8 Party Hairstyles to Wear for Christmas and New Year's

Bring on the party hairstyles—it is party season, after all. With Christmas and New Year’s around the corner, there’s no better time than the present to start brainstorming the best hairstyles for all the holiday parties that are bound to be taking place. After all, the perfect party-ready beauty look is only as good as your hair! If you need help finding just the right balance between fun and polished, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re sharing eight party hairstyles to wear for Christmas and New Year’s, whether you’re celebrating at your office holiday gathering or at the club with your girlfriends.

PARTY HAIRSTYLE #1: PARTY PONY

It’s only fitting that our first party hairstyle has the word party in it, don’t you think? A party pony hairstyle is a perfect half-up ‘do that’s equally as youthful as it is glamorous.

What you’ll need:

Hair brush

Heat protectant

Curling iron

Clear elastic

Get the look:

STEP #1: PREP YOUR STRANDS

Brush your hair to remove any knots or tangles from your mane, then spritz on a heat protectant to get your strands ready for the next step!

STEP #2: CURL YOUR HAIR

While you don’t have to rock a curly pony, we happen to love this hairstyle when paired with curls. If you want to see why, curl your entire mane, creating either tight ringlets or loose, voluminous curls (more on those later).

STEP #3: PUMP UP THE PARTY

Part your hair from ear to ear, creating a top and bottom section. Smooth the top section into a small ponytail sitting at the back of the crown of your head and secure it with a clear elastic. Gently tug at the base of the ponytail to add height and bounce to your party pony. How fun!

PARTY HAIRSTYLE #2: VOLUMINOUS CURLS

Remember those voluminous curls we were talking about? They can serve as a party hairstyle all on their own! In fact, we’d bet this classic hairstyle will never go out of style. For a step-by-step tutorial based on your hair type, head over to our article, How to Create Voluminous Curls on Any Hair Type.

PARTY HAIRSTYLE #3: DOUBLE BARRETTES

Accessories can seriously upgrade your hair game, and barrettes are no exception. One of the most on-trend hair accessories at the moment, we recommend doubling up for a party hairstyle that’s sure to earn you compliment after compliment.

What you’ll need:

Heat protectant

Hot tool of choice

Two matching barrettes

Get the look:

STEP #1: PART YOUR HAIR

For this hairstyle, it’s all about symmetry—so go ahead and part your hair down the middle!

STEP #2: STYLE YOUR MANE

Do you prefer to wear your hair curled, straight, or wavy? Whatever your preference, break out the hot tools (after spritzing on a heat protectant, of course) and style away.

STEP #3: GRAB YOUR BARRETTES

This step is easy yet oh-so-effective. Clip a barrette on either side of your head, just above your ear, pinning your locks out of your face in the process. Make sure your barrettes are placed evenly, but that's all there is to it!

PARTY HAIRSTYLE #4: HIGH PONYTAIL

Prefer to wear your hair up and out of your face? A high ponytail will liven up your party beauty look.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray

Flat iron

L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum

Clear elastic

Get the look:

STEP #1: STRAIGHTEN YOUR HAIR

Apply heat protectant, then straighten your mane with a flat iron.

STEP #2: APPLY A SERUM

Use a hair serum to smooth and add shine to your strands. This will also allow you to create a sleek, high ponytail. No flyaways here!

STEP #3: PUT YOUR HAIR UP

Smooth your hair into a high ponytail at the back of your head, making sure there are no bumps, knots, or tangles. Secure with a clear elastic, and you’re good to go!

PARTY HAIRSTYLE #5: SLEEK AND STRAIGHT

Speaking of straight hair, the simplicity of sleek, straight strands can make quite the impact at a holiday party. It can also add an edgy twist to your beauty look. Interested? Check out our article, Super-Straight Strands Are In: Here's How to Get the Look, for everything you need to know.

PARTY HAIRSTYLE #6: HALF-UP FISHTAIL BRAID

It’s safe to say we can’t get enough when it comes to half-up hairstyles—they’re the best of both worlds! If you like the idea of a hairstyle that’s a bit more intricate, consider this half-up fishtail braid.

What you’ll need:

Heat protectant

Curling iron

Clear elastic

Get the look:

STEP #1: PREP YOUR MANE

Prepare your locks for this half-up hairstyle by spritzing on a heat protectant and creating loose, carefree waves with a curling iron. Don’t fret if they’re not perfect—it’ll add the perfect amount of effortless, romantic flare.

STEP #2: BRAID AWAY

Part your hair from ear to ear, then weave the top section of hair into a fishtail braid. When you reach the end, secure with a clear elastic. Gently tug on either side of the braid to add volume.

Editor’s tip: Been a while since you created a fishtail braid? Check out Our Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial.

PARTY HAIRSTYLE #7: BRUN

What do you get when you combine a braid with a bun? A brun hairstyle, of course! This updo may look super complicated, but we promise you can create it in five minutes flat. Seriously! Don’t believe us? For a step-by-step tutorial, head over to our article, Braid Meets Bun: How to Get a Brun Hairstyle.

PARTY HAIRSTYLE #8: PADDED HEADBAND

Remember when we said accessories can seriously boost your party hairstyle? If barrettes aren’t your thing, consider slipping on a padded headband! This type of headband has added height that allows it to be the center of your hairstyle. Wear one decked out with pearl beads for a gorgeous, classy party hairstyle. 

Next up: Need the perfect party makeup to complement your ‘do? We can help with that, too. Here are 9 Party Makeup Ideas You'll Need Come Holiday Season.