Woman's Day

Beauty

30 Stunning Christmas Party Hairstyles for the Perfect Holiday Look

Just WOW.

Vintage Waves

Vintage-inspired waves are never a bad idea, according to Raven Hurtado, Stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

"It makes hair look voluminous and full," Hurtado says. "Use a one inch curling iron and curl the hair going in the same direction throughout the whole head. Once the curls are cooled down, use a boar bristle brush and comb out the curls. To add more volume, use a comb and back comb the curls gently for more volume. Add hairspray for the final touch."

Loose Waves

"An effortless wave is soft and subtle," Hurtado says. "It looks great on long hair and it adds the right amount of volume and piecey-ness without being too overly done. To create this look, you’ll need a 1 ½ inch size curling iron, and alternate each section when you curl, leaving the ends straight. Once done curling, let it cool for a few minutes, then comb out and add a thickening spray for more volume."

Braid Ponytail

Looking for something that makes an impact, but is also pretty easy and stress-free? Hurtado suggests a braid ponytail.

"A braid ponytail is unique because your hair is pulled back and out of your face for dancing and having a good time yet still polished and stylish. For this look, curl the hair so when you create the braid it has texture," Hurtado says. "Comb the hair back using a brush or a comb and spray hairspray to tame down fly aways. Once you have your ponytail, secure the ponytail with an elastic or hair tie. Split the ponytail into two sections and take a small section from the outer side of a section and bring it across to the inside of the other section and repeat on both sides. You’re going cross over each side towards the middle going all the way down. Once you made it to the end of the ponytail, tie with an elastic and gently pull out the ends of the braid to fluff it out for a fuller look."

Party Ponytail

Use extensions or hairpieces to create an extra dramatic, statement-making ponytail, suggests stylist Taylor Holis of Taylor Holis Hair Studio.

"The party pony is super trendy right now. It's a cute, but simple style that gets your hair out of your face while still looking chic and put together," Holis says.

Velvet Bow

Amy Abramite, Creative Director and Stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, suggests accessorizing with a velvet bow as a way to add some flair to your party hairstyle.

"Velvet bows adorn many holiday frills. This festive hair embellishment will hit the party mark with its soft, plush accent. A medium to long length makes for the perfect flip at the nape of the neck," Abramite says. "Also having fine, straight texture adds an ease to the manageability of a shiny, sleek ponytail. To style: Sweep hair up into a tight, clean ponytail in the crown and secure with an elastic. Flip hair out with a round brush to flare ends. Finish by tying a large velvet bow at the base of the ponytail to accessorize."

Sleek Bun

For those with a middle part, rocking a sleek bun is a chic, simple way to complement a dramatic neckline or statement jewelry. To learn how to emulate the style, check out Sagonia Lazarof's YouTube tutorial on the look.

Straight and Sleek

Add some extensions to get dramatic length to your hair or simply style your hair as is for this simple, yet gorgeous style. If you want your outfit to be the star of the show, this could be a great option (while still being really fun and feminine).

Low Bun

A low bun is one of the most classic, understated hairdos, but it can make a big impact when paired with the right dress and accessories. To copy this look, check out Claudia Hernandez's tutorial.

Loose Updo

If you're into the most effortless-looking hairstyle option, a loose updo could be the best option. Plus, if it gets messed up after a long night of dancing and talking, no one will know! Follow Alex Gaboury's tutorial for a step-by-step guide to get a similar look.

Sleek Top Knot

A top knot can be a great party hairstyle when paired with a high neckline or turtleneck. It also really allows dramatic makeup to shine, if that's your priority. This tutorial from Mrs. Alba Ramos will help you create a similar look.

Deep Side Part

Exaggerate the part of your hair to one side and add some thick curls to create this classic holiday hairstyle worn by the Duchess of Sussex. "You cannot go wrong by adding some volume for a more dramatic look," says hairstylist and blogger Jeanette Gillin.

Messy Wrapped Ponytail

Whether your hair is short like Nicole Kidman's or long, try out a low, messy wrapped ponytail at your next Christmas party. First put loose curls in your hair, part wherever you want, and the pull it into a low ponytail. "A fine velvet ribbon is the perfect touch," Gillin adds.

Touch of Metal

This elegant style, rocked by Hailee Steinfeld, is as simple as clipping a barrette in place. "A barrette holding back a few strands of hair adds a pop of holiday cheer without being too over the top," says Gillin.

Hollywood Glam

You can get this old Hollywood look in just 10 minutes by giving yourself some curls, setting a front wave with S-shaped pins, and then finishing it off with hairspray.

Sleek Straight

Part your hair in the center and move sections through a straightener for Gigi Hadid's simple and chic look. "Sleek straight hair is a go-to if you’re looking for an edgy look without taking attention away from a fun outfit or makeup," says Gillin.

