28 Hairstyles for New Year: Party-Ready Looks for Short, Curly, and Braided Hair

As the year comes to an end, New Year’s Eve brings a dazzling array of celebrations, parties, and gatherings. It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your look and step into the new year with confidence and flair. Whether you’re attending a glamorous eve party, cozy house gathering, or a sophisticated dinner, your hairstyle can set the tone for the night. In this article, we’ll explore hairstyles that will elevate your look for any eve night event, from party short hair to curly hair looks, ensuring you’re the star of the night!

Glamorous Curls for New Year’s Eve

Curly hair has always been synonymous with volume, fun, and boldness, making it a fantastic option for New Year’s Eve parties. Glamorous, bouncy curls are ideal for creating a festive, lively look that suits a variety of occasions, whether you’re attending a formal event or an intimate house party. This hairstyle works wonders on both short and long hair, making it versatile for anyone with a love for volume. It’s also a perfect choice if you have a round or oval face, as the curls help add dimension and balance. Curly hair styles are especially eye-catching when paired with a dramatic eye look, making your features pop in all the right ways. For added charm, consider accessorizing with a subtle sparkle—clip-in hair jewels or metallic hairpins are perfect for a cute New Year touch.

To achieve this look, a curling wand or rollers are your best friends. Apply a heat protectant, like TRESemmé Thermal Creations spray, before curling each section. After creating your curls, use a wide-tooth comb to gently loosen them for a more natural, voluminous effect. Maintain the bounce with a curl-defining mousse and finish with a shine spray to keep your curls looking lively throughout the night.

Sleek & Straight with a Center Part

If easy elegance is your vibe for the eve night, a sleek and straight style is the way to go. This hairstyle exudes sophistication and looks polished, making it perfect for more formal eve parties. The sharp center part adds a modern edge, drawing attention to your facial features and elongating the face. It’s ideal for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, as it accentuates the jawline and cheekbones. With party indian hairstyles embracing sleekness and simplicity, this look can easily be customized with a low bun or some glamorous accessories for added impact.

To achieve the sleek, straight look, start by using a flat iron like the ghd Platinum+, ensuring you straighten small sections at a time for the smoothest result. A serum, like Moroccanoil’s Smoothing Serum, helps keep flyaways at bay, while a strong hold hairspray locks the style in place. For maintenance, a weekly deep conditioning treatment can help keep your hair hydrated and smooth, especially after heat styling.

Short Bob with Soft Waves

For those rocking short hair this New Year’s, a soft, wavy bob is the perfect mix of playful and chic. Whether you’re attending a party or a casual gathering, this style can easily be dressed up or down depending on the vibe. The soft waves add texture and dimension, giving even fine hair a boost. This look suits a variety of face shapes, but it’s particularly flattering for round and square faces, as the waves soften angular features. The bob is timeless, while the waves give it a fresh, trendy twist, ensuring you stand out at every party.

Achieving this look is simple with a curling wand or flat iron. Wrap sections of hair around the tool, alternating directions for a more natural look. Texturizing spray, such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, helps add volume and keeps the waves in place without weighing them down. Keep the look fresh with a lightweight hair oil to maintain shine without losing the texture.

Half-Up Braided Crown

The braided half-up crown is an enchanting hairstyle that works beautifully for New Year’s Eve parties, whether you’re celebrating with friends or attending a glamorous gala. This style offers a perfect balance between romantic and sophisticated, giving you the freedom to wear your hair down while still having an intricate braided element that stands out. This look is particularly flattering for those with oval or long face shapes, as the braids help to break up the length of the face and add softness around the edges.

Creating this look involves sectioning off the top half of your hair and creating two small braids on either side of your head. Cross them at the back and secure them with bobby pins, leaving the rest of your hair flowing naturally or styled into soft waves. Use a lightweight setting spray, such as OUAI Memory Mist, to keep everything in place. Braided hairstyles can be maintained with regular deep conditioning treatments to prevent frizz and maintain the health of your hair.

