The end of the year is officially here, and whether you are heading out to celebrate or hosting at home, you want to look and feel your best. But staying up until midnight (and beyond) can leave us feeling a bit wilted.
One of the easiest ways to ensure you look put-together all night is a reliable, chic hairstyle. So I’ve rounded up some stylish options that deliver on both glamour and staying power.
1. Crown Braids
If you are looking to channel queen energy for 2023, this is the look for you.
Welcome the new year with a literal crown on your head!
I am loving the boho-chic vibe of crown braids right now. They are surprisingly trendy and instantly elevate your look without being too difficult to execute.
Whether you want to wear this with a half-up style or pull all your hair up, the options are endless.
You can keep it loose and romantic or make it a bit more formal depending on your plans. laineymariebeauty has a great tutorial that shows just how achievable this style really is.
2. Glitter Bomb
Is it even New Year’s Eve without a little sparkle? I have a funny story about this. One year, I went on a date for NYE and decided to go all out—I’m talking glitter on my hair, body, and face. Because honestly, glitter is amazing.
The guy picked me up in a brand new car that he was insanely protective of (he wouldn’t even let his best friend eat a powdered donut inside it!).
While he didn’t say anything in the moment, I found out years later that the glitter situation made him cringe because he was vacuuming it out of his upholstery for months.
Luckily, he admitted the date was worth the headache! Moral of the story: Always embrace the glitter.
Chunky glitter is super popular, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Just secure it with hairspray or grab glitter designed for hair. My best advice here is to be excessive with it!
3. Jazzed-Up High Pony
A high ponytail is a timeless staple that will literally never go out of style.
It is such a classic look that you can easily recreate at home, which makes it perfect if you are working late on NYE.
Currently, accessories like oversized hair clips, hair rings, and statement pins are having a major moment.
Incorporating a few of these is the easiest way to spice up your pony with minimal effort.
If you need some help, Noel Labb has a tutorial for creating a textured pony in just minutes that you should check out.
4. Wavy With Straight Ends
I’ve been seeing this beach wave look all over Instagram lately, and I’m obsessed.
While it looks particularly amazing on blunt bobs and lobs, you can honestly rock this style with any hair type.
The trick is simply curling your hair as usual but leaving the ends straight.
A curling wand makes this effortless. Just ask Maria Bethany!
5. Pull-Through Braid
One of my favorite things about pull-through braids is that they look incredibly intricate, but are actually much simpler than they appear.
If you are capable of sectioning ponytails, you can definitely do this on yourself.
You can rock a straight-down-the-middle version or work it into another style—there really are endless possibilities!
Don’t be intimidated; Kayley Melissa has a killer tutorial for beginners.
6. Blinged-Out Pins & Clips
Speaking of those trendy accessories…
You should definitely consider incorporating these into your NYE look.
It’s the one trend that really stood out this year, and I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon.
The best part is that these are super affordable, and you can grab them on Amazon right now.
7. Flipped-Out Ponytail
This classic flipped-out style is everywhere right now.
If it’s good enough for the Kardashians, it’s definitely a solid choice for New Year’s Eve!
To get the look, wear a sleek high ponytail and just flip the ends with a flat iron or curling iron. It’s so easy.
If you need a little more help, Zulema Zarate has an awesome tutorial.
8. Festival Braids
📷Credit: @sarahs_hair_studio_
With the rise of Coachella and Burning Man, music festivals are becoming a major way to spend your money.
As the industry grows, the hairstyles are getting more elaborate and fun. Think glitter, jewels, braid rings, and vibrant hairpieces to create a totally unique look.
Festival braids are a key part of these trends, usually created by braiding ribbons and vibrant hair into boxer braids. Since this style is synonymous with partying, it’s a perfect option for New Year’s Eve.
Best of all, with a little practice, you can do it yourself! Nettan Kallin has a fabulous tutorial that demonstrates how easy it is.
Don’t forget to grab some feed-in hair on Amazon—you can get almost any color combo for dirt cheap!
9. Tousled Low Bun
I am always a fan of a tousled low bun because there is really no wrong way to do it.
You can just twist it up, pin it, and mess it up a bit, and it looks like you spent hours at the salon.
I love Kate’s “Easier Than It Looks Updo” from The Small Things Blog for those moments when you are in a pinch.
10. Braided Ribbons
Hair accessories are super hot right now, and braids have been going strong for years.
So, what better way to celebrate the new year than by merging these two popular trends?
You can weave ribbons, chains, or pearls into your favorite braided style for one of the hottest NYE looks on the menu.
Briana’s Braids has an amazing tutorial, but be warned: this style might take a bit of practice to perfect!
11. Half-Up Topknot
I am seriously crushing on the half-up topknot this year, so why not rock it for New Year’s Eve?
It can be super sleek and glam or totally cute and casual.
Annies Forget Me Knots has a cute way of adding a mohawk braid into this fabulous style.
12. Bubble Ponytail
Bubble ponytails are a newer, creative way to spice up a standard ponytail, and I love how fun they are.
Despite looking complicated, this style is actually super easy to achieve.
Alex Gaboury has a really easy-to-follow tutorial on her channel. 💡TIP: Add bows, ribbons, or hair scarves for extra trend points!
13. Hollywood Waves
Nothing screams glam more than retro Hollywood waves.
This look has stood the test of time, from the Marilyn Monroe era to today’s red carpets.
It is the perfect elegant style for partying like it’s 1999. Add some blingy hair pins for extra points!
Let Barbara De Medeiros show you how it’s done.
14. Chunky Side Fishtail
A side fishtail is fun, elegant, and the perfect way to keep hair out of your face while you party.
While it might take a little practice, it’s worth it.
Missy Sue simplifies the process perfectly, which is why I’ve crowned her the queen of tutorials.
I also love how she uses trendy pearl clips in her braids!
15. Mohawk Hairstyle
If you have an edgier vibe, consider a fun faux-hawk this year. There are so many ways to create this look, and they are all oh-so-fun.
To get started, check out this twist mohawk tutorial by SweetHearts Hair. It’s not terribly hard, and the result is amazing.
Final Thoughts
New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to start fresh and transform your life into whatever you want it to be.
With the perfect hairstyle and a sprinkle of glitter, you can welcome the new year with good vibes. This is your year—own it!