The invitations are out, the outfit is picked, and now it’s time for the fun part—your hair. The right holiday party hairstyles can pull your whole look together, make you feel confident, and make every photo a keeper. At Brilliance Beauty, we help guests go from “I’m not sure what to do with this” to “Wow, who did your hair?” in one appointment.
In this guide, you’ll find easy inspiration for every hair length, texture, and party vibe—plus tips on when to DIY and when to let a pro take over.
Start with Party-Ready Hair Prep
Before you think about curls, pins, or accessories, set yourself up with a good foundation:
- Clarify & hydrate: Use a gentle clarifying shampoo a few days before the event to remove product buildup, then follow with a rich conditioner or hair mask. This keeps your hair shiny instead of dull or weighed down.
- Blowout as a base: A smooth blowout makes almost every style easier. If you’re not confident with a round brush, this is a great excuse to book a blowout at Brilliance Beauty and let us do the heavy lifting.
- Heat protectant is non-negotiable: Whether you’re curling, straightening, or waving, always apply a heat protectant to prevent damage and keep your style looking polished all night.
Once your hair is prepped, you’re ready to choose a look that fits your holiday plans.
Old Hollywood Waves for Glam Holiday Parties
If your holiday calendar includes a formal dinner, black-tie event, or office gala, Old Hollywood waves are a timeless choice.
Why they turn heads:
- They look expensive and polished, even if your outfit is simple.
- They frame the face beautifully and photograph incredibly well.
- They work on medium to long hair and most textures with the right products.
How to get the look:
- Create a deep side part.
- Curl hair in uniform sections away from the face using a curling iron or wand.
- Pin each curl to cool, then release and gently brush them out into soft, uniform waves.
- Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray and a shine spray.
If this feels like a lot to tackle at home, bring a reference photo to your appointment at Brilliance Beauty and let your stylist recreate the look professionally. For added inspiration, you can also browse an online beauty magazine, such as this guide to red-carpet waves, to find your perfect version of glam.
Chic Low Buns and Chignons for Elegant Evenings
A sleek bun or soft chignon is perfect if you want your hair out of the way but still polished.
Best for:
- Cocktail parties and seated dinners
- High-neck dresses or statement earrings
- Medium to long hair, straight or wavy
Variations to try:
- Sleek low bun: Middle part, smooth the hair down, twist into a low bun at the nape, and secure with pins. Add a touch of hair oil or serum for shine.
- Soft romantic chignon: Curl the hair loosely first, gather at the nape, twist and pin pieces, leaving a few face-framing tendrils out.
- Side bun: For something a bit more playful, place the bun just behind one ear and add a clip or comb for sparkle.
Ask your stylist at Brilliance Beauty to customize the bun height and texture to flatter your face shape and neckline.
Braided Styles That Look Complex (But Aren’t)
Braids are a go-to for modern holiday party hairstyles because they look intricate with minimal effort.
Ideas to consider:
- Braided crown: Two loose braids pinned across the top of the head give a soft, whimsical holiday feel. Great for winter weddings, family photos, or more relaxed events.
- Half-up braided twist: Take two small braids from each side of your head and pin them together at the back, leaving the rest of your hair down in waves.
- High pony with braid detail: Add a small braid along your hairline or within the ponytail to upgrade a simple style.
Braids are also perfect if you’re working with second-day hair—texture and a bit of grip actually make them hold better.
High-Impact Ponytails for a Sleek, Modern Look
Never underestimate a ponytail. Done right, it’s incredibly stylish and party-ready.
Go for a party pony if you:
- Love a clean, sharp look
- Want your makeup or earrings to stand out
- Need a style that will survive dancing all night
Options:
- Sleek high pony: Smooth the hair up tight at the crown, wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic, and finish with hairspray and shine spray.
- Textured high pony: Curl or wave the length of your hair, then gather it up and gently tease for volume.
- Mid-height polished pony: For a more classic feel, set the pony at the back of your head in line with your ears, then smooth everything down.
Your stylist at Brilliance Beauty can also add hair extensions for extra length and volume if you want a true “wow” moment.
Short Hair, Major Statement
You don’t need long hair to make a bold holiday statement. Short cuts can be incredibly chic and versatile.
For bobs and lobs:
- Add loose, undone waves and a deep side part for effortless glam.
- Tuck one side behind the ear and secure with a sparkly barrette or clip.
- Ask for a glassy, ultra-sleek finish with a flat iron and shine serum.
For pixies or very short cuts:
- Play with texture using a light styling paste or pomade.
- Smooth everything back for a sophisticated, “wet look” style.
- Add a headband, festive hairband, or small clips for instant holiday flair.
With short hair, the precision of the cut and the finish matter most. Regular trims at Brilliance Beauty keep your shape sharp so party styling is easy.
The Power of Accessories
Sometimes it’s not about changing your entire hairstyle—it’s about upgrading it with accessories.
Consider:
- Sparkly clips or barrettes: Perfect for pinning one side back or accenting a half-up style.
- Headbands: From velvet to jewel-encrusted, headbands are an easy way to add a festive touch to any style and any length.
- Ribbons and bows: Tie a ribbon around a ponytail or bun in a color that coordinates with your outfit.
- Statement pins or combs: Great for tucking into buns, chignons, or braids.
Your stylist can place accessories strategically so they look intentional and stay in place all night.
When to Book a Professional Holiday Style
DIY is fun, but some events call for professional styling—especially if:
- You have a big office party, gala, wedding, or important photo session.
- You want a more intricate style like a complex updo or detailed braids.
- Your hair doesn’t hold curl easily and you want it to last.
At Brilliance Beauty, we’ll talk through your outfit, the type of event, and how long you need your style to last. From there, we’ll suggest options that flatter your face shape, hair type, and personal style. To explore more of what we offer, you can browse our full menu of hair and beauty services and start planning your holiday look.
Ready to Turn Heads This Holiday Season?
Your hair shouldn’t be an afterthought—it’s the finishing touch that ties your whole holiday look together. Whether you’re dreaming of Old Hollywood waves, a sleek party pony, a romantic braided updo, or a chic short style, the right holiday party hairstyles will make you feel confident, polished, and ready for every photo op.
If you’re not sure what will work best with your hair type or your outfit, bring inspiration photos and let Brilliance Beauty guide you. Together, we’ll create a party-ready style that not only turns heads—but feels like you.