Planning your party look already? We looked to the red carpet for hair inspiration this year. Here's our round-up of our favourite celebrity styles to get you party-ready this Christmas.
1. Chunky pony-plait
Pretty plaits and braids are still one of the top looks for the party season. We love this chunky braided pony, as seen on model Cara Delevingne. "It's the perfect look to master," says Organic colour expert and former London Hairdresser of the Year Karine Jackson, "especially for impromptu after-work drinks or parties as it can completely switch up a boring pony."
Create the look: "Just separate the hair into three thick equal sized pieces and braid," says Karine. "If you're looking for something slightly more intricate, experiment with rope and fishtail plaits to give a cool twist. You can easily make the look work for your outfit by experimenting with texture; keep a spray gel and comb in your bag to create a sleek look, or a little dry shampoo for a romantic textured braid."
2. Messy up-do
Made In Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh's gorgeous caramel tresses look good au natural to full beehive and we love this messy updo.
Run out of time? An updo is our party favourite as you can quickly gather your hair into a high ponytail, fasten with a band, twist into a topknot and pin into place with hair grips. Finish with a spritz of hair spray to hold the look.
3. Low slung bun
Actress Emma Roberts of We're the Millers dazzled with this chic low slung, side-parted updo at a recent Hollywood event.
Insta-fix bun: a messy, low bun is perfect for creating smouldering look this Christmas. Plus it's brilliant for those busy days you haven't time to wash your hair. Make a loose ponytail then wrap it around itself and pin the knot into place. Tuck wisps behind your ears and you're ready to go!
3. Power ponytail
To give an everyday ponytail a fierce edge for the party season, wear it high. Angelina Jolie switched from her signature look to this sleek ponytail for a recent Hollywood red-carpet event.
Statement ponytail: this is a brilliant look that takes less than five minutes to create. Slick your locks back up and away from your face giving hair a tight twist before hanging down. Accessorise with statement earrings.
5. Big, bouncy waves
Nothing spells glamour more than bouncy waves. Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's lovely locks rarely lack volume - although she is known to have a little help by way of hair extensions. For this style you'll need to allow prep time at home.
Go big! Runway stylist and salon owner, Matthew Curtis recommends using heated curling tongs to create the big, bouncy look. "Start with clean hair. Using two-inch barrel tongs, start from the bottom of the head and horizontally wrap hair around the tongs, then set with a pin curl clip," he says. "One all set, unpin the clips. Use a shine spray to tame the flyways and help give soft, smooth, glamourous waves. Create a gentle side parting and finish with a volumising hairspray."