All the party hair inspo and styling hacks you need this season courtesy of columnist Jen Atkin
Party season is upon us, people! We've already given you the ultimate guide to party accessories, shoes and every gift guide under the sun - from Secret Santa and makeup gifts, to the perfect presents for men. And now, dear reader, we bring you some brilliant party hairstyles and hacks from our columnist, Jen Atkin.
Your first task, shall you choose to accept it, is to master the ultimate party season blow-dry. Here's Jen's step-by-step to va-va-volume...
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Prep damp hair with a texturising or wave spray.
Blow dry using the Dyson Air Wrap (or a hair dryer) on medium heat and speed settings, with a round volumising brush. When blow-drying, it’s important to smooth the hair in small sections with a brush focusing at the root.
Prep dry hair using Ouai Memory Mist (£25).
Curl hair under with a curling iron. When styling, I like to curl sections of random sizes for a more undone finish, and always leave the ends straight.
To finish, spray Ouai Volumising Hair Spray (£22). Make sure to shake up the bottle really well, then flip your head upside down. Spray directly on the roots, then shake up with your fingers. It will give your hair instant life and volume.
Now you've got the Jen Atkin signature blow-dry down pat, here are three other key styles to add to your party hair arsenal...
Getty Images / REX1. High half pony
Jen says this will be THE hairstyle of the party season as it's so easy to take from day to night. "First calm frizz and smooth hair down at the root with Ouai Hair Oil (£24), then smooth it back into half pony", says Jen.
Getty ImagesNot a fan of straight and sleek? "Add volume and movement with a texturising spray and then finish the look by misting hair from bottom to top with Kevin Murphy Strong Session hairspray to lock in your style."
Rex FeaturesThe half-up pony works just as well on bobs and lobs, and makes for an excellent second-day hairstyle.
jenatkinhair/Instagram2. Waves, waves, waves
If you prefer to look effortless rather than preened to perfection, Jen says to use a flat iron to create your cool-girl waves. "Make random bends and waves throughout your hair for a lived-in, volumised look. It just relaxes the hair and gives it a more laidback finish."
Rex FeaturesAs for Hollywood-style waves, Jen says the trick with these is to 'make sure the hair doesn't get too curly. ' "A lot of times I'll go back in after I've curled the hair with a Flat Iron and smooth over the curls."
Getty ImagesWant a heat-free way to create waves? Try Jen's 'Clip Trick'. "You basically apply a styling mousse and texture spray to damp hair, then push the hair up and place a duckbill clip in it. You then push the hair underneath it up and put another clip in it until you've done it down the length of the hair around the entire head. Let the hair air dry, then remove the clips and you've got the perfect natural looking beach wave."
Getty ImagesTo make your waves hold all night, Jen says to prep the hair with Ouai Memory Mist (£25). "It’s heat protectant with polymers that lock in your style until the next shampoo."
3. Sleek and straight
The glass hair trend is still going strong and looks particularly amazing on brunettes and blunt cuts. To make sure your straightening job lasts all night, Jen recommends spraying a paddle brush with a soft hairspray and then brushing to throughout the hair to tamp frizz and flyaways, as well as providing anti-humidity protection. For a really glossy result 'finish with Vernon Francois Pure Form Hold & Shine Serum' (£20).
Getty ImagesTo really amp up the shine and rival Olivia Palermo's mirror mane, Jen also says to 'make sure you don’t overly wash your hair'. Avoid oily roots instead by only conditioning from the mid-lengths to the ends.
