Hair We Go, AGAIN: Pretty, Polished, and Party-Ready, Festive Hairstyles

From glossy waves and sculptural buns to braids threaded with flowers, these hairstyles make sure your hair gets its own invitation to the festive party.

THE BRAID

There is little a braid cannot do. Sleek, undone, woven into a crown or left long, it is one of the easiest

ways to make festive hair feel special without overdoing it.

Take inspiration from Alia Bhatt playful braided style

STEP 1: Start with clean, dry hair and brush through the lengths to remove any knots. Create a centre or

side parting, depending on the finish you want.

STEP 2: Divide the hair into three sections and begin braiding, crossing the outer sections over the middle one. Continue down the length.

STEP 3: Secure the braid with a small elastic. For a fuller, softer finish, gently pull at the outer sections to widen the braid. Smooth down any flyaways with a small amount of styling cream or hairspray.

FESTIVE TIP: Try a long plait, a crown braid or smaller braids woven through loose hair. Add pearls,

flowers, ribbons or jewelled pins.

THE POLISHED BUN

The bun keeps returning for festive dressing for good reason. It clears the face, highlights earrings and necklines, and can shift from sleek to soft with just a few tweaks. For a modern look, keep the front clean and the bun compact. For something softer, leave a few pieces around the face and make the bun fuller. 

Take cues from these sleek, polished buns, as seen on Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Selena Gomez & Aditi Rao Hydari

STEP 1: Create a centre or side parting and smooth the hair towards the nape of the neck. Use a small amount of styling cream to control flyaways.

STEP 2: Tie the hair into a low ponytail and twist the length around its base to form the bun. Secure it from underneath with U-pins.

STEP 3: Gently adjust the shape with your fingers and secure any loose sections. Finish with hairspray for hold.

FESTIVE TIP: Add a small cluster of mogra, baby's breath or tiny roses around one side of the bun.

THE FESTIVE PONYTAIL

The ponytail is hardly just an everyday hairstyle. Change the height, add texture or wrap the base with hair and it works just as well with a saree or lehenga. 

Kiara Advani and Sara Ali Khan have both shown how much the finish can change the look

STEP 1: Brush the hair back and decide on the height. A low ponytail feels more understated, while a higher one creates a more elongated silhouette.

STEP 2: Secure the ponytail firmly and smooth the crown. Take a small piece of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to conceal it.

STEP 3: Add movement to the length with loose bends, or keep it straight and sleek. Finish with a light-hold spray.

FESTIVE TIP: For festive dressing, try a low, softly textured ponytail or a high version with movement through the lengths.

THE BRUSHED-OUT WAVES

There is a reason waves keep returning to the festive hair conversation: they work with almost everything. The difference this season is in the finish. Instead of tightly curled hair, think larger bends that are brushed through once they have cooled, leaving movement rather than ringlets.

 Katrina Kaif have worn softer waves with Indianwear, while Sydney Sweeney offer more glamorous versions. They work particularly well when the outfit is already making a statement.

STEP 1: Apply heat protectant through the lengths and divide the hair into sections. Keep the front sections slightly smaller so the waves frame the face.

STEP 2: Use a large barrel or multi-styler to create loose bends, alternating directions. Leave the ends slightly straight.

STEP 3: Allow the hair to cool completely before running your fingers through the waves. Finish with a flexible hairspray. 

FESTIVE TIP: Tuck one side behind the ear to let a statement earring shine. Try a centre parting with a saree and a soft side part with a lehenga.