The holiday season is officially upon us. This means virtual work functions, zoom ugly sweater parties, and fancy intimate social-distancing dinners. Whatever the event is, you want to make sure you look your best and this means more than just having the right outfit. 

Updos, braids, curls, and buns; there are plenty of styles to choose so you have the perfect hair for every outfit and occasion. Leave your worries behind with one of these nine trendy styles to keep the focus on festivity, fun, and merry-making.

1. The ultimate braid

Much more than the braids you had as a child; hairstyles and twists today are elegant and classy. They make jeans and a sweater look good or can add just the right magic to that holiday evening gown.  

Start by sectioning your hair into five equal parts, and begin loosely braiding each one. Remember to keep it loose, so that some fun pieces can fall out to create the perfect sexy but elegant look. As you approach the neckline you can start to weave the five sections together, forming a giant mussed-up braid.  

2. Not your average twist

For those with medium length hair, braids can be tricky, so you can opt for a twist instead. Rake volumizer through your hair at the roots and rough-dry your hair.

Add a middle part, and spritz the ends with salt spray, finishing with a quick blow-dryer blast to get a ‘rough base’. Then, twist the sides away from your face, starting at the hairline on your right side. Position a bobby pin every half-inch or so, repeating the same thing on your left side. Roll the hair left hanging at the back upward into a messy updo and pin in place.

3. Bun it up

A regular bun can be boring but with a few alterations to the timeless classic, you could end up with a stylish ‘do’ that is the hit of the party. One bun is great, but two is better. Before you imagine Princess Leia, this is going in a different direction.

Separate your hair above and below the tips of your ears. Then, swirl the top section however you want and pin. Do the same with the lower section, pinning below the first bun at the back of your head. Remember to leave it a little messy to form a nice contrast to the sleek appearance from the front.

Do you want a little tip to make that bun during messy hair days? The key is Hair La Vie Dry Shampoo! It'll work with the natural oils in your hair, as the moisture can make for an excellent tool for sculpting and styling your hair. Adding dry shampoo to your hair can help revive it if you are looking at day three or four without a wash and your oil situation is a little out of control. It’s also a good way to add a fresh, clean scent. 

4. Half up/half down

A simple and elegant style for those with long locks is to pull the top half of your hair back to form a cluster over the bottom layer. You can then add some curls to the length.

The tricky part is to make sure you get volume along the crown, but you should get just the right amount with a few rugged pushes of a teasing comb.

Another interesting style is to section your hair into top and bottom layers, curling the bottom and letting it hang down. As for the top, section it into 6 even parts and create small knots for the top of your head, securing each one with a bobby pin at the base.

5. Up with accessories

For those nights when you just don’t have the time to create that salon-perfect style, there is always another option. Simply pull your hair back into a knotty bun and accent with a jeweled headband or scarf.  

The more elaborate the headband or accessory, the more attention you get, and the glamour is a perfect contrast to the messy bun. You look like you put thought into it when in reality it took you five minutes. Don’t worry; your secret is safe with us.

6. Side-flip

A fun new idea for most lengths of hair is the side-flip. Curl your hair into ringlets or make some waves and then flip it all over to one side. To give it a little extra something, add two or three horizontal cornrows on the exposed side for a decorative effect. If you have some hair gems or decorative bobby pins, those are great for adding some sparkle to the side.

7. Perfect mess

It is the holidays so chances are, you’re busy. You may have to run errands all day before rushing to that party. What do you do with your hair? No need to panic. Grab your hair at the back into a flippy knot and tie at the base of your neck.

Pull a few strands forward to accent your face and head out the door. What looks like a mess is actually the latest trend and with the right outfit, you can pull it off perfectly.

8. Mini faux-hawk

Faux-hawks are not just for the guys. They are a great way to get the front of your hair out of your eyes while the rest flows freely. Sprinkle some of the Dry Shampoo at your roots to add grip.

Draw back two parts starting from your hairline to create a middle section that is about three-inches wide. French braid this section straight back and secure with bobby pins. To get the faux-hawk lift, simply rough the braid a little with fingers.

9. Slick and sleek

This style is simple but makes a major statement and all you need is mousse. Apply mousse through your roots while it is damp and blow-dry only the ends. You can add more mousse across the crown and dry the hair back against your head if needed. Pull your hair flat as you dry it and use a flat iron on the ends if you want. Spray with hairspray or use bobby pins to keep any flyaway strands in place, and you are good to go.

Final thoughts

Whether you want that super-fancy hairstyle for family photos you plan on hanging in your home for years to come or need a quick and simple look for the office virtual holiday party, some of the best hairstyles don't have to be difficult.

A little Dry Shampoo can go a long way to help add some volume and style to your hair, and adding some cute accessories can help keep flyaways at bay. Just remember to stay relaxed, find some photos that inspire the look you want. You deserve to have fun at the end of this long year, and your hair can lead the way!