop to set firmly.
- Tease at the root with a fine comb, then smooth the top layer for volume that lasts.
- Anchor accessories with crossed bobby pins hidden underneath.
- Pack a small kit: a few pins, a mini hairspray and an elastic for an emergency bun.
Adding sparkle without damage
Glitter roots, shimmer sprays and metallic accessories are the easiest way to add a festive shine. Apply cosmetic-grade glitter along your parting with a little gel, and remove it the next day with an oil-based pre-wash before shampooing. Shimmer sprays can dry hair, so follow with a hydrating mask afterwards. If you are curling or straightening for several events in a row, use heat protectant every time and keep tools at a moderate temperature.