Top 10: Perfect Party Hairstyles

ESSENCE.COM Dec, 29, 2011

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Yaya's Fierce Natural Updo

For a lush spiraled updo like the one Yaya Dacosta wore at the premiere of “Iron Lady,” simply pin up your spiral curled or naturally curly hair in the back and let the hair fall loose in the crown and front. Gently separate and finger fluff curls to create fullness and height.

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Taraji's Sweet and Chic Side Bun

For a sophisticated style like the one Taraji P. Henson wore to this year’s Emmy Awards, create a side part and gather loosely curled hair into a low ponytail right behind either ear. Grab small sections from the pony and pin each piece into a slightly messy chignon. Add a shine serum to the edges to prevent flyaways on your fun night out!

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LaLa's Half Up/Half Down Tresses

LaLa Anthony was tressed to impress at the CFDA Fashion Fund Awards in a chic and sleek half up/half down style with a pompadour. Get the look by gathering the top half of your flat-ironed hair. Before placing into a ponytail, lightly fluff hair at the crown to create a pompadour while keeping the sides nice and smooth. Secure with an elastic band for an easy, party-perfect look!

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Tamera's Loosely Pinned Bun

We loved Tamera Mowry’s loosely pinned bun at this year’s Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation’s celebrity carnival. To create this look at home, pull your hair into a tight ponytail and secure it with an elastic at your crown. Twist and wrap your hair into a messy bun, then loop the ends through the elastic. This look is flirty and fabulous!

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Beyonce's Cascading Curls

Beyonce glowed at the premiere of her “Live from Roseland” DVD in New York City. Recreate Bey’s look with a roller set or by hot curling flat-ironed hair. Add a side part and a swooping bang for hot hair that will last all night long.

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Selita's Sexy Spiraled Bang

Selita Ebanks sizzled at the Princess Grace Awards Gala with a sexy, spiraled bang. The best thing about this look is that it works on hair of all lengths. If your hair is long, sweep the back into a loose bun or pin it up. For ladies with shorter strands, simply sleek it back with a styling gel. Curl the bang area with a medium-sized curling iron.

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Janelle's Signature Pompadour

Naturalistas take note! Janelle Monae’s trademark pompadour is easier to recreate than you may think. Lightly blow dry freshly washed strands and create a “french roll” from your nape up to your crown. Brush and smooth the bang area before rolling it into a fluffy pompadour and securing with bobby pins.

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Garcelle's Stunning Side-Swept Spirals

At the amFar Inspiration Gala, Garcelle Beauvais rocked the latest tress trend: the sexy side sweep. After spiral curling flat-ironed hair, gather to one side and secure with a couple of discretely placed bobby pins at the nape. Add extra pizazz by adding a long, layered bang.

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Mary's Dazzling Top Knot

At the FiFi Awards, Mary J. Blige pinned up her ponytail and created a dazzling top knot with lush, layered bangs. For this super easy ‘do, start by bringing your bangs to the front and pulling the rest of your hair into a high ponytail. Add a clip-in or drawstring phony pony and secure it into a high bun. Pin a small section around the base to recreate Mary’s look.

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Rihanna's Head-Turning Side Braid

We couldn’t stop staring at Rihanna when we saw her on the red carpet of the Costume Institute Gala in this stunning side braid. Recreate this look by adding a side part and creating cornrows around the hairline until the braids meet in the back. Gather both braids together and create one long braid to hang at the side. This style won’t sweat out on the dance floor, that’s for sure!