The Curlier, the Merrier: 5 Festive Holiday Looks

This time of year is all about sparkle, shimmer, and showing up just a little more styled than usual. Whether you’re heading to a holiday party, a cozy dinner, or a last-minute end-of-year event, one thing’s for sure: a great hairstyle goes a long way. And nothing says festive quite like a polished curl.

From soft waves to glam curls to romantic pulled-back styles, these are our go-to looks to help you feel effortlessly elevated—fast.

1. Soft velvet waves

This look is all about softness, volume, and the kind of shine that catches the light just right. Think: understated glam that still turns heads.

How to get the look:

• Start with clean, dry hair and prep with a lightweight heat protectant

• Use the Long Barrel Curling Iron to curl 1"–1.5" sections away from the face

• Let curls cool, then brush through with a paddle brush

• Finish with a light mist of shine spray or serum at the ends
  

Why it works:

The Long Barrel design means you can curl longer sections at once—so your curls are more consistent and you finish faster. It’s perfect for creating soft, romantic waves that last. And for a limited time, the 1-inch Long Barrel is available in Velvet Rouge.

2. The twist-and-go half-up

The twist-and-go is one of those rare styles that checks every box: cute, quick, and extremely adaptable. From office parties to brunch gatherings, it’s the kind of look that moves with you. You can dress it up with velvet ribbon or keep it simple with clean, bobby-pinned sections.

Need something to last through dinner and dancing? Curl the loose hair slightly tighter and finish with a strong-hold spray. Want something softer and romantic? Use the Velvet Rouge 10X™ Styling Iron to create gentle bends and let face-framing strands do their thing. If your hair is fine or slippery, try a little texture spray at the root to help your twists stay in place.

Plus, this style works great even on second-day hair. Just touch up the top section with dry shampoo, refresh your curls, and you’re out the door in minutes.

We love this for those nights when you want something that looks polished, but not overdone. A half-up twist gives you a touch of elegance with very little effort.

How to get the look:

• Curl hair using the 10X Pro Styling Iron, using the beveled edge to add bend and wave

• Take two small sections from either side of your face and twist them back

• Secure with a small clip or hidden bobby pins

• Fluff curls with your fingers and add a light mist of flexible-hold spray
  

 Pro tip:

The vibrating plates on the 10X help distribute heat evenly, so you get more style with fewer passes (and less damage).

3. Low party pony

Sometimes you want something sleek but playful. The low party pony gives you room to add sparkle (hello, rhinestone pins) while keeping hair off your face.

How to get the look:

• Start by curling all your hair with the Long Barrel Curling Iron

• Brush curls back into a low ponytail

• Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic for a polished finish

• Optional: add holiday clips or accessories at the base

Why we love it:

This style gives movement without being high-maintenance. Plus, it’s easy to pull off even if you’re styling on the go.

4. Tucked glam bun

Perfect for formal dinners or holiday galas, this one’s timeless and looks like it took more effort than it really did.

How to get the look:

• Use the 10X™ Styling Iron to smooth out hair and add slight curve through the mid-lengths

• Create a low bun by tucking ends under and pinning into place

• Pull a few face-framing strands loose and give them a soft wave
  

Finish with:

• Shine spray or glossing drops on the bun to keep it polished all night

• Statement earrings to complete the look
  

5. Bouncy barrel curls

If you’re going full glam, this is your holiday moment. Classic, bouncy curls that look fresh out of a salon (without actually booking the appointment).

How to get the look:

• Use the Limited Edition Velvet Rouge Long Barrel Curling Iron to curl small sections all over

• Pin curls up as you go and let them set for at least 10 minutes

• Release pins, then gently shake out curls and spray with a flexible hold
  

Why this stands out:

Longer barrel = faster styling with more consistency. It's especially helpful if you have thick or long hair and don’t want to spend all night getting ready.

Honorable mention: The Sleek Side Sweep

Not every holiday look needs volume or curls. A sleek side part with straight, shiny hair can feel just as festive, especially when paired with a statement lip or bold earring.

How to get the look:

• Use the 10X™ Styling Iron to straighten hair in small sections, working from roots to ends

• Create a deep side part and tuck one side behind your ear

• Smooth flyaways with a lightweight serum or glossing spray
  Optional: secure with a sparkly clip or barrette for extra glam
  

Why it works:

It's low-maintenance, high-impact—and incredibly chic. The 10X’s vibrating plates help deliver shine while reducing frizz, so hair looks smooth without flattening it.

7. Glossy ponytail wrap

Simple, elegant, and easy to style in under 10 minutes—this look is perfect for those last-minute invites where you want to feel put together without going full glam.

How to get the look:

• Use the 10X™ Styling Iron to smooth your hair from root to ends

• Pull hair into a mid-height ponytail and secure with a clear elastic

• Take a small piece of hair from the bottom of the ponytail, wrap it around the base, and secure underneath with a bobby pin

• Finish with shine spray or smoothing cream to enhance gloss
  

Why it works:

It’s versatile enough to wear with a sequin top or an oversized sweater. The style highlights the natural shine of healthy hair, and thanks to the 10X’s vibrating plates, it’s easy to achieve without over-styling.

More ways to make curls holiday-ready

Want to mix it up even more? Here are a few curl-friendly upgrades to make any of the looks above feel more party-worthy:

• Add volume at the roots by flipping your part or using a volumizing powder after curling

• Stack your accessories: two barrettes are better than one, especially in metallics or jewel tones

• Do a ribbon braid: add velvet ribbon to the end of a braid for a cozy, elegant twist

• Tuck one side: pin one side of your hair back behind your ear to show off earrings or keep things asymmetrical and modern
  

When in doubt, go with something you already feel good in—then add shine spray, bold lipstick, or a few sparkly clips. Effortless glamour always starts with hair that feels like you.

Extra touch: Don’t forget accessories

Accessories can take any hairstyle from everyday to extra. Consider adding:

• Velvet or satin scrunchies

• Sparkly pins, barrettes, or combs

• Thin metallic headbands for a minimalist statement

• Oversized bows or ribbons for romantic flair
  

These small touches pair beautifully with any of the looks above—and with the red velvet finish of the limited edition tools, you’ll feel like you’ve styled your hair and your vanity.

Final styling tips

• Always apply heat protectant before using your hot tools

• Let curls cool completely before brushing or styling for longer hold

• Don’t skip finishing spray—it helps seal in your look and adds shine

The Velvet Rouge Collection makes it easy to get festive fast—with styling tools that look as good on your counter as they do in your hand