The holiday season isn’t just about decking the halls – it’s also a perfect excuse to revamp your look with a chic new hairstyle. Here’s how to choose your perfect Christmas haircut.
Feel like it’s time to give yourself a new hairstyle, but not sure what to choose? You’re in good company. Up and down the UK, people are agonising over whether to make a change.
Sometimes, people are just afraid to take the plunge. A change in hairstyle can be scary, especially if you’re choosing a drastically different look. How can you feel sure that a pixie cut will look right when you’ve got long hair, right?
Fortunately, you don’t have to figure this out all by yourself. By following expert tips from experienced hairdressers, you can find a Christmas cut that works for your hair type and face shape.
We spoke to Bethany Alden, owner of Hair by Bethany to learn how best to choose a festive hairstyle. Bethany has been providing bespoke hair services since 2001, catering to corporate, media, bridal, and private clients across the UK and Europe.
Bethany is not only a skilled hairdresser – having worked at prestigious events, like the London and Milan Fashion Weeks – but acts as an educator for L’Oréal, sharing her knowledge with aspiring stylists. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to stay ahead of trends make her a sought-after stylist in the industry.
Let's dive in and find the festive hairstyle for you.
Choosing the perfect hairstyle isn’t only about following the latest trends. You need a look that complements your unique features and accentuates your natural beauty.
That’s all well and good, but what should you be looking out for? Here are some quick tips to remember when picking your next haircut.
Face shape matters
Take a moment to identify your face shape. Whether oval, round, or square, understanding your face shape can guide you towards more flattering hairstyles.
Not sure what your face shape is? Take a straight-on selfie with your phone before drawing on an outline. This should help you to assess your face shape without getting confused.
As an example, you probably have a round face if you have wider cheeks and a rounded chin. On the other hand, oval faces are longer than the width of the cheekbones, with a forehead that is more prominent than the jawline.
You aren’t limited to a single hairstyle with a specific face shape, but understanding your facial structure will help you pick a hairstyle that emphasises or de-emphasises certain features.
Hairstylist, Bethany Alden, owner of Hair by Bethany, also recommends using certain apps and platforms to find hairstyle ideas. She said:
"Exploring platforms like Pinterest for inspiration can be very useful, as well as using apps like the L'Oréal app, My Hair ID, to visualise different looks. Additionally, consulting with a hairstylist can provide personalised recommendations based on your hair type and lifestyle."
Consider your skin tone
Hair colour is a major factor when it comes to choosing an effective hairstyle. It needs to harmonise with your skin tone to bring about your best look.
First, look at whether your skin has a warm or cool undertone. This will set you on your way to picking a hair colour that dovetails more naturally. Warm undertones are usually yellowish or golden, while cool undertones have pink and blue tinges.
Usually, cool skin tones match up well with cooler hair colours. Think platinum shades and ashy hues. Conversely, warm skin tones do well when matched with warmer hair colours, like blonde, bronze, and copper-red.
Bethany recommends using swatches with various hair colours to match your skin tone.
She suggested "A practical approach is to hold swatches of various hair colours – both warm and cool – near your face. This allows you to see which tones brighten your complexion and make your features pop.
"Ultimately, the best hair colour is one that makes you feel confident and reflects your personal style!"
Of course, there are no iron-clad rules here, it’s just about picking a hair colour that complements your natural features.
Embrace your hair texture
Many people spend their time fighting with their hair, but this can be a mistake. Working with your hair’s natural texture can greatly accentuate your style – and it’s often less work.
It isn’t just about having curly hair or straight hair, either. Whether you have fine or thick hair also influences how effective hairstyles might be, and how well those styles will last.
For example, fine hair is often too delicate to hold shape for very long, even with help from styling products. In cases like these, sticking to a sleek, simple style, like a high ponytail or a bun, might be best.
At the other end of the spectrum, some people think curly hair is hard to handle – and it can be – but it actually holds up hairstyles better than most hairsprays and styling products. That means real adaptability.
Determined to show up your family and friends at this year’s Christmas party? Taken from Yell data, here are the most popular hairstyle trends for Christmas 2023.
