Here Are The 4 Must-Have Tools Bustle Editors Use To Get Their Easy Holiday Hair Looks

Half the fun of holiday plans (OK, more than half) is getting ready for holiday plans. A festive hairstyle can dial up your look for any celebration. And, according to our editors, there’s no need to book an appointment to get your strands styled: A good at-home hot tool and a few sparkly accessories are all you need for a winter’s worth of great hair. They’re the gifts that keep on giving! In partnership with Conair, we asked four Bustlers how they’ll be doing their hair this season and how you can recreate the looks yourself. Swingy blowouts adorned with something enchanting, glamorous textures, standout accessories, and even an early 2000s throwback — consider these styles your inspiration station for the season.

Gilded, Bouncy Blowout

Shiny, swingy hair with a twinkly twist

You’ll Need: The Knot Dr. All-In-One Dryer Brush

“I started by drying my hair with the base dryer and raking through with my fingers until my hair was almost-but-not-completely dry. Then, I dialed it up to the high heat setting and attached the oval brush, which wicks away moisture as it styles. After dividing my hair into small chunks, I slid the brush attachment from scalp to ends until each section was dry, and that gave my hair that glossy, voluminous look. It’s like a super simple blowout in a brush, and it only took 20 minutes for me to dry my long, thick hair. For the finishing touches, I braided small pieces of hair in the front of my face, tucked them behind my ears with bobby pins, then topped everything off with a gold, sparkly headband and statement earrings.”

- Irma, associate beauty director, branded

Shimmering Waves

Sculpted texture and a bit of dazzle

You’ll Need: Double Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver

“After creating a semi-side part — Gen Z, take notes! — I sectioned my hair into one-inch chunks and got to it with the Double Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver. I have fine-to-medium hair, so I set the iron’s temp setting to 12. The highest intensity is 30. Starting from the crown of my head and working my way down, I held the iron for about five seconds with each clamp. It’s really easy to use (and also sort of fun?!) and lets you achieve these beautiful, deep waves within minutes that hold up all day and night. To give it the perfect holiday touch, I stacked a few glittery clips and barrettes at eye-level.”

- Melanie, director, branded strategy

Zig-Zag Ponytail

Like a party for your part

You’ll Need: The Knot Dr. All-In-One Smoothing Dryer Brush

“When my hair was damp but not soaking wet, I started drying it with The Knot Dr. All-In-One Smoothing Dryer Brush without the paddle brush. Once it was 80% dry, I clicked on the attachment and continued. I worked in small sections, gliding the dryer brush through the bottom and top layers until my whole head was smooth and dry. Next, I used a fine-tooth comb to create the throwback zig-zag part — I was a big fan back in the 2000s and am definitely into this comeback — before pulling my hair into a low ponytail. I clipped on two oversize, rhinestone clips just above my left ear, and that's it! The star of this look was the Dryer Brush, for sure. It’s truly a do-everything tool, so I didn't need a blow dryer, brush, or anything else to dry, defrizz, and detangle my normally curly, knotted hair. It also gave my crown that nice sleekness that let the part design shine.”

- Lexi, senior beauty director, branded

Swept-Back Curls

Gentle bends that swoop and swirl

You’ll Need: Cool Air Styler

“After blow-drying, I combed my hair into a middle part and clipped it all back into separate sections. Working section by section, I clamped pieces of hair in the Cool Air Styler before rotating it and gently pulling it through to the ends. This curling iron has three heat settings — low, medium, high — but has an outer plate that pumps out cool air to cut down on damage and help set the style, both of which I really appreciate. I used the medium setting, and it sculpted my long, thick hair into nice, bouncy curls that I’d say rivaled the kind I get when I get a professional blowout. Then I just slid on a chic black headband and pulled some pieces out in the front. So chic!”

-Ali, manager