As the festive season approaches, clients are looking for stand-out styles that will carry them from holiday dinners to New Year’s parties with effortless glamour. This year’s must-have party hairstyles are all about elevated texture, luxe finishes, and a touch of editorial flair—looks that turn heads in the room and on social feeds.
In this guide, we break down the top trending styles of the season and show you exactly how to recreate them behind the chair, with expert techniques that deliver maximum impact in minimal time. From high-shine blowouts to sculpted updos and playful waves, these are the party-perfect looks every stylist needs in their toolkit. Ready to make your clients’ holiday hair dreams a reality? Let’s dive in.
Tracey Ann Smith, Artistic Director at MOOD:
Big, Bouncy, Statement Hair
When it comes to party hair looks for 2025, it’s all about big, bouncy hair! Big, bouncy blow-dries will be all the rage, with voluminous curls parted to one side for maximum volume. To achieve these kinds of looks, using the right hair products is essential.
The new MOOD Body Builder Thickening System is a must-have range for the party season. I always start by using the Body Builder Densifying Shampoo to prep the hair and ensure it is full-bodied and healthy-looking. Then, on damp hair, I mist through some of the Body Builder Densifying Filler to plump and thicken the hair while also treating it and giving it radiance.
I then apply some Hairstyling Bodyguard Volume Mousse through the hair to add natural body and structure before blow-drying, using some Hairstyling Bodyguard Lifting Mist at the roots to give extra lift and enhanced shine. This prep allows the hair to be super volumised before I start styling.
Heated rollers can be used to achieve super bouncy, voluminous curls, or a heated curling iron can be used instead – curls can then be pinned into place, or rollers can be added to give them extra oomph. I then let the curls cool down and ‘set’ before removing any rollers or pins, and mist through some MOOD Hairstyling Bodyguard Hairspray to hold the look in place all day or night.
It’s optional whether the client wants to stick with a middle parting for this style or comb the hair over to one side for added volume. I also like to add some gentle backcombing through the curls to give them added texture and fullness, and a little at the top of the head for a more glamorous finish.
Suzie McGill, International Artistic Director, Rainbow Room International:
Long & Low Braids
For the 2025 festive season, one of the most standout party styles we’re seeing is the long, low ponytail braid. A modern reinterpretation of a classic style, it combines texture and movement with a relaxed, effortless silhouette.
The appeal of this braid lies in its versatility. Worn sleek and polished or a bit more relaxed and textured, it can compliment a formal evening look beautifully; it is a look that feels stylish and modern with just the right amount of glamour for the party season. Gentle twists or subtle woven details can also be incorporated to add dimension, without disrupting the braid’s clean, elongated line.
Accessories are minimal but impactful. A thin ribbon, velvet tie, or delicate metallic pin can add a bit of festive detail, giving the style a refined and personal touch.
How to achieve the look:
1. Prep the hair: Begin with a lightweight volumising product to give texture and hold.
2. Add gentle movement: Soft waves or natural bends in the hair help the braid fall with fluidity.
3. Braid low: Gather the hair at the nape and loosely plait, integrating twists or small accent braids if desired.
4. Finish with subtlety: Loosen sections gently for softness, secure with a discreet tie, and accessories if desired.
RUSH Team:
Sleek, Sophisticated Shine
“Sleek, straight shiny hair radiates sophistication – meaning there is absolutely no room for any flaways! This party season, clients will embrace sharp angles, clean lines and various lengths, creating a chic contrast and an effortlessly cool, yet sophisticated look. It goes to show that you don’t need the most extravagant hair style to make a statement. Ensure that the hair is kept healthy when creating gorgeous sleek looks, as damage is much more visible. I’d recommend using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to make sure that the hair is hydrated – I love Goldwell’s Dualsenses Rich Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, beautifully nourished hair every time!”
Crimped Christmas
“This Christmas, crimped hair is making a comeback! We are going to see a trend for clients rocking 80’s and 90’s inspired looks that command attention when they walk in the room, opting for extra volume and movement. Leaving a 5cm section at the root, you want to crimp the hair softly right to the ends of the hair, ensuring every section is crimped to perfection. Then, once cool. Lightly brush out the hair and finish with a beautiful shine spray. “