New Year's Eve (or NYE, as it’s affectionately known) is the perfect time to throw on your best-sequined jumpsuit and hit the town with your friends. In addition to the perfect outfit, you have to find the best hairstyles for New Year's Eve to match your vibe and plans for the evening. The only thing more special than dancing the night away, toasting the new year with your closest friends, and maybe even sharing a midnight kiss? New Year’s Eve hair that will have you in the spotlight and leave you feeling confident all night.
Our guide has 35 of the most Instagram-worthy NYE hairstyles for this special occasion, so you can enter 2025 in style. Keep scrolling for endless inspo.
35 Hairstyles for New Year’s Eve
Good hair day by @leauxmane.
1. All-Over Barrettes
If you’re not sparkling on New Year’s Eve—you’re doing it wrong. Make your mane the center of attention with an over-the-top, all-over, sparkly barrette look. You may need to enlist the help of a friend to pull this off, so don’t be surprised when she loves it so much she asks you to return the favor.
Good hair day by @ash.did.that.
2. Half-Up Braided Space Buns
Opt for these braided space buns if you’re looking for New Year’s Eve hair that’s equal parts cute and rock and roll. Space buns are the ultimate party hairstyle, and pairing them with braids is one of our favorite ways to kick this style up a notch.
Good hair day by @tomskinwarr.
3. Modern Crimp
We love this modern spin on a blast-from-the-past hairstyle. For a heat-free way to score that desirable crimped texture, try braiding your hair instead of relying on a crimper.
Starting with freshly washed and conditioned hair, rake a volumizing mousse like Matrix High Amplify Foam Volumizer Mousse throughout damp, towel-dried hair to give your strands body and hold. Then, divide your hair into 6-8 even sections and braid each one into a three-strand braid. Once your braids are completely dry, take them out and gently separate your strands with your fingertips to give them some movement. Set your look with Matrix High Amplify Proforma Frizz Control Hairspray.
Good hair day by @pekelariley.
4. Spiked Bun
Ballerina buns can be anything but basic—if you know how to accessorize them the right way. This high, knotted bun, complete with spiked accessories, is bound to turn heads once the clock strikes midnight.
Good hair day by @darycetolliver.
5. Three-Strand Twist Out
We’ve all heard of a two-strand twist, but have you heard of a three-strand twist? This natural hairstyling technique is an easy, low-manipulation way to add definition to coily hair and help pump up the volume. Check out our tutorial on how to pull off a flawless three-strand twist out, or watch the quick how-to above.
Good hair day by @muchmorethanbeauty.
6. Subtle Sparkle
We’re fans of head-to-toe sparkle, but if subtle is more your thing, we’ve got you covered. Craft your favorite hairstyle and finish your look with a few strategically placed sparkly gems.
Good hair day by @thecheveurier.
7. Party Ponytail
Ponytails may be your go-to lazy hairstyle, but they only have to be simple if you want them to be. Take your normal look to the next level with a high, party ponytail—aka a pony placed at the very top of your head—styled with cascading curls.
Good hair day by @pekelariley.
8. Middle Part Accent Braid
You don’t need an all-over braided style to make a statement with your hairdo for New Year’s Eve. Let your mane hang loose and complete your style with a middle part accent braid.
Good hair day by @brunodviana.
9. Bouncy Curls
Nothing says party hair like a mane full of glamorous curls. Starting at the back of your head, work with 2-inch sections of clean, dry hair. Spray each one with a heat protectant like Redken Thermal Spray 11 Low Hold before wrapping it around a 1-inch curling iron. Hold or clamp each section of hair until just heated through, approximately 10 seconds, depending on your hair's thickness.
Continue curling 2-inch sections of your hair until you've completed your entire head. Then, give your curls a tousle for extra movement. Set your look in place with Redken 32 Max Hold Hairspray.
Good hair day by @annette_updo_artist.
10. Braided Chignon
Can’t decide between a bun and a braid? There’s no need to choose—you can have both. Combine these classic styles for a final look you’ll never get enough of. Learn how to master this polished hairdo in our article, How to Style a Chignon: Our Easy Step-By-Step Guide.
Good hair day by @sparklingstrandsyyc.
