Fashion
11 New Year's Eve Hairstyles For Every Fete
In this season of temperamental weather, mobs of merrymakers and generalized chaos, one's hair can take a serious beating. And when it comes to holiday parties and ringing in the New Year, it's a fairly universal expectation that all in attendance will step up their coiffing game, at least past the basic wind-blown, not-fashionably-tousled 'do that results from a wash-and-go routine. When you're at a loss for what to do with lackluster locks, look no further than our very own trend-setters who have a team of stylists to conjure up a bit of hair-spiration.
For New Year's Eve, the common denominator is style with staying power, and of which is course a bit artfully untamed. It is a celebration, after all, and what fun is a party without a little edge? We looked to Instagram for inspiration, and found 15 celebrities who rocked hairstyles fit for a party into the wee hours.
Zooey Deschane's Exaggerated Vintage Twist
This elaborate ‘do is not for the faint of heart, but when it’s done right, prepare for dropping jaws and envious stares from anyone who doesn’t look like a ’60s movie star on Oscar night. The key to Zooey Deschanel’s gorgeous vintage-inspired look is the volume at the top, and lots (and lots) of well-placed bobby pins. After creating a ponytail, pull the ends under near the nape of the neck and pin for a style you won’t have to fuss with all night.
Image: zooeydeschanel/Instagram
Doutzen Kroes's Victoria's Secret Model Curl
For a glamorous and sultry take on ’70s glamour, try loose curls away from the face. The look not only lends hair a bit of bounce, but also frames the face. To separate the style from a disco fever situation, make sure the curls are loose enough to appear slightly wind-blown.
Image: doutzen/Instagram
Kim Kardashian's Sleek Low Ponytail
If keeping your hairstyle intact on New Year’s Eve is a concern, look no further than the low ponytail. Be forewarned: this is not the ponytail you resort to post-gym when, after determining your hair is simultaneously crimped/unkempt/frizzy/greasy, you pull it into a cheap elastic tie and decide it’s passable. To accomplish a polished pony, flat iron hair with a touch of glossing serum and side part, then secure into a neutral color hair tie at the base of your neck. For the final touch, separate a thin strand and wrap it around the base of your pony to conceal the elastic. Kim Kardashian demonstrates the style’s appeal: classic, sleek, easy.
Image: kimkardashian/Instagram
Kristen Stewart's Crimped, Tousled Wave
No one does tousled hair better than Kristen Stewart, and we strongly suspect it’s because she actually doesn’t care if her mane looks perfect 24/7. To give your own locks a little extra oomph for New Year’s Eve, try Stewart’s cross between a crimp and a wave. The end result? Unfussy, alluring locks that look perfectly imperfect.
Image: kristenstewart/Instagram
Adelaide Kane's Hair Bling
If you’re watching the historical melodrama Reign on TV, there’s a chance you’ve been inspired to experiment with your hair in a manner that replicates the style one of your favorite characters. And New Year’s Eve is a perfect time to try out a ‘do that you might not dare to on any other day of the year. So be bold, and try a gilded headband or hair accessory atop a crown of mussed curls like actress Adelaide Kane. Just maybe leave the 16th century garb at home.
Image: adelaidekane/Instagram
Taylor Swift's Side-Twist Updo
Taylor Swift may inspire mixed opinions for many people, but one thing she indisputably does well is her demurely pretty, America’s Sweetheart style. Taylor’s side twist updo embodies just that: a classic, fresh look that at is at once innocent and playful. The look is simple, but will keep your hair in fine form until the ball drops.
Image: taylorswift/Instagram
Rihanna's (Faux) Bob
If you’re looking to step outside the box for 2014, try a bouncy bob even if your hair is far past shoulder-length. Rihanna’s curly bob is easy to achieve even for those attached to their length. A few bobby pins to tuck the ends under and a number of well-placed curls give hair a gilded, Art Deco vibe without committing to a short cut.
Image: badgalriri/Instagram
Christina Milian's Sleek Top Knot
When in doubt, go for an updated classic like the always-elegant top knot. To make sure the style stands out, pull your ponytail up a few inches so the resulting bun is just visible over the top of your head. Christina Milian shows off her top knot with a patterned dress and bold eye shadow.
Image: christinamilian/Instagram
Rachel Zoe's Streamlined and Straight Style
Beachy waves may be the biggest thing in hair right now, but you can say sophistication with a smooth style. Though this look requires more time spent with your ionic hairdryer and/or straightening iron, the result is polished, pretty, and glamorous–perfect for ringing in the New Year.
Image: rachelzoe/Instagram
Jessica Alba's Disco Hair
Disco hair is everywhere thanks to American Hustle , so if you want to pull out all the stops for your New Year’s Eve ‘do, this trendy style may be the way to go. Designers and bloggers alike have embraced the style wholeheartedly, adding a bit of frizz to make the voluminous curls looked lived-in and wild. The hairdo is just mussed enough for a whirlwind night on the town.
Image: jessicaalba/Instagram
Jen Morrison's Fishtail Braid
More unexpected than your average side braid, the fishtail is a style that’s rarely seen off the runway and red carpet, and is therefore perfect for a special occasion. Soft and subtly romantic, the style is elegant while maintaining a relaxed, bohemian vibe. And as an added bonus, you’ll end up with beachy morning-after waves on New Year’s Day: perfection.
Image: jenmorrisonlive/Instagram
