Party season is finally here. Whether you’re heading to a Halloween bash, celebrating Christmas with friends and family, or heading out to a New Year’s party, wave goodbye to the relentless teasing, excessive heat, and breakage old-school party hairstyles used to cause.
With these nine glamorous parties looks for short, medium and long hairstyles – adaptable for all hair types – you can keep your hair looking healthy and strong throughout party season. Choose from voluminous blow-dried bobs to adorned half-up, half down looks and style confidently this season, no matter the occasion.
Short Hairstyles for a Party
Wanting a short party hairstyle but stuck for inspiration? Fear not – with the looks below, you’ll find the perfect short hairstyle for a party in minutes.
Blown-out bob
Though often thought of as a tricky hair type to style, this timeless bob can transform your short hair into a stunning, elegant look that does all the talking.
How to: Shampoo, towel dry, then apply your treatment. Use Magical Quick Dry Potion as a thermal protector and a touch of Magic Remedy to balance porosity before applying mousse or blow-dry spray.
Dry the roots with volume – especially at the crown – for lift and shape, we’d use Revive Mode® at 160°C on this type of hair. Section the hair with a round brush, wrapping each section and following with the nozzle until fully dry. Leave the brushes in or pin each section to let the heat set and lock in the style.
The deep wave
The deep wave is the perfect party hairstyle if you’re looking for something that looks complex but is super easy to recreate.
How to: Start by shampooing, conditioning, and towel drying, before creating a sleek blow-dry using Magical Quick Dry Potion and Magical Remedy to balance your hair’s porosity. For the hair pictured, we’d recommend styling at 160°C with Revive Mode® and 170°C through the darker back sections. Find your optimum temperature with our Temperature Calculator.
Then, apply mousse for hold, layering hairspray between sections as you dry for even coverage. Start to style soft waves with your choice of the Wide or Contouring Wide Iron, or Curling Wand, using large horizontal or vertical movements. Let curls cool completely, then finish with a light mist of hairspray or humidity spray, a pass with the Cloud Nine Wet Hairbrush, and a touch of shine spray for that high-gloss finish.
Edgy blunt bob
Perfect for thinner hair, this glamorous yet alternative bob is ideal for any occasion requiring a little extra flair – and a great option for thinner, shorter hair.
How to: Start with clean, conditioned hair, apply Magical Quick Dry Potion and a root lift, then blow-dry with volume – especially at the back, keeping the front and sides softer. Finish with the Contouring Original or Contouring Wide Iron for a silky polish and subtle bend.
Party Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair
Medium hair offers versatility, making it the ideal hair length for experimenting with party hairstyles all year round.
Bouncy blowout with deep side part
Timeless and effortless, this is guaranteed to become your go-to look for those parties that warrant a bit more glam.
How to: Start with clean, blow-dried hair and take a moment in the mirror to find your best side – see how the hair naturally falls before styling. For a bouncy blow-dry, always begin at the roots – especially the crown – and use rollers if needed for extra lift. Work in sections no larger than your brush, lifting above the baseline and wrapping to let the heat do the work. Set on the brush or pin to cool. Use Revive Mode® at your perfect temperature.
A festive half-up, half-down
Searching for a cute go-to look for a small get-together or family party? This half-up half-down look is certain to look effortless, put-together, and fun – and the best part is that it only takes a few minutes to recreate.
How to: Start with clean, dry hair that is blow-dried through. Use the Curling Wand or Original Iron to curl away from the centre, varying the direction for a natural look before styling your half-up section. Layer with hairspray and an anti-humidity spray of your choice before gathering just the crown section from the temples, scooping it back into a ponytail, and securing with a bungee or hair tie. Finish with a decorative bow.
For this look, you can opt for a sleek, fully snatched finish or elegantly incorporate loose tendrils to gently soften the face frame and elevate the overall sophistication – your call!
Wrapped bun
How to: For a sleek, polished bun sure to stun, start by blow-drying hair smooth with Magical Quick Dry Potion, Magical Remedy, and a light working hairspray. Use the Wide Iron to smooth sections, switching to the Original Iron around the hairline, before parting the hair and pulling it into a low ponytail just below the occipital bone.
Split the ponytail in two, twist each section in opposite directions to form a bun, and secure with pins. Finish with a wax stick or edging pomade for extra hold, especially if you have curly hair.
Party Hairstyles for Long Hair
Longer hair oftentimes means a longer styling routine, especially when creating intricate hairstyles designed to wow. However, these three gorgeous party hairstyles for long hair are perfect if you want to make an impression without taking up too much time.
Polished boho
How to: Start with a full blow-dry using Magical Quick Dry Potion and Magical Remedy for root-to-tip gloss. Apply mousse and setting spray before ironing. Section hair from the back, curling towards the face with the Contouring Wide Iron, stopping at the jawline – ideal for oval and diamond face shapes. Finish with a light balm, gloss oil, or serum to add shine without lack of movement.
Braided bun
This gorgeous, braided party hairstyle is perfect for long, textured, type 4 hair, offering both style and protection with a touch of elegance.
How to: Start by gathering all your braids into a high ponytail at the crown and securing them with a scrunchie. Then, twist the braids together and wrap them into a full, structured bun, leaving a few long curls out to soften the look. Finish by smoothing your edges with a firm pomade and edge brush for a clean, polished finish that ties the whole style together beautifully.
Wrapped low ponytail
How to: Start by blow-drying hair smooth with Cloud Nine Magical Quick Dry Potion and a light hairspray. Section off the crown to fringe area, tie the rest into a low ponytail, and smooth the front sections back, wrapping them around the ponytail for a sleek finish. Use the Wide Iron or Original Iron to curl vertical sections, then brush out for a soft, statement wave, setting with a light hairspray of your choice.
Our top tips
Check out these expert tips from Marie Nieuwoudt, Group Education Manager at Cloud Nine, to ensure you’re always getting the most out of your party hairstyle and protecting your hair’s long-term health in the process:
- Before styling, check what temperature you should be styling at for your unique hair type, using our Temperature Calculator.
- Always prep your party hair with a heat protectant, such as our Magical Quick Dry Potion, to ensure long-lasting health and strength.
- Make sure to never place your hair dryer nozzle directly on your hair or brush to prevent unnecessary heat damage and increase shine.
- To perfect party hairstyles for long hair, consider wider plates, like those featured on the Wide Iron and Contouring Wide Iron.
- Take the time to experiment with parting styles, choosing the one that makes you feel the most confident.
No matter the occasion, save this page for a one-stop-shop for versatile, healthier-to-hair party styles. Share your party hair style with us on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured.
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