Google searches for “party hairstyles” have soared by 80% this week, and for those clients sporting the season’s must-have bob, Laura Elliott, head stylist and educator at haircare specialists Neäl & Wølf, has revealed three chic and easy ways to style the cropped cut for the festive party season.
“The jaw-skimming bob has undoubtedly been the most talked about haircut of the year. With high-profile names such as Sydney Sweeney and Victoria Beckham embracing the shorter style, it has become one of the most requested cuts in salons,” Laura says. “The good news for those clients who have made the chop is that there are countless ways to style it throughout the festive season.”
Bouncy Blowout
Even as we head into a new year, the nostalgic, bouncy blowout remains a timeless look, and it works beautifully on shorter styles like the bob.
- Start with the wash: “A great blowout begins with the right foundation. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that suits your client’s hair type – I recommend a volumising formula which is ideal for adding body to shorter lengths.”
- Prep and section: “Before drying, apply a lightweight volumising mousse or blow-dry spray for hold and lift. Then, divide the hair into small, manageable sections, I suggest around one to two inches of hair when working with a bob and start at the nape of the neck.”
- Create lift and shape: “Using a round brush, direct the hair upwards and outwards from the scalp as you blow-dry. This motion helps create volume at the roots and a smooth, curved shape through the lengths.“
- Lock in the bounce: “As each section dries, roll it gently around your fingers or the brush and clip it in place to cool. This sets the shape and ensures the bob holds its bounce and body. Once all sections have cooled, release and lightly rake through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb and finish with a lightweight hairspray or shine spray for added gloss.”
Sleek and straight
The sleek, straight bob remains one of the most sophisticated and polished hairstyles, perfect for the festive season and beyond.
- Prep and protect: “Before styling, apply a heat protectant spray evenly throughout the hair and for added smoothness, use a nourishing serum to help control frizz and enhance shine.”
- Perfect with straighteners: “If you’re starting with wet hair, you’ll need to blow dry with a paddle brush and direct the nozzle of the hairdryer down the hair shaft while brushing through each section. If starting with dry hair, you can go straight in with straighteners on a low to medium heat to smooth out any texture. I recommend gliding slowly from root to tip, working in small sections for precision. To add to the party look try turning the ends slightly under for a polished bob shape or leave them straight for a sharp, modern edge.”
- Finish with shine: “Apply a light mist of shine spray or a drop of hair oil through the ends to complete the look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the sleek style in place all night long.”
Side swept Hollywood waves
Side swept Hollywood waves are the perfect choice for a festive party or red carpet inspired look. This elegant style adds volume and movement while highlighting facial features for a sophisticated finish.
- Prep the hair: “For the best results, inform your client and start with second day hair as this helps the Hollywood waves hold better. Make sure to apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage before styling.”
- Create the side parting: “To add an elegant edge to your client's Hollywood waves, I recommend positioning hair into a side parting. This will frame the face beautifully and add volume especially if the hair doesn’t naturally sit in a side part.”
- Begin creating the Hollywood waves: “To begin the styling process, divide the hair into manageable sections to ensure even waves. Using a medium sized curling wand (around 1-1.5 inches) wrap each section away from the face for a uniform, glamourous wave. I would recommend holding the hair on the wand for around 8-10 seconds, any longer can make the curls too tight for that soft Hollywood feel.”
- Secure the look in place: “Once all the sections have been curled and cooled, gently run your fingers or a wide tooth comb through the hair to soften the curls into loose, elegant waves. Apply a lightweight texturising spray or finishing spray to give the waves movement and hold without stiffness.”
- Finishing touches: “Finally, tuck the ends slightly under using a round brush and hairdryer, then add a small amount of shine serum or light hair oil on the ends to give it that Hollywood glow without making the hair greasy.”
Looking for more party hair inspiration? Take a look at these trendy looks for the festive season!