11. Sparkly Hair Tinsel
This isn’t the hair tinsel you sported during summer camp. Adding silver, gold, or even rose gold metallic hair tinsel is a subtle way to elevate your look and add a bit of sparkle to the evening.
Good hair day by @pati.rodrigz.
12. Finger Waves
Finger waves will always make the list of best New Year’s Eve hairstyles for short hair. To easily style your cropped cut into sea-like waves, use a fine-tooth comb and a bit of Redken’s Stay High Mousse, which will give your look textured volume and long-lasting hold. You can let your look air-dry or wrap your hair with a paper wrap and sit under a hooded dryer until thoroughly dried.
Good hair day by @thecheveurier.
13. Simple Ear Tuck
Here’s a simple yet cute New Year’s hairstyle, especially if you love wearing your hair down. Switch up your look by tucking your hair behind your ear to show off your stunning face and makeup. Add a fun hairpin to jazz things up and add some luxe to your locks.
Good hair day by @salonnaman.
14. Flipped Ends
Bring some flair (or should we say flare?) to your hair by flipping the ends. You can get the look by running a flat iron or round brush through your strands and alternating which direction you flip your ends. We love how this technique creates lots of natural movement, especially on layered haircuts.
Good hair day by @thisislaurendavis.
15. Crown Braid
This New Year’s Eve, channel your inner royalty with a stunning crown braid hairstyle. Weave a single, elegant braid around your head and embellish it with jewelry for an extra touch of regality.
Good hair day by @nextsalon1992.
16. Glam Waves
Get glam for the evening with captivating Old Hollywood waves. Prepping your look with Shu Uemura Art of Hair Tsuki Shape Blow Dry Spray and setting it with Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Wata Wave Texturizing Spray will coax out the maximum amount of volume from your hair, from roots to ends.
Good hair day by @deecannstyle.
17. Metal Hair Accessories
This hairstyle for NYE allows you to step into the future by incorporating a few sleek, metallic hair accessories. For this bold, futuristic look, slick your hair into a slicked-back ponytail, secure it with a metal cuff hair tie, and finish with edgy metal hairpins.
Good hair day by @jenniifernicolle.
18. Bubble Ponytails
Bubble ponytails are another cute New Year's hairstyle that you can achieve in just a few steps. Place a few clear hair elastics down the length of your ponytail (or ponytails, if you’re opting for more than one), spacing them evenly. Gently pull apart the hair in each section to create "bubbles" while you adjust them to your preferred size.
Good hair day by @hairbybradleyleake.
19. Sparkly Faux Headband
Headbands are a go-to accessory, but let’s be honest, they can sometimes bring on headaches. You can still get the look by braiding your hairline and placing brightly-colored gems along the plaits. This will create a chic, headband-like effect without the discomfort.
Good hair day by @ugcemilys.
20. Messy Braided Bun
Whether it’s 1925 or 2025, buns are always in style. Glitz them up for New Year’s Eve by embellishing them with a variety of bejeweled pins, as seen here. If sparkle isn't your thing, get creative with a few feathers, velvet bows, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Good hair day by @naeemahnaajida.
21. Coily Updo
Style your natural hair into a pearl-adorned updo for an instantly elegant New Year's Eve hairstyle. First, apply Mizani Artful Edges Edge Control Gel to your hairline. Then, use an edge brush to gently slick your hair up into a high puff, securing it with a silk scrunchie. Finally, arrange a few pearled hairpins neatly around your puff, and you're ready for a fun night.
Pro Tip: Tie a silk hair scarf over your hairline for a few minutes to help set your edges and baby hairs.
Good hair day by @craphairclub.
22. Wavy Bob
You may think bob haircuts have limited styling options, but that’s not the case. If you usually wear your cut straight, switch things up by rocking your natural curls or adding in some waves with a curling iron. Those with naturally wavy hair can spritz their strands with Matrix’s A Curl Can Dream Scrunch N' Go Defining Spray and give them a quick tousle to enhance their texture in seconds.
Good hair day by @estellelatoya.
