Easy Party Hair Ideas

The low-down 'do

This style allows you to create that pretty shape at the nape of your neck, while still wearing hair down, says Warn.

‘To pull off any half-up-half-down ‘do, you need volume, so ideally start with a blow dry using a round brush to create bounce. Once hair’s prepped, catch the top layer in a band or secure it with pins, pushing the hair up and under to add some shape. I caught the loose strand at the front with two grips – it’s very pretty when you place something near the cheek and eye. It really opens up the face,’

From the simple, centre-parted pony at Balmain to the low-slung buns at Prada, there were plenty of pretty, easy catwalk styles to covet this season. Isabel Marant, Jil Sander and Burberry Prorsum provided the masterclass in hair down: clean and middle-parted with gently-textured waves.

Two plaits in damp hair at night will do it – or blow dry with some root boosting spray, followed by a quick tonging. Whatever your hair this season, the main thing is to keep products minimal and the style simple.

It may not be summer, but beachy hair still looks good all year round. For a new take on beachy, spritz and scrunch texturising spray into dry hair, then pin into a loose chignon.

‘The spray will give you a great texture – think ruffled not rough – and enough volume for you to be able to pull a few strands loose around your face for a sexy, flattering finish,’ says stylist George Northwood.

When there’s not enough time to wash, ponytails are a total godsend – just ask anyone who does the school run.

For the speediest and most stylish version, take a tip from queen of the school gates Claudia Schiffer’s stylist Armin Morbach and ‘rake hair back with your fingers, then secure it between the highest bony point of your skull and your nape’. It's the perfect party look.

Palette refresher

We’ve been going mad for hair tints and chalks recently. While a whole head of crazy colour isn’t for the faint-hearted, peach highlights (like Sienna Miller’s here) or streaks of pink through the end of your hair look youthful and perfect for a party, while staying on the right side of sophisticated.

Kate Bosworth

If fussy, fixed-up, tightly-coiffed ‘do’s aren’t typically your style, this loose, side plait lends a touch of glamour whilst still looking effortlessly cool. The dramatic sweep is what gives this look its flattering, night time feel, while the band tied halfway down the length keeps things beautifully undone.

Sleek & shine

When all else fails, work sleek, straight hair with a high, reflective shine; the look at John Richmond was packed with health and still had a long, loose wave.

Cheat this with the help of shine-inducers by starting with dampened hair – we love the Sebastian Trilliant Spray (£16.29) for a touch of lightweight gloss. Spritz in and activate with heat through a smoothing, straight blowdry, then work your straighteners through the lengths, barely clamping each strand for movement.

Naomie Harris

You can’t go wrong with long, loose waves as your staple party look; the style is eminently chic and pretty low-maintenance, too. It suits almost all facial contours and works best on longer hair, but requires a smoother canvas before you go in with tongs.

Beehive bun

Why not go for classic glamour with your evening party look? This beehive bun boasts a centre parting for a modern and chic touch.

It’s great for making hair appear fuller and works on mid to long lengths, while the back-brushing and need for shine mean you don’t need freshly-cleansed locks. Pair up with a pretty hair accessory to up the glamour factor, and finish with Aveda Control Force Hairspray (£19.50) to lend a little hold and gloss.