17 Formal Hairstyles for Long Hair: Elegant