The New Year is a time to refresh your style and make an impression at every celebration. But which hairstyle will capture that festive, modern vibe? Whether you have long hair, short hair, or anything in between, there’s a look for every hair type and occasion. We’ll explore cute and easy styles that you can achieve with the right tips and products. Read on to find the perfect hairstyles for parties, from glamorous Hollywood waves to playful braids and buns.
Sleek Low Ponytail with Statement Accessories
A sleek low ponytail is the epitome of elegance, with a polished finish that’s ideal for formal New Year parties. This style works well for straight hair as well as wavy textures, creating a smooth look that draws attention to the face. Perfect for those with medium hair to long hair, this ponytail sits just above the nape and is enhanced with a single, bold accessory—such as a metallic or jeweled barrette. This style is best for oval and heart-shaped faces as it creates a natural lift.
To keep your low ponytail looking sleek, use a smoothing serum like Moroccanoil Smoothing Serum before styling and finish with L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray for all-night hold. A quick touch-up with a flat iron will keep the look flawless.
Glamorous Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves bring a dose of retro glam to any event. This hairstyle is ideal for long hair or shoulder-length hair, creating deep, voluminous curls that cascade beautifully down the shoulders. This look is especially fitting for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces, as it adds soft angles and highlights facial features. Pair these waves with subtle earrings for a chic, refined finish.
To achieve the perfect waves, use a curling iron with a wide barrel, and apply Kenra Platinum Hot Spray to protect your hair. For shine, add Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil before using Ouai Wave Spray to define curls.
Voluminous High Bun with Loose Strands
This high bun combines volume with a relaxed, undone finish, making it a stunning choice for New Year’s Eve. Positioned atop the crown, this bun is secured loosely to let a few strands fall naturally around the face, adding a soft frame. This look is perfect for medium hair or long hair and suits round or heart-shaped faces well, as it creates height and balance.
For hold and volume, use Big Sexy Hair Powder Play at the roots before styling and secure with IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo to maintain volume. Finish with Oribe Superfine Hairspray for added hold and shine.
Braided Crown with Subtle Sparkle
The braided crown is an enchanting look that wraps around the head, providing a halo-like effect. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and looks particularly stunning on curly hair or wavy hair. It’s a great choice for any face shape and ideal for Lunar New Year or other festive celebrations. Add small sparkling clips or pins to the braid for an elegant touch.
To style, use Kristin Ess Working Texture Spray to give the hair grip and hold. Secure with Invisibobble Original Traceless Hair Ring and finish with Verb Volume Dry Texture Spray to maintain the braid’s texture.
Half-Up Twisted Knot with Loose Waves
This half-up, half-down twisted knot adds a romantic touch to New Year celebrations. Best suited for medium-length hair or long hair, it combines a small, twisted knot at the crown with loose waves cascading down. This style flatters all face shapes, bringing an effortless look that’s both polished and easy.
Prep with Ouai Wave Spray for natural waves, and use IGK Mistress Hydrating Balm for a touch of shine and frizz control. Secure the knot with a hidden Kitsch Mini Hair Clip and add a few Bobby pins for stability.
Messy Top Knot with Face-Framing Pieces
The messy top knot is the ultimate easy updo, blending casual style with New Year elegance. Positioned at the crown, this knot features loose, face-framing strands to soften the look. It’s a great choice for short hair curly or medium-length hair and suits all face shapes, especially adding height to round faces. A delicate headband or thin clips can add a subtle festive detail.
To achieve this look, start with R+Co Trophy Shine + Texture Spray to create volume and texture, then secure the knot with Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Ties. Finish with a spritz of Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray for hold and lift.
Low Chignon with Pearl Accents
The low chignon is a timeless and sophisticated choice for a New Year’s celebration. This style is best suited for medium hair to long hair, especially if you’re aiming for an elegant and simple look. A low chignon flatters square and oval faces and gives an effortlessly chic appearance when accented with pearls.
To achieve this look, use Aveda Smooth Infusion Perfect Blow Dry to tame flyaways and provide a sleek base. Secure with Drybar Hold Me Hair Clips and finish with TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray for long-lasting hold.
Slicked-Back Bob with High Shine Finish
A slicked-back bob with a high-shine finish is the perfect style for anyone looking to make a bold, sophisticated statement this New Year. This style works exceptionally well for short hair and is suitable for all face shapes, providing a sleek and polished silhouette. The hair is slicked back, away from the face, with a wet-look finish that adds a touch of drama and modern flair. This look is ideal for anyone with straight hair, as it enhances the texture and keeps every strand in place.
