‘How often during the year do you get to dress up without anyone batting an eyelid?,’ exclaims Scottish-born, London-based celebrity hairstylist, Sam McKnight. He's not wrong. Whether it's switching up office 'normcore' for 'naked dresses' and sequins or embracing maximalism via glitter hair, there's no season better placed for a bolder aesthetic.
The hairdresser, who has been tending to the tresses of some of the world’s most famous faces, from the late Princess Diana to the Hadid sisters, knows a thing or two about the power of dressing up your hair, not least of all when it comes to party season. 'It's confidence wielding and mood-boosting,' notes the hairdresser.
Here, ELLE UK chats to McKnight in an exclusive interview about the best festive hairstyles to emulate throughout party season.
On the return of ‘going out-out’ hair…
'We’ve had a few years of keeping things rather subdued,' shares McKnight. 'Now it's time to have some fun [with our hair],' he says. The good news is that maximalism is back on the agenda for the festive season, with oversized velvet bows, disco ‘dos and amped up, studio 54-inspired volume taking centre stage.
'Studio 54 was such a fun, vibrant time; the inspiration is always there,' he notes. 'You can still see its influence in fashion, culture, and beauty. There's joy in the larger than life feel from that era.'
On the resurgence of hair accessories…
‘Accessories are everywhere and especially bows, from velvet to satin, to oversized bright pops of pink and those adorned with gemstones,' says McKnight.
It's the most affordable way to dress up a hairstyle, too. 'Choose a length of ribbon from your local haberdashery or one lying around at home somewhere and simply tie in a bow with a pin slid through the middle.’
On the subtle power of glitter…
'It’s such a simple finishing touch. From peacock hued and contrasting glitter shine bands to a soft sparkle that catches the light, it takes seconds to create and gives instant drama,' says McKnight. 'Just ensure you are using biodegradable glitter,' he says.
On the festive hair trends to know...
'The Supermodel'
This look is all about big hair energy, says McKnight. 'In sections, mist Modern Hairspray through your hair before wrapping around a medium curling tong and rolling from the ends up,' he says. 'Roll your tonged hair and clip, leaving it to cool. Repeat until all sections of hair are curled, rolled and pinned. When cooled, gently remove clips and brush through. Smooth Happy Endings through the mid-lengths and ends to defrizz, de-fluff and define the final look.'
'Next Day Glamour'
'It's the hair that keeps on giving,' he says. 'To create the look, mist and draw hair back from the temples and secure in a ponytail beneath the crown, brushing the surface gently to keep the volume. Smooth with Dressed to Kill before adorning with your favourite hair accessory.'
'Dancefloor Diva'
This look comes inspired by Helmut Newton, the 190s, and lots of glitter. 'Begin with a sharp side parting, then in sections lightly apply Self Control Gel to the roots and brush smooth and flat. Tie into a low ponytail and saturate with Dressed to Kill for the ultimate polished finish. Finally, split into 2 sections, twist each one and pin to secure. With some biodegradable glitter, dust across in two "shine bands".'
The 'New Wave Ponytail'
'To create this voluminous ponytail, spritz Superlift into the roots of your fringe, or shorter layers. Blow dry with a root lift spray for volume. Leaving the fringe out, pull [your] hair back into a high ponytail. Mist Cool Girl into the ponytail for texture and volume. To elevate your ponytail, cover the hairband with hair. To do this, you can take a small piece from the underside of the ponytail, use hairspray from roots to ends, comb through and then wrap around the hairband. Secure with a fine pin, holding the ends in place.'
