A timeless classic, the Hollywood wave takes summer’s beachy loose curls and ups the ante – a lot.

Celebrity hairstylist Luke Benson, who’s handled Billie Eilish’s tresses, says patience is key for this one. “Curl section by section all in the same direction until all the hair is curled. Then, slowly brush down the length through all sections at once, to keep the movement contained, giving that glam finish.”

A slightly higher-maintenance party look to perfect, it’s more than worth the extra minutes for a hairstyle that’ll keep the sparkle when you’re three festive dos deep and your energy levels are starting to flag.

We may be on the cusp of a new year, but nostalgia is never far from the trendsetter’s line of sight. Not a single a/w goes by without a nod to all-out bouncy 70s tresses, and Pam & Tommy had quite the effect on pop culture this year, with Pamela Anderson being heralded as the blow-dry icon.

SteamPod expert and editorial artist Louis Byrne has the intel on how to achieve the look at home. He says, “Using the SteamPod 4, you can achieve a big, bouncy blow-out look as steam is released while the hair passes through the plates. This steam also means you’re moisturising as you go, so the hair maintains its natural bounce.”

In a season of excess, it’s good to give your hair a rest from twisting, pulling and tight updos. As Michael Douglas, the hairstylist who’s tended to the locks of Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer, says, “Volumised blow-dried hair is a great sign of health and vitality – and who doesn’t want that in the middle of a gruelling party season?”

With sequin minis and feather bandeau tops being the partywear hits this season, there’s a case to be made for a sleek hairstyle that lets your outfit take centre-stage. Here, the sky-high pony is your go-to.

To achieve this look at home, SteamPod expert Louis Byrne says: “Use your natural texture to help fix your hair high in a band by tipping your head upside down and fastening in the right place. Work your styling tool from root to the tip for a sleek pony.”

Nicky Lazou, hairstylist and founder of the Lazou hair care brand, advocates for the pony because it’s great if you’re a little strapped for time. She says, “It’s an easy style if your hair is dirty and you haven’t got much time to spare for styling. It also suits most hair types, making it a super-versatile hairstyle.” The SteamPod 4 offers up to 3x faster straightening* and up to 4x smoother locks**, so you can max the sleek look with minimal effort. 

For this one, think Kaia Gerber’s cascading ringlets at the Met Gala or high society women in classic oil paintings. Pre-Raphaelite is the way to wear elegant curls this winter.

Embracing natural textures is the way to go here. Jack Merrick-Thirlway, creative director at Neville Hair & Beauty, says: “If you’re already working with curly hair, use a mousse to scrunch and diffuse to boost the curls, then take to your styling tool to enhance them. If working with straighter hair, taking a tong close to the roots and working through to the tips will give you the desired effect.”

With larger plates, the SteamPod 4 now reaches 30% closer to the roots, and coming with a set of three steam-optimising combs, there’s guaranteed even steam diffusion on any hair type. 

“At the Fendi a/w 22 show, the models sported wet textured locks slicked into side partings, accessorised with simple, glittery clips,” says Invisibobble founder, Sophie Trelles-Tvede. Eyes were on the locks as well as the clothing and it proved the power of the humble hair accessory.

Not only can they help your ’do battle the elements on a December night out, but opting for gold or pearlescent clips also brings an added sparkle to hair that’s taken minimal styling.

Celeb stylist Luke Benson believes a range of accessories can work on all hair types. “Headbands are great on hair that’s swept back away from the face, and bows look cute with loose curls.”

Throw in a few clip-on gems, and you’re festive-ready.