Turn last-minute prep panic into party-ready look!
The clock is ticking, and you’re still standing in your bathroom trying to decide what to do with your hair? It turns out New Year’s Eve has a way of sneaking up on us, and suddenly you’re supposed to look like a million bucks while also figuring out which party to hit first.
The last thing you want is to spend precious pre-party hours wrestling with a curling iron, trying to nail that perfect Hollywood wave, or building an elaborate bouffant. Good thing we’ve found five last-minute NYE party hairstyles that take little to no time but stay put all night long. You’ll be out the door and celebrating before you know it!
That stunning Kendall Jenner Met Gala moment that broke the internet? It’s now one of the most requested party looks, and here’s the secret: it’s actually super easy to pull off! Start by creating loose curls throughout your hair, then run your fingers through them to break them up and add that perfectly undone texture.
Section off the front tendrils on both sides, twist them inward, then bring them back and up toward your crown. Pin them in place for an instant voluminous effect that looks like you spent way longer than you actually did. This style works beautifully because the pins hold everything secure while the loose waves give you movement and glamour.
Best for: long hair
This look proves that “messy” can absolutely mean “gorgeous.” Pull your hair into a high ponytail, but leave out some pieces at the front to frame your face. On the final wrap of your hair tie, don’t pull your hair all the way through. Create a loop bun instead, then push it against your head and secure it with bobby pins.
Take those loose ends and twist them into a smaller bun, pinning that down too. Give everything a gentle stretch to add fullness and texture. Now grab those front sections you left out, twist them, give them a little pinch and pull to loosen them up, and drape them across the back of your head with a few strategic bobby pins. You’ll look like you tried really hard while actually spending about five minutes on your messy bun.
Best for: short to medium hair
Want bouncy, voluminous hair without the salon visit? Pull your hair into a high ponytail and divide it into several manageable sections. Curl each section with your curling iron, hitting everything with a quick spritz of hairspray as you go.
Once you’re done, take off that hair tie and gently fluff everything up with your fingers. Here’s why this works: the ponytail step keeps your roots lifted and creates natural volume, giving you that fresh-from-the-salon blowout look with a fraction of the effort. The curls stay bouncy because they were set in sections, and you get that gorgeous swoopy effect without the arm workout.
Best for: medium and long hair
It’s time to bring some playful charm to your NYE look! This style flatters just about everyone because it adds a fun, youthful vibe while keeping things party-appropriate. Take the top section of your hair and divide it into two small pigtails. Want to level this up? Attach silky ribbons and tie them into cute little bows for an extra festive touch.
The look is secretly practical too because it keeps your hair out of your face while you’re dancing, and it’s perfect for hiding grown-out bangs or roots that need a little camouflage.
Best for: all hair lengths
Let that gorgeous hair clip you’ve been saving shine with this statement style. Create soft waves throughout your hair, or if you planned ahead, rock those overnight heatless curls you set before bed. Make a deep side part, brush one side smooth, and create a small ponytail where you want your accessory to sit.
Now comes the fun part: grab your favorite bow clip, sparkly barrettes, or even a vintage French pin and attach it to that little ponytail. The accessory becomes the star of your look while the waves add movement and glamour. This style is brilliant because the clip does all the heavy lifting while your hair stays secure underneath.
Best for: all hair lengths
Save the previous minutes for celebrations, not the hair styling! Pick one hairdo that speaks to you and give it a try tonight. Want to see how popular hairstyles might look on you before you commit? Check out our hairstyle try-on tool or download the HairHunt app to see yourself in hundreds of different looks!
