For many people, a new year represents an opportunity to try new things, so why not ring in 2014 with a fresh hairstyle?
To help partygoers get inspired, Joico (joico.com) has launched a series of video tutorials with holiday hair tips, wardrobe ideas and step-by-step styling instructions. So, whether your New Year's Eve plans involve a casual dinner, a cocktail party, or an all-night dance-a-thon, there's a festive updo to match.
Holiday cocktail party
An "undone" braid/side pony is an easy and elegant way to make an entrance. Joico hair expert Katie Bilovol creates this style by first curling the hair with a one-inch barrel iron to produce loose waves. Make a deep side part and pull hair into a low pony on the opposite side of the part. With the remaining side parted section, create a Dutch braid: the centre section of the hair gets crossed over to the outside, alternating sides. Wrap end around pony and fasten. choice for a cocktail party, but TV fashion expert Sydne Summer suggests something different.
"I was really inspired by this ponytail so I wanted to show it off with a turtleneck. A turtleneck really elongates the neck, it lets all this volume speak for itself," she says. A metallic skirt completes this cocktail party look.
Holiday happy hour
A double-braid headband turns your hair into its very own accessory while maintaining a casual feel. To create this look, Bilovol first sets the hair using a wand curling iron then loosens the curls. Part hair widthwise from ear to ear and split the front into two sections. Create two braids, in opposite directions, and pin each one in place. Fluff and separate curls.
Summer recommends matching this style with an outfit that's "a little bit feminine, a little bit rock 'n' roll." Leather leggings with a black top and metallic sequined jacket will take you from happy hour to night on the town.
"Sequins are huge for the holiday season and a jacket is a great way to dress up leather pants or jeans," she says.
Holiday dinner party
When attending a dinner party, the last thing you want is your hair to get in your food, so Bilovol has created an off-the-face chignon with a contemporary twist for holiday diners. Split the hair in half down the centre, then separate each section in half again. On one side, create a fishtail braid by crossing small pieces of hair from one side to the other. Fasten at the bottom with a clear elastic and repeat on other side. Wrap both braids in a circular pattern at the base of the neck and pin in place. To dress up this elegant 'do, add a sparkly accessory.
When it comes to the dinner guest outfit, comfort is key.
"For a holiday dinner party a sweater is very comfortable, but obviously you don't want to wear something oversized, so look for a sweater with feminine details," Summer says.
Pair it with black pants or a fun feathered skirt, depending on how formal the party is.
