Grazia's Guide To The Best Party Hair Styles For 2025

The party season arrives with renewed optimism and a refreshed hair playbook. In Grazia’s recent round-up, stylist Larry King highlights the looks set to dominate 2025 — from voluminous waves to polished low buns and embellished ponytails. Whether you’re preparing for a formal soirée, a club night or a cosy house party, the year’s defining tendencies favour texture, movement and finishing touches that catch the light (and the camera).

The silhouettes to know

2025 party hair isn’t about one single statement; it’s about elevated versions of familiar shapes. Expect to see four primary silhouettes across red carpets and pubs alike:

• Full-bodied waves — think modern Old Hollywood with a lived-in, textured finish rather than stiff curls.
• Sleek, sculpted ponytails — high or low, polished lengths that are smooth at the crown with glossy, glass-like shine.
• Soft, undone up-dos — low chignons and twisted buns that are tidy at the base but intentionally loose at the edges for movement.
• Accessory-led looks — hair jewellery, clipped-on pearls, rhinestone slides and embellished scrunchies used to elevate simple shapes.

These silhouettes share a common thread: versatility. Each can be softened or sharpened depending on the dress code and the wearer’s mood. Larry King’s advice leans into adaptable approaches — build volume where you want it, and keep the shape flexible so it survives dancing, wind and fourth helpings of pudding.

How to create the looks at home

You don’t need a pro to achieve camera-ready party hair; you’ll get further fast by prioritising three fundamentals: preparation, tools and finishing technique. Below are practical steps for three popular 2025 party looks.

Modern voluminous waves

Preparation is everything — start with clean, slightly second-day hair for better grip and longevity. Apply a heat-protectant and a lightweight styling mousse to the lengths. Use a 32–38mm curling barrel to create loose S-shaped waves, curling alternating sections away and towards the face. Once cooled, comb through gently with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, then lift at the roots with a dry-texture spray for volume. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to allow movement without frizz.

Sleek ponytail with a twist

For a sleek ponytail, begin with smoothing serum and a fine-tooth comb to remove flyaways. Blow-dry with a round brush for tension, or flat-iron sections for a mirror-like finish. Secure the ponytail at the desired height and wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it. For a contemporary touch, add a ribbon or a crystal clip at the base, or thread a baton of hair through a loop to give the tail more structure.

Undone low chignon

This is the go-to for an elegant but relaxed finish. Create soft texture with a sea-salt spray or texturising balm, gather hair at the nape, twist loosely and pin. Allow face-framing pieces to remain loose and gently tug at the crown to create volume. Secure discreetly with pins and finish with a light hold spray; add a single statement clip for a festive lift.

Quick checklist for a lasting style

• Start with the right base: freshly washed or day-old depending on the desired grip.
• Always use heat protection when using hot tools.
• Work in sections for even shape and control.
• Cool curls completely before brushing to set the wave.
• Layer finishing products — light oil for shine, dry spray for volume, flexible hairspray for hold.

Tools, products and wardrobe pairings

There is no single product that rules 2025, but certain items will repeatedly appear in professional kits. A mid-sized curling iron (32–38mm), a flat iron with adjustable heat, a fine-tooth comb, a soft brush and a wide-tooth comb are the essentials. For products choose a heat protectant, a lightweight mousse, a texturising spray and a flexible hairspray. A finishing oil or serum is useful for sleek looks but use sparingly to avoid weighing textured styles down.

When it comes to outfit pairings: voluminous waves complement sequins and bold necklines; sleek ponytails work well with tailored suits and statement earrings; low chignons suit high-collared and backless dresses. Accessories are the final flourish — clips, combs and embellished headbands are very much in vogue and can transform a simple do into a party moment.

Considerations for hair health and sustainability

Party season often means more heat styling and product use, so build in recovery: regular deep-conditioning masks, a weekly protein treatment for compromised hair, and limiting the temperature on your tools where possible. For a lower-impact approach, embrace heat-free styling methods — overnight braids for waves or foam rollers for volume — and choose products with recyclable packaging or refill schemes where available.

Takeaway

The 2025 party hair trend is about being both polished and playful. Focus on texture, movement and smart finishing to ensure your style survives the night and photographs well. Whether you favour waves, a sculpted ponytail or an undone chignon, the key is preparation, the right tools and considered use of accessories. Use heat protection and recovery treatments to keep hair healthy across the season, and adapt looks to suit your outfit and the event’s tone.