Holiday Glam at Sofia Loren Salon: Styles to Shine This Season

The holiday season in Boca Raton is something special. From elegant galas and corporate parties to intimate family dinners and New Year’s Eve celebrations, there is no shortage of occasions to dress up and feel glamorous. And while your outfit, makeup, and accessories all play a role, your hair is what ties the entire look together. At Sofia Loren Salon, the holiday season is our favorite time of year because we get to help our clients create the kind of show-stopping hair that makes them feel absolutely confident walking into any room.
The Classic Hollywood Wave
Nothing says holiday glamour quite like vintage Hollywood waves. This timeless style features deep, sculpted waves that flow in a single direction, creating an elegant, red-carpet-worthy look that pairs beautifully with cocktail dresses and statement jewelry. Old Hollywood waves work best on hair that is at least shoulder-length, and they are especially stunning on the long bobs and mid-length cuts that have been so popular this year.
The technique involves setting hair in large pin curls or using a Marcel iron to create deep, uniform waves. The waves are then brushed out carefully and set with a strong-hold hairspray to maintain their shape throughout the evening. At Sofia Loren Salon, our stylists have perfected this classic technique, and it remains one of our most requested holiday styles year after year.
To make Hollywood waves feel current for 2016, we often add a modern twist: a deep side part, a slight undone quality at the ends, or a single decorative pin placed just above the ear. These small details keep the look feeling fresh rather than costumey.
The Elegant Updo
For formal holiday events, an updo is always a sophisticated choice. This year, the most requested updos are low and relaxed rather than high and structured. Think soft chignons, loosely twisted buns, and romantic French twists that look effortless despite the skill required to create them.
A low textured bun sits at the nape of the neck and combines twisted and pinned sections to create a soft, dimensional look. Face-framing pieces are left out intentionally, adding a romantic quality that softens the formality of the style. This updo works beautifully with strapless and off-the-shoulder dresses, showing off your neckline and shoulders.
For women who want something slightly less formal, a loose braided updo incorporates braids into a low bun for a bohemian-elegant hybrid that works for everything from holiday brunches to evening cocktail parties. The braided elements add visual interest and texture, making this a style that looks as beautiful from behind as it does from the front.
Voluminous Blowout
Sometimes the most impactful holiday style is a flawless blowout taken to the next level. A voluminous, bouncy blowout with body and movement looks polished enough for any event while still feeling like an elevated version of yourself. This is the style for women who want to look incredible without feeling like they are wearing a costume.
The key to a holiday-worthy blowout is volume at the crown and smooth, curved ends that move and bounce. At Sofia Loren Salon, we achieve this with a combination of round brushing techniques, strategic product placement, and a final setting with large Velcro rollers for maximum lift and hold. The result is hair that looks full, healthy, and camera-ready from every angle.
In Boca Raton’s climate, holding a blowout through an entire evening event requires some strategic preparation. We use products with humidity resistance built in and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray that keeps the style in place without making it stiff or crunchy. Because the last thing you want is a blowout that falls flat before dessert is served.
Half-Up Styles with Sparkle
Half-up styles have been having a major moment in 2016, and the holiday season is the perfect time to embrace this trend with some added glamour. A half-up style pulls the top section of hair back while leaving the rest flowing, combining the polished feel of an updo with the femininity of wearing your hair down.
For the holidays, elevate a simple half-up style with accessories. Crystal or pearl pins scattered through the pulled-back section add sparkle and sophistication. A decorative barrette or jeweled clip at the point where the hair is gathered makes the style feel intentional and festive. Metallic hair vines woven through a twisted half-up section create a look that is perfect for a holiday wedding or formal event.
At Sofia Loren Salon, we love pairing half-up styles with soft curls in the hair that is left down. The combination of sleek, pulled-back hair on top and romantic curls below creates a balanced look that is flattering on every face shape and works with virtually any outfit.
Planning Your Holiday Hair
If you have a specific event on the calendar, we recommend booking your styling appointment as early as possible. Holiday season is our busiest time, and the most popular time slots fill up quickly. For major events like New Year’s Eve galas or holiday weddings, consider scheduling a trial run a week or two before the event. This gives you and your stylist the opportunity to perfect the look and make any adjustments before the big night.
For clients who have multiple events throughout the season, we suggest starting with a fresh cut and color in early December. This gives you a beautiful foundation that you can style yourself for casual gatherings and then come in for professional styling on the nights that matter most.
Our Holiday Hours
Sofia Loren Salon extends our hours during the holiday season to accommodate our clients’ busy schedules. We offer early morning and evening appointments throughout December, and we are available for day-of styling for holiday weddings and special events. Contact us for availability and to reserve your preferred time slot.
Book Your Appointment at Sofia Loren Salon
Ready to plan your holiday hair? Visit Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton and let our expert stylists create a look that will have you turning heads at every event this season. Call us at (561) 444-0720 or book online at sofialorensalon.com.
