By now, you've probably clocked at least a few solid hours shopping for a holiday party outfit (or seven), deciding which boots best go with the new dress you finally landed on, and figuring out if you want to be te person that wears both red lipstick and a smoky eye to the office holiday party. (Short answer: Why not?) The last thing you want to do is fuss with your hair — or, depending on exactly how strapped for time you are, even bother washing it. The good news is that you don't need a miracle (or a hairstylist to pay you a house call) to whip up a ho-hum blowout of some complicated braid. Instead, you just need a few easy holiday hairstyle ideas that won't take more than a few minutes to execute.
We caught up with New York-based hairstylist Erickson Arrunategui, who works at at Bumble and bumble, to see which hairstyles he turns to when he's in a pinch, as well as how to recreate them at home. Ahead, a chignon that looks better on second-day hair, the ponytail that will truly take you less than ten seconds to execute, and a look that depends on a fun throwback hair accessory.
Wet-Effect Chignon
"This look is great for second day hair," says Arrunategui, who recommends looking in the mens grooming section for products that offer a ton of hold. If you're starting with freshly washed hair, spritz some of IGK's Down & Out Dirty Spray at the routes for volume. Then, apply a water-based wax (Arrunategui recommends Fatboy's aptly named Water Wax through your roots, combing through to the ends.
"Gather your hair into low ponytail, leaving out face framing pieces, and before you twist it into a messy bun, add Bumble and bumble invisible oil to the ends of the ponytail," he says. "Finish by securing it with black hair tie."
For a true wet-look, be sure to use a generous amount of Water Wax — otherwise, you risk it looking unintentionally greasy.
Messy Topknot
"This is such a simple look but the texture is everything," Arrunategui says of this timeless style, which is actually from Nanette Lepore's Spring/Summer 2015 runway show.
"To get this airy texture, start by shaking Bumble and bumble's Pret-a-Rowder Dry Shampoo throughout the hair," he says. Then, generously spray Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray, which lends a soft, matte finish. Rake your fingers through your hair, gathering it at the base of your crown, and pull it into a ponytail. "Twist the hair however you'd like, and pin using as many hair pins as needed, then finish with more texture spray around the hairline." For a more mussed-up look, pull a few rouge strands from the bun before you add the last bit of texturizing spray.
Sleek Headband Style
Another look that works great with second-day hair, this style calls on the hair accessories trend that's everywhere for fall. To get the look, start by flat-ironing it, Arrunategui says, even if your hair is naturally straight. "Prep it first with TRESemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray, then finish with Bumble and bumble Dry Oil Spray and place the headband right behind your ear for the perfect Blair Waldorf look."
Ponytail With Wrap-Around
"This look is great after a fresh blowout or second day hair," Arrunategui says of this ponytail from Les Copains Spring/Summer 2012 runway show, which is still an easy-to-pull-off look hairstylists turn to time and time again.
"To get the look, spritz Bumble and bumble Surf Foam Blow Dry Spray from mid-lengths to ends, then blow-dry your hair with a round brush," he says. "Secure into loose low ponytail using your fingers, rather than a brush, for a more casual look. Wrap a small piece of hair around the ponytail holder and pin to elevate the look. Then finish with Fatboy Boss Dog Styling Cream on ends of ponytail and roots for a more lived in voluminous look."
Curly, Brushed-Out Half-Bun
"If you already have curly hair, this style is perfect for you," Arrunategui says. "If not, you may want to add some curl or texture to your hair using the ghd's Classic Curling Iron or Crimper. Once the texture is in, apply a bit of Bumble and bumble Semisumo wax to the palms of your hands, and slick your hair back into a ponytail in the center of your head. Then, using your thumb, twist hair to one side with the ends pointing down, and secure with hair pins. Leave out the ends and finish with a dry conditioner spray, like this one from Amika's Silken Up version.
