The best holiday party hairstyles look polished, hold up to hugs and coat collars, and match the vibe of the night. Below are 12 looks, from a five-minute low pony to a full glam wave set. Each one lists the hair it suits, how hard it is to do yourself, and when it makes more sense to book a pro.
How to read this list
Every idea has three quick notes:
- Best for: the length and texture it works on most easily
- DIY difficulty: easy, medium, or hard for someone styling their own hair
- Book it when: the situations where a professional style is worth it
A professional Hairstyle (event styling) is $40 on the current menu (one hour, request to book). Updos for bigger events start at $60. Check /services for the latest prices.
1. Sleek low bun
A glossy, center- or side-parted bun at the nape. It reads expensive with almost any outfit and holds through a long night.
- Best for: Shoulder length and longer; straight, wavy, or smoothed curls
- DIY difficulty: Medium. The bun is easy; the smooth, bump-free top is the hard part.
- Book it when: You want it truly glass-smooth, or your hair has a lot of flyaways or cowlicks.
Tip: smooth with a little cream or gel and a boar-bristle brush, secure with an elastic first, then wrap and pin.
2. Velvet bow half-up
Pull the top section back, secure it, and cover the elastic with a velvet or satin bow. Leave the rest down with soft bends.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, any texture
- DIY difficulty: Easy
- Book it when: You want the lengths curled or waved for a more finished look.
3. Old Hollywood glam waves
Deep, sculpted S-waves brushed out to one side. It is the most dramatic look on this list and pairs well with a strong lip.
- Best for: Collarbone length and longer; holds best on hair that takes a curl
- DIY difficulty: Hard. Getting the waves to line up takes practice and the right brush-out.
- Book it when: It's a dressy event, or you want the waves to last in a warm room.
4. Braided crown
Two braids taken over the top of the head and pinned, or one Dutch braid wrapped all the way around. Pretty, secure, and good for dancing.
- Best for: Shoulder length and longer; layered hair may need extra pins
- DIY difficulty: Medium to hard, mostly because you're braiding behind your own head
- Book it when: You want it neat and even on both sides.
5. Twisted claw-clip updo
Twist the lengths up the back of the head and secure with a clean, glossy claw clip. Pull out a few face-framing pieces.
- Best for: Medium to long hair, especially thick hair that's hard to pin
- DIY difficulty: Easy
- Book it when: Usually never. This is your low-effort win.
6. High sleek ponytail
A tight, glossy pony at the crown with a strand wrapped around the elastic. It feels sharp and modern and lifts the face.
- Best for: Shoulder length and longer; looks fuller with clip-ins or existing extensions
- DIY difficulty: Medium
- Book it when: You want extra volume or a perfectly smooth base.
7. Textured low pony with a ribbon
A softer cousin of the sleek pony. Add texture spray, gather loosely at the nape, and tie a long ribbon around it.
- Best for: Most lengths that reach the nape
- DIY difficulty: Easy
- Book it when: You'd like the lengths waved first.
8. Voluminous blowout
Big, bouncy, round-brush volume with soft ends. It's simple but always looks done.
- Best for: Any length from chin to long; fine hair benefits most from a pro blowout
- DIY difficulty: Medium. See our salon blowout at home guide for the steps.
- Book it when: You want it to last a few days of holiday events. A Shampoo & Blowout is $45 on the current menu.
9. Pinned-back side part
Deep side part with the shorter side swept back and secured with jeweled pins or a barrette. Works on hair down, waved, or straight.
- Best for: Bobs, lobs, and longer hair
- DIY difficulty: Easy
- Book it when: You'd like the rest styled into waves to match.
10. Bubble ponytail
A ponytail sectioned with small elastics every few inches, each section gently pulled out to look puffed. Playful and fun for themed or casual parties.
- Best for: Long hair; extensions make it fuller
- DIY difficulty: Easy to medium
- Book it when: You want it extra full and symmetrical.
