Holiday Hairstyles with Celebrity Hairstylist Gregory Russell

The holidays are here, and with them come holiday parties! Whether it’s close family gatherings, dressed-up office parties or New Years’ Eve all-nighters, it’s a festive time of year where everyone wants to look their best. You may already have your outfits picked, but if you’re looking for cute hairstyle inspo, we’ve got you covered!

With dozens of A-list celebrities in his clientele, Pureology’s Global Artistic Ambassador, Gregory Russell, knows a thing or two about getting that effortless glam. From red carpets to editorial campaigns, his work can be found gracing the heads of the world’s biggest stars. Based in Los Angeles, he infuses high-fashion influences with a retro-modern approach, creating polished, glamourous looks that also feel relaxed and lived-in.

Check out how to style hair with these two party looks he created for the holidays with Pureology.

Shiny, Voluminous Waves

Polished and almost perfect. This is a great look that goes with almost anything! Whether you want to stand out in your family photos, or are wearing something stunning and sparkly, beautiful, full, voluminous waves will look gorgeously put-together – but not high maintenance. Medium length hairstyles will give you great shape and volume, but these techniques can be used on short hairstyles and long hair as well.

Step 1

Wash and condition hair with your go-to shampoo and conditioner. The iconic Hydrate shampoo and conditioner are a favorite of Russell’s, adding hydration, softness and shine to dry, dull hair. This formula is especially beneficial in the winter months when cool, dry air can take a toll on your hair’s moisture content. Our Hydrate Sheer formula can be swapped in for use on fine, dry strands that need added moisture without weight.

*Pro tip: use the Color Fanatic Top Coat + Sheer Clear glossing treatment for extra brilliance, softness and shine.

Step 2

Start with the Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave In Spray to nourish, detangle, prime and heat protect hair before a blowout. This 21-benefit formula also enhances shine. Section and saturate each section of hair from root to tip. Next, apply Style + Protect Weightless Volume Mousse (another favorite of Russell’s) to wet hair using your hands, starting at the roots and raking through the hair. This will add extra heat protection plus great volume without feeling heavy or weighed down.

*Pro tip: concentrate mousse at the hairline for extra volume and hold, and to control flyaways.

Step 3

Clip hair up into sections and blow dry each section (starting with the bottom layers and working your way up) using a round brush while twisting toward the face to create loose curls. Pin each dry section into a looped shape with a duckbill while still warm to lift the roots and allow the curl to set. Once hair is fully blow-dried and set, release the curls.

*Pro tip: use a fine-tooth comb while blow drying the hairline to help smooth and maintain flyaways.

Step 4

Use a curling iron to help define each curl, concentrating on the bottom half of the length for a more natural feel. Set the style using the Style + Protect Soft Finish Hairspray in the front pieces for a soft hold that still maintains movement, and gently smooth the hair with a boar bristle brush to lay down any flyaways. For the most flattering effect, use a flatiron to define the waves that frame the face, creating bends that frame the cheekbones and work with your face’s unique structure.

Finished Look

Using this combination of products, Russell says his clients’ styles last at least 3 days. If you want to stretch this style, sleep on a satin pillowcase or tie your hair in a silk scarf at night to reduce friction and keep it silky smooth. You can do touchups with a flatiron or curling iron, using more Soft Finish Hairspray for non-sticky hold. Don’t you just love when you get great volume and movement while still being able to run your fingers through your hair?

60s-Inspired Half Updo

Turn up the volume! This 60s-inspired hairstyle builds volume at the crown to create a head-turning but elegant look – a modernized beehive hairstyle that gives a nod to the bombshells of the past. Pulling out a few face-framing wisps along the hairline keep this retro style fresh. Attach a cute accessory with a holiday feel to make the look fun and festive for the season – a velvet bow or sparkly clip are the perfect accompaniment!

Step 1

Wash hair with your favorite shampoo and conditioner. Strength Cure is great for bleached blondes, or any hair color (color-treated or not) that needs strengthening and repair for hair damage. This sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner not only heals and repairs with plant-based protein, Keravis, it also mends split ends and helps prevent future breakage without making hair feel straw-like. This dynamic duo also has the added benefit of color protection.

*Pro tip: hair cycle Strength Cure with Hydrate shampoo and conditioner to make sure your hair stays strong and hydrated.

Step 2

Start with the Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray all over damp hair to nourish, prime and heat protect hair before a blowout – this is a great leave-in conditioner for volume that will also give a smooth, shiny finish. Section and saturate each section root to tip. Next, apply Style + Protect Weightless Volume Mousse using your hands, starting at the roots and raking throughout the hair. Be sure to apply substantial product at the crown and roots to get that extra added lift that is key to a 60-inspired beehive hairstyle.

Step 3

Rough blowdry the entire head, using a fine-tooth comb to pull up and add lift at the hairline, and doing the length using your fingers. Then blowdry in sections with a round brush, lifting up at the roots and curling slightly at ends. Pin each dried hair section up at the crown and sides with duckbills to maintain volume and let it set (hair at the back can be left down). Once hair is completely dry and cooled, release the hair from clips.

*Pro tip: while drying, lift the front and top sections straight up for maximum volume at the crown.

Step 4

Using a fine-tooth comb, backcomb the crown sections and front sections by the ear to add volume and height. Pull the front half back into a half-up half-down hairstyle, gently smoothing the top with a boar bristle brush but being careful to not lose that beautiful volume created. Secure this with a small, thin elastic. Go back and, using fingers, pull out a few face-framing pieces at the hairline to keep the look soft and effortless.

Step 5

Add your cute holiday hair accessory – like a sparkly clip, metallic barrette or velvet bow which Russell opted for here. Finish the entire style with the best hairspray for a soft hold, the Style + Protect Soft Finish Hairspray. This hairspray has a soft, natural hold that will keep the whole look in place, add beautiful shine and won’t feel crunchy or give the dreaded helmet head. Use your fingers to adjust and set every hair in place.

Finished Look

This feminine, voluminous hairstyle is perfect when you want to look a little more dressed up. Pair it with a sparkly sequin, metallic, satin or velvet holiday dress for the ultimate holiday party look. The best part? This hairstyle is easily undone at the end of the night. Soft Finish Hairspray has a soft hold and can be brushed out when you take this style down. You’ll enjoy the extra volume and lift at the crown for a few more days.

Now you have the ultimate holiday hairstyles to inspire your looks this holiday season. Check out Russell’s instagram for even more hairstyle inspiration, and be sure to grab all your favorite hair styling products from Pureology to get the look.