Easy & Elegant Holiday Hairstyles Using a Curling Iron

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The holiday season is a time to shine, and a stunning hairstyle can complete your festive look. As someone who loves experimenting with different styles, I've found that the versatility and glam factor of curls are unmatched.

In this post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite holiday hairstyles that you can easily create with a curling iron. These styles range from soft glam waves to long-lasting curls, ensuring you look and feel fabulous at any event. You’ll find step-by-step tutorials, product recommendations, and tips to make your holiday hairstyling experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Whether you're planning to dazzle at a holiday party or keep it chic for a family dinner, these elegant holiday hairstyles will have you looking your best. Grab your curling iron, follow along, and let’s get ready to shine this season!

Essential Tools and Products for Perfect Curls

To create elegant holiday hairstyles using a curling iron, you'll need the right tools and products to achieve the perfect curls. Here’s a checklist to ensure you have everything you need:

These tools and products will help you achieve stunning curls that last throughout your holiday events, giving you a glamorous and polished appearance.


Soft Glam Waves for a Timeless Holiday Look

Soft glam waves are perfect for creating a timeless and elegant look for the holiday season. These waves pair beautifully with various outfits, from chic holiday dresses to elegant gowns, making them versatile for any festive occasion. Consider adding some sparkly hairpins or a festive headband to enhance these waves for the holidays. These accessories can elevate the style and add a touch of glamour to your overall look.

Side profile of a woman in a salon cape, smiling, showcasing her long dark hair styled into soft, glam waves using a curling iron.

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Start with a Smooth Blowout: Begin with a smooth blowout. If you have wavy or frizzy hair, ensure the hair is nice and smooth before using a curling iron. This helps achieve a less frizzy and more polished look.

  2. Apply Heat Protection Spray: Use a heat protection spray, such as the one from Sexyhair, to protect your hair from any heat damage. This spray also adds extra shine and softness to the hair, enhancing the final look.

  3. Curl with a 1.25-Inch Curling Iron: Create soft waves using a 1.25-inch curling iron. My favorite one is from GHD. I recommend using the twist-twist-pull technique with the curling iron to achieve those beautiful, soft waves.

  4. Let the Hair Cool: Allow the hair to cool off completely. Then, comb through the hair with your fingers to soften the waves. 

  5. Final Touches: If your hair struggles to hold a curl, finish off with some texturizing spray to add hold and volume to the final look.

If you have long hair and are looking to purchase a curling iron, be sure to read my guide on the best curling irons for long hair.


Long-Lasting Curls for All-Day Glamour

Long-lasting curls are perfect for events that run from day into night, ensuring you look fabulous from start to finish. These versatile curls can complement any holiday outfit, from cozy sweaters to dazzling evening dresses. To make your curls stand out even more, consider adding a sparkly barrette or some decorative bobby pins.

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Apply Heat Protectant Spray: Before you start curling, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from heat damage.

  2. Section and Curl Your Hair: Use a 3/4-inch curling iron and the twist-and-pull curl method. This technique gives you a nice curl/wave. So your curls don’t end up looking like tight spiral curls.

  3. Apply Thickening Texture Spray: Add a thickening spray to give you volume and extend the life of your curls. I recommend Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray for great results.

  4. Cool and Separate Curls: Once your curls have cooled, run your fingers through them to achieve the desired separation and volume.

  5. Finish with Styling Cream: Use a styling cream like Oribe's Supershine Moisturizing Cream. This product helps tame frizz and gives your curls a shiny, polished look.


Find Your Perfect Curling Iron

Discover the best curling iron for your hair type and desired style with my quick quiz. Answer a few simple questions to find the perfect match for achieving stunning holiday curls.


Effortless Beach Waves for a Relaxed Holiday Vibe

Effortless beach waves are perfect for a relaxed, carefree holiday look. I love pairing this hairstyle with cozy holiday sweaters or chic, casual dresses. You can even turn these waves into a messy bun or a half-up, half-down pony that's perfect for for casual holiday gatherings, festive brunches, or any event where you want to look stylish without too much effort.

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

  1. Apply Heat Protection Spray: To shield your hair from heat damage, start by applying OUAI heat protection spray.

  2. Section and Curl Your Hair: Take sections of your hair and curl them using a curling iron. For the best size curling iron for beach waves for your hair length, check out my curling iron size guide.

  3. Apply Hair Oil: After curling, use OUAI Hair Oil. Rub it into your hands and gently apply it all over your curled hair to release the curls and add shine.

  4. Finish with Texturizing Spray: Finish the look by applying OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray to add texture and hold the waves in place.

For more tips on achieving the perfect beach waves, explore my detailed blog post on the best iron for beach waves and discover my top picks for the best hair products for beach waves.


FAQs

How can I make my curls last longer?

To make your curls last longer, start with a heat protectant spray, use a smaller curling iron, let the curls cool completely before touching or styling them. Then finish off the look with texture spray.  hairspray after curling, and let your curls 

What products are best for creating beach waves?

For creating beach waves, use a curling iron, heat protection spray, texturizing spray, and a light hair oil to add shine and definition.

Can these curling iron styles work for different hair types?

Yes, these curling iron styles can work for different hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. Adjust the curling iron size and technique based on your hair type for the best results.


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