It’s that time of year again – time to start planning for the holidays and everything that comes with them. It’s time to decide whose house you’ll be hitting first on Thanksgiving – Grandma’s or Aunt Tillie’s. It’s time to start thinking about what you’ll be getting your impossible-to-shop-for best friend for Christmas. It’s time to decide on the menu for your annual Christmas party.
Most importantly of all, it’s time to start planning your holiday look. First impressions are forever, as are family photos, so it’s important to make sure your style is on point. This is especially the case when it comes to your hair. However, it’s one thing to know that your tresses are due for an update before the holidays are officially upon us. Deciding which looks will be the right fit for the multitude of settings that come with every holiday season is another.
Here we’ll take a closer look at some of the hottest options out there today when it comes to holiday looks. Whether this season will find you meeting your boyfriend’s parents for the first time, hosting your very first Thanksgiving, or taking in a downtown holiday festival on the arm of your dream date, we’ve got you covered.
WHY IS A GOOD HAIRSTYLE SO IMPORTANT ?
When looking to improve their appearance or put together the ideal look for a given occasion, people don’t always remember to consider their hair. They spend months of their time, not to mention hundreds of dollars, looking for the perfect outfit for that party or family get-together. They’re willing to live on lettuce and grapefruit for weeks to make sure their weight is just so.
However, they’ll wear their hair the same old way they always do, missing out on their best opportunity to really knock ‘em dead. But what’s so special about hair, anyway, and why does how you wear yours matter so much? Let us count the ways.
Put Your Best Face Forward
A great hairstyle can flatter your face, bringing out your best features, your unique coloring, the sparkle in your eyes, and your smile. However, an unflattering hairstyle can do the exact opposite. The thing is, we all know a bad hairstyle when we see it on someone else, but it’s a lot harder to evaluate our own choices. Research your unique face shape to determine which styles will help you make the most of it. You can also ask a professional stylist for suggestions.
Let Your Personality Shine Through
Your hairstyle is also the ultimate way to let your unique personality shine through. Are you fun and spontaneous – the life of the party? Try a daring and ultra-chic asymmetrical cut or pixie. Are you the elegant beauty queen in your circle of friends? Some long, sexy layers and perfectly executed highlights could suit you perfectly. Are you the rebel that prefers to stand apart from the crowd? How about a shocking color or an edgy cut that’s just as daring as you are?
Make The Most Of Your Hair Style
If you’re someone that absolutely loathes their natural hair texture, you’re far from alone. It’s common for people with straight hair to wish they had a crown full of curls instead, or for curly-tops to spend hours with a death grip on their flat iron. The right hairstyle can help you learn to love, appreciate, and accentuate the gorgeous natural texture you were born with. Not only will you look to-die-for, but you’ll save yourself a fortune in time, energy, and money as well.
The right hairstyle isn’t just about the right cut and color, either. How you choose to wear your hair and coordinate your choices with your lifestyle, your outfit, your different settings, and so on is equally as important. This is doubly the case when it really counts, as with the holidays.
DINNER WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND’S
PARENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME?
It’s something that strikes terror into the heart of even the coolest, most collected woman – meeting the parents over dinner. Obviously, you want to make a good impression. You want them to see you as classy, but not stuffy – friendly, but not frivolous. However, it can be difficult to determine which looks make that impression. If you’re meeting them over the holidays, then looking just right becomes even more important.
Yes, it’s the holiday season, but don’t assume this means that you have to be dressed to the nines. Instead, aim for put-together and comfortable. Choose a modest but pretty outfit that definitely makes you look like you cared enough to make a good impression, but stops well short of fussy. A nice blouse paired with a skirt and flats or boots is a good idea. Keep your make-up natural. For your hair, try one of these clean, simple styles:
THE “UNDONE” BUN:
An up-do is always a good choice for meeting the parents, but today’s version is more comfortable and casual. Smooth your hair back from your face and secure it at the nape of your neck firmly, but not too tightly. Arrange hair into a secure, but loose chignon or bun. Tease individual pieces of hair to create a “tousled” look for your bun. Be sure to leave some face-framing tendrils free as well.
VOLUMINOUS WAVES:
Prefer to wear your hair down? Try parting your hair just off center and using a medium barrel curling iron to add body and waves to one-inch sections of hair. Finger style for the perfect elegant-casual look.
HALF UP HALF DOWN:
Looking for something somewhere in between? Pull the front half of your hair back and secure at the crown in a high pony, while leaving the rest down. Add a festive hair band or barrette if you like.
HOLIDAY DATE NIGHT WITH
YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Whether you’ve been happily married for years or just started seeing someone new, it goes without saying that date nights are a cause for excitement. And a holiday date night? Well, it only makes sense to seize the opportunity to look extra festive. You want your special someone to look your way and feel instantly lucky to be out on the town with you.
