January is when most people finally book the haircut they have been thinking about since autumn. A new year is a good excuse, and winter hair hides under hats while you get used to it.
You do not need a dramatic change. A new color tone, a fringe or three inches off the length is enough to feel different.
These 19 new year hairstyles cover color, cuts, bangs and styling, from low-commitment to brave. Save the ones you like and take them to your stylist.
New Year Hair Colors
1. Pearl Blonde
Cool, luminous blonde with a pearly sheen. Lighter than champagne and softer than platinum.
Best for: fair skin, existing blondes, soft waves.
Save2. Lavish Brunette
Deep, glossy brunette with no highlights at all. A gloss treatment does most of the job.
Best for: natural brunettes, low upkeep, long hair.
Save3. Wheaty Soft-Gold Blonde
A warm, muted gold that looks grown in and natural. Easier to maintain than icy shades.
Best for: warm skin tones, long layers, low maintenance.
Save4. Champagne Blonde
A beige-gold blonde between warm and cool. More winter shades are in our winter hair colors.
Best for: neutral undertones, updos, year-round wear.
SaveNew Year Haircuts
5. Pixie 2.0
A soft pixie with enough length on top to slick, curl or tousle. Three styles from one cut.
Best for: fine hair, strong features, big changes.
Save6. The Graduated Bob
Shorter at the nape and longer toward the front, with a curved line. The shape adds volume at the back of the head.
Best for: fine to medium hair, flat crowns, sleek styling.
Save7. It Girl Lob
A collarbone-length cut with soft ends and a center part. Compare versions in our long bob hairstyles.
Best for: first-time short cuts, every face shape, easy styling.
Save8. The Ripped Bob
A wavy, choppy bob with broken-up ends. Deliberately imperfect, so it suits natural texture.
Best for: wavy hair, highlights, casual style.
Save9. Chin-Length Bob
A clean bob at the chin with a middle part. See more lengths in our medium-length bob haircuts.
Best for: straight hair, sharp jawlines, minimal styling.
Save10. Beatnik Revival
A short, choppy cut with a heavy fringe and plenty of texture. Messy on purpose.
Best for: thick or wavy hair, artistic wardrobes, air-drying.
SaveNew Year Bangs
11. Gucci Bangs
A full, slightly long fringe that skims the lashes, worn with long straight hair.
Best for: long faces, thick hair, high foreheads.
Save12. ’60s Bangs
Long, wispy bangs that part softly in the middle. For a softer split, see our curtain bangs guide.
Best for: long hair, round faces, retro style.
SaveNew Year Styling Ideas
13. Straight and Sleek
Long hair ironed smooth with a center part and a glossy finish. Simple, and very effective with a slip dress.
Best for: New Year’s Eve, long hair, statement outfits.
Save14. The Midi Blowout
A mid-length cut blown out with volume and curved ends. The method is in our 90s blowout hairstyle guide.
Best for: shoulder-length hair, parties, thick hair.
Save15. The Farrah
Feathered layers flicked away from the face. Big, soft and very 1970s.
Best for: long layered hair, blondes, round brushes.
Save16. Unbothered Beach Waves
Loose, undone waves with a little texture spray. Low effort and always flattering.
Best for: medium to long hair, casual plans, natural waves.
Save17. Boho Knotless Braids
Knotless braids with loose curly strands left out. A protective style that lasts for weeks. More ideas are in our braided hairstyles.
Best for: natural hair, low daily styling, travel.
Save18. Pile of Curls
Curls gathered loosely on top of the head with tendrils left out. Romantic, and quick with naturally curly hair.
Best for: curly hair, New Year’s Eve, strapless dresses.
Save19. Bubble Cut Blowout
Long hair blown out with rounded, turned-under ends for a smooth bubble shape.
Best for: long thick hair, polished looks, dinners.
SaveHow to Choose Your New Year Hairstyle
Be honest about upkeep. Pearl blonde and a blunt fringe need regular appointments. A lob, a gloss or soft layers do not.
Try the low-commitment version first. Clip-in bangs, a temporary gloss or a blowout show you the effect before you cut or color.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a new year hairstyle?
Match it to your hair type, your face shape and the time you will spend styling each morning.
What is the easiest hair change to make in January?
A gloss, a trim with face-framing layers or curtain bangs.
Can I do a New Year’s Eve hairstyle at home?
Yes. Sleek straight hair, beach waves and a pile of curls all need only basic tools.
Which hair accessories suit New Year’s Eve?
Metallic clips, pearl pins, velvet ribbons and jewelled headbands.
Final Thoughts
Pick one change you can maintain and book it early in January, when salons are quiet.