1. Hollywood waves
First popularised by movie legends like Veronica Lake and Rita Hayworth – and since donned by many modern celebrities – the Hollywood waves hairstyle is in high demand.
Boasting 2,900 monthly searches and over 220 million TikTok views, this hairstyle is a popular pick this festive season.
2. Slicked back bun
A sleeker, more polished version of the top-knot, a slicked back bun is an ideal choice for running errands, work settings, and even formal events. This is true versatility!
It’s hardly surprising, then, that the slicked back bun has 1,800 monthly searches and 188 million views on TikTok.
3. Sleek straight hair
A classic crowd-pleaser, the sleek straight hair look has racked up 1,110 monthly searches and 153 million views on TikTok.
This style works wonderfully for those with fine hair and is a hit whether you have a long or short cut.
What are the most popular hair colours this Christmas?
Obviously, you need to think about more than just hairstyle trends – like what’s the trendiest hair colour this Christmas?
According to Yell data, these are the favourites.
1. Blue-black hair
Blue-black has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for the UK’s most popular hair colour this festive season.
Amassing 6,600 monthly searches and a staggering 6 billion views on TikTok, this hair colour is a clear favourite of the British public.
2. Pink hair
Coming narrowly in second place is pink hair, with 6,100 monthly searches and 5.3 billion TikTok views.
Ranging from pastels to magenta tones, pink hair can work for various skin tones and hairstyles.
3. Cold brew hair
In third place is cold brew hair, having totalled 5,600 monthly searches and 3 billion views on TikTok.
Falling short of blue-black and pink, cold brew hair has still proven itself to be a popular choice this holiday season.
According to Bethany, certain hair colour trends can be adapted to suit your personal style too.
She said "The Balayage trend continues to be popular, offering a natural, sun-kissed look with soft highlights that blend seamlessly into your base colour. Rich brunettes featuring deep, chocolatey browns, warm chestnuts and mocha are in vogue and provide a sophisticated and polished appearance."
"Warm, fiery shades like copper and auburn are also making a statement, perfect for adding vibrancy and dimension."
While experimenting with new hair styles and colours is exciting, hair experts caution against frequent drastic changes that might damage your locks. Accidents can happen, especially if you colour or cut your own hair.
Before committing to a new style or colour, consider your hair’s condition. Will changing your hair colour cause damage? Can your hair stand up to the repeated use of a curling iron? These are the types of questions you need to keep in mind.
As hairdresser Kirsty Georgeson, from Space Salon, puts it, “It is important to be mindful of your future hair goals, as big and regular changes season to season can bring a risk of damage to your hair, be it from a colour change, or regular styling at high heats.”
Bethany Alden, from Hair by Bethany, also urges the importance of a patch test prior to a colour treatment. She said:
"Having a patch test before any colouring service is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps identify any potential allergic reactions to the hair dye or other products being used. Even if you've coloured your hair before without issues, allergies can develop over time, making a patch test an essential precaution.
"Additionally, a patch test can help assess how the colour interacts with your hair and scalp. This is important for ensuring the chosen shade will achieve the desired result and that your hair and scalp can handle the chemicals involved in the colouring process."
"Overall, taking the time for a patch test not only prioritises your safety and well-being but also contributes to a more satisfying and successful colouring experience. It’s a small step that can help prevent discomfort, adverse reactions, and unsatisfactory results."
If you’re unsure whether your hair is ready for more robust styling, simply check with the professionals at your local hair salon. They can not only assess the state of your hair but also give hair colouring and styling treatments that will help protect your tresses.
Are you ready to glam up for the Christmas period?
While it’s tempting to pick the hottest hairstyle trends, remember to think about the shape of your face, your skin tone, and your hair type before choosing your new hair colour or style.
Hairstylists can evaluate your hair’s condition and offer guidance in choosing styles and colours. They’re also the best choice for bringing your choices to life, as they have the experience, skill, and high-quality products needed for a great result.
Get yourself the Christmas haircut of your dreams by choosing from the best local hairdressers near you – or post an enquiry and let hairstylists reach out to you now.
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