For a glassy, high-shine effect, use Oribe Gel Sérum Radiance and Shine Gel before combing the hair back, and finish with Ouai Hair Oil for added gloss. Seal the look with L’Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray to maintain the slicked-back style all evening.
Retro Finger Waves on Short Hair
Retro finger waves bring classic elegance with a touch of vintage flair, making them an iconic choice for New Year celebrations. This look is best suited for short hair and especially enhances curly hair or wavy hair textures. The waves create a smooth, sculpted pattern across the head, adding structure and charm. This style complements round and oval faces by adding soft angles and works perfectly for formal events.
To create defined finger waves, use TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Gel to mold the waves, and finish with Kenra Volume Spray 25 for hold. Add Batiste Brilliant Blonde Dry Shampoo for extra texture if needed, and secure with bobby pins for shape.
Side-Swept Curls with Floral Pins
Side-swept curls with floral pins offer a soft, romantic look, ideal for medium to long hair. This style brings volume and movement, with the curls cascading over one shoulder. Floral pins, placed subtly along the swept-back side, add a touch of New Year elegance, making it perfect for parties or a Lunar New Year gathering. It complements heart and square faces well by drawing attention to the jawline and cheekbones.
Prep the curls with Amika Curl Corps Enhancing Gel for definition, and finish with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray for a light, airy hold. Place floral pins near the ear for a delicate accent.
High Ponytail with Braided Wrap
A high ponytail with a braided wrap is a stylish choice that combines simplicity with a hint of edge. This look is especially great for long hair but can work well with medium hair using extensions. The ponytail sits high on the crown, and a small section of hair is braided and wrapped around the base to conceal the hair tie, adding a polished finish. This style complements oval and square face shapes, creating height and balance.
For a sleek finish, use Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield to tame flyaways, and secure with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray. Add volume to the ponytail with OUAI Volumizing Spray for extra lift and movement.
Textured Lob with Loose, Tousled Waves
A textured lob with loose, tousled waves is effortlessly chic and suits almost any New Year celebration. This style is ideal for medium-length hair, with soft waves adding dimension and movement. A lob, or long bob, is universally flattering, working especially well for oval, round, and square faces. This look is perfect for anyone wanting a casual yet refined look that works well in both day and night settings.
For texture, apply IGK Beach Club Texture Spray to create soft waves, and add Briogeo Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray to keep hair smooth. For hold, finish with Verb Ghost Hairspray to maintain the look throughout the evening.
Bubble Ponytail with Rhinestone Clips
The bubble ponytail is a playful, modern style that’s sure to turn heads. This hairstyle is best suited for long hair, with multiple sections tied to create a “bubble” effect along the length of the ponytail. Rhinestone clips placed at the base of each bubble add sparkle, making it a fun choice for New Year celebrations. This style complements oval and heart-shaped faces by adding structure and visual interest.
To achieve this look, start with Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray for texture, and secure each bubble with clear elastics. Add Amika Glass Action Universal Elixir to smooth and add shine to each section. Place rhinestone clips at each bubble for a festive touch.
Sleek Straight Hair with Middle Part
A sleek straight hairstyle with a middle part is the ultimate minimalist look, perfect for any formal New Year celebration or parties. This style works best with long hair or medium hair and enhances straight hair textures, creating a polished and symmetrical look. The middle part adds a touch of elegance and balance, especially flattering for those with oval and heart-shaped faces. This style pairs beautifully with a bold lip or statement earrings for an effortlessly chic finish.
For maximum smoothness, apply Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Serum to control flyaways and add shine. Finish with GHD Platinum+ Hair Straightener to achieve a sleek, glassy finish and spritz IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray for heat protection and all-night hold.
Soft Waves with Glitter Roots
Soft waves with glitter roots bring a festive, playful vibe that’s perfect for New Year’s Eve. This style is ideal for medium to long hair, creating soft, flowing waves from the mid-lengths to the ends, while the roots are dusted with fine glitter for a touch of sparkle. The look works well for both straight and wavy hair and flatters all face shapes. Perfect for parties hair ideas, this hairstyle captures the spirit of celebration effortlessly.
To create the look, start with Ouai Wave Spray to build texture, and use Kristin Ess Hair Glitter Spray at the roots for sparkle. For soft waves, curl with a T3 Curling Iron and finish with Amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray to hold the waves without stiffness.
Classic French Twist with Modern Finish
The classic French twist is reimagined with a modern touch, giving it a fresh and chic update for New Year’s events. This style suits medium-length hair and long hair, sweeping the hair up into a sleek twist at the back, with some texture added for a more relaxed finish. This hairstyle is perfect for oval and round face shapes, enhancing the neck and jawline.
