Let’s be honest: your social calendar this month is starting to push the limits of what you’d usually be able to tolerate and we’re reaching into that extra store of energy we’ve all kept specially for the merry season. And with the Christmas and New Year parties fast approaching, most of us are hard-pressed to admit that we may have signed ourselves up for more extravagant parties than we should have. And along with the festive pizazz of the end-year season, comes the dilemma of exactly how you’ll be pulling up to the grandeur: from your pick of body armour to the glitz you’ll be applying to your mien.
But whilst some of us might share in the luxury of time to plan our immaculate looks for each evening down to every last nail, many might find ourselves having to turn to simpler, more plausible hacks. In this regard, the beauty department might act as one’s saving grace. How you dress up your mane, in particular, might make all the difference. And contrary to what you might think, styling your crown doesn’t necessarily take whole hours at a salon just to get your waves or hair colour done. Should you be pressed for time, a simple twist of your tresses or adding a unique hair embellishment will aid in delivering you to the door effortlessly—and looking like absolute gold in less than five minutes.
Some of these hair hacks can be easily accomplished just before you head out the door, ideal for those of you who are planning on hitting the evening parties after office hours. With the help of some stylishly made-up celebrities, we’ve put together a Vogue Singapore edit of ways guaranteed to liven up your mane—without having to expend the overt effort and time, all below.
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Use a hair bow
The bigger, the better. Hair bows have been all the rage recently—both on the streets and on the runways—and it seems it is the favoured accessory for those who prefer to opt for a high ponytail look, having its tail ends hang down together with your mane. Simply attach it to the base of your ponytail, and opt to colour-contrast it against your choice of frock for the evening.
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Do the half-up, half-down trick
Should you prefer a simpler look overall, perhaps the half-up and half-down trend that has been doing well on the red carpet earlier during the film festivals this year might sit well with you. One option is to easily do up a soft ponytail and leave face-framing strands to fall over your face as bobby pins hold down the rest of your hair. But another option is to look at Cara Delevingne’s alternative style—tying up a slanted ponytail with just a small bunch of your hair, whilst bringing the rest of your mane over to the other side of your head.
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Switch it up with a hairband
A little Y2K moment can do no wrong—and to that we’ll say Blair Waldorf’s favourite accessory is the ultimate hack: the hairband. With a thick, velvety headband—perhaps one that matches the colour palette of your outfit—your long, flowing mane can instantly be elevated with elegance. Add a few curls with a heating iron if you’ve the time and you’ll be achieving a look of preppy Christmas in no time.
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Go with a simple updo
For those who prefer going modus operandi with their crowns, a few updos might be preferable—especially if you’re in need of a quick fix. If you’re asking us, the French twist or the top knot are great options, just for their already-purposefully messy finish, so it doesn’t matter if you can’t attain perfection. With the top knot, you could lean into the tousled look by loosely gathering your hair to the top of your crown and tying it with an elastic before you pull your tresses halfway through to create an overlapping bun look.
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Add a hair ornament
And for the ultimate simple fix? Add a simple ornament or decadent clip to your look. This works wonders for those with a short bob or shoulder-length hair especially. Turn to Hoyeon Jung’s red carpet moment where her stylist Jenny Cho added a pale pink barrette clip to the model-actor’s middle parting for a retro, chic effect. Alternative options include adding a sleek metal clip to the sides of your bob that can be loosely curled or straightened with a hot iron.
