Party season hair ideas to elevate your festive look
Party season is here and it's time to get glam.
That means glitzy outfits, elegant make-up and, of course, fabulous hair. What's trending in the hair world this festive season?
"There's a couple of different things going on. You've got the big, whooshy hair, the big 70s blowouts, and then you've got the other side which is very sleek and quite controlled," says Paul Edmonds.
"There'll be loads of ponytails as normal, and even up-do's will be kind of casual, because people want it to look effortless, like themselves but on a good good day. The main thing is that the hair looks glossy, shiny, and in good condition."
Christmas and New Year's Eve parties are the perfect excuse to try something new and exciting with your hair, whether you're doing it at home or with the help of our stylists in the salon.
"For parties, everyone wants to look the best they've ever looked so people go all-out," says artistic director Zoe Rodgers.
"And people often want the opposite to what they've actually got - If they've got straight hair they want it wavy and if they've got wavy hair they want it straight."
It's important to factor in your outfit too, Zoe adds: "If you're wearing a glamorous dress then you've got to have glamorous hair to go with it."
To help you look and feel fantastic this party season, here the team explain how to creatve four chic and trendy styles to suit all different hair types and lengths…
1. Seventies blowout
Give your festive look some va-va-voom with a voluminous 1970s-inspired blowout.
Zoe explains how to get the look:
- Shampoo and condition your hair with Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Magnificent Volume. This is going to make the hair feel voluminous but weightless.
- Towel dry the hair then apply Shu Uemura Essence Absolue for heat protection.
- Spray Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray through the roots only. Through the rest of the hair apply a generous amount of Shu Uemura Awa Volume - with this mousse more is more!
- Rough dry the hair until it's damp then blow-dry it in sections with a large bristle brush, lifting at the root to create volume. Blow dry the hair the opposite to the way you want it to fall just at the roots and then go in with medium velcro rollers.
- Once all rollers are in, spray Shu Uemura Kumo Hold hairspray. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Take the rollers out gently, trying not to pull out the volume you've created. Gently brush to the desired look.
2. Soft waves
Perfectly waved hair never goes out of style. Use curling tongs to create this party-perfect 'do.
Zoe explains how to get the look:
- Start by washing your hair with Shu Uemura Silk Bloom shampoo and conditioner, which provide a high-shine finish, then towel dry to take out excess moisture.
- Once you have combed through your damp hair, apply Davines This is a Blow Dry Primer evenly through the roots, mid-lengths and ends, then rough dry until the hair is 90% dry. At this point you can use a paddle brush or round brush to smooth the hair and create a middle parting.
- To create the soft waves you'll need a medium sized barrel on your hair tongs. Take a section no bigger than the width of your tong and start with the bottom layers first. Wrap the hair away from your face, root to end, around the barrel with even spacing between each wrap, holding for three to five seconds max. Moving onto the left section of your hair, making sure to wrap in the opposite direction. Doing this technique creates a more flattering finish.
- Repeat until whole head is curled then brush through using a wide tooth comb going down and smooth through Shu Uemura Netsu Design styling cream to finish.
3. Party ponytail
The ideal accompaniment for a glittery LBD, the slicked-back party ponytail is a festive hair favourite.
Zoe explains how to get the look:
- I recommend starting with your hair two days after washing - the less fresh the hair the easier it is to style. Flip your head over, combing your hair to the desired placement and smoothing out any bumps using a comb or paddle brush.
- Apply your gel on the back, sides and front and then comb the hair again to form a ponytail. Once smooth tie into a ponytail.
- To have a more elegant finish, wrap a small section around to cover hair band.
- Mist with Kérastase Styling Laque Couture Hairspray. For an optional extra-glam finish apply a light spritz of Kevin Murphy Shimmer.Shine spray.
4. Wet look bob
Give your bob a sleek and sexy makeover a la Rihanna with the uber-glossy wet-hair look.
Zoe explains how to get the look:
- To create the ideal wet-look base, wet the hair using a spray bottle as this allows for easier distribution of the product and allows you to mould the shape with ease.
- Taking it in sections from the nape up, go in with a mousse directly into the root and comb through. Continue in sections moving up and forward to the front, overlaying each section.
- Comb into a parting or wave and cover with a net as this helps it to set and dry. Finish with a spritz of hairspray.
Party on
The festive season is all about getting dolled up for special occasions and having fabulous hair to match, whether it's long, short or somewhere in between.
With a bit of practice and the right products you can create your party-perfect look at home, or head into the salon and our expert will create your dream look.
Going to a fancy festive party? Book a blowout or hair-up appointment at Paul Edmonds London.
