Ah, the annual office holiday party—such an interesting, mandatory event that requires you to not only look like you put some effort into your appearance, but also not enough effort that you look like the fanciest person there. It’s like a first date…but with your boss. Fun, right?
More: 8 quick and easy hairstyles for when you have absolutely no time
But since you already have the outfit and the makeup and the number-of-drinks-to-appropriately-drink to worry about (although, for your sake, we hope you don’t need to “worry” about any of these things), we figured we’d take away any hair stress with five totally doable, and relatively quick, hairstyles. Each requires just a few bobby pins and hair ties, and each can be done on almost every hair length and type. Scroll down to see our favorites, and get ready to feel somewhat less self-conscious during your next holiday office party.
Triple-Bun Updo
Holiday triple-bun Updo 1
Section off your hair into a half-up ponytail, then twist the ends into a bun and pin in place. Then, scoop and twist the sides of your hair (the inch of hair above your ears) back and into another bun, clipping it in place with a gold barrette. Twist the remaining hair hanging loosely into a bun at the nape of your neck and pin in place.
Teeny, Tiny, Side Braid
Holiday tiny braid 2
Not a fan of updos? Snazz up your usual loose hairstyle by taking the two-inch section of hair above your ear and braid it back behind your ear, tying it off with a tiny clear elastic. Lightly curl the rest of your hair for a soft, wavy finish.
Side Twist-Back
Holiday Side Twist-Back 3
Make a side part, then, on the side with less hair, create three loose, one-inch twists in a row, twisting to the back of our head, then pinning each in place with a bobby pin that matches your hair color.
Twist-Out Bun
Holiday twist-out bun 4
Create deep side part, then flat-twist one side of your hair (using a two-strand twist) from the edge of your hairline to the back of your head, pinning the twist in place at the nape of your neck. Gather the rest of your hair—pulling a few face-framing curls out to drape across your forehead, first—and twist and pin it into a low chignon.
Gold-Looped Pony
Holiday gold-Looped Pony 5
Scoop your hair into a half-ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic a few inches above the nape of your neck (this style should look loose and carefree, so keep the ponytail low). Slip a gold hair cuff, like the L. Erickson Cuff Ponytail Holder, over your ponytail and twist and wrap it around the clear elastic. On the last pass over your ponytail, pull your hair only halfway through the cuff, forming a little loop of hair.
Before you go, check out our slideshow below.
