Party-Ready Hair: Styles That Last All Night
Whether you're getting ready for a Christmas party, dinner, or a big night out, you want your hairstyle to look just as good at the end of the evening as it did when you left the house.
The secret to long-lasting party hair isn't necessarily using more hairspray. From prepping your hair properly to choosing the right styling products and tools, a few simple tricks can help curls, waves and updos stay looking their best for longer.
Here's how to create party-ready hair with staying power.
How Do I Make My Hairstyle Last All Night?
A long-lasting hairstyle starts before you pick up your straighteners or curling wand. Preparing your hair for the style you want to create can make a big difference to the finished result.
Prep Your Hair Before Styling
Freshly washed hair can sometimes be very soft and smooth, which may make certain styles more difficult to hold.
If you're washing your hair before getting ready, choose haircare suited to your hair type and avoid overloading the lengths with heavy products.
Before using heated tools, always apply an appropriate heat protectant. You can then add a styling product suited to your finished look, whether you want volume, texture, definition or extra hold.
Expert tip: Choose your prep products with your finished style in mind. Fine hair may benefit from lightweight volumising or texturising products, while curls and waves may need products that add definition without weighing them down. - Rena Parrock - Education Design Team Lead – 30+ Years Hairdressing Experience
Choose the Right Styling Tool
Your styling tool can make creating your party look much easier.
Curling wands and tongs are ideal for creating everything from loose waves to more defined curls, while straighteners can be used for sleek styles as well as curls and waves.
For extra volume, a hairdryer and round brush or hot brush can help create a bouncy, blow-dried finish.
Whatever tool you choose, make sure your hair is completely dry before using straighteners, curling tongs or wands unless the tool is specifically designed for use on damp hair.
Expert tip: Higher heat isn't always better. Start with the lowest effective temperature for your hair type and avoid repeatedly passing heated tools over the same section. -Jane Wanniaratchy - Head of Product and Technical Education – 30+ years Hairdressing experience & Nail Experience 20+ years
Can You Curl Your Hair with Straighteners?
Yes! Straighteners can be used to create curls and waves as well as sleek, straight styles.
The technique takes a little practice, but once mastered, it's an easy way to create a party look without switching between several styling tools.
For step-by-step inspiration, look at our guide to How to Curl Your Hair With Straighteners.
1. Let Your Curls Cool Before Brushing
Want your curls to last beyond the pre-party photos? Don't rush this step.
After curling each section, avoid immediately brushing or pulling it apart. Let your curls cool and set first, then gently separate them with your fingers or a suitable brush depending on the finish you want.
If your curls tend to drop quickly, try creating them slightly more defined than your desired final look. You can soften them once they've cooled.
Expert tip: Working with smaller, consistent sections can help create a more even curl pattern. For extra staying power, allow each curl to cool completely before loosening it. -Elke VanDaal - Education Designer – 20 + Hairdressing Experience – 20+ Nail Experience
2. Lock Your Style in Place
Once you're happy with your hairstyle, finish with products designed to give you the level of hold you need.
Hairspray is a party-night essential, but it's not your only option. Mousses, styling creams, gels, waxes and texturising products can all play different roles depending on your hairstyle.
For a soft, bouncy look, choose products that provide hold while allowing movement. For sleek ponytails, buns or more structured updos, you may want stronger control around the hairline and flyaways.
Expert tip: When applying hairspray, don't automatically spray as close to the hair as possible. Follow the product directions and apply evenly to avoid concentrating too much product in one area. - Jane Wanniaratchy - Head of Product and Technical Education – 30+ years Hairdressing experience & Nail Experience 20+ years
Party Hairstyles to Try
Not sure what to do with your hair? Choose a party style that works with your hair type, outfit and plans.
- Bouncy curls and waves are a classic choice and can easily be dressed up with accessories.
- For something sleek, try a high or low ponytail with a smooth finish and movement through the lengths.
- A slicked-back bun is another party favourite, particularly if you want your hair securely styled and away from your face.
- Or try a half-up, half-down style to combine the security of an updo with loose curls or waves.
Expert tip: Think about your plans before choosing your hairstyle. If you're expecting a long night or plenty of dancing, a secured ponytail, bun or half-up style may require fewer touch-ups than a completely loose style. - Rena Parrock - Education Design Team Lead – 30+ Years Hairdressing Experience
You may also like
How Can I Stop My Hair Falling Flat During a Night Out?
If your hair tends to lose volume, start by avoiding heavy products around the roots and use volumising or texturising products where needed.
Try not to constantly touch or brush your finished style throughout the evening either. The more you handle your hair, the easier it can be to disturb curls and volume.
Expert tip: Take a mini finishing product or travel-size hairspray with you rather than carrying several styling products. A quick targeted touch-up is often all your style needs. -Elke VanDaal - Education Designer – 20 + Hairdressing Experience – 20+ Nail Experience
Time to Get Ready for Party Season
Long-lasting party hair is all about good preparation. Start with products suited to your hair type, protect your hair before using heat, allow your style to set and finish with the right level of hold.
Whether you're going for bouncy curls, glossy waves, a sleek ponytail or an elegant updo, explore Sally Beauty's hair styling and electricals to find everything you need to create your party-ready look.
Good preparation is key. Use styling products suited to your hair type and chosen style, apply heat protection before using heated tools, allow curls and waves to cool completely before brushing them out, and finish with an appropriate hold product.
Work in smaller, even sections and allow each curl to cool before touching or brushing it. If your curls usually drop quickly, create a slightly more defined curl initially and gently loosen it once your hair has completely cooled.
Expert tip: Try not to keep touching your curls throughout the night. Running your fingers through them repeatedly can loosen their shape and encourage them to drop more quickly.
Avoid using too much heavy product around the roots, particularly if you have fine hair. Volumising or texturising products can help add body, while choosing a style with some structure, such as a half-up look or ponytail, can help if your hair naturally loses volume.
This depends on the styling product you're using, so always check the manufacturer's directions. Some products are designed to help prepare the hair before styling, while finishing hairsprays are intended to be applied once you've created your final look. Always use a suitable heat protectant before styling with heated tools.