Holiday Party Hair and Nails: How to Get Your Look Right Before the Event

Kip Dodson
Kip Dodson
4 min read

The holiday season delivers a concentrated run of occasions that all arrive at the same time. Office parties, family gatherings, New Year’s Eve, Christmas dinners — getting your look right consistently across multiple weeks requires a plan rather than last-minute scrambling.

The stylists and nail technicians at A Moment’s Peace in Franklin, TN handle this season every year. Here is what they recommend.

The Most Requested Holiday Hair Looks

The Sleek, Polished Blowout

A professional blowout is the most versatile holiday style — it works across formal occasions, office settings, and casual family events without reading as over-styled for any of them. A round brush blowout produces volume, smoothness, and a finish that holds for 24 to 48 hours with the right finishing products. Book our hair care services for a professional blowout before your event. For color-treated hair, we recommend a color-safe finishing spray to protect vibrancy.

The Updo for Formal Events

For formal occasions including holiday galas and black-tie events, an updo gives you a finished, event-appropriate look that photographs well and stays in place across an evening. Current requests at A Moment’s Peace include the classic French twist and low chignon, soft braided updos with loose face-framing pieces, and the high textured bun for a modern statement look.

The Half-Up Style

The half-up style is the practical middle ground — partially styled and partially loose. For the holidays, a half-up style with a bow, a velvet scrunchie, or a pearl clip at the back reads as seasonally appropriate without being costumey.

Holiday Nail Looks Worth Booking For

front view young female posing after manicure procedure showing her nails beauty lady girl manicure self-care health fashion

Classic Red and Deep Burgundy

Red nails are the most requested holiday color every year. The shade range has expanded significantly: classic red, deep wine, cranberry, and dark burgundy. Your nail technician can advise on the most flattering version for your complexion. For current nail styles beyond the classics, see our guide to nail trends for 2026.

Minimal Metallics and Chrome

Understated metallic finishes — particularly glazed chrome and pearl-toned nails — translate naturally into holiday occasions. Our nail care services include gel manicures with chrome powder finishes.

Gel for Longevity

According to Healthline, gel manicures last two to three weeks under normal conditions — making them the practical choice for a holiday season that spans multiple events. A gel booked in late November holds through Christmas; a gel booked in mid-December holds through New Year’s Eve.

Booking Timing for Holiday Appointments

Occasion Service Book By
Christmas party (Dec 15–22) Blowout, updo, gel nails First week of December
Christmas Day (Dec 25) Hair styling, full nail service Late November
New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) Updo or blowout, gel with nail art First two weeks of December
Holiday photo sessions Hair, nails, and full prep Two to three weeks before session date

Gift Cards for the Holiday Season

A Moment’s Peace gift cards are one of the most consistently popular holiday gifts in our area — for the person who wants to look their best at their own pace. For a full guide to spa gifting for the season, see our best spa gift ideas article. Gift cards are available from $25 in any denomination, online, in-store, and by phone.

Book Your Holiday Appointment

A Moment’s Peace is at 9050 Carothers Pkwy, Suite 108, Franklin, TN 37067. Book early for December dates. Book your holiday appointment online or call 615-224-0770.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a holiday updo?

For a specific date in December, book at least two to three weeks in advance. For New Year’s Eve specifically, book in early December. Our stylists allocate extra time for holiday updo appointments — same-week availability for formal styling in late December is rarely available.

Can I get a trial run for a holiday updo?

Yes. A trial styling session before your event gives both you and your stylist a clear picture of what works on your hair. Book the trial separately from your event appointment.