Mastering the Party Season: A Professional’s Guide to Event Styling by Hair Type
Peak party season is here. If you’re a salon professional, this period represents a significant increase in footfall, tighter booking schedules, and a higher demand for long-lasting, impactful styles.
During this high-pressure window, the ability to deliver showstopping, on-trend looks tailored to specific hair textures is essential. It ensures client satisfaction, maximises your chair time, and boosts those all-important retail opportunities! Below is our guide to navigating the most requested styles this season, categorised by hair type or texture.
The Foundation: Consultation and Prep
No matter what the hair type, the longevity of a party style relies entirely on the preparation. The initial consultation is a great time to assess the client’s hair density, porosity, and length. You can then make an informed decision about the types of styles that will be possible and how long the appointment will need to be. It’s important to manage client expectations at this point to ensure you have a satisfied customer on the big day. Some other important factors to think about during the consultation are:
The Wash Cycle: Advise clients on the optimal wash schedule for their desired look. While some updos require day two hair, voluminous blowouts on fine hair need a fresh, lightweight canvas.
Product Cocktailing: This is the prime time to utilise primers and heat protection. Ensure the hair is prepped to withstand heated tools and environmental factors like the humidity or heat of a crowded venue.
The Trial: Encourage a trial appointment for complex updos to manage client expectations and nail your timing.
Hairstyles for curly hair
When styling natural texture, the goal is to define and control without compromising the curl pattern. Hydration and frizz control should be your primary focus here.
Structural Half-Up: This provides a balance of containment and volume. Focus on defining the loose curls with a hydrating curl cream before pinning the top section. Utilise high-quality bobby pins or statement barrettes that can hold density without slipping.
Protective Braided Updo: Ideal for clients concerned about frizz or heat damage. Incorporate French, Fishtail, or Dutch braiding techniques to create a structural base. Twist the length into a low bun and secure with U-pins for a secure yet soft finish.
Asymmetrical Sweep: Create drama by manipulating the hair to one side. Use a strong hold gel or a hair putty or pomade at the nape to keep the sweep tight against the scalp with bobby pins to secure, allowing the free-falling curls to cascade over the opposite shoulder.
Hairstyles for straight hair
Naturally straight hair often struggles to hold a curl or grip pins. Your toolkit here must include texturising sprays and thermal setting sprays to ensure the style survives the night!
High-Shine Pony: The "glass hair" trend remains popular. Use a finishing serum and a boar bristle brush to eliminate all flyaways. For an on-trend addition, wrap the base with velvet ribbon or bow, or a section of the client's own hair.
The Braided Crown: This adds texture to otherwise flat hair. Prep with a texturising powder to give the braid grip and expansion capabilities. Secure flush to the head for a halo effect.
Classic Hollywood Waves: A high-demand look for formal events. Use a consistent setting pattern with a large barrel tong. Pin curl clips are essential here to let the hair cool in shape before brushing out into a uniform, glossy wave.
Hairstyles for thick hair
Managing weight with thick hair can be challenging. Styles need to be firmly anchored to prevent sagging or scalp discomfort for the client.
Architectural Topknot: A staple for clean silhouettes. Creating a foundational ponytail first is essential. Use heavy-duty bobby pins and a mesh bun ring if necessary to distribute the weight evenly. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to slick back baby hairs along the hairline.
The Modern French Twist: Use the density to your advantage to create a substantial shape. Backcombing the interior of the twist provides the necessary scaffolding for the pins to grip.
Embellished Side Braid: Thick hair shows off the intricacy of braiding well. Enhance a standard plait by weaving in metallic thread or inserting jewelled pins—this is a great upsell opportunity for in-salon accessories.
Hairstyles for fine hair
Here, the objective is to create the illusion of density and volume. Avoid heavy oils that will collapse the style; opt for dry shampoos and volume powder.
The Deconstructed Bun: Use a padding ratio that creates size without looking artificial. Backcomb the roots gently before gathering. The "messy" finish hides the lack of density while looking effortlessly chic.
Textured Undone Waves: Use a wand rather than a clamp iron to keep the ends straight and modern. Once waved, use a wide tooth comb and a salt spray to expand the cuticle and create a fuller appearance.
Volume-Focused Half-Up: Unlike the curly version, this requires structural backcombing at the crown. Use a volumizing mousse at the root during the blow-dry phase to ensure the lift holds before pinning.
Party season styling
A party season styling appointment is the perfect time to educate clients on finishing products. Recommend travel-size hairsprays or shine sprays that they can take in their handbags for touch-ups throughout the night.
