It’s that time. After months of gradual invitations creeping back in, party season has hit like a whirlwind of glitter—Christmas parties with colleagues, pub meet-ups with friends and, of course, New Year’s Eve. The month of tinsel and Mariah Carey is back, and that means it’s time to team your outfits with the best party hairstyles to match. "Whatever type, texture or length of your hair, the party season is the perfect opportunity to try something different," says Martin Crean, owner of Mode Hair. Whether you have long straight hair, the statement shag cut or a short hairstyle, the party season is the time to amplify your everyday look.
"If you usually wear your hair straight, reach for the tongs and salt spray and try some soft waves. And if you are naturally curly, try a voluminous, bouncy blow-dry for a special occasion. Avoid poker-straight hair—the contrast will be too great—but adding some bounce through the ends will look natural and playful," suggests Crean.
It’s not always about the style itself, either. Some of the most on-trend party hairstyles this season will be pared-back looks enhanced with statement hair accessories. "There are so many simple styles that can be dressed up," says Karen Perry, co-owner of Room 97 Creative. "This is a big year for hair accessories, and the blingier, the better. A cluster of sparkly hair grips add an eye-catching addition to mid-length and long hair, or add some small diamantés on your parting. One statement piece looks great on short, textured hair."
There’s one that’s a no-no for party hairstyles this year, and that is perfection. "Undone glamour looks soft and feminine; a tight bun or hard hairline can look too severe," says Perry. "Add some softness to long hair with dishevelled braids. Try a fishtail braid or messy bun at the nape for an effortless look." When it comes to products to hold your look, if you find that styles like waves and curls drop easily, Crean has the following advice: "Prep is essential for this style to stop the hair dropping out. Using a prep spray such as KMS HairStay Anti-Humidity Spray will prevent hair from frizzing in hot pubs and clubs and keep the hair looking gorgeous all night long."
29 Best Party Hairstyles To Try Now
1. Party Curls
A Bantu knot-out is the best way to get these perfect curls on textured hair.
2. Light Wave
Second-day hair is the perfect texture for this fuss-free look. Use a straightener to create the bends for a less polished finish.
3. Bunned Up
Let a statement back do the talking with a simple bun. Pull out face-framing tendrils for a more relaxed look.
4. Colour Pop
Sometimes a vibrant colour is the only thing your party hair needs. Whether you have dyed hair or are natural, use a colour conditioner to revive the glossiness.
5. Fringe Fun
Short fringes can be high-maintenance with the constant trims, but they are so chic. Wash your hair the morning of the party and blow-dry with the concentration nozzle facing down to seal the cuticle of your strands for shine.
6. Straight-Up Glossy
This kind of shine needs to be seen by a room full of people. Fake this glossy blow-dry with a good hair dryer and a ceramic round brush for ultimate shine. Make sure you rough-dry first, though.
7. Swim Good
The waves are laid. If you have a low cut, pre-party, make sure you have applied your holding product, and keep your do-rag or scarf on until you’re ready to leave to give your waves enough time to set.
8. Bubbling Up
Who would have thought we’d be able to revisit some of our favourite hairstyles from childhood in such an on-trend way? Load up on clear or black hair elastics. Baby hair styling optional.
9. Low Pony
A perfect style to show off those earrings you have been waiting to wear. Add a light wave to the hair with a wand before securing at the nape of your neck.
10. Scraped Back
Ditch the parting for the night and brush your hair back into a humble low bun. If you have short layers, you’ll need a spritz of hair spray to stop your strands moving about.
11. Casual Luxe
Half up, half down styles are so timeless and fun. They’re the perfect option for second- or third-day hair that has a bit of grit to it.
12. Glamorous Waves
Lacking volume for this luxe look? No stress. That’s what clip-ins are for. I recommend the Easilocks The Loose Wave HD Fibre 24" Lace U Part Wig for the quickest and easiest way to re-create this style.
13. 20s-Inspired
Load up on the pomade to coax your short style into this classic party look.
14. Heavenly Headbands
Padded headbands are as chic ever and go perfectly with face-framing layers.
15. One Wave
If you have long layers around the hairline, wave a section and pull out the tightness for a casual look. Tuck behind your ears to show off statement jewellery.
16. Braid Babe
Not for beginners but a braided bun is an easy and impressive way to pull your look together if you can plait. Make sure your hair is moisturised before you start to create slip as you braid.
17. Beautiful Braid-Out
Fluff out your texture with a pick, and spray on a light oil to lock in hydration
18. Gloss and Texture
Shine spray will be your best friend for a look like this. It’s best suited to day-two hair for a bit of extra texture.
19. Pulled Tight
A tightly tied low pony is kept casual by finger-combing the crown instead of brushing it back neatly.
20. Plait It
A pulled-back neat plait is so simple to do and perfect for teaming with big hoops.
21. Barrel Wave
Mid-length layered hair looks so striking with a deep barrel wave. Once your hair is cool, comb through for a less polished finish.
22. Set Back
Set your bob-length hair with a flexible hair spray for hold and moveable structure.
23. Pearly Whites
Adorn any style with hair jewels, and this season, you’ll be on to a winner.
24. Big Bow Energy
A statement bow is always going to be a hit during party season.
25. Tiny Tendrils
Yes, tendrils are still a hit. Suffer from flyaways? Smooth your sections with a little oil or pomade to get them to gather together.
26. Charming Clips
Big clips are not only party perfect, but they also keep your hair out of your face on the dance floor.
27. Full-Throttle Fringe
For ultimate roundness in your fringe, use a large barrel brush and a hair dryer to smooth.
28. Bun Fun
Adorn your high bun with an embellished scrunchie for a fashionable party-hat alternative.
29. Side-Swept Fringe
If a full fringe isn't your thing, why not try this trendy side-swept fringe? This look pairs so well with an updo, and is simple to recreate. Simply part your hair to the side and add some volume to your fringe with a spray or mousse.
Products You Need for Party Hairstyles:
Price shown is members' price.
Give your hair and scalp a good cleanse before any upcoming parties with this detox shampoo from Beauty Pie.
Hairspray is essential for keeping your party hairstyle in place.
Embrace waves and curls with Aveda's Curl Enhancer Cream.
Want to try a fun accessory? You can't go wrong with a bow clip.
The Dyson Airwrap is a great tool to have as you can create so many different looks.
I go through so many of these hair elastics at Christmas as they are great for styling different buns and ponytails.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.