New Year’s Eve was literally made for show-stopping outfits and festive vibes, and your New Year's Eve hairstyle should match all of that dazzling energy. After all, there’s no point in going all out on sequins and metallics if your hair isn’t just as extravagant. New Year's Eve is the perfect excuse to have fun with your beauty look—in addition to a celebratory manicure and shimmering eyeshadow, your hair is the perfect way to make a statement before the ball drops.
Whether you’re toasting with some friends or dressing up to the nines for a night out, the right hairstyle can take your glam from simple to show-stopping. From effortless updos that exude glamour to statement-making sparkly accessories, these are the best hairstyles for New Year's Eve to ring in 2026.
The Effortless Updo
An updo with a high bun feels perfectly on-theme for NYE, adding instant lift and some party-ready drama. Worn intentionally messy with soft texture throughout, it’s an easy way to look festive and elegant (and it means you don't need to do a full arm workout to get it perfectly smooth).
An Undone Low Bun
An undone low bun with a soft side part is playfully chic, especially when finished with a few loose face-framing pieces. It strikes the ideal balance between polished and relaxed, making it ideal if you want your hair to look luxe without looking overdone. This would make any outfit look super elevated, even if it's just your pajamas.
The Half-Up Half-Down
A half-up, half-down style that pulls some strands back is the perfect combination of effortless and festive for New Year's. It keeps hair out of your face while still showing off length and texture, making it playful, flirty, and easy to style in just minutes. Throw in a glitzy bobby pin or clip for a sparkling finishing touch.
A Voluminous Blowout
A head-turning, voluminous blowout never lets me down, and it's the ultimate way to make an entrance before the ball drops. Pop in a few rollers while you're getting ready and sipping champagne, and you’ll be rewarded with big, bouncy hair that steals the spotlight all night long.
The Flirty Flip
A little flip is the perfect way to add movement and energy into shorter haircuts for NYE. Whether it’s a bob or a lob, flicking the ends out instantly gives your look tons of volume and a fun, party-ready vibe.
A Sleek Bun
If your outfit is doing the most and you want to let it do the talking, a sleek bun is the ultimate choice. Simply slick your hair back above ear height with a boar bristle brush and lock it in with a styling wand or hairspray for a polished, long-lasting finish. And it doesn’t require freshly washed hair, which is always a win.
Tucked Behind the Ears
A sleek blowout with a lot of hair tucked behind the ears is a timeless choice for NYE. It elevates any hairstyle, while letting your statement earrings shine.
Glitzy Hair Jewelry
New Year's Eve and shimmery accessories go hand in hand, and an updo finished with hair jewelry delivers the ultimate party-ready statement. Even if you’re keeping your hair low-effort, a single shiny barrette or sculptural pony cuff instantly amps up the look.
Deep Side Parts
A deep side part was one of the biggest hair trend revivals of the year, and it's a simple yet striking way to elevate your NYE look. It adds instant drama and glamour, framing the face beautifully, and looks fabulous on every hair length and texture.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan who writes about all the best hair trends, celebrity hair looks, and chic styles. She spent hours scrolling through all the best celebrity hairstylists and inspo to find the best NYE hair looks.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