23. Y2K Hair
While New Year’s Eve is all about looking forward, we sometimes can’t help but reflect on our favorite trends from years past. Welcome this new chapter with a touch of nostalgia. The above NYE hairstyle works on any hair type and is perfect for a night on the town. Don’t forget to add a few butterfly clips to match your Y2K outfit and bring the party vibes to life.
Good hair day by @shannonsarabridalhair.
24. French Roll
Some of us love watching the ball drop from our couch, while others enjoy hosting (or attending) a fancy dinner party or chic cocktail celebration. If you fall into the latter camp, consider a French roll as your hairstyle for New Year’s Eve. It’s similar to the classic French twist but with a more undone finish that even a novice can master.
Good hair day by @francescadidit.
25. Flirty Ponytail
A flirty XXL ponytail is just the vibe for New Year’s Eve. We recommend teasing the base of your pony with a fine-tooth comb to help take your ‘do to new heights. Pair it with your dazzling NYE dress, a bold winged eyeliner, and your besties by your side—then dance the night away in true style.
Good hair day by @colorbyjen.
26. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs make for the ultimate glow-up if you’re ready to switch things up, but not sure how. They frame your face, highlighting your best features and giving you that effortlessly chic “I woke up like this” energy to start the year right.
Good hair day by @thatgirljacqq.
27. Fluffy Bangs
Fluffy bangs are having a major moment, making them the perfect pick if you're craving a trendy, head-turning hairstyle. Style them with a round brush and blow dryer for that trademark soft, voluminous finish. Add a touch of Kérastase Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil for a healthy-looking sheen, and you're out the door.
Good hair day by @benjaminrosshair.
28. Sleek Bob
A sophisticated, sleek bob is a balanced combo of edgy and chic. To nail this hairdo for New Year’s, start with a heat protectant, like Redken's Quick Blowout, before styling with a blow dryer and flat iron. Top it off with a flyaway-smoothing serum to keep your bob looking polished for hours on end.
Good hair day by @thecheveurier.
29. Half-Up, Half-Down Box Braids
When you feel inspired to switch up your classic box or knotless braids, pull them into a ponytail and leave the remaining braids loose in the back. Use a scarf as a headband to look stylish and pulled together in seconds.
Good hair day by @thebangsbabe.
30. Cool Girl Shag
Everyone wants to channel their inner cool girl from time to time. Keep those IT-girl vibes going strong with an edgy shag haircut that’s effortlessly grungy and undone. Trust us, everyone will be obsessed with your look—they might even rush to their stylist to copy it.
Good hair day by @slayejae.
31. The Money Piece
Kick off the new year in style—and manifest those money moves—with a bold money piece. This chunky, face-framing highlight adds brightness to your skin and hair without having to dye your whole head. Experiment with a temporary color if you’re commitment-shy, or go all in with a permanent hair color.
Good hair day by @ryennesnow.hair.
32. Butterfly Layers
Ooh la la, layers! These fabulous, groovy butterfly layers bring all the volume you need to own the dance floor and keep your mane looking bouncy into the early hours of the morning. It’s no wonder the butterfly haircut has been a top-requested look in the salon over the past few years—and it shows no signs of slowing down in 2025.
Good hair day by @sorayahstyles.
33. Pixie
Sometimes, you need a bold change. To get that fresh start, chop your hair into a stylish pixie cut. You’ll be freed of weight—both literally and figuratively—allowing you to embrace that new year, new you, energy.
Good hair day by @naturalcentric.
34. Boho Loc Mohawk
Turn heads and steal the spotlight with a show-stopping loc mohawk. For extra drama, add loc extensions to give your mohawk some volume. This look can be tricky to execute at home, so book an appointment with your stylist ASAP if you want to try this hairstyle for New Year’s Eve.
Good hair day by @haircoloristcoreypaul.
35. Silk Press
It’s never a bad time to head to the salon for a silk press. A trim, steam treatment, and deep conditioning will have your hair looking healthy and flowy for New Year’s Eve. Once the celebrations pass, kick back and relax with Mizani’s Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask to help undo any heat damage.
Next Up: How To Make Your Blowout Last Longer: 11 Expert Tips
Header photo credits (left to right): @naeemahnaajidah and @francescadidit
Want to try one of these New Year’s Eve hairstyles? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a pro near you.
