Hairstyle Handbook: 9 Haircuts And Styles For Every Occasion

When it comes to getting ready for a special day, it’s not just about finding the perfect outfit. Your hairstyle plays a massive part in completing your look. Whether you're dressing up for a formal event or keeping it casual for a day out, your hair is the final touch that can take your style from simple to stunning.

In this guide, we’ll explore a range of versatile hairstyles and cuts that work for any occasion – from your everyday routine to special events. Plus, we'll share how CLOUD NINE tools can help you achieve the perfect style and unlock your hair’s versatility.

VERSATILE HAIRSTYLES FOR ANY OCCASION

Your hairstyle can give you that extra boost of confidence to walk into a restaurant, event space, or party with your head held high. Here are some of the most adaptable styles that will have you covered for everything from workdays to nights out.

Before reaching for any heated styling tool – whether it’s a hair dryer, straightener, or curling wand – head to our Temperature Calculator to find out which heat setting is best for your hair type.

1. Big curls

Big, bouncy curls add instant glamour to your look without much effort. They're perfect for both casual and formal occasions – wear them up for a chic daytime look or let them loose for an evening event.

How to achieve big curls

1. Start by applying a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion.
2. Use the Airshot Pro with the Precise-Drying Nozzle to give your hair a smooth, straight blow-dry.
3. Follow up with the Curling Wand to create those voluminous curls. For tight curls, wrap small sections of hair close to the barrel (using the protective glove provided) and hold in place for a few seconds, then clip in place, spray with a light hair spray and release after a few minutes. For looser curls or waves, release the curls straight away.
4. Dress your style with the Luxury Dressing Brush for a teased out look.

Tip: To keep your curls looking their best without stiffness, choose a light hairspray.

2. Mermaid waves

There’s something timeless and effortlessly chic about mermaid waves, and they’re super easy to maintain. They also work for a variety of events, from brunch with friends to evening dates.

How to achieve mermaid waves

1. Spritz your hair with a mist of heat protection spray like our Magical Quick Dry Potion and dry your hair straight using the Airshot Pro’s Precise-Drying Nozzle. 
2. Set your 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to the perfect temperature for your hair type and create soft, natural waves. Head to our guide on How to Create Beachy Waves for tips on how to perfect this look.
3. You can style your waves in a half-up, half-down look during the day or let them flow freely after work, accessorising with a headband or hair slide for a touch of glamour.

Suitable for: All hair textures and lengths.

3. Chignon

The chignon is a classic style that never goes out of fashion. It’s elegant and sophisticated, making it perfect for formal events, but it’s also a great option for a polished everyday look. Despite its sleek appearance, it’s easy to create with just a few hair ties, hair pins, and some styling cream.

How to create a chignon

1. Start with the Magical Quick Dry Potion and give your hair a straight blow-dry using the Airshot Pro.
2. Use the Original Iron, set to the perfect temperature for your hair, and glide it through your hair for a straight, sleek finish.
3. Create a side parting and leave a large curtain of hair loose at one side, then bring the rest of your hair back into a ponytail and secure it with a hair bobble at the nape of your neck.
4. Tie another hair bobble near the end of your ponytail and loop the ponytail under itself to create a bun, securing it with bobby pins.
5. Finally, bring the curtain of hair back over the hair bobble and loop it around and under the bun, securing it with more pins.
6. Smooth down any flyaways with a pea-sized amount of Magical Remedy.

Tip: A chignon works best with medium to long hair, and you can dress it up with a sparkly hair accessory for an evening out.

4. French twist

Whether your hair is straight, curly, or somewhere in between, the French twist is a super simple elegant yet understated look, and it’s easily dressed up or down. 

How to achieve a French twist

1. Gather your hair into a low ponytail.
2. Twist the hair upwards – and if you’ve got long hair, fold it down and tuck it under – then secure it with bobby pins.
3. For a more relaxed vibe, use the Wide Iron first to add some loose waves, and let a few tendrils loose at the front to frame your face.

Suitable for: Hair longer than chin-length and all textures.

5. Simple braid

A braided hairstyle is a fun, playful style that keeps your hair out of your face – perfect for day-to-day wear, trips to the gym, and special occasions.