To achieve the modern twist, use L’Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse for lift, and secure with Invisibobble Hair Clips for a discreet hold. Add Oribe Superfine Hair Spray to keep the style in place and finish with a light mist of Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray for added texture.
Short Textured Pixie with Volume
A short textured pixie with volume offers an edgy, stylish look for anyone embracing short hair this New Year. With choppy layers and added volume at the crown, this pixie cut is easy to style and maintain, making it a fantastic choice for busy partygoers. This style is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces and works well with curly hair or straight hair textures.
To add volume, apply Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray at the roots and work through with Garnier Fructis Style Mess Maker Texturizing Spray. Finish with a touch of Redken Rewind Styling Paste to define individual pieces for a bold look.
Long Hair with Soft Glam Waves
For a luxurious yet timeless look, long hair with soft glam waves is a beautiful choice for New Year’s Eve. This style features voluminous, cascading waves that add a touch of Hollywood glamour, ideal for long hair and flattering for all face shapes. This hairstyle is especially versatile and can be dressed up with sparkling pins for added elegance, making it perfect for parties or formal gatherings.
To achieve these waves, use T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers for defined curls and finish with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray for hold and shine. A drop of Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil will add extra gloss for that perfect, soft glam effect.
Space Buns with Metallic Hair Rings
Fun and playful, space buns with metallic hair rings add a modern edge to any New Year’s celebration. This style is ideal for medium hair or long hair, with two buns positioned high on each side of the head. Metallic hair rings or small accessories can be placed within the buns for a festive, standout finish. This style is especially suited for heart and oval face shapes, as it adds symmetry and draws attention to the eyes.
To create the look, start with IGK Beach Club Volume Texture Spray for grip, and secure each bun with Scunci No-Slip Grip Hair Elastics. Add Metallic Hair Rings by Kitsch for extra shine and finish with Amika Fluxus Touchable Hairspray.
Curly Updo with Statement Clips
A curly updo with statement clips is a bold, elegant choice for the New Year, perfect for anyone with curly hair or wavy textures. This updo gathers the curls at the crown, creating volume and a playful silhouette, while allowing a few curls to frame the face. Statement clips, such as jeweled or metallic pieces, are placed on one side or near the back to add a sparkling finish. This look is suitable for all face shapes and makes a fantastic choice for formal gatherings and parties.
To keep curls defined and frizz-free, apply DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler before styling, and secure the updo with Scunci No Damage Hair Pins. Finish with Ouidad Finishing Mist Setting and Holding Spray to hold the style without crunchiness.
Side Braids into Low Ponytail
Side braids that feed into a low ponytail bring a blend of bohemian charm and modern flair, making it an ideal style for any New Year’s event. This look works well on medium to long hair and is particularly flattering on oval and square face shapes. Small, tight braids start from each side, framing the face and meeting at the back in a smooth, low ponytail. Adding a metallic or jeweled tie at the base enhances the festive feel, making this hairstyle both unique and easy.
For texture and hold, use OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray before braiding, and secure with Invisibobble Waver Clips. Finish with Verb Strong Hairspray to keep the braids and ponytail in place all evening.
Half-Up Bun with Mini Braids
The half-up bun with mini braids is a playful yet sophisticated look, ideal for New Year’s celebrations that call for a laid-back yet polished vibe. This style suits medium-length hair or long hair, gathering the top half into a bun at the crown while mini braids are incorporated into the loose bottom layers. This look complements all face shapes, adding texture and dimension, especially when accessorized with a small clip or pin in the bun.
To style, use Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray for grip, and create small braids on each side before pulling the top section into a bun. Secure with Kitsch Mini Bobby Pins and finish with TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Shine Hairspray for a light hold with added shine.
Loose Waves with Sparkling Hair Accessories
Loose waves with sparkling hair accessories bring soft glamour and an understated elegance to any New Year celebration. Ideal for long hair or medium-length hair, this style creates effortless, flowing waves that frame the face beautifully. A few sparkling accessories, such as clips or hairpins placed along the sides, add a festive touch that elevates the look. This hairstyle flatters all face shapes and is particularly perfect for evening events and parties.
To create loose waves, use T3 SinglePass Curling Iron for gentle curls, and apply Bumble and Bumble Bb. Texture Hair (Un)Dressing Creme to keep the waves defined and soft. Add a few Scunci Sparkling Rhinestone Clips on one side for a subtle sparkle, and finish with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to hold the waves in place.
From glamorous waves to elegant chignons, these 25 New Year hairstyles offer a variety of looks to suit every face shape, hair type, and celebration. With each style, you’ll be ready to step into 2024 with confidence. Have a favorite? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to try one of these chic styles at your next Lunar New Year or Khmer party!
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