Whether you’re hitting the stadium to catch a sporting event or stepping out for a meal at that brand new five-star restaurant that just opened up across town, holiday date nights are occasions where you want to look extra gorgeous. These options are sure to be perfect for whatever the night may bring your way.
HIGH BUN:
A sleek, smooth bun that sits high up on the head is the quintessential elegant look. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion, goes with any outfit, and looks good on everyone. Keep your bun looking shiny and perfect all night long by stocking your purse with a travel-sized can of hairspray and a few bobby pins to wrangle strays.
ULTRA ELEGANT SIDE CHIGNON:
The asymmetrical look isn’t just for short cuts and edgy bobs, anymore. It’s also all the rage for date night hairstyles. Part your hair on one side and twist your hair into an elegant chignon on the opposite side. Secure at the nape of the neck. Add a pretty hair accessory for an extra festive touch.
SEXY BOHO WAVES:
This sexy, carefree look is the perfect way to show off your beautiful tresses and definitely look like you’re ready to hit the town, without also looking like you spent all day in front of the mirror fussing over your hair. Dry your hair about 80% of the way, braid it, and spritz with a bit of hairspray. Dry it the rest of the way, and unbraid. Instant “cool girl” waves that will have you turning heads all night.
THANKSGIVING DINNER
WITH THE FAMILY
It’s something that strikes terror into the heart of even the coolest, most collected woman – meeting the parents over dinner. Obviously, you want to make a good impression. You want them to see you as classy, but not stuffy – friendly, but not frivolous. However, it can be difficult to determine which looks make that impression. If you’re meeting them over the holidays, then looking just right becomes even more important.
You need a look that’s sleek and put together, but fun at the same time. Something that will impress Mom and Grandma, but still make you look cool in front of your sisters and cousins. Try the following on for size.
WAVY SIDE PONY:
This gorgeous hairstyle is proof positive that ponytails aren’t just for lazy Netflix Sundays with the girls. Brush your hair over to one side and secure with a covered rubber band. Wind one strand of hair around the band to hide it. Style the ponytail into a cascade of gentle waves with a large barrel curling iron.
LONG, SOFT AND WAVY:
Apply volumizing mousse to clean hair and blow it dry. Use electric rollers to create big, beautiful curls and waves. Allow rollers to cool completely before removing, and then brush hair gently while holding your head upside down. Smooth into place and lock in the style with a flexible hold hairspray.
LOVELY AND BRAIDED:
A pretty braid is just perfect for Thanksgiving with the fam. Pull the braid over one shoulder for a contemporary look, or go for a sophisticated French braid if you have the skills. If you’d like to try something different, go for a milkmaid style braid. Pretty, elegant, and effortlessly chic!
SHOULD YOU HIT A SALON
BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS?
If you’re wondering whether or not your hair needs a bit of extra TLC before the holidays officially get here, you’re not alone. This is the time of year that finds many style-conscious women heading to the salon to help transition their beachy summer hair to something richer that looks ready to take on fall. Common requests that you may want to consider include the following:
COLOR UPDATES
Not everyone keeps the same exact hair color all year round. Crisp, bright highlights that look awesome throughout the spring and summer can look out of place once the temperature drops. Fiery reds that were fantastic on the beach may be better off retired in favor of a richer, more subtle russet now that the leaves are starting to turn.
Consider making an appointment with a professional colorist to help you subtly update your color or decide on a new look that’s not too drastic. Professional salons can treat you to benefits like custom blended color and an extensive palette of shades to put even the largest drugstore selection to shame. Plus, with the holidays on the way, you can’t afford to look anything less than flawless. The last thing you want to deal with is a major color snafu right before the family is about to arrive for Thanksgiving dinner!
UPDATED CUTS
Hair looking a little ragged after a long summer of swimming and lazy afternoons spent soaking up the sun? Got a few split ends or limp layers that need to be tended to before holiday photo season begins? You’ve got an excellent reason to hit the salon.
High end professional salons can treat you to clean lines, perfect layers, and superior cuts that will have everyone asking who your stylist is. Holidays are better when your mom spends them bragging about your sense of style, instead of criticizing it.
COLOR CORRECTIONS
Summer is a time when lots of us play with funky new colors and crazy experimental highlights. However, the last thing you want going into the holiday season is a head full of chlorine-corrupted hair or a wonky drug store color that no longer seems like the good idea it seemed like, last month.
Color correction should always be performed by a seasoned professional for best results. A professional colorist can correct even the most hopeless hair mishaps, so never fear.
Once your cut and color are once again on point, you can rest assured that your fabulous holiday hairstyles will look their absolute best. Explore the possibilities today! The holidays await.