Holiday hair has a harder job than it looks. It goes from a cold car into a warm room, under a coat collar and back out again, through dinner, dancing and a countdown — and it is photographed the whole way. The styles that work this season are the ones built to hold.
Here are the six we are styling most for holiday parties and New Year’s Eve, and how to make each one last. For the full season of appointments, see our holiday party hair and makeup page.
1. The sleek low bun
Polished, low at the nape and smooth at the crown, it is the most elegant thing you can wear with a strong earring or a high neckline. It survives a coat, a hat and a dance floor, and it frames a bold lip or a shimmering eye beautifully. Ask for a little softness at the hairline if you want it to feel less severe.
2. Glossy, bouncy blowout
Big, smooth volume with a bend at the ends reads luxurious in every photo. The secret is in the set: each section is rolled and allowed to cool before it is brushed out, so the shape lasts through the evening instead of falling by the second toast.
3. Soft vintage waves
Old-Hollywood waves are made for velvet and sequins. They need to be set firmly and brushed out gently, then finished with a flexible hold. If you will be outdoors for photos or dancing all night, a deep side part and a hidden pin behind the ear keep them in place.
4. Half-up with a bow or clip
A half-up style shows off length and keeps hair off your face while you talk and eat. A velvet bow, a pearl clip or a simple gold barrette makes it feel festive without trying too hard — the easiest way to dress up a simple dress.
5. The polished high ponytail
Sleek, wrapped at the base and swinging, it is the New Year’s Eve style that never needs a touch-up. Add a little volume at the crown for balance, and smooth the length so it catches the light. It also pairs well with a statement earring.
6. A textured updo
For long or heavy hair, a softly textured updo with a few loose pieces gives you the romance of waves with the security of pins. It is our favorite for formal events, where you want to look polished at the start and still effortless at midnight.
Holiday hair is set for the whole night, not for the first photo.
How to make it last
- →Wash the day before, not the day of — a little texture helps curls and pins hold.
- →Bring your earrings and a photo of your outfit to the appointment, so the style balances the neckline.
- →Carry a few bobby pins and a small comb; skip the full-size hairspray.
- →Choose your coat with your hair in mind — a high collar flattens a low bun less than a hood does.
Pair it with makeup that lasts
Hair and makeup planned together look intentional in every photo. Our guide to New Year’s Eve makeup that lasts past midnight covers the face, and holiday party glam covers the rest of the season. Getting a group ready together? Our Copley studio has room for a few chairs at once.
Book before December does
December weekends and New Year’s Eve fill earliest, and the late-afternoon appointments that get you out the door closest to the party go first. If you know the date, it is worth holding your chair now.
Planning a holiday party or New Year’s Eve? Tell us the date and the plan, and we will hold your chair.
Let's Talk →Frequently Asked Questions
What hairstyle lasts longest at a New Year’s Eve party?
A sleek low bun, a polished ponytail or a structured half-up style holds its shape best through dancing, a winter coat and a long night. Waves last too when they are set properly and finished with a flexible hold.
Should I wash my hair the day of a holiday party?
Usually the day before is better. Hair with a day of natural texture holds curl and pins more securely than freshly washed hair. If your hair gets oily quickly, wash the morning of and tell your stylist.
When should I book holiday or New Year’s Eve hair?
As early as you can. December weekends and December 31 are the busiest days of the season, and late-afternoon appointments go first.
