Quick answer: the easiest Christmas party hairstyles are a sleek high ponytail, a bouncy blow-dry, a soft low bun, loose waves, defined curls, a glossy slicked-back look for short hair, and glass-straight hair. The secret to making any of them last all night is preparation: heat protection before styling, texture at the roots for grip, and a flexible hairspray to finish.
Party season means back-to-back plans and not much time to get ready. These looks all work at home, take 10 to 30 minutes, and hold up from the office party to the last dance.
Before you start: prep for hair that lasts
- Second-day hair holds better. Freshly washed hair is slippery. If you've just washed it, add grip with Texture Volumizing Powder at the roots, or a little Bodifying Dry Shampoo.
- Always protect from heat. Spray Heat Protection Shield before blow-drying, straightening or curling. See our heat protectant guide.
- Finish with a flexible hold. Medium Hold Ecospray holds styles with touchable movement; Strong Hold Ecospray keeps updos in place against wind and humidity. Both are gas-free.
1. The sleek high ponytail (medium and long hair)
- Blow-dry smooth, then straighten if you want a glassy finish.
- Brush hair back and secure a high ponytail. Wrap a small section around the band and pin it underneath.
- Smooth flyaways and baby hairs with a little Elastic Moulding Wax.
- Finish with a drop of Liquid Crystals through the lengths for shine.
2. The bouncy blow-dry (all lengths)
- Apply Volume Up Root Lotion to damp roots, then heat protection through the lengths.
- Rough-dry to 80%, then dry in sections with a large round brush, rolling each section under.
- Pin each section in a loose roll while it cools to set the bounce, then release and shake out.
- Mist with Medium Hold Ecospray.
More in how to get fluffy, bouncy hair.
3. The soft low bun (medium and long hair)
- Add Texture Volumizing Powder at the roots for grip and volume.
- Gather hair at the nape, twist and coil it into a loose bun, and pin.
- Pull out a few face-framing strands and loosen the top slightly for a relaxed finish.
- Set with Strong Hold Ecospray.
4. Loose waves (medium and long hair)
- Prep with heat protection, then curl 2 to 3 cm sections with a wand or straightener, alternating directions.
- Leave the ends out of the curl for a modern, undone look.
- Let the waves cool completely, then rake through with your fingers.
- For beachier texture, mist with Texturizing Sea Salt Spray; for gloss, smooth on Liquid Crystals. See texture spray: how to use it.
5. Defined party curls (curly and coily hair)
- On wet hair, apply Curls Defining Hair Cream in sections and scrunch.
- Diffuse or air-dry without touching.
- Once dry, scrunch out any crunch and lift the roots with your fingers.
- Pin one side back with a statement clip for an instant party look.
Read how to use curl cream for the full method.
6. Glossy slicked-back short hair (short hair and crops)
- Work Elastic Moulding Wax through towel-dried hair for shine, or Mattifying Pomade through dry hair for a matte finish.
- Comb back or to the side for a sharp, polished look, or tuck behind the ears for a sleek bob.
See how to slick back your hair and pomade vs clay vs wax vs paste.
7. Glass hair (all lengths)
- Blow-dry smooth with a paddle or round brush, after heat protection.
- Straighten in thin sections, slowly.
- Finish with Liquid Crystals (HAIR Awards 2022 Best Serum) for mirror shine.
Full guide: how to get glass hair.
The morning after
Brush out hairspray gently, revive roots with dry shampoo, and give your hair a mask at the weekend. Heat styling every night adds up; read how to treat dry, damaged hair.
Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest party hairstyle for short hair?
A slicked-back or tucked look with wax or pomade takes five minutes and looks deliberate.
How do I make my hair stay curled all night?
Start with second-day hair or texture powder, let curls cool completely before touching them, and finish with a strong, flexible hairspray.
How do I stop flyaways in a sleek style?
Smooth them with a little wax on a clean toothbrush or your fingertips, then a light mist of hairspray.
Is it bad to use heat every night over Christmas?
It's fine with heat protection and a weekly mask, but give your hair a heat-free day when you can.
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About the author
Charlotte Read has spent six years in the hair industry with Insight Professional and holds a First Class BSc in Business Management and Marketing. She writes with reference to real salons across social media and the wider Insight community, and draws on the Insight office team, who between them bring over 100 years of combined experience on salon floors.
Where technical expertise is needed, Charlotte consults Lorraine Matic, Head of Insight UK Education, who brings over 38 years of global experience in colour, technique and hair science.