If you’re not a huge Christmas party person, you’re probably the type to pop out in your finest getup and a glam new hairstyle for the huge New Year’s Eve celebrations. And hey, even if you’re more likely to spend the majority of the holiday season getting cozy in the comfort of your own living room, you might still want to jump on the opportunity to look a little more glamorous than usual.
Photo: @vanessamatsena
If we’re being honest, the “new year, new me” motto may be a little played out at this point, but it’s never a bad time to reinvent your look with a new hairstyle (even if you’re feeling like the same you”>. Coming up, we’ve compiled a handy list of head-turning protective styles, blowouts, creatively-placed Bobby pin designs and more to help you ring in the new year in peak confidence.
Strategically Placed Bobby Pins
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Bobby pins are great because they do two things at once—they are both functional and stylish. You may usually use them to keep flyaways or grown-out bangs from ruining your intended look, but Bobby pins can also be used to create a style all on their own. Try something like this face-framing Bobby pin placement if you need to look cute and put-together but you’re running late to the party.
Asymmetrical Ponytails
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If tradition bores you, you can always try something a little more playful and experimental, even on New Year’s. There’s no need to feel obligated to wear a classic style. This style is gorgeous as-is, but you may want to play around with the placement and number of ponytails to best suit you—make it your own.
Twisted Top Knot
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For the special occasion, you can add some more spice to the typical top knot. Pin and fluff out twists at the crown of your head to capture a regal aesthetic with little effort.
Claw Clip, But Make It Elegant
Photo: @ _falamana
2022 has seen its fair share of claw clips, and we don’t think we’ll see this trend slowing down in 2023. If you’re a claw clip girlie or guy, you can make this work for a formal setting if you want to. You can even smooth on a wax stick like this one to exaggerate the sleekness, and minimize frizz and flyaways.
Accessorize With a Headband
Photo: @tatchee
Something about headbands and the holidays just makes sense together. Whether you choose one that’s dainty and understated, or a prominent statement headband, they have the ability to add variation to any style.
Get Creative With the Braided Ponytail
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We’ve seen all kinds of braided ponytails on social media. They’re fairly simple, they’re protective, and the braided ponytail swing is incredibly satisfying. This one features three braids, a small accent cornrow, and “piercing” accessories.
Perm Rod Set
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If you take your time with putting in perm rods, but still can’t seem to get your perm rod set to come out looking defined and flawless, it’s possible you might be rushing the take down. Tierra shows her followers how to carefully take down perm rods and separate the hair without creating unnecessary frizziness. For the best results, you may want to look at Part 1 of the tutorial here to install the perm rods correctly, too.
Bedazzled Part
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Until seeing this fabulous style, you may not have realized how naked parts can look. Here, Jasmine kept the overall style and part simple, but the small jewels take everything to the next level.
Braided Bun
Photo: @vanessamatsena
Style your braids by securing them on the crown of your head as shown here. And don’t forget the edge control if you’re going for a “no hair out of place” vibe.
Read next: The Most Popular Hairstyles In 2022 For Black Women