The holiday season is a time of excitement, joy, and…potential holiday hair disasters? While it might be tempting to make a dramatic hair change to ring in the new year, there are a few reasons why you might want to hold off on that big chop or drastic color job.

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Why You Might Want to Wait Until After the Holidays

Holiday seasons are notoriously busy for salons, and their schedules can be unpredictable. Appointments may be harder to book, and last-minute cancellations can throw a wrench in your plans. Stylists may be rushed or overworked, possibly leading to unexpected results. The potential for holiday hair mishaps increases during this busy social season, with no guarantee that there will be enough time to fix it should a mishap occur.

It’s best not to attempt a new, experimental style that involves heat styling, hairspray and other products that can stress your hair. If you have a lot of holiday parties on the horizon, a new style may not hold up well under these conditions. If you’re thinking of changing your hair color, don’t attempt to DIY – accidental hair dye mishaps are more noticeable during the holiday season – especially when you have a lot of social events to attend.

The Stress Factor of Holiday Hair

Holiday stress can take a toll on your overall health, including your hair. Stress can lead to hair loss, breakage, and other hair issues. Any big change to your length or hair color, [and of course one that doesn’t turn out as planned], can add to your already-high stress levels. Sticking with your tried-and-true style and maintaining your beauty routine can alleviate that stress and give you one less thing to worry about during this busy season. Remember to use hair masks and treatments on a regular basis, which will nourish your hair with deep conditioning to keep it healthy and shiny all season long.

Tips for Low-Maintenance Holiday Hair

If you’re itching for a change but want to avoid the potential pitfalls of a big hair makeover, consider these low-maintenance options, which are low risk and high reward. Ask your stylist to apply some subtle highlights or lowlights, either of which will add dimension to your hair without risking a new, full-blown color. Trimming your ends just an inch or two is another good holiday hair option that won’t carry any potential for regret. A simple trim can refresh your look and remove any damaged ends.

If you really want to try a new hairstyle, experiment with different updos, braids, or curls. You can switch up your look without the commitment of a permanent change. By waiting for a less hectic time to make a significant hair transformation, you can reduce the risk of potential hair disasters and enjoy a stress-free holiday season.

Enjoy Your Hair!! — and Your Holidays!

Mickey