Let’s be real: The holidays are chaotic. There are always a million things going on, and sometimes (read: always) it’s hard to take time for yourself. But if you can gift yourself a few minutes to create a quick hairstyle, it’s sure to boost your confidence.
Stylist Devin Toth at Salon SCK gave us six holiday party hairstyles for different hair types. These styles are truly low-maintenance, so you don’t have to be a stylist yourself to do them—or spend time you don’t have getting ready.
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1. Natural Hair
To get a natural hairstyle that’s quick yet gorgeous, go for playful braided pigtail buns, Toth says. “Create a center part and tightly pull your hair into two high ponytails located at the outer left and right edges of your crown,” Toth explains. After tying each ponytail with an elastic, braid them and secure the ends with another elastic, then simply twist each braid into a bun and secure with bobby pins.
2. Long, Straight Hair
In partnership with Garnier
Long hair can seem impossible to manage, but we found a sophisticated, quick style that totally works—and no, it isn’t just “go get a blowout.” Start by creating a super-deep, clean side part, then spray the part with a strong-hold hairspray, like Garnier Fructis Style Sleek and Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray ($2.99, amazon.com) to keep it in place. Then, on the side with less hair, brush hair back into a tight ponytail and secure at the nape of your neck, hidden underneath the length of the rest of your hair.
“This is a fun, dramatic look that will last all evening,” Toth says. To ensure hair is soft and fresh (key for nailing this look), spray with Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Dry Shampoo ($4.99, amazon.com), which absorbs oil immediately and doesn’t leave white residue.
3. Wavy, Textured Hair
Put down that straightening iron—textured hair should be shown off. But it also needs to be reined in just a little, which makes the classic half-up, half-down style perfect. Toth recommends putting a new spin on this classic by braiding the small, front pieces of hair. “Once both sides meet at the back of the crown, twist them together, then secure the twist to your hair with some bobby pins,” Toth explains.
4. Shoulder-Length Hair
Go old Hollywood with some stunning S waves. Bear with us: This may sound difficult, but it’s a lot easier than you’d think, especially for this length. Start with a deep side part and spray into place, then curl one-inch sections using a small curling iron. After, brush through using a boar-bristle brush until hair falls into a S shape. “It’s the easiest style to recreate,” Toth says.
5. Curly Hair
When you’re in a rush, there’s no need to waste time trying to get your curls in shape. Instead, embrace an undone texture with a messy updo. Toth recommends using your fingers to gather hair into a bun on the crown of your head. Keep the whole thing loose and free by securing with bobby pins instead of an elastic. To spice it up for the holidays, add a pretty hairpin to the side of the bun—we love Ban.do’s Sun Up hair pin ($70, bando.com).
6. Pixie Cut
Even though the holidays are packed with glitter and dazzle, sometimes the simpler the look, the better. “A short pixie cut looks extra festive with an understated headband,” says Toth. Give your pixie a little shape using Shu Uemura Shape Paste ($26.76, amazon.com). Then, slide on a solid, silk headband like this L. Erickson silk scarf headband ($38, nordstrom.com) for a look that’s classic and elegant—and takes three minutes to put together.
[“Source-greatist”]