How to create a braid

1. This style is ideal for your hair whatever  its natural texture, but if you want a smoother look, begin with the Magical Quick Dry Potion and the Airshot Pro to blow-dry your hair straight first.
2. Part your hair in the centre or for a fuller braid, part on one side and sweep it all to the opposite side.
3. Divide your hair into three equal sections and braid, alternating the right over the middle, then the left over the middle. Keep it loose for a casual look, or tighter for a neater finish.
4. Secure the ends with a hair bobble and spray with a light hairspray if you want the look to stay all day.

Tip: If you need to freshen your braid before an after-work event, apply a pea-sized amount of Magical Remedy to your braid to smooth down any flyaways.

HAIRCUTS FOR EXTRA-SPECIAL OCCASIONS

When you want to make a statement, these haircuts offer a bold look that stands out. Perfect for more formal settings or when you're after something that feels a little extra, these styles take your look to the next level.

6. Blunt

The blunt haircut is a structured and sophisticated style, but can also be styled to create textured, tousled vibes for a more laid-back feel. Whether you’ve got long hair or prefer a shorter cut like our very ambassador, Frankie Bridge, this timeless style works across a range of hair types, from fine to thick, and lends itself to lots of styling options.

How to style a blunt cut

1. For a sleek, straight look, start by prepping your hair with a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion.
2. Using the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro, glide it smoothly from root to tip to achieve that sharp, structured finish. If you’re going for a more textured, beachy vibe, gently twist the straighteners as you style to create soft, natural-looking waves. 
3. Finish off with a light mist of hairspray to keep your style in place, whether you're opting for sleek and polished or tousled and relaxed.

Suitable for: Straight or wavy hair, chin-length or longer.

7. Layers

A layered haircut is the perfect way to breathe life into your hair. Whether your hair is short, medium, or long, layers can work wonders by adding movement, bounce, and an overall sense of fullness. It’s a cut that can be tailored to suit different hair lengths, from a soft, romantic look with long layers to something more choppy and textured with shorter layers, there’s a style for everyone. Plus, layers are so versatile, they can take you effortlessly from laid-back casual to a more polished, formal look.

How to maintain layers

1. To keep your layers looking fresh and full of life, try a spritz of a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion.
2. Use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro for styling. It’s brilliant for adding loose waves or soft curves to those layers, giving them that extra bounce.
3. Simply twist sections of your hair around the straighteners for a relaxed, beachy vibe, or use it like a regular straightener to create a smoother, straighter look. 

Tip: Regular trims by your hairdresser will keep your layers healthy.

8. Bobs and lobs

Bobs and lobs (the longer bob) never really go out of style. Whether you go for a sleek, sharp bob or a more relaxed lob that hits just above the shoulders, these cuts are some of the most versatile around. Popular styles include the graduated bob, where the hair is shorter at the back and longer at the front, or the A-line bob for something more angular. Lobs, on the other hand, give you that longer length for a bit more flexibility while still maintaining that ‘put-together’ vibe.

How to style bobs and lobs:

1. When styling a bob or lob, the Slim Iron is your best friend. Its ½ inch plates allow you to style with more precision than regular straighteners, and it also has our signature Revive ModeTM for gentle, friction-free styling. 
2. If you prefer a more tousled look, you can also create subtle waves by twisting the straighteners as you glide it through sections of your hair. This adds just enough texture for a laid-back, undone style that’s still full of elegance.
3. Whichever you choose, don’t forget to add a spritz of Magical Potion before styling to provide optimal heat protection.

Suitable for: People looking for a bold yet manageable look.

9. Pixie 

If you’re after a bold, low-maintenance look, the pixie cut is the way to go. It’s short, sharp, and makes a statement, but don’t be fooled – it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’ve got a round, oval, or heart-shaped face, a pixie can add height and volume in just the right places. It can be easily dressed up with a colourful hai

How to style a pixie cut:

1. Spritz with Magical Quick Dry Potion for healthy heat styling.
2. To add volume and lift at the roots, use our Airshot hair dryer – simply tousle your hair with your fingers as you dry to create a soft, textured finish. 
3. When you want to dress it up, the Original Iron works beautifully to smooth down any flyaways or add a bit of sleek definition. 

Suitable for: Various face shapes, with flexibility for both casual and formal settings.

Check out our guide for low-maintenance hairstyles for all hair types

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