We've Got Your Party Season Hair Look Covered

3 Christmas Party Hairstyles That Will Impress Without Fail

The choppy bob trend has not reached the Space NK office yet, so we’ve focused on the best party hairstyles for long hair, including before and after photos as well as plenty of hair tips from Val. Space NK’s social media assistant Lauren opted for high-octane glamour with the super glam party hairstyle, while our affiliate and partnerships manager Kirsten chose the Bella Hadid knotted bun, and our affiliate marketing assistant Sophie went for the quick and easy party hairstyle.

How to choose the best party hairstyle for you

Before you choose your party hairstyle, hairstylist Val as one top tip: “Work with what you’re wearing,” she says. “If your outfit has sequins, I recommend putting your hair up as it will get caught and tangled and drive you mad.” Those wearing silk or satin have the luxury of choosing between an updo or wearing your hair down.

While you decide what you’re wearing, here are step-by-step guides for three easy hair styles to take you from desk to dancefloor…

The Bella Hadid knotted bun

• The look: An effortlessly cool, low-key bun

• Suitable for: medium to long hair

• Difficulty rating: 2 out 5

• Time required: 10 minutes

Step 1

Rather than one big ponytail, split your hair loosely into three horizontal sections as this makes it easier to achieve a long-lasting and comfortable tightness. Tie the bottom section with a hairband and clip the top out of the way, so you don’t pull either when you’re tying the middle bit.

Step 2

Spritz the middle section with hairspray, staying close to your roots. “I use hairspray as it’s more versatile and you can brush it out if you’re not happy, but if you’ve tried the knotted bun style before you can use gel to achieve a super high shine, wet look,” says Val. Taking a hairbrush and keeping your head straight on rather than dipping forward, brush the middle section into a ponytail and fasten. “Stay in line with your cheekbones so you get that snatched finish,” adds Val. See the photo below for more of a visual cue.

Step 3

Bring the lower section of your hair up into a ponytail and fasten on top, so you have a ponytail on top of a ponytail. “Don’t worry about the splits on your hair where you can see your scalp as you can brush those out at the end, or use a Color Wow Root Touch Up to fill them in,” says Val.

Step 4

Now it’s time to turn your attention to the top section. Choose whether you want a centre or side parting. “To create a more voluminous look, you can comb the hair up at the front,” suggest Val. Then bring this section in to join the ponytail.

Step 5

To create the knotted bun, split your ponytail in two and tie a knot. Put a pin or kirby grip into the middle of the knot the fasten, before knotting the two tails and pinning underneath.

Step 6

For the finishing touch, you could tong the front section if you have shorter layers or leave them straight for a 90s finish.

Get the look

The super glam party hairstyle

• The look: Sleek, Bond girl waves

• Suitable for: all hair types

• Difficulty rating: 4 out 5

• Time required: 30 to 45 minutes, depending on hair thickness and length

Step 1

Brush your hair through to get rid of any knots and part your hair. “This is a look that works best with a side parting for that sexy Bond Girl finish,” adds Val.

Step 2

Taking medium-size sections, tong your hair from root to tip. “The sections should be two inches or so wide,” says Val. In terms of equipment, a small curling tong works best – “I recommend using a 19mm tong and curling your sections in the same direction for a smooth finish,” Val adds. Make sure you mist each section with hairspray to help hold the curl. “This will provide heat protection too!” says Val.

“A lot of people start underneath at the back, so by the time they’ve reached the front they’re too tired and can’t be bothered,” says Val. “So, I always recommend starting at the front with the sections that people will see.”

Step 3

Once you’ve curled your hair, brush it through to loosen the curls and create that smooth wave. “To achieve that sleek finish, use Hair by Sam McKnight Dressed to Kill Defrizz Crème, £26.00 through your ends to depuff and de-frizz your hair,” directs Val.

Get the look

The quick and easy party hairstyle

• The look: A speedy yet elegant half-up, half-down hairstyle

• Suitable for: all hair types and requires an accessory

• Difficulty rating: 1 out of 5 (depending on whether you curl or not)

• Time required: 5 minutes (if you stick with your hair’s natural texture)

Step 1

Depending on your natural hair texture, you can skip this part and scroll to step 2. If you want to tame your hair or add in a wave, reach for your curling tongs or straighteners. “For a relaxed, tousled finish, curl your hair in different directions,” says Val. “Again, spritz each section with hairspray before tonging or straightening to help your hairstyle last and give your hair some heat protection.”

Step 2

Now it’s time to add your hair accessory in – whether it’s a headband or clip. Depending on the neckline of your dress, you might want to use your hair accessory to fix your hair to the side or at the back. “If your hair is prone to fluffiness or frizz, I recommend fasten it lower down in a low ponytail to keep it more compact,” suggests Val. “At the moment, we’re getting a lot of requests for low clips either side – it’s elegant and super quick.”

Step 3

Whether you’ve curled your hair or stuck with your natural texture, make sure you use a finishing product to smooth the ends – “It will ensure your party hairstyle looks polished,” says Val.

Get the look

Our favourite hair products for easy party hairstyles

The products you use will depend on your hair type and the party hairstyle you’re opting for, but there are a handful of staples that everyone should have in their arsenal.

• Heat protection: If you’re using any heated stylers, you definitely need a good heat protection spray. Not only will it make straightening or curling your hair easier, but it will also prevent dryness and frizz.

• Hairspray: Even if your Christmas party hair look is simple and only takes two minutes to do, the best hairspray will help it last all night without feeling stiff or crispy, or flaking.

• Hair serum: Smooth frizz and disguise dry, split ends with a lightweight, nourishing hair serum. Most formulas will also help make your hair look shiny too.

• Dry shampoo: Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to wash your hair before you go out and thankfully there are plenty of good dry shampoos that will give it a refresh in seconds. We love that dry shampoo can also help give our hair a boost of volume and texture as well.

For specific product suggestions, read our roundup of the best party hair products.

How to make your Christmas party hairstyle last

This is the hair hack we all want to know before we step out the front door. Val recommends using a super fine hairspray that will help fix your hairstyle in place for the night. “If you have thick hair and you’re wearing it down, keep it tucked into your coat to keep it compact,” Val says. “However, those with a finer texture should let their hair loose to avoid squashing it with their coat on route to the party.”

If you’re hoping to make your party blow-dry or waves last a couple of days, consider tying it in a loose braid overnight or investing in a silk wrap or silk pillowcase. “Make sure you wear a shower cap in the bath or shower when you’re getting ready if you’ve already done your day,” says Val. “The steam can play havoc with your hair and loosen waves and cause frizz.”

Final thoughts on easy party hairstyles

When it comes you choosing between various Christmas party hairstyles, the most important factor to keep in mind is which look will make you feel the most comfortable, confident and happiest. Keep in mind Val’s advice about wearing your hair up if your outfit includes sequins.