HOW TO: Show off your hair on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest nights of the year. The old year is ending, we’re on the brink of a new one, and the world looks fresh and exciting. There are parties and celebrations everywhere you turn-a perfect time to try something new and show off a much overlooked asset in the fashion world: your hair. With a little creativity, some cheap supplies and a hot glue gun, you can make a fun, attention grabbing piece and usher in the New Year in style. Check out these ideas to get you started:

 

1. A sequined top hat 

Top hats are a surefire way to stand out, no matter where you are. You could be showing off your moves on the dance floor or relaxing with a small group of people, whatever your choice of celebration, you’ll attract attention in a top hat. Although these are traditional masculine pieces, it’s easy to make them more feminine. Start with a basic top hat in any size and color. You can buy them just about anywhere, from baby ones at Claire’s to normal sized ones at tuxedo shops. Look online for good deals! Then, using a glue gun, add some clips to it so it stays in your hair. Cover your hat with sequins, feathers, ribbons, or even spray paint it to match your outfit.

 

2. An oversized bow 

Bows are extremely feminine and fun, but can look a little young. Take this classic look forward and make it age appropriate by amping up the size of the bow. Hit up a craft store for ribbon. Joann’s, Michael’s, even WalMart and dollar stores have great selections. Plain ribbon is a great way to showcase a classy hairstyle, but ribbons come in every pattern and size, so pick up a fun animal print or bright neon color to draw attention to your hair. Cut the length you want and voila! Easy hair piece.

 

3. A fun headband 

Headbands are by far one of the easiest accessories to make. You can find plain headbands at any dollar store and accessories to decorate them with at any craft or dollar store. With a headband, anything goes. Make it New Year’s Eve themed by cutting 2013 out of foam or decorative paper, attaching it to springs or pipe cleaners and gluing them to the band. Or attach an oversized flower to the band for a floral and feminine effect.

 

4. Fancy bobby pins

Stickers, gems and a glue gun are all you need to take your bobby pins from average to awesome. Glue little gems on a bobby pin to give your messy bun some sparkle, or find fun stickers celebrating the New Year. Paper flowers are pretty as well, and can all be purchased for less than $10.

5. Fun extensions-fake feathers, colored hair, etc.

If you’re looking for something wild, feathers and colored hair extensions are always attention grabbing. (For a double whammy, look for colored feather extensions.) These can range from expensive salon products to more affordable Sally Hansen steals, but it is also possible to make your own. Look for feathers at any hunting and fishing store (they use them to make lures) and attach them to clips or bobby pins. Glue sequins on them to make them stand out, or even color them with a Sharpie. Hair extensions can be a bit trickier to find, but Sally Hansen usually has them and Claire’s has been known to, too. Add beads and ribbons to personalize it to your individual style.

 Photo Credit: Morgan MacDermaid