Holiday Party Hairstyles for Every Length and Texture

The holiday season is almost here, which means your calendar is already filling up with events.We’ve found the most festive looks to get you through party season. From the work Christmas party to the formal cocktail party, you want to look amazing the entire month of December.

You’ve got your festive outfit set, shimmery makeup perfected, and holiday cookies baking in the oven. All that’s left is a party-perfect hairstyle. The good news is there are plenty of chic options out there, the better news is that we’ve done the work of rounding up this year’s best looks for you. With everything from easy part changes to more intricate updos, your hair is sure to be the hit of the party (ok, maybe second only to those cookies).

Whether you have a short pixie cut or a long bob, these hairstyles are the best of the bunch. Even though these hairstyles will look like you stepped right out of the salon, they’re so easy to do on your own. From completely down to half-up to swept up, these hairstyles are our holiday party inspiration. Your friends and family won’t believe you did these incredible hairstyles at home. ’Tis the season to look fabulous.

You finally found an outfit, shoes and accessories. You have your make up and your nails done, but your hair is just blah! Your hair can make or break all the thought and effort you’ve put into your style for tonight’s party. Whether you like your hair worn down, loose, flowing, up, or even crimped, we’ve got you covered! Here are some easy party hairstyles that are guaranteed to make you the belle of any ball.

The key to waves as voluptuous as Amanda Seyfried's is starting with secondday hair. That way the coils from a... — Accessorize: Golden Crown

The key to waves as voluptuous as Amanda Seyfried’s is starting with second-day hair. That way, the coils from a large-barrel curling iron will hold more readily. A gilded headband a few inches back from the hairline are ultimate princess goals.

Hairstylist Mara Roszak created Swaves on Emma Stone with a smallbarrel curling iron before adding this double thin wire... — Accessorize: Golden Crown

The key to waves as voluptuous as Amanda Seyfried’s is starting with second-day hair. That way, the coils from a large-barrel curling iron will hold more readily. A gilded headband a few inches back from the hairline are ultimate princess goals.

Thandie Newton's brushedout curls are pulled off her face thanks to a silver barrette placed vertically behind the... — Accessorize: Starry Strands

Hairstylist Mara Roszak created S-waves on Emma Stone with a small-barrel curling iron before adding this double thin wire headband from Erica Elizabeth. Placing the band behind the actress’s crown achieves a more unexpected and subtle look.

You can't exactly see it in this pic but you'll have to take our word for it. Kristen Stewart's punky pixie is amped up... — Accessorize: Barrette Tuck

Thandie Newton’s brushed-out curls are pulled off her face thanks to a silver barrette placed vertically behind the star’s ear. The gentle tuck gives these cumulus curls a bit of structure (but not too much)

To be quite honest it doesn't matter too much at all what Evan Rachel Wood's hair is doing. The collection of fresh and... — Accessorize: Railroad Pins

You can’t exactly see it in this pic, but you’ll have to take our word for it. Kristen Stewart’s punky pixie is amped up for the Cannes Film Festival with a row of stacked silver bobby pins that wrap all the way across the back of her head. It’s a cool, unique, and simple way to perk up short hair for a soirée.

At the Met Ball when others went wild Gigi Hadid went surprisingly refreshingly tame. Her bumpedup crown is accentuated... — Accessorize: All the Flowers

To be quite honest, it doesn’t matter too much at all what Evan Rachel Wood’s hair is doing. The collection of fresh and dried flowers — peonies, baby’s breath, roses, etc. — pinned right at her nape is all we’re looking at, anyway.

These soft brushedout curls on Kerry Washington at the Met Ball are courtesy of hairstylist Takisha SturdivantDrew.... — Accessorize: Clean Part and Two Pins

At the Met Ball when others went wild, Gigi Hadid went surprisingly, refreshingly tame. Her bumped-up crown is accentuated by a flat, sleek center part, kept in place by two skinny barrettes on either side of her head.

The first best choice for waves like Sandra Bullock's is a trip in a convertible down the Pacific Coast Highway. The... — Accessorize: Jewelry

These soft, brushed-out curls on Kerry Washington at the Met Ball are courtesy of hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew. While Washington’s hair was still wet, the hairstylist diffused it (using the GHD Air Diffuser) to add volume and a whole lot of texture. Once dry, Sturdivant-Drew used the Tangle Teezer to loosen up the curls — and then teased the roots to the heavens before pinning a golden Lorraine Schwartz brooch at the side of her head. It’s a good reminder that if you don’t have a cool hair accessory, you might have some cool jewelry that could work just as well.

As we told you back in February for Viola Davis's Oscars hairstyle hairstylist Jamika Wilson created a sleek center part... — Down: Ropey Waves

The first best choice for waves like Sandra Bullock’s is a trip in a convertible down the Pacific Coast Highway. The second best choice is loads of salt spray, layered on before, during, and after adding turns with a curling iron.

If your hair is naturally curly a moisturerich leavein can help your strands stay in structured ringlets when you hit... — Down: Disco Curls

For Viola Davis’s Oscars hairstyle, hairstylist Jamika Wilson created a sleek center part and gathered the actress’s hair toward the back of her head. Then, she amped up the natural volume with the help of long extensions styled into loose curls.

Remember how we said some of these styles could potentially benefit from a little professional help Mila Kunis's sleek... — Down: Tight Curls

If your hair is naturally curly, a moisture-rich leave-in can help your strands stay in structured ringlets (like Sandra Oh’s seen here) when you hit them with a diffuser. Otherwise, a small-barrel curling iron and a lot of patience are your best bet.

Okay fine. Bella Hadid's hairstyle isn't actually a bun. But a few more twists and it could have been. To try something... — Down: Wet Hollywood Waves

If you would like to try out Mila Kunis’s sleek S-waves, set the style first, then add a lightweight styling gel to keep things streamlined.

Bun: Sharp Loop

Chances are on the way to the gym, you’ve done your hair just like Rihanna’s and not even realized how good it looked. And if not, here’s the Cliff’s Notes: Pull strands into a tight pony, but don’t pull the ends through all the way on the last tug.

And here is that same idea on Elle Fanning with a few key differences Note pinstraight center part two low pigtails... — Bun: Low Loop

And here is that same idea on Elle Fanning with a few key differences: Note pin-straight center part, two low pigtails secured in loops, and floppy ribbon accent.

Some say this is Meghan Markle's signature hairstyle and it's no wonder why. She's worn a messy bun from Wimbledon to... — Bun: Low Loop

And here is that same idea on Elle Fanning with a few key differences: Note pin-straight center part, two low pigtails secured in loops, and floppy ribbon accent.

Up: Tousled Pony

You don’t have to be the mother to twins and a human rights attorney like Amal Clooney to make a jaunty pony work for a party. Trust us. Here, Clooney adds a few curls through the length for fun, giving the style an effortless feel.

Remember the French twist Duchesses Kate and Megan certainly do as does Ashley Graham. The classic stye is going through... — Up: French Twist

Remember the French twist? Duchesses Kate and Megan certainly do, as does Ashley Graham. The classic style is going through something of a comeback.

Up: Straight Genie Pony

Here, Rachel Brosnahan demonstrates that the style is also stunning in sleeker finish, too. Be sure you get at any errant hairs around the hairline with a toothbrush and hair spray, or do it the old fashioned way with a bit of gel.

If your hair is long and even if it isn't a ropey braid like Zendaya is never ever a bad idea. Push your baby hair... — Braided: Rapunzel

If your hair is long — and even if it isn’t (s/o extensions) a ropey braid like Zendaya is never, ever a bad idea. Push your baby hair back into your hairline, or for extra flair, lay them down in swooping, spiral patterns.

Happy Holidays!

There are times when it feels like holiday parties play the same script. First comes the mid-November evite or Paperless Post (and the subsequent reminders). Then comes the inevitable closet scan where one decides whether last year’s sequined mini is suitable — and considers splurging on this year’s velvet jumpsuit. (Do it.) Night of, there’s the customary weighing: Is wearing your hair exactly how you do to work everyday too much of a bummer? Or is trying something new in the next 45 minutes too much of a risk?

This year, flip the script with the above ideas we presented to you: some beautiful hairstyles that are certainly not overly complex and are definitely something you could replicate in the comfort of your own home. (We take that back — a few could use the help of a stylist or a talented pal, but they were so pretty we just couldn’t help ourselves.) We hope they got you inspired to braid and bedazzle to your heart’s content. After all, holidays only come but once a year.

Don’t Overdo it – What to Avoid!

While holiday parties are a great opportunity to add a little bit of flair to your average, everyday look and hairstyle, don’t go overboard when creating your holiday hairstyles. It is best to remember to stay on the side of caution if you are questioning an accessory, color or cut. In addition, let your inner voice be the ultimate guide.

Below is a list of things to avoid this holiday season.

**Do not** use too much sparkle. Remember, you are a person not a Christmas tree.

**Do not** be too severe with your hair. No “cutsie” reindeers.

**Do not** use tinsel or candy canes.

**Do not** depart too much from the classic. Avoid looking like a bridesmaid.

**Do not** use childish embellishments, unless you are under the age of 12.

**Do not** use snow or icicles. You are not a snow princess.

Finally, **do not** go to your holiday party with roots! Do remember that with the holiday season, your favorite stylist could be booked for weeks in advance.

Above all, have fun with your hair over the holidays, and…

**HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Hair By Phonatip.**

Holiday Party Hairstyles for Every Length and Texture

Accessorize: Golden Crown

Accessorize: Starry Strands

Accessorize: Barrette Tuck

Accessorize: Railroad Pins

Accessorize: All the Flowers

Accessorize: Clean Part and Two Pins

Accessorize: Jewelry

Down: Ropey Waves

Down: Disco Curls

Down: Tight Curls

Down: Wet Hollywood Waves

Bun: Double Twist

Bun: Sharp Loop

Bun: Low Loop

Bun: Low and Composed

Up: Tousled Pony

Up: French Twist

Up: Straight Genie Pony

Braided: Rapunzel

Happy Holidays!

Don’t Overdo it – What to Avoid!

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