We know you're never averse to a notice-me outfit, especially at the height of party season, but what about your New Year's Eve hairstyle? Well, since that glittering evening is practically upon us, it's time to throw some smart-n-sassy beauty sense into your dress-up routine with an effortless, DIY hairstyle. But what really makes these 5 looks work are the accessories, which are to say, major, and the extra bonus is that theses winter hair accessories are far from one-hit wonders—besides being party-perfect, they can easily transition into wearable pieces. So, here's to mixing classic, can't-fail New Year's Eve hairstyles with some new and improved headbands, clips, or sparkling combs—you might even want to leave your jewelry at home!
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1. The Shining—With a season ablaze in sequins and sparkle, it's no surprise that glimmering accents are making a splash in holiday hairstyles. Maintain the ideal balance of sparkle by keeping things simple with smooth, flowing waves. Add a gemstone clip on the side or use it to secure an easy ponytail, and all eyes will be on you, not a hair faux pas. Keep the look smooth and frizz-free with a light hair oil.
Above, from left: Chanel Paris-Byzance Metiers D'Art Show hair by Vincent Lappartient, photo courtesy of Chanel; Anthropologie Glittering Arc Barrette, $18, available at Anthropologie; Lipsy Pearl Detail Hair Band, $17.24, available at ASOS.
Above, from left: Ban.do Rhinestone Bobbi Pin, $130, available at Ban.do; Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil, $65, available at Shu Uemura Art of Hair; Urban Outfitters Leaf Headband, $18, available at Urban Outfitters; Urban Renewal Vintage Jeweled Bobby Pins, $20, available at Urban Outfitters.
2. Wild Child—There's nothing wrong with letting out your inner party girl to ring in the New Year. Mix metal studs with sweet ballerina buns for a play on contradictions or channel a unbridled Studio 54 vibe with free-flowing hair and gold-accented headband. If you're going the ballerina bun route, remember to style it toward the back of the head, not at the top. Otherwise you'll be faced with some unflattering competition. A touchable hairspray holds the style in place and a texturizer will add natural movement or a touch of sexy-messy.
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Above, from left: Gold Saturn Black Spiked Hairband, $62, available at Gold Saturn; Eugenia Kim Luca Headband, $54.60, available at Shopbop; Tresemme 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse, $4.49, available at Walgreens; Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode, $25, available at Bumble and bumble; Be & D Studded Headband, $52.50, available at Shopbop.
3. The Feminine Greaser—This style is less complicated than it looks, and lets you go crazy with bobby-pins. Divide your hair into four sections (top, sides, and back) and prep with hairspray. Curl each section, starting with the front, with a curling iron in two-inch pieces and pin into rolls. After letting the hair cool, twist part of the back section into a bun at the nape of the neck and twist the remaining curls into "S" shapes at the back of the head and secure with pins. Next, slick the side sections back (add some gel) and pin with bobby-pins and barrettes. Work the ends of the sides into the updo. Spray the top section with more hairspray, and brush into a slight pouf and pin.
Above, from left: Suno spring 2011 hair photos, courtesy of Suno; Aveda Control Force Hairspray, $26, available at Aveda; Sebastian Gel Forte, $12.49, visit Sebastian Professional for stores; Goody Bobby Slides, $3.99, available at CVS.
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4. Extreme Side Effects—Ranging from sleek to curly, the severe side part with a clip is another quick way to take your hair into evening territory. Create your part, sweep the hair across your forehead, and clip on the side. Spray it lightly with dry shampoo to add texture, or slick back into a bun or ponytail.
Above, from left: Rodarte spring 2011 hair photos, courtesy of Aveda; Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, $18, available at Sephora; Goody Chandelier Barrettes, $5.49, available at Target stores.
Above, from left: Badgley Mischka runway photos by David Webber, courtesy of Badgley Mischka; Jason Wu photo courtesy of Jason Wu; Forever 21 Rhinestone-Encrusted Bobby Pins, $2.50 the set of three, available at Forever 21.
5. The Easy A—Adding a comb or accented pin to any hairstyle is a fast and uncomplicated way to amp up a New Year's Eve ensemble. Pull one or both sides back and leave hair down, slide a pin into just one side of the hair just above the ear, or even stick a comb into the side of a French Twist or top of a bun. Experiment and see what works for you, but really, going beyond two combs or clips will max out your 'do. Don't go overboard.
Above, from left: Mimco Femme Fatale Hair Comb, $43.10, available at ASOS; DLC Brooklyn Music Note Hair Comb, $45, available at DLC Brooklyn; Colette Malouf Curved Petal Mesh Barrette, $158, available at Collette Malouf.
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