New Year’s Eve is just around the corner making it a smart time to get a handle on great ways to dress up your hair. Try some easy-to-follow hairstyle ideas from fab editorial and celebrity hairstylist Gad Cohen to get that special occasion hairstyle that’s right for you. –S.H

‘Tis the season to look your best! From holiday office parties to your New Year’s Eve bash, there’s a hairstyle for every occasion. I wanted to share some of my tips and tricks to help you make your holiday hair chic and sophisticated. Take a lesson from what I tell my clients: whether you are at an office party or at a black tie event, whichever hairstyle you choose, it must last through the night!

READ: Perfect Party Makeup

Here are three simple tips for great holiday hairstyles:

Plan ahead: No matter what the occasion, give yourself ”pretty hair.” Whether up or down, put some time into styling and creating the look that best suits you and the event.

TIME SAVING TIP: If you have events two days in a row, consider wearing your hair down the first night (either blown out or straight-ironed), and then save time the next day by sweeping it up and adding a few curls. Hair is more malleable for an up-do the second day after washing and styling.

Go casual and accessorize: Wear your hair as you normally would during the day but add a barrette or comb with some adornment for an evening party. Some of my favorite holiday accessories are crystal extensions and festive hairbands. I like Socapusa.com for hair extensions.

Nina Crystal Ribbon Head Wrap at Nordstrom

SHOP: Nordstrom for a wide array of hair accessories

Aim for Modern Sophistication! If you’re attending a black tie event, it’s often preferred to have an “up do” to keep hair out of your face. Try a modern take on Audrey Hepburn’s look from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, especially if you’re in a more conservative outfit.

Age-Appropriate Note: An up-do hairstyle may keep your hair in place but it is not always the best look for women of every age. Take the time and try out different hairstyles before you commit. A half-up/half-down hairstyle may be a more flattering choice for an older woman to choose for elegant events– the half-up/half-down works well with open necklines too. –Gad Cohen

Lead photo: Tinko Czetwertynski

Published on December 26, 2011

Gad Cohen

“The Gad Effect” must be experienced to be understood. It’s not just hairstyling – it’s total transformation.

Gad Cohen gives new meaning to the word “beauty.” His unconventional methods redefine individual style – he sees the whole person, not just a head of hair. Gad’s unified approach to cut, color, shape and lifestyle go far beyond the typical makeover – like a sculptor chiseling marble, he brings out the beauty within to create a whole new you.

Gad continues to leave his mark on celebrities, models, fashion houses, magazines and corporate clients – his work is legendary in the industry. Glamour Executive Beauty Editor Mary MacLean calls it “The Gad Effect.” She explains, “When I get my hair done by Gad, I know it’s going to look not just great but gorgeous. People literally stop me on the street, in the elevator and at work and tell me how amazing I look. That is priceless.”

His magic touch has graced the likes of Julia Stiles, Naomi Campbell, Ashley Judd, Christy Turlington, Paula Zahn, and Heather Locklear. As an editorial and advertising hairstylist, Gad’s work has been published in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Allure, and Vanity Fair, and for clients such as L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Revlon and Cover Girl. He has worked with many of the world’s leading talents in fashion: photographers such as Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Irving Penn and Richard Avedon, and fashion houses including Chanel, Christian Dior, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Vera Wang and more.

Having appeared on many shows throughout his career, Gad is no stranger to the television industry. Currently, he is an on-camera expert in several episodes of The Learning Chanel’s Cover Shot with model Fredrique van der Wahl. As media spokesperson for Dove’s Real Woman campaign, Gad appeared on numerous shows such as Good Morning America. Finesse named Gad one of the world’s top stylists, featuring him in a futuristic exhibition. Remington consulted with Gad to develop and promote a line of hair care appliances. Visit: GadCohen.com