Getting Ready for Special Occasions: Hairstyles for Every Event

A great hairstyle can give you confidence and elevate your natural beauty.  Any special occasion, whether you are attending a wedding, holiday party, or just spending a night on the town, calls for a beautiful hairstyle to complete your overall look.  In this article, we’re going to walk you through some hairstyling tips and considerations and cover a wide range of popular styles to suit any occasion.  

Ready to turn heads at your next special event?  Keep reading to find out how.

 1. Hairstyling Tips

To set the stage for a stunning hairstyle, consider these hairstyling tips before your big event:

• Know Your Hair Type – Do you have straight hair, wavy hair, or curly hair?  Very fine hair or thick hair?  Knowing and embracing your hair type can help you work with your hair’s natural texture rather than fighting against it.
• Get a Good Haircut – A good haircut is the foundation for creating the perfect hairstyle.  You may want to consider a haircut before your special occasion, but not immediately before.  It’s recommended to cut your hair a few weeks before an event to allow your hair to settle and look more natural than a fresh cut.  Avoid any significant or dramatic changes before the big day.
• Know Your Hair Products – Using the right hair products like hair gel, mousse, serums, or hairspray can help you achieve your perfect hairstyle – and hold your hair in place all day.  Remember, a little product goes a long way.  Start by using a small amount and add more if necessary.
• Protect Your Hair From Heat – Heat styling can damage your hair.  Always use a heat protectant spray before using your hair dryer or any hot tools.
• Get the Right Tools – If you plan on styling your hair yourself, you may need to acquire the right tools for the job.  A high-quality blow dryer, curling iron, or flat iron may be needed to achieve your desired look.

 

2. Special Considerations

A little planning goes a long way.  When choosing and implementing a hairstyle, keep some of these considerations in mind:

• • Complement Your Outfit – The hairstyle you choose should complement your outfit.  Consider your outfit’s neckline, fabric, and overall style.  If you plan to wear a very fancy or intricate dress you may want to consider a simpler hairstyle or vice versa.  If you want to show off your outfit’s neckline, try opting for an elegant updo.
  • Balance Your Face Shape – Many experts agree that certain hairstyles are more flattering on some face shapes than others.  Knowing and selecting a hairstyle that compliments your face shape can enhance your overall look.  For example, updos can help elongate a round face, while side-swept styles or a horizontal chignon can add width and texture to a long face.  
  • Consider the Occasion – Are you attending a formal event like a wedding or graduation?  Is the outing more casual such as a birthday party or an outdoor barbecue?  Is the event during the daytime or in the evening?  Formal evening events might call for a more sophisticated hairstyle while informal events might be more suited to a simple ponytail-style or loose waves.
  • Deep Conditioning – Consider a deep conditioning treatment in the weeks leading up to the event to improve your hair’s texture and manageability.
  • Bring Touch-Up Tools – Before you head out, pack a small comb, extra bobby pins, and a travel-sized hairspray for any necessary touch-ups during your event.  However, try to avoid excessively touching your hair, which can cause it to lose its shape or fall out of place.
  • Keep the Weather in Mind – If your event is taking place outdoors, try to account for humidity, wind, or other potential weather when selecting your hairstyle.

• Accessorize – Hair accessories can significantly alter your hairstyle, adding personality and flair to your overall look.  Try adding scarves, clips, bows, beads, or pearls to complete your style.

• Practice Before the Event – If you’re planning on styling your hair yourself, practice is the key to mastering a new hairstyle!  Perfecting hairstyling techniques takes time so you’ll want to give your look a try before the big event. 
• Schedule a Salon Appointment – If you aren’t yet confident in styling your own hair, make sure to schedule a salon appointment well in advance.  Consider scheduling a trial run with your stylist to ensure the style suits you and you’re satisfied with the desired outcome.

3. Popular Hairstyles for Special Occasions

Need some inspiration in choosing the perfect hairstyle?  Let’s take a look at some popular hairstyles for any occasion.

Classic Updos

Updo hairstyles are timeless, glamorous, and perfect for any formal occasion.  There are countless variations on the classic updo.  Try:

• The Classic Bun – The classic bun is achieved by gathering your hair into a ponytail at your preferred height and securing it with a hair tie.  Then, twist the ponytail around its base to form the bun, securing it with bobby pins for a neat finish.  The classic bun is perfect for both formal and informal occasions.
• The Elegant Chignon – Unlike high buns, the chignon is a hairstyle where hair is twisted and secured into a low bun or knot, typically at the nape of the neck.  
• Slicked Back Ponytail – If you’re looking for a smooth, polished hairstyle, try a slicked-back ponytail or bun.  Using hair products like gels, or serums, pull back the hair from the face into a ponytail to achieve a sleek, glossy finish.  Slicked-back ponytails can be worn at different heights and are relatively easy to maintain.

Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyles

Half-up half-down hairstyles offer the best of both worlds, combining sophistication with a more relaxed, effortless vibe.  For any occasion, try:

• The Half-Up Bouffant – Start by backcombing the hair at the crown to create volume before gathering the top section of your hair and lightly twisting and pinning it back.  Make sure to maintain the volume at the crown.  Smooth out any stray hairs for a polished finish.
• Wrapped High Ponytail – To dress up a half-up half-down hairstyle, simply put half of your hair up into a high ponytail.  Take a piece of hair and wrap it around the hair tie to elevate your look.
• Half Bob – For shorter hair, try a textured half bob.  Pull the top of the hair into sections and twist before pinning it back with bobby pins.  

Hair Down

If wearing your hair down feels the most comfortable for your special occasion, give one of these looks a try:

• Hollywood Curls – You can’t go wrong with classic, luscious Hollywood waves.  Start at the bottom of your hair to work your way up. Take a diagonal section (going downward towards your cheekbones) and place your curling wand below the hair, pointing towards the face.  Make sure that your sections are all the same size and that you curl them in the same direction. Hollywood waves are very uniform!
• Beach Waves – Beach waves are the perfect, effortless-looking style for casual summer days but can be dressed up to suit any occasion.  Using your curling iron, curl your hair in sections, leaving out the last few inches.  The best part about this hairstyle is that it isn’t meant to look “perfect”.  You are going for that relaxed, tousled look!
• Sleek and Straight – A sleek, straight hairstyle is an easy way to create a sophisticated and professional appearance.  Apply a heat protectant before blow drying and straightening with a flat iron.  

Beautiful Braids

Braids can add visual interest, texture, and structure to any hairstyle.  They offer endless possibilities for expressing personal style and can be dressed up or down for any special occasion.  Try:

• French Braid – Begin by dividing a small section of hair at the front of your head into three strands. Then, cross the left strand over the middle, and the right strand over the new middle. After the first crossing, add a new section of hair to the right strand and cross it over the new middle. Repeat these steps, adding a new section of hair to each side as you braid down the head. 
• Fishtail Braid – Divide your hair into two even sections.  Take a thin strand from the outside of the left section, pull it across, and tuck it under the right.  This strand is now a part of the right section.  Now repeat this process but on the other side.  Keep alternating sides until you reach the end of your hair.  With fishtail braids, the tighter you make your braid, the better.  You can always tousle it for a messier look later.
• Waterfall Braid – The waterfall braid gets its look by releasing sections of hair as well as picking up new ones along its path.  To achieve this look, use the French braid technique while leaving sections out of the braid in a cascading style that resembles a waterfall.

The right hairstyle can elevate your entire look, making you feel confident and beautiful for any occasion.  Need an expert stylist for your special event?  To book an appointment, contact us today at Savile Row Salon!