The Country Club Plaza is famous for its holiday lights, and for a lot of Kansas Citians, a photo there is part of the season. If that's on your list, your hair (and nails) deserve a plan. Beauty, Boldly Done is a one-chair studio in south Overland Park, about 13 miles from the Plaza as the crow flies (a little more by road).
Holiday photo hair, timed right
The difference between good holiday photos and great ones is often timing, not a dramatic change.
- One to two weeks out: book a Toner/Gloss ($45) for shine and fresh tone. Glossy hair reads beautifully under twinkle lights.
- Two to three weeks out: a cut or trim, so the shape has time to relax.
- Day of: a Shampoo & Blowout or a Hairstyle (event styling) so you walk out camera-ready.
- Plan for the cold. Outdoor shoots in December mean wind and coat collars. Styles with some structure, like a soft half-up or pinned waves, hold up better than loose curls.
Holiday photo hair in Kansas City has the full checklist, including how to pair hair with your outfit.
Party season on the Plaza
Between the shopping, dinners and holiday gatherings, December gets busy. Some looks that work for evening events:
- Glam waves with lots of shine
- A sleek low bun for a polished, put-together finish
- A velvet bow half-up for something festive and easy to wear all night
Browse holiday party hairstyles for more ideas and notes on which are easy to do yourself and which are worth booking.
Nails to match the lights
Holiday nails are where Hoshika's nail art background shines; she has been doing nail art since she was 15. Think deep reds, chrome, glitter fades or hand-painted snowflakes. See holiday nail art ideas, then decide between a Gel-X set or acrylic depending on how long you want them to last.
Plaza-area water
The Plaza is in Kansas City, Missouri, served by KC Water, which lists average hardness at about 100 mg/L (5 to 6 grains per gallon). That's softer than WaterOne in Johnson County. Still, if your blonde or red looks dull heading into photo season, mineral buildup is worth ruling out, and gloss vs. toner explained covers how a gloss brings back shine.
Getting to the studio
From the Plaza area, I-35 south through Johnson County connects to US-69 south. Exit at 135th Street and head west. You can also use I-435 west to US-69 south. The studio is at 12060 W 135th St, Suite 13, inside Willow Salon & Suites. Your maps app will have the best route for traffic.
Why it's worth the drive south
- You're the only client. One chair, one-on-one, no crowded salon floor in peak season.
- Free 15-minute consultation and test strand, ideal if you're thinking about a bigger winter color change.
- Unrushed appointments. Each service is booked with the time it actually takes.
- Hair and nails with the same artist, so a pre-holiday visit can cover both.
Holiday and winter weddings
Planning a winter wedding? Hoshika travels to wedding venues for on-site bridal hair, with travel fees set during planning and a trial first. The bridal page has details.
Popular services this time of year
- Color: toner/gloss, dimensional color, lowlights, all-over color, copper and red tones
- Styling: shampoo and blowout, event hairstyles, updos
- Nails: Gel-X, acrylic, gel manicures, custom art, 3D details, custom press-ons
- Extensions: tape-in, K-tip and sew-in for extra volume
See every price on the services menu. Close by: the Westport page.
Book before your photo date
Work backward from your shoot or party and pick your dates now. Book your appointment, or call or text 913-237-0923.
FAQ
When should I book a gloss before holiday photos?
About one to two weeks before your shoot. That gives the tone time to settle so it looks natural on camera.
Can you do a party hairstyle for a holiday event?
Yes. A Hairstyle (event styling) is $40 and is request to book, so send your event date and inspiration photos when you request it.
How far is the studio from the Plaza?
About 13 miles as the crow flies, a little more by road. The studio is on West 135th Street in south Overland Park.
Do you do holiday nail art?
Yes. Custom nail art is priced by design, and 3D details are a $10 add-on. Gel-X and acrylic sets both work well for detailed designs.