11. Soft romantic updo
A loose, textured updo with tendrils around the face. Less formal than a classic chignon and more forgiving if a piece falls.
- Best for: Shoulder length and longer; second-day hair holds it best
- DIY difficulty: Hard
- Book it when: It's a formal party, a holiday wedding, or a gala. Updos start at $60 and are booked on request.
12. Lived-in flat iron waves
Relaxed, beachy bends with straight ends. It's the low-key holiday look that still photographs well.
- Best for: Shoulder length to long, straight to slightly wavy hair
- DIY difficulty: Medium. Our flat iron waves tutorial walks you through it.
- Book it when: You want the waves to hold all night in a crowded room.
Quick comparison
| Style | Best length | DIY difficulty | Good pro option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleek low bun | Shoulder+ | Medium | Hairstyle |
| Velvet bow half-up | Medium-long | Easy | Hairstyle |
| Glam waves | Collarbone+ | Hard | Hairstyle |
| Braided crown | Shoulder+ | Medium-hard | Hairstyle |
| Claw-clip twist | Medium-long | Easy | DIY |
| High sleek pony | Shoulder+ | Medium | Hairstyle |
| Ribbon low pony | Nape length+ | Easy | DIY |
| Volume blowout | Chin+ | Medium | Shampoo & Blowout |
| Pinned side part | Bob+ | Easy | DIY |
| Bubble pony | Long | Easy-medium | DIY |
| Romantic updo | Shoulder+ | Hard | Updo |
| Flat iron waves | Shoulder+ | Medium | Hairstyle |
DIY or book a pro?
DIY makes sense when the party is casual, you've done the style before, and you have time to redo it if it goes sideways. Book a pro when:
- The style is one you've never tried (glam waves and updos especially)
- You need it to last through dinner, dancing, and photos
- You have a full schedule that day and can't afford a do-over
- It's a work event or formal party where you want it to look sharp in photos
Event styles are request-to-book, so send your request early, ideally a few weeks before the party, to get the time you want.
Party-proof prep that helps any style
- Start with dry, prepped hair. Second-day hair or a dusting of dry shampoo gives grip.
- Use heat protectant before curling or flat ironing.
- Set curls before you brush them. Let each curl cool, or pin it, so it holds longer.
- Pack a mini kit: a few bobby pins, a travel hairspray, and a small brush or comb.
- Plan for the coat. A big scarf or high collar flattens low styles, so choose a crown-height look if you'll be outside a lot.
Kansas City winters are cold and dry, and indoor heat adds static. A light smoothing oil on the ends and a hydrating mask the week of the party help any of these looks sit smoother. For more on the season, see our Kansas City hair by season guide.
Want your nails to match? A deep red or a soft metallic pairs with almost every look here. Our holiday nail art ideas has a full list.
Get party-ready in south Overland Park
If you'd rather walk in and walk out ready, I'd love to style you for your holiday party. My private studio is inside Willow Salon & Suites on 135th Street in south Overland Park, and every appointment is one-on-one. Bring a photo of the look and your outfit, and we'll make it work for your hair. Request your event style and tell me the date and time of your party.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest holiday party hairstyle for beginners?
A sleek low ponytail or a claw-clip twist is the most forgiving. Both work on most lengths, take a few minutes, and still look finished with a small accessory.
Can I do a party updo on shoulder-length hair?
Yes, as long as it reaches the nape. A low textured bun, a twisted half-up, or a braided crown can all work with a few extra pins and some texture spray.
Should I wash my hair the day of a party?
For most updos and braids, second-day hair grips better than freshly washed hair. If you need to wash, add dry shampoo or texture spray at the roots so pins and elastics have something to hold.
How long does a professional event hairstyle take?
On the Beauty, Boldly Done menu, a Hairstyle (event styling) is booked as a one-hour appointment. Arrive with clean, dry hair unless you've been told otherwise.
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