Classic Updo with a Twist

Nothing says elegance like a classic updo, and with a few twists, you can modernize this timeless style for New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re attending a black-tie event or an elegant dinner, the updo is perfect for showcasing your features and adding a touch of glamour to your outfit. A simple twist or knot adds dimension to this otherwise sleek hairstyle. It’s a versatile look that suits all face shapes, especially heart and oval faces.

To create this updo, gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist the length of the ponytail, and coil it around the base to form a bun. Secure with pins and finish with a medium-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin Spray. Maintain the style by spritzing a humidity-resistant spray to prevent any flyaways or frizz throughout the night.

Messy Low Bun

A messy low bun is the perfect combination of casual yet chic, ideal for a New Year’s Eve spent in a cozy setting with friends or at a laid-back house party. It’s an effortless look that gives off a relaxed vibe, but with the right accessories, it can easily be elevated to suit a more formal gathering. The low bun works well with all hair types, especially curly hair, as the natural texture adds volume and interest to the style.

To achieve this look, loosely gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a bun, leaving some pieces out for a softer look. A sea salt spray like Bumble and bumble Surf Spray can add texture to the style, giving it a lived-in feel. Finish with a lightweight hold hairspray to keep the look intact without making it too stiff.

Voluminous Party Ponytail

A high, voluminous ponytail is the perfect party look for New Year’s eve. This style is all about adding height and drama to a classic ponytail, making it suitable for any eve party, whether it’s a lively gathering or an elegant soirée. It works particularly well for those with long hair, but even those with short hair can achieve a mini version of this glamorous style with the right teasing techniques. This hairstyle flatters oval and round face shapes, as the height elongates the face and gives the illusion of a more structured jawline. Pair this look with bold makeup to complete your festive look.

To create this ponytail, start by curling your hair with a wide-barrel curling iron to add volume. Then, tease the crown of your hair with a teasing comb, and secure the ponytail high on your head with a strong elastic. For added height, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic. Use Kenra Volume Spray for a firm hold, ensuring your ponytail stays lifted all night long.

Textured French Braid

The French braid is a timeless classic, but when styled with a bit of texture, it becomes the perfect New Year’s Eve party hairstyle. The braided style exudes elegance but with a modern twist when left slightly undone for a more relaxed vibe. It’s ideal for party indian looks or anyone wanting something different from a traditional updo. This style suits all face shapes, and it’s particularly flattering for those with longer hair, as the braid can extend down your back for a statement look.

To achieve this textured look, start by using a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Double Take Dry Finish Texture Spray. Begin a loose French braid at the crown of your head, working your way down to the nape. Secure with a clear elastic and gently pull on the braid sections to create volume and texture. A light mist of hairspray will hold the look without losing its soft, romantic feel.

Retro-Inspired Finger Waves

For those wanting a vintage flair at their New Year’s Eve celebration, finger waves are a perfect choice. This party hairstyle channels old Hollywood glamour, making it ideal for black-tie events or formal eve parties. Finger waves suit short to medium hair lengths, and they add a sophisticated touch to your look. They are particularly striking on those with heart-shaped or oval faces, as the sleek style emphasizes the cheekbones and jawline.

To create finger waves, you’ll need a strong-hold gel like Eco Style Professional Styling Gel and a fine-tooth comb. Start by applying gel to damp hair and creating waves using the comb and your fingers. Once you’ve molded the waves, set them with clips and let your hair air dry or use a diffuser. Remove the clips and finish with a shine spray to keep the waves sleek and polished throughout the night.

Boho Chic Fishtail Braid

For a laid-back yet chic look, the boho fishtail braid is the go-to for eve parties with a relaxed vibe. This braided style works well for both long and short hair, adding a cute and effortless touch to your overall outfit. The braided texture adds an element of interest, and it’s especially flattering on those with longer faces as it softens the angles. It’s also a great choice for outdoor or casual gatherings, providing both style and practicality by keeping your hair out of your face.

To create this look, split your hair into two sections and begin weaving small sections from one side to the other to form the fishtail braid. Secure with a clear elastic and gently pull on the braid to loosen it for a more undone, boho feel. Finish with a spritz of Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray to add texture and hold without stiffness.

Braided Bun for Short Hair

For those with short hair, finding a stylish updo can be tricky, but a braided bun offers the perfect solution for a festive eve night. This braided bun is sleek and elegant, making it a great choice for both casual and formal events. It’s especially flattering for heart-shaped faces, as it draws attention to the cheekbones and eyes. This style is also versatile, working well for medium to short lengths.

To create this look, section your hair into two parts, braid each section and then twist them into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Secure with pins and use a medium-hold hairspray like Living Proof Flex Hairspray to ensure the bun stays in place all night. To maintain this look, opt for a smoothing serum to keep flyaways at bay.

Cascading Curls with a Side Part

Cascading curls are a dramatic and stunning choice for a New Year’s Eve celebration. The soft, voluminous waves add texture and movement, creating an effortlessly chic look that’s perfect for formal eve parties. The side part gives the hairstyle a more glamorous vibe, especially for those with long hair. This style is flattering for all face shapes, as the curls help to soften and frame the face, creating a balanced and harmonious look.

To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves. Start by applying a heat protectant like Chi 44 Iron Guard to protect your hair. After curling, brush through your curls gently with a paddle brush to create soft, flowing waves. Secure with a flexible-hold hairspray, and for added shine, finish with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine.

Edgy Pixie Cut with Side Bangs

For those with short hair or looking to make a bold statement, an edgy pixie cut with side bangs is a perfect option for New Year’s Eve. The side bangs add softness and dimension to the cut, making it suitable for eve parties where you want to stand out. This look is great for those with oval or round faces, as the bangs help to balance facial proportions. The pixie cut can be styled sleek for a polished look or tousled for a more casual vibe.

To style the pixie cut, use a styling cream like American Crew Fiber to add texture and hold. For a sleek finish, a flat iron can help smooth out any flyaways. For maintenance, a lightweight dry shampoo will keep the style fresh and voluminous without adding too much product build-up.

Elegant Low Twist Bun

The low twist bun is a sophisticated and polished look that works for any eve party. This style is elegant and timeless, making it perfect for formal New Year’s Eve gatherings. It’s especially flattering for those with longer hair, as the bun can be twisted and styled into an intricate updo. This style works well for all face shapes, particularly square or oval faces, as it draws attention to the neck and shoulders.

To create this look, start by parting your hair down the middle and gathering it into a low ponytail. Twist the length of your hair and coil it around the base of the ponytail, securing with pins. Finish with a high-shine spray like Sebastian Shaper Plus for a sleek and glossy finish.

Braided Halo with Loose Waves

The braided halo with loose waves is an ethereal and romantic hairstyle perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations. This look combines the elegance of a braided crown with soft, flowing waves, making it ideal for eve parties with a fairy-tale theme. The style is particularly flattering for those with long, wavy hair, as the braids add structure while the waves keep the look soft and feminine. It’s a great choice for heart and oval face shapes.

To create this look, braid two small sections of hair from the front and wrap them around the back of your head to form a crown. Secure with pins and style the rest of your hair into loose waves using a curling wand. Finish with a light-hold hairspray like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray to keep everything in place without stiffness.

Tousled Lob with Beachy Waves

For a relaxed yet chic New Year’s eve party, the tousled lob with beachy waves is a fantastic choice. This party hairstyle is low-maintenance yet stylish, perfect for those who want a laid-back vibe without sacrificing glamour. The tousled waves add texture and volume to the lob, making it suitable for short hair lovers. This look works particularly well for oval or round face shapes, as the waves help to elongate the face and add dimension.

To achieve this look, use a texturizing spray like IGK Beach Club Texture Spray on damp hair and scrunch with your hands to create waves. Once dry, touch up random sections with a curling wand for a more defined wave. Finish with a lightweight hold hairspray to keep the look in place without making it stiff.

Conclusion

No matter what your plans are this New Year’s Eve, these hairstyles offer something for everyone, from sleek and sophisticated to playful and casual. Whether you’re rocking short hair or sporting voluminous curly hair, these looks will ensure you make a statement as you celebrate the start of the new year. Don’t forget to share your favorite looks in the comments below—what will you be trying out for your next party? And if you have your own eve party hairstyle ideas, we’d love to hear them!