Party season hair is always difficult to nail. Whether you’re trying to maintain a slick-back pony or making messy, tousled curls not look bedraggled – making sure your hair lasts through the evening is the trickiest task of all.
This winter, the looks that are trending aren’t overdone or overly effortless, but simultaneously glam yet laid-back.
We asked two of the industry’s most sought-after hairstylists to break down the four defining hair trends for the festive season – and how to pull them off in real life.
1. Sultry side part
Middle-partings have been trending ever since the sweeping side parts of the 2010s dyed out (pardon the pun).
But recently celebrities from Scarlett Johansson to Zoë Kravitz have been bringing back the side part – not to mention Bella Hadid and the rest of the angels sporting side parts at this year’s Victoria’s Secret fashion show.
Yes it seems bombshell volume is back and the flat, middle-part looks of recent years are out.
But the biggest challenge is keeping it lifted and glossy through the British drizzle.
Global hairstylist Tom Smith, member of the British Beauty Council Hair Committee and co-founder of AEVUM Salon, says the key is preparation.
"The ultimate prep for a deep side parting is a styling powder," he says. "Evo haze is my preferred choice which is sprayed directly into the roots and is invisible to the eye but adds strong hold and control to the hair while retaining volume and a natural-looking finish."
Smith says he likes using this spray for hair that tends to split or part, or on hair that has a tendency to fall flat.
Staving off humidity is also crucial, as celebrity stylist Jason Collier, founder of Studio23, says: "I like to use a small amount of the Oribe anti-humidity spray and lightly mist it along the parting and roots while the hair is still slightly damp – this gives you a humidity shield right where you need it most.
"Once styled, I lock it in with Philip Kingsley’s flexible hold mist," Collier explains. "[Then] your part stays sharp, sculpted and lifted all night."
2. Bedhead texture
Further in reaction to the polished hairstyles of yester-year, bedhead texture and messy waves are a leading trend for this party season.
Seen on the runways from Prada to McQueen – a more messy, lived in look is the way to go for the upcoming party season.
But to make sure you don’t look like you’ve just rolled out of bed, Smith recommends creating shape before adding texture.
"Creating the texture intentionally first, before applying a texture spray is crucial," he says. "[Use] a curling iron to create movement in the hair first before lightly misting a texture spray."
He also suggests using gravity while spraying for an airy lift.
Collier says it’s important to be imperfect with your technique. Starting with a lightweight moisturising cream as your base (so avoid frizz), "go in with a tong only on random sections.
"Alternate the direction of each curl […] then, break everything up with your fingers and finish with [a texture mist]."
3. 1960s hair flick
The retro flick – particularly on bobs and mid-length cuts – is one of the most wearable statement styles this season, sported by the likes of Molly-Mae Hague and Lana Del Rey.
Instead of a rigid bouffant and tight curl, the modern Sixties flick has a soft, buoyant movement at the ends while the roots stay sleek.
"The Sixties flick is iconic, but the modern version is all about a softer curve rather than a rigid flip," says Collier. "Avoid too much volume at the crown […] keep the roots sleek and let the drama happen at the edges."
Smith suggests building volume using a round brush and a hairdryer as opposed to a dedicated tool.
"A small round brush can encourage an outward flick [at the ends]," Smith explains.
4. Bows on ponytails
Like the voluminous Sixties dos, a sky high pony is also trending this season, and the perfect way to accessorise is with a bow.
The likes of Versace have sent hairbows down the runway in ponytails and half-up-half-down dos.
Smith’s advice is to avoid anything timid. "I recommend either a tiny bow or an oversized one – this keeps it high fashion rather than ‘twee’.
"Opt for silk, velvet or glossy and modern looking materials."
And when wearing a bow with a ponytail, Collier says to perfect the updo with a simple hairband first.
"This allows the bow to act as decoration rather than also needed to be functional," he says.
"For a chic, grown-up vibe, I love pairing a velvet or satin bow with a super-sleek low pony.
"For a high ponytail, place the bow slightly above the elastic to elongate the silhouette."
