Holiday hair is having a moment — and this season, it’s all about smooth waves, touchable texture, and that festive, camera-ready shine. The half-up look has become a go-to for parties, gatherings, and every celebratory moment in between. It’s elegant, it’s effortless, and when done correctly, it stays.

To help stylists and beauty lovers master a version that lasts from the first toast to the final dance, Anna Peters, Sam Villa ArTeam Member and owner of re:TREAT Color + Hair Design and Studio, reveals her pro secrets. Peters breaks down exactly how to create a half-up style with waves that hold their shape, maintain their polish, and stay secure — no matter the hair type or holiday chaos.

 

 

The Three Secrets to a Long-Lasting Half-Up

Peters emphasizes three essential techniques when working with longer hair or clients whose waves tend to fall flat:

1. Size down your iron.

Longer hair naturally weighs curls down. Peters suggests dropping to a smaller iron to build extra spring and longevity into each wave. Just remember: section sizes should always match your iron diameter for consistent definition.

2. Clip every curl while it cools.

For maximum staying power, Peters relies on Sam Villa Dry Sectioning Clips to pin each curl in place immediately after it’s formed. Allowing curls to cool while set ensures waves stay defined for hours.

3. Hide a braid for grip.

The secret foundation of this delicate holiday half-up? A discreet braid that acts as a built-in anchor. This hidden detail prevents slipping and keeps the twist secure — even when dancing, mingling, or chasing after kids.

How to Create Anna Peters’ Holiday Half-Up With Waves

To recreate this festive, party-proof look:

  • Start by prepping the hair with Redken Thermal Spray High Hold, brushing it through thoroughly with the Sam Villa Artist Series Polishing Paddle Brush for even distribution.
  • Using the Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand (in 1” size, Marcel form), curl the entire head in vertical sections, moving away from the face. Take 1–2” sections depending on density, and clip each curl with sectioning clips to cool.
  • Next, create two small horizontal braids in a hidden placement — these will serve as the structural anchor. Gather the desired amount of hair from the front and sides, loosely twist, and pin horizontally into the anchor braids for a seamless, secure half-up.
  • To finish, refine any bends or edges with a flat iron. This adds smoothness and elevates shine for that glossy, polished holiday finish.

 

Shop The Look:

 

 

 

“As a mom of three daughters living in California, I’m constantly creating half-up styles and elegant updos,” Peters shares. “These three techniques are my go-to secrets for special occasion hair… they make every style last beautifully.”

 

Credits: Hair/Anna Peters; Hair Assistant/@mandi_dawn; Photography/@tracyarredondostudios; Makeup/@tiffanysimons; Model/Savannah

 

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