The holiday season is here—cue the festive invites, glittery outfits, and all the photo ops you didn’t ask for (but will definitely end up in). Whether it’s your office party, a family gathering, or a NYE bash, your hair deserves just as much attention as your outfit. The right hairstyle can pull your whole look together—and help you feel more confident while making the rounds with spiked cider in hand.
The best part? You don’t need to be a pro or spend hours in front of a mirror. These five party-ready hairstyles are chic, versatile, and surprisingly easy to recreate. Let’s get into it.
1. The Polished Low Bun
Minimal effort, maximum payoff. The low bun is a classic for a reason—it’s sleek, elegant, and works with basically any outfit, from a velvet dress to a tailored blazer. It’s also a lifesaver for second- or third-day hair.
To achieve the look, start by building volume and texture with a texture spray. Smooth out your hair and gather it into a low ponytail, securing it with an elastic. Next, split the ponytail into sections and wrap each section around the base of the ponytail, securing each one with a bobby pin as you go. Once all the sections are wrapped, you’ll have a beautiful, party-ready bun.
Want to dress it up? Add a sparkly barrette or a metallic hairpin for just the right amount of holiday glam.
2. Loose Waves with a Twist
Soft, undone waves are always a good idea. They look effortless, but still polished enough for a party. The secret is to keep them loose and natural—nothing too structured or “perfect.”
Start by curling your hair in sections with a wand or curling iron, alternating directions to keep the waves soft and tousled. Brush them out gently for a more relaxed finish. Then, add a subtle twist: take a small section from each side of your head, twist it back, and pin it at the crown or behind the ear. It adds a little dimension and keeps hair out of your face while you’re sipping champagne or hitting the dance floor.
For a fun flair, try incorporating a bow to really revel in the holiday spirit.
3. Half-Up, Half-Down with Volume
Somewhere between casual and formal, the half-up style is a go-to for holiday events. It keeps your hair out of the way without taking away from your length—and when done right, it adds a touch of retro-glam.
To create this simple and elegant hairstyle, start by teasing the crown of your hair to add volume. Then, gather the top section of your hair—from about your temples upward—and secure it with a small elastic to form a mini ponytail. Gently loosen the hair just above the elastic to create a small gap, then take the ponytail and flip it through that gap, pulling it all the way through to create a soft twist. Once it's in place, adjust the twist for volume and shape. You can leave the rest of your hair straight, wavy, or curled depending on your mood and the look you’re going for.
This one is super versatile and works on almost any hair type—plus it transitions easily from dinner to dancing.
4. Sleek High Ponytail
If you want to show off your cheekbones or statement earrings, the high ponytail is the move. It’s simple, bold, and surprisingly festive when paired with a dramatic outfit or bold makeup.
This particular tutorial shows a great way to add volume and dimension to the classic ponytail. Start by gathering the top section of your hair—from all around the crown, not just the temples—and secure it into a ponytail. Flip this ponytail upward and clip it out of the way for now. Then, take the remaining bottom section of your hair and divide it into two equal parts. Cross one section over the other at the back of your head, almost like you're starting a twist. Bring both sections forward over your shoulders. Next, release the top ponytail and let it fall back down. Finally, wrap the two side sections around the base of the ponytail and secure everything together with a hair tie. The result is a fuller, more elevated ponytail with added texture and movement—perfect for giving a fresh twist to a timeless look.
5. Braided Crown or Halo Braid
Want something romantic and a little different? A braided crown (or halo braid) feels special without being too over-the-top. It gives major winter-fairy-tale energy—and it looks way more complicated than it is.
If you have medium to long hair, part it down the middle and braid each side into a regular or Dutch braid. Then wrap the braids around your head and secure them with pins to create the crown shape. Gently tug at the braid loops to loosen them for a softer, more relaxed finish.
If your hair is shorter, you can still fake the look with a braided headband or by braiding smaller sections and pinning them across the top.
This one’s perfect for dressier occasions and works beautifully with soft makeup and delicate accessories.