There are formal hairstyles that you can always draw inspiration from in case you need to attend any special event and which you can alter according to your personal style and preference without any issues at all. Today, we will show you some of them!
We also know that finding the absolute best hairstyle for a special event in your life can be downright stressful and a real burden, if we’re being honest. Should you keep your long hair or cut it shorter? Curls, waves, or straight hair? Should you go for an updo or let your hair fall graciously on your shoulders? These are all questions that our article today will try to help you with.
I. Short/Medium Formal Hairstyles
1. Wavy Bob Cut Formal Hairstyles with Braids
To start big, these wavy bob cuts are the perfect short haircuts that you can turn into your favor when it comes to attending special events. The hairstyles that you can create are many and they are all pretty and elegant. For example, these eight examples involve half up half down looks that are adorned with various types of braids, for extra charm and style. You can create them on one side or behind and you can also add various accessories and make the hairstyle your own.
2. Short & Wavy Formal Hairstyles
These are even more examples of just how easily you can style short wavy hair to suit a formal event. The first two are half up half down styles that only focus the waves towards the ends of your hair while the last one only requires you to secure your hair in a low bun. Don’t forget to leave some rebel strands out so that they can frame your face and create an even more spectacular sight.
3. Wavy Long Bob Formal Hairstyles with Braids
In case you are a fan of the long bob cut, these two wavy hairstyles can work beautifully when you need to attend a special event in your life or your friends’ lives. Both are half up half down looks but the first one is more relaxed with only a braided crown secured behind your head while the second one requires you to create a thick side braid that you need to secure with bobby pins towards the back of your head for a romantic look.
4. Wavy & Straight Formal Long Bob Hairstyles
Whether you have wavy or straight hair, it really doesn’t matter because there are hairstyles for each type and they can all look incredible. The first two examples here are half up half down looks that are laidback and really comfortable, even if you’re attending a wedding or any other event. You need to create a braid for the first one while the second one only requires you to secure the hair behind your head. The first straight hair idea requires you to create a zig-zag effect behind your head using bobby pins and some creativity. Finally, the last look is a very simple one with just a side braid that you create from your bangs and secure well.
5. Sleek High Bun with Long Lateral Strands
If you are into sleek hair and updos, this high bun with long lateral strands can be the perfect choice for you. It works really well for a special event held during summertime and it can be amazing for prom too. Just keep your makeup as natural as possible and maybe add some elegant accessories in the process.
6. Medium Side-Parted Wavy Formal Hairstyle
For medium-length hair, this wavy side-parted look is definitely timeless because it has that retro look while still being modern and cool. Just make sure that you have a statement hair accessory to add to one side of your head and a good curling wand to create those amazing curls.
7. Sleek Twisted Low Bun
Another simple yet amazing formal hairstyle is this sleek twisted low bun that will look incredible regardless of the length of your hair or its texture. Make sure to create the bun so that the final layer creates this twisted effect and to secure it well with bobby pins. Add some hairspray for extra hold and voila!
8. Low Bun with Twisted Side Part Formal Hairstyles
Another formal low bun alternative is this one that also has a twisted side part that goes just above your ear in a beautiful spiral. Side-part your hair, create the low bun but make it as chiseled as possible, and then twist your bangs and secure it with the bun. Leave out some strands and maybe even curl them for extra elegance.
9. Half Up Half Down Short Formal Hairstyle
This is a super simple half up half down formal hairstyle that is perfect for those of you who have short hair. You only need to create some loose waves or use some texturizing spray, and then you can create the look using some special bobby pins with pearl ends.
10. Very Sleek and Glossy Formal Short Hairstyle with Side Accessory
In case you don’t really want to do much to your hair for a special event and your locks are short and straight, this sleek and glossy look is perfect. Side-part it, maybe use some hairspray to keep everything in place and then add a simple yet very elegant side accessory for that extra something to make you the star of the party. Remember, less is more!
11. Retro Formal Side-Parted Wavy Hairstyle
Another retro-inspired short and wavy hairstyle for formal events is this one. It’s dark, mysterious, has that amazing side part and, when combined with a plum-colored or velvety dark red lipstick and winged eyeliner, everything becomes even more gorgeous.
12. Formal Side-Parted Wet Hair Look
If you are in love with the wet look, we strongly recommend trying it out for a formal event. It looks so classy, it’s easy to do, and you will certainly feel like a star. Just side part your hair and then use a lot of hair gel to achieve the desired result.
13. Formal Wavy Hairstyle with Space Buns
Who says that showing up to an event with a pair of half up half down space buns is not acceptable? This wavy hairstyle proves the opposite. Make sure to secure your buns very well using bobby pins and then add some hairspray to keep them where they should be for hours. Simple yet gorgeous!
II. Long Formal Hairstyles
14. Wavy Long Formal Hairstyle with Braided Crown
When it comes to long hair, the possibilities are really endless for a formal hairstyle. In this case, we have wavy hair with a loose braided crown that goes around the head in a romantic way. Your hair color doesn’t matter as long as the braid is there to make the whole look even more beautiful.
15. Wavy Half Up Half Down Formal Hairstyle with Side-Parted Bangs
Another super beautiful yet fairly popular formal hairstyle is this wavy half up half down one. The bangs are long and side-parted and the area behind your head where the hair is secured should look wonderful, which is why we strongly recommend having a statement accessory to make it look even more exquisite.
16. Formal Wavy Hairstyle with Minimal Side Accessory
This type of formal hairstyle is super simple yet it can have an incredible effect, especially at a formal event. Just make sure to have those waves looking perfect, use hairspray to keep them in place, and then add just a tiny hair accessory to one side, as a final touch.
17. Formal Low Twisted Ponytail
In case you are into formal ponytails and love wearing your hair like this even at an event such as a wedding, birthday party, or prom, you can go for this low twisted one. Take two parts of your hair from each side of your head and then twist them, securing everything with an invisible elastic. Use a curling wand for the ponytail if you want to make it wavy.
18. Sleek Middle-Parted Formal Hairstyle with Golden Side Accessory
As Gigi Hadid shows here, you don’t need big and fluffy hair to make an impression when attending an event. This sleek middle-parted hairstyle is very simple yet sophisticated. Add a little side accessory, focus on your makeup and earrings, and you will shine like a star.
19. Slicked-Back Formal Wet Look Hairstyle
Yet another slicked-back wet-look hairstyle, this one will certainly draw a lot of looks at any formal event. Use a lot of hair gel and hair spray to keep your hair like that and focus on some big statement earrings to match with your dress and attitude.
20. Wavy & Voluminous Half Up Half Down Formal Ponytail
We said that you didn’t need big fluffy hair at any event but who says that you shouldn’t? If your hair is naturally-voluminous and you love these kinds of hairstyles, then go for a wavy half up half down formal ponytail. Let your bangs fall gracefully around your face and use hairspray for extra hold.
21. Fluffy Formal High Ponytail
Another formal ponytail idea is this high and fluffy, backcombed one with some statement earrings. It’s very easy to create, it’s comfortable for long-wearing, and it will look incredible if you want to also reveal your neck or if you have a strapless dress.
22. Wavy Formal Ponytail with Twisted Crown
This wavy ponytail is more romantic, it works amazing for prom, and it’s also super comfortable. Just create a side braid out of your hair which you then put into a ponytail that you secure with an invisible elastic. Let some rebel strands fall out and curl your ponytail if that’s what you want.
23. Formal Bohemian Braided Half Up Half Down Hairstyles
In case you are into bohemian-like hairstyles or if you need to attend such an event where people will be dressed in flowy clothes and will wear flowers in their hair, these six looks will inspire you. They are all wavy half up half down hairstyles which include either braid crowns or beautiful accessories to showcase the boho vibe. You can even add natural small flowers to your locks to make everything even more authentic.
24. Formal Voluminous Half Up Half Down Hairstyles with Accessories and Hair Bow
These half up half down looks are voluminous and big and some also have delicate accessories that you can also add, in case you want a more intricate look. Also, you can create a hair bow instead of a classic ponytail by knotting your hair and securing it with bobby pins. That will give people something to talk about! Soon to be a bridesmaid and no inspiration? Take a look here!
25. Formal Straight Twisted Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
For ladies who have straight long hair, this super simple yet effective formal hairstyle can be your best ally when you’re out of ideas. It’s a twisted half up half down hairstyle that only requires some bobby pins and some patience. It’s cute, simple, wearable, and definitely worthy to be admired.
26. Formal Straight and High Hairstyle with Sleek Sides
Yet another formal hairstyle done with straight hair, this high one with sleek sides is definitely trendy right now. It’s, in fact, a classic one that has been reinvented in a modern manner and has taken over the world. You only need to secure your sides with some bobby pins behind the rest of your hair. Then you need to backcomb the hair on top making sure that you cover that volume with a layer of straight hair. Add hairspray and there you have it!
27. Formal Knotted Half Up Half Down Straight Hairstyle
This knotted half up half down straight hairstyle is not only extremely easy to create and wear but it’s also suitable for a formal event while not being too “formal” at all but rather simple and comfortable. Make sure to secure your knot well so that your hairstyle stays put for hours.
28. Long Formal Hairstyle with Twisted Side
Another long formal hairstyle done with straight hair is this one that consists of simply twisting one side of your hair, preferably the side with your bangs, and securing it behind some strands of hair. Slightly curl the ends of your locks and enjoy the looks that you will receive.
29. Formal Half Up Half Down Messy Bun
In case you are more of a rock chick and enjoy expressing your personality even at a formal event, you can do this half up half down messy bun. You might also want to backcomb your hair a bit and add some hairspray to keep it messy for hours.
30. Formal Low Braided Ponytails
The final pieces of this formal hairstyling puzzle are these low braided ponytails that can look absolutely amazing regardless of your hair color or texture. Stop the braids at your nape area and then curl the rest of them. Use transparent elastic to secure them and enjoy the event!
Final thoughts
All in all, it appears that it’s indeed difficult to choose from so many formal hairstyles and to also make sure that your choice speaks for your personality while also being suitable for the formal event that you’re attending. However, we certainly hope to have inspired you at least a little and that the next event will find you a lot more prepared than ever before!
