Holiday parties always sound like fun... until the day of the event! All of a sudden you realize your schedule is impossibly booked, you're having a bad hair day, and you are stressed. Panic sets in. You wanted to look and feel great for your holiday celebration. You know everyone else is going to look fabulous. You don't feel or look like celebrating. Instead you feel like running home and hiding under the covers. This is usually not an option because holiday parties are almost always work-related or hosted by your nearest and dearest. Attendance is mandatory. This means you have to dig deep into your bag of beauty tricks to give yourself an instant party makeover.

Here are my top five tips for hot holiday hair!

1. Have a mini-makeover kit in your purse. It should include bobby pins, hair elastics, a mini-curling or flat iron, your favorite hair brush, and travel size hair spray and root lift. This kit and a little imagination can transform any casual day 'do into night-time glamor.

2. Don't worry about what you can't see. Focus on the front and top layers of your hair when you have the need for speed. Have you ever had a special night scheduled and your boss just won't let you leave? Often this leaves you with only 15 minutes to get ready for a party that has already started. When your hair looks disheveled from a long day at work, blow dry only the top layers and the hair around your face. This just takes a few minutes and will give you a finished look. I promise no one will notice that your under layers are undone.

3. Take a tip from Madonna. Did you notice how great her hair is looking on the "Sticky and Sweet" tour? Her curls and waves look romantic and chic. This is a perfect hairdo for the holiday season. Use a large barrow curling iron and take 2-inch sections at a 90-degree angle from your head. You can also use electric rollers for a similar effect. Roll the curlers away from your face. Undo the rollers and comb with your fingers.

4. Wear a pony to your party. Pony tails no longer mean you are going to spend the night at home alone eating popcorn while watching an old movie on TV. Beyonce was recently spotted out sporting a pony looking sexy and glamorous. To be party-ready in moments, pull your hair back with your fingers, secure with an elastic, and spray hair in place. The best pony tails are medium to low in height. For a more finished look, twist a small strand of hair around an elastic and pin in place.

5. Work a messy updo.  Ironically, it also the easiest style to do yourself. The messy updo is a favorite of Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, and many others on Hollywood's A-list. To achieve this look, use a root lift spray and blow dry your head turned upside down. Pull hair up and back in a loose pony tail. Randomly twist, pin, and secure pony to the hair you tied back. Release a few tendrils of hair to frame your face.

By the way, if you are a salon color client, make your appointment today. This is the time of year when every colorist is booked solid. Nothing is worse than getting dressed up and having your roots show. This usually only works if you are Madonna. If it's not possible to see your colorist, use a root touch-up kit. These are easy to use and take only 10 minutes. They come in limited colors so it's easy to pick the right shade for your hair color. If it's not possible to color your hair, avoid straight hair with a definite part. Cover and disguise your roots sporting a hair style with curls or waves.

Party time is here! Don't be nervous if you are not picture perfect. Look around the room. No one really is. Have a good time. The season only happens once a year. Happy holidays!

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