24 New Year’s Eve Glam Hairstyles for Midnight
As the final seconds of the year tick away, all eyes are on the clock—and on you. New Year’s Eve is the ultimate night for unabashed glamour, a time when your outfit, your makeup, and most importantly, your hair, should sparkle as brightly as the midnight fireworks. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated soirée, a cozy gathering, or a dazzling night out, your hairstyle is the crowning glory that ties your entire look together. This year, step into the new chapter with confidence and style.
We’ve curated 24 show-stopping New Year’s Eve glam hairstyles designed to survive the countdown, capture the light, and make you feel utterly radiant. From timeless elegance to modern edge, there’s a perfect look waiting for you to claim it as the clock strikes twelve.
1. The Classic Hollywood Waves
Nothing says old-school glamour quite like deep, luscious Hollywood waves. This timeless style is perfect for pairing with a statement lip and a sleek gown. The key is in the polished, S-shaped waves that frame the face with soft, cascading volume. Use a large-barrel curling iron and plenty of hairspray to ensure your waves hold their shape from the first champagne toast to the last dance.
2. The Sleek High Bun
For an air of sophisticated elegance, the sleek high bun is a flawless choice. It beautifully highlights your neckline and jawline, making it ideal for showcasing dazzling earrings. This style is all about sleekness and precision. Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to tame every flyaway, and pull your hair into a tight, high ponytail before wrapping it into a smooth bun. For extra NYE sparkle, wrap a delicate, bejeweled chain around the base.
3. Sparkling Hair Accessories
Sometimes, glamour is in the details. Elevate even the simplest hairstyle with strategic sparkle. Think beyond basic clips. Opt for a series of delicate crystal pins scattered through a low chignon, a bold, embellished headband with brushed-out curls, or a few well-placed star or moon-shaped accessories. This is the easiest way to add a festive, celebratory touch that catches the light with every move.
4. The Modern Shag with Glitter Roots
Embrace a touch of edgy, modern glamour with this trend-forward look. If you have a textured shag or layered cut, apply a touch of hair glitter or temporary color spray at the roots for a disco-ready effect. Keep the rest of the style messy and piecey, allowing the glitter to peek through for a cool, effortless vibe that’s perfect for a party with a beat.
5. Romantic Half-Up, Half-Down with Braids
Combine romance and intricacy with a half-up, half-down style featuring delicate braids. Pull back the crown section of your hair, but instead of a simple twist, incorporate two small braids from the temples that meet at the back. This creates a beautiful, face-framing effect while letting the rest of your curls or waves flow freely. It’s whimsical, feminine, and incredibly photogenic.
6. The Wet Look Ponytail
High-fashion and ultra-sleek, the wet look ponytail is a major red-carpet trend that translates perfectly to New Year’s Eve. Achieve this by applying a generous amount of strong-hold styling gel or cream from roots to ends before gathering your hair into a low or high ponytail. The result is a glossy, sculptural finish that looks incredibly chic and modern. Add a bold cuff or wrap to the ponytail holder for extra impact.
7. Voluminous Old Hollywood Curls
Take your curls to new heights—literally. This style is all about dramatic volume and tight, bouncy curls. Set your hair with small to medium rollers for maximum lift at the roots and springy curls throughout. Once brushed out, you’ll have a magnificent, head-turning mane that embodies vintage glamour. Perfect for those who believe more is more on December 31st.
8. The Elegant Low Chignon
Understated yet powerful, the low chignon at the nape of the neck is the epitome of quiet luxury. It’s a versatile style that can be perfectly smooth or slightly textured with loose tendrils. For a New Year’s twist, create a braided or twisted chignon, or nestle a beautiful decorative comb into the side. This look pairs exceptionally well with off-the-shoulder or high-neckline dresses.
9. Space Buns with Metallic Accents
Who says glam can’t be fun? Channel a playful, festival-ready vibe with space buns that are polished for NYE. Part your hair down the middle and create two high buns. The glamour comes in with the execution: make them sleek, or go for textured, voluminous buns. Weave in metallic ribbons or thin strands of tinsel for a celebratory, cosmic effect that’s perfect for dancing into the new year.
10. The Blunt Bob with a Statement Clip
If you have a chic blunt bob, your NYE style is already halfway there. Amp up the glamour by adding a large, decorative statement clip on one side. Sweep your hair behind one ear and secure it with a beautiful, bejeweled barrette or a sleek metallic clip. This simple addition transforms a classic cut into a night-out masterpiece, keeping hair elegantly off your face.
11. Mermaid Waves with Sea Salt Texture
For a more relaxed but no-less-glamorous vibe, opt for tousled mermaid waves. Use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to create beachy, undone waves with plenty of movement. The beauty of this style is its effortless feel; it looks like you just stepped off a yacht party. It’s ideal for those who want a gorgeous, touchable look without too much structure.
12. The Sophisticated French Twist
A true classic, the French twist exudes timeless sophistication. This sleek, upward sweep is challenging to master but utterly breathtaking when done right. Secure it with pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray. For a modern update, gently pull out a few small pieces at the crown for subtle volume or add a slim, sparkling hairpin along the twist’s seam.
13. Braided Crown with Loose Curls
Feel like royalty as you ring in the new year with a braided crown. This ethereal style involves creating two braids—one on each side—and pinning them across the top of your head like a crown. Leave the rest of your hair down in soft curls or waves. It’s a romantic and regal look that keeps hair off your face while creating a beautiful, bohemian-inspired silhouette.
14. The Slicked-Back Look
Confidence is the ultimate accessory, and nothing projects confidence like a fully slicked-back style. Use a strong gel or pomade to comb your hair straight back from your hairline, whether into a low bun, a ponytail, or simply tucked behind your ears. This look is bold, minimalist, and dramatic, putting all the focus on your features, makeup, and statement earrings.
15. Curly Pixie Perfection
Short hair is packed with glam potential. If you have a curly pixie, define your curls with a curl cream for shine and bounce. Use a tiny amount of glitter gel on your fingertips to lightly accentuate the ends of your curls for a hint of midnight sparkle. This look is fresh, modern, and requires minimal fuss, leaving you free to celebrate without a second thought.
16. The Bubble Ponytail
A playful twist on the classic ponytail, the bubble ponytail is surprisingly chic. Create a high or mid-height ponytail, then use small, clear hair elastics down the length of the tail. Gently tug on each section between elastics to create “bubbles” of volume. This creates architectural interest and fun volume, and you can even weave ribbon or tinsel through the elastics for extra festivity.
17. Vintage Finger Waves
For the ultimate in retro glamour, try your hand at vintage finger waves. This intricate, sculptural style requires patience and product but delivers a show-stopping result that’s pure Art Deco elegance. It’s a fantastic choice for a themed party or for anyone wanting to make a truly unique and artistic statement.
18. The Textured Top Knot
Not all buns need to be sleek. A textured top knot is the perfect blend of effortlessness and style. Tease the crown slightly for volume, then twist your hair into a high, slightly messy bun. Allow some shorter pieces to fall around your face and neck. It’s a quick, chic, and secure style that works for both long and medium-length hair and looks fantastic all night long.
19. Halo Braid
Similar to the braided crown but often done as a single, continuous braid, the halo braid is a beautiful and secure option. It circles the entire head, creating a angelic, bohemian halo effect. It keeps all hair completely off your face and neck, making it ideal for a night of energetic celebration, while still looking incredibly feminine and detailed.
20. The Deep Side Part with Sleek Curls
A deep side part instantly adds drama and sophistication. Combine it with a set of sleek, defined curls brushed to one side for a powerful, red-carpet look. The asymmetry is inherently glamorous and flattering. Use a flat iron to create smooth, uniform curls or waves that all flow in the same direction for a cohesive, polished effect.
21. Accessorized Headband Style
Let a gorgeous headband do the work. Choose a bold, embellished headband or a sleek metallic one. Style your hair in smooth, straight locks, soft curls, or a low ponytail that you tuck under, and place the headband over it. This is one of the quickest paths to a polished, festive look that requires minimal styling skill but delivers maximum impact.
22. The Modern Beehive
A modern take on the iconic beehive offers serious volume and attitude. Instead of the extreme height of the 60s, aim for a soft, textured version with plenty of backcombing at the crown, smoothed over into a high, rounded shape. Leave the ends out in a curled or flicked-out style. It’s a daring, fashion-forward choice that commands attention.
23. Twisted Rope Braid Updo
Elegant and unique, a twisted rope braid updo involves creating two or more sections of hair, twisting them tightly, and then wrapping them around each other before pinning them into a bun or knot. The result is a beautiful, intricate texture that looks far more complicated than it is. It’s a stunning alternative to a standard braid and holds exceptionally well.
24. The Effortless “I Woke Up Like This” Curls
Sometimes, the most glamorous look is the one that appears perfectly effortless. Enhance your natural texture or create a set of loose, barely-there curls with a large-barrel wand. Run your fingers through them to break them up, add a texturizing spray for piecey definition, and finish with a shine serum. The goal is beautiful, touchable hair that looks naturally gorgeous—perfect for a more intimate or low-key celebration that still calls for a touch of sparkle.
Final Countdown: Tips for Lasting Hold
No matter which of these 24 glam hairstyles you choose, you want it to last until the final firework fades. Start with clean, dry hair for the best hold. Use the right products: a good volumizing mousse at the roots, a strong-hold hairspray for finishing, and
