Formal hairstyles for long hair are the perfect way to showcase elegance, charm, and sophistication. Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, corporate event, or prom night, these hairstyles can elevate your look and make you stand out. From intricate braids to polished buns, there’s a style for every occasion and face shape. Below are 20 categories of formal hairstyles with detailed descriptions to help you find the ideal look.
1. Chic Layered Braid
The chic layered braid is a modern take on the classic fishtail braid. This hairstyle involves weaving a fishtail braid and gently loosening sections to create a voluminous layered effect. Perfect for weddings or formal parties, it suits oval and heart-shaped faces by framing them delicately. Prep your hair with volumizing mousse to add thickness and finish with hairspray for hold. Accessorize with pearl pins or flowers for added glamour. This braid keeps your hair secure while allowing you to exude elegance throughout the event.
2. Sleek Low Ponytail
The sleek low ponytail is an understated yet sophisticated hairstyle that works beautifully for corporate events or formal dinners. This style suits square and oval faces by softening angular features. To achieve this look, straighten your hair with a flat iron, part it in the middle or side, and secure it at the nape of your neck. Wrap a strand of hair around the base for a polished finish and spritz hairspray to keep flyaways in check. This hairstyle transitions seamlessly from day to night.
3. French Twist
The French twist is a timeless hairstyle that exudes elegance and grace. Gather your hair at the back of your head, twist it upward, and secure it with pins to create a neat roll. Perfect for galas or evening parties, this style flatters oval and diamond-shaped faces by elongating features. Add decorative pins or clips for extra sophistication. Ensure that the twist is tight enough to last throughout the night without sagging.
4. Glamorous Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves are retro-inspired curls that bring red-carpet glamour to any formal occasion. This hairstyle suits round and heart-shaped faces by adding volume and emphasizing cheekbones beautifully. Use a curling iron to create soft waves, brush them out gently, and set them with lightweight hairspray for lasting hold. This timeless look is perfect for events where you want to make a lasting impression.
5. Braided Bun
The braided bun combines practicality with elegance by incorporating tight braids into a neat bun at the back of your head. Ideal for weddings or black-tie events, this style works best on oval faces by highlighting facial symmetry. Secure the braids with pins and finish with shine spray for a polished look. You can also add small flowers or decorative pins to enhance its beauty further.
6. Half-Up Half-Down Style
The half-up half-down style is versatile yet elegant, perfect for semi-formal events like engagement parties or family gatherings. Comb your hair neatly into loose waves or straight strands, pinning the top section back while leaving the rest flowing freely. This style suits all face shapes by balancing proportions naturally while allowing you to showcase your long locks beautifully.
7. Voluminous Pompadour
The voluminous pompadour adds height and drama to your look while keeping hair neatly styled away from the face. Perfect for galas or upscale dinners, this hairstyle suits square faces by elongating features while adding boldness to your overall appearance. To achieve this look, tease the crown section of your hair before smoothing it back into place and securing it with bobby pins.
8. Twisted Crown
The twisted crown involves twisting sections of hair along both sides of your head and pinning them together at the back to form a halo-like effect. Ideal for garden parties or rustic weddings, this style flatters round faces by framing them delicately while adding an ethereal touch to your overall look.
9. Fishtail Bun
The fishtail bun combines intricate braiding with a classic bun for an effortlessly chic look suitable for weddings or formal dinners. Create a fishtail braid with all your hair, coil it into a bun, and secure it with pins while allowing some strands to fall gracefully around your face.
10. Wavy Side Ponytail
The wavy side ponytail adds elegance to long hair by combining soft waves with an asymmetrical ponytail tied near one ear. Perfect for romantic dinners or semi-formal events, this style suits oval faces beautifully as it draws attention towards the eyes while maintaining an air of sophistication.
11: Sleek High Bun
The sleek high bun pulls all strands upward into tight buns creating polished appearances suitable galas/corporate meetings radiating elegance consistently enhancing heart profiles naturally! Use smoothing serum before styling ensuring everything stays in place throughout any event!
12: Knotted Chignon
Knotted chignons provide refined sophistication showcasing intricate detailing blending seamlessly casual/formal occasions ensuring versatility throughout styling process effortlessly enhancing confidence naturally! This hairstyle works well on oval faces by framing them elegantly while keeping everything tidy.
13: Elegant Side Braid
An elegant side braid allows you to showcase long locks beautifully while keeping them secure during formal occasions! This hairstyle suits all face shapes depending on how tightly it’s styled—perfect during weddings/parties allowing self-expression confidently!
14: Twisted Updo
A twisted updo combines elegance with creativity featuring twists coiling around each other forming stunning shapes perfect during upscale gatherings showcasing artistry through hairstyling effortlessly enhancing individuality naturally!
15: Double Dutch Braids
Double Dutch braids involve creating two braids down each side of your head keeping everything neat while offering protection—ideal during long events allowing comfort without sacrificing beauty! Suited best on round/oval shapes enhancing natural beauty effortlessly radiating confidence consistently!
16: Loose Romantic Waves
Loose romantic waves provide softness/volume showcasing femininity beautifully—perfect during date nights/formal outings allowing self-expression confidently enhancing allure effortlessly! This hairstyle suits all face shapes depending on how they’re styled—whether loose/defined!
17: Sleek Straight Hair
Sleek straight hair offers simplicity elegance showcasing natural beauty effortlessly! Ideal during corporate meetings/formal dinners ensuring focus remains on personality rather than distractions—perfectly suited round profiles enhancing sharpness radiating professionalism consistently!
18: Vintage Pin-Up Style
Vintage pin-up styles combine classic curls with modern flair providing timeless appeal perfect during themed parties/weddings showcasing creativity confidently enhancing individuality effortlessly! Suited best on oval/heart shapes framing delicate features beautifully!
19: Half-Up Twisted Bun
A half-up twisted bun combines elements from both updos/braids creating visually striking appearances suitable casual/formal occasions allowing versatility throughout styling process enhancing confidence naturally! This hairstyle works well on all face shapes depending on how tightly it’s styled!
20: Floral Embellished Waves
Floral embellished waves combine soft curls with decorative floral accessories woven into strands for an ethereal look perfect during outdoor weddings/garden parties showcasing creativity confidently enhancing individuality naturally! Suited best on oval/heart shapes framing delicate features beautifully!