Easy Waves

"The humidity in the air is gone, making bangs much more tolerable," says Gillin. "They add warmth and cozy vibes to any winter look. Wear them sleek with your hair in a top knot or loose and free with beach waves." Here, Jessica Biel shows off her bangs paired with beachy waves.

Glam Curls

"Glam curls as I call them are a tad more done than your typical beach wave, but still soft and inviting," says Gillin. "Leave them down by day and pull them half way up by night. A great work-to-play style!" Here, reality star Amanda Stanton wears long waves with a center part.

Natural Confidence

Nothing says simple and confident like natural hair – the simplest hair style of all. Seriously, you can literally wash and go. Rock an easy afro, like Viola Davis, or do a simple twist for added volume no matter what your hair type.

Textured Low Ponytail

According to Mirza Batanovic, the style director for Eufora International, Kate Winslet's textured ponytail pictured here is a great party hairstyle. To get the look, start by using a wand to add texture to the hair, curling away from the face. Then pull your hair back, and tie off using a neutral-colored hair tie. From there, add dry texture spray to the ends of the hair. Then take a wide tooth comb and push hair at the top of the head up towards the roots from the end, adding volume and height at the crown.

Wonderful Waves

Ashley Graham's effortless waves are easily attainable and perfect for any occasion, especially a Christmas party. Next time you go to curl your hair, opt for a larger curling iron so curls fall loose around your face, and instead of twirling each section in the same direction, alternate with different sections of hair to get this natural look.

French Twist

Rachel McAdams' modern take on the French twist is "not your grandmother's French twist" according to Mirza. To recreate this look, start by pinning the hair into three sections — the top, middle, and bottom. Add some dry shampoo to absorb some of the hair's oils and to keep your hair smelling fresh and clean. Then, take the middle section, twisting it up and securing it with bobby pins to hold hair in place. From there, grab the bottom section, repeat, twisting the hair up and pin it into the middle section. Finally, grab the top section and pull it over the middle and bottom sections, give it another twist, and secure it with pins.

Top Knot

If you have natural curls like Halle Berry, this is a no-heat hairstyle, but if you need help getting a wavier texture, curl your hair before pulling it back into a high ponytail. Once it's slicked back, spray and tease the hair to up the volume. Finally, pin sections of the hair piece by piece around the top of your head until you have your desired shape for a salon quality updo with little to no hassle.

Sleek Chignon

To get Charlize Theron's look, secure a low ponytail and twist the end around the base, securing it above the nape of your neck. Use smaller bobby pins and a hairnet in a matching color to hold it in place.

Side-Swept Glamour

For Carrie Underwood's glam look, start with clean, blown-dry hair, then use your fingers to part your hair on the opposite side of your usual part. This creates instant volume along your hairline and crown — strands that are always parted the same way tend to lie flat over time. Grab the front section (the hair around your forehead and 1" in toward your crown) and place a 1" barrel brush behind it at the roots. Wrap the section clockwise around the brush. With your blow dryer set to medium and pointed at the brush, pull your hair through the brush, swooping it down over your forehead and up around your ear. Repeat until your hair is smooth. Add a touch of sparkle by clipping a jeweled barrette onto the side-swept section, holding it in place just above the top of your ear.

Dramatic Double Twist

To get the look of Kate Middleton's sleek twist, gently brush back your hair and gather it at the nape of your neck. Using your fingers, split hair into two sections. Gather each section into two low pigtails, securing each with a clear hair elastic. Twist each pigtail so it begins to move in toward the other. Continue twisting until the pigtails are tightly wound and begin to bunch up on top of one another. Tuck in the ends under the twists and secure them with bobby pins.

Braided Beauty

Another Kate Middleton look we love? This braided twist. On day-old hair that has been blown dry, make a natural side part by raking your fingers through hair. Create a French braid with three 1" sections of hair along your hairline. To do this, take the left section and cross it over the one in the center. Then, take the right section and cross it over the ones in the center.

As you continue to work back in the opposite direction of your part, gather up two more small sections of hair (one along the hairline at your temple, another at your ear) to create a thicker French braid. Secure the braid with a small, clear elastic band, leaving about 3" of loose, unbraided hair at the end. Take the end of your braid and the rest of your hair and sweep it into a ponytail. Twist it clockwise into a bun just above the nape of your neck and secure with bobby pins.

Milkmaid Braid

Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt rocked this sweet braid at the 2015 Golden Globe Awards. To recreate the same look, part hair down the middle and braid each side, then secure the braids across your head like a headband.

Faux Bob

A deep side part and loose curls gathered into a low ponytail create the illusion that Scandal star Kerry Washington is rocking a wavy bob.

Twisted Low Bun

An effortless-looking low bun like Selena Gomez's draws all eyes to your face, while graphic earrings help frame your features perfectly.

Pinned-Back Waves

The Danish Girl actress Alicia Vikander wears a half-up hairdo with big waves. Try this look by clipping your strands back with a sparkly statement clasp for extra holiday pizazz.