The 3 Hottest Holiday Hairstyles and How to Achieve Them
A legendary hairstylist helps us get standout party styles at home.
The invites come rolling in — and while you’re excited to be back out painting the town red this holiday season after a Covid hiatus, you’re back to the yearly dilemma of pulling yourself together and looking presentable.
We often spend so much time picking out what we’re going to wear, that when it comes time to styling our hair, we leave it to the very last min — often tossing it up in a pony, giving it a spritz, and rushing out the door. Ammiright? But you’re in luck, because ponies are in this holiday season — but with a twist.
RELATED: 8 Best Beauty and Hair Products That’ll Level Up Your Holiday Looks
We also pinpointed two other party-perfect styles that are so simple, anyone can do them. You can take it from me, I can’t even manage to maneuver a curling iron!
Remember, your hair is one of your best accessories and often the first thing people notice when you enter a room. So, don’t leave it to an afterthought — plan ahead and sport a style that’ll really standout.
1.Bardot Bouffant
Nothing screams “I’m ready to party!” than a sky-high Bridget Bardot-esque bouffant. The ’60s inspired style is all-the-rage thanks to hit shows based in that era like Showtime’s George and Tammy. “This look is all about keeping your hair’s natural texture and adding volume,” explains legendary hairstylist Frederic Fekkai.
Here’s how to get that #BigHairEnergy:
- Using a root lift spray will add that lift and extra body you need for this look. On damp hair, spray the FEKKAI Root Lift at the roots and rub it into the scalp before blow drying.
- After hair is dry, divide hair in half and spray a dry texturizing spray like Oribe or JVN Embody Volumizing Foam throughout to give your hair fluffiness, movement, and texture.
- Then with a teasing brush, backcomb the top section of hair and lightly spray with hairspray to lock in the volume.
- Once hair is fully teased, use a boar bristle brush and lightly brush the hair backward to smooth out the top layer.
- Gather the top portion of your hair to create the bouffant, secure with pins. Leave some strands out to frame the face.
2. Bubble Ponies
Bubble ponies are virtually effortless, but look super chic! I recently rocked one for an Access Daily appearance.
It’s a great way to show off a high-neck or embellished top. It’s also an easy way to highlight the bone structure of your face, or keep hair off of your face in case you plan on dancing the night away and getting sweaty! “It’s effortless if you have limited time between [your] workday and holiday events,” Fekkai shares.
Here’s Fekkai’s step-by-step on how to get this look:
- Gather hair into a ponytail, either high or low, whichever you prefer!
- Brush out any tangles and spritz a texturizing spray to thicken your pony, adding soft texture and body without making hair stiff.
- Depending on your hair length, place elastics 2-4 inches apart along the length of your ponytail. You can use rhinestone pony tail holders if you want to add a little extra pizzaz!
- Create bubbles by pinching the side to expand the shape, repeat this step until you reach the end of your ponytail.
- To complete the look, give your whole head a light spritz of hairspray to secure the style and tame flyaways.
3. Slicked-Back Chignon
Here’s a classically understated style that doesn’t get nearly enough cred. “This sleek, simple style is incredibly elegant,” states Fekkai. “I love this smooth updo because it can be dressed up or down and still look glam.”
With this style, you can make it super neat, or pull some pieces out around the face to give it a bit of a messier look. Here’s how to achieve this look:
- The key elements to this look are shine and smoothness. Prep your hair with smoothing products, starting with the FEKKAI Prime Mist. Spray evenly on damp hair and comb through to hydrate and smooth away flyaways.
- Add a few drops of the FEKKAI Brilliant Gloss Glass Hair Anti-Frizz Oil Serum to really smooth down those flyaways, add extra shine and protect the hair from artificial heat up to 450º.
- Then using the FEKKAI Straight Balm to create that liquid glass hair look, apply it from roots to end before blow dry.
- Next, pull your hair into a ponytail. Generously add texturizing spray to your pony to build volume and texture.
- Twist your ponytail in counter-clockwise direction, securing with pins.
- Finish with hairspray all over. You can add a decorative barrette or bow for some holiday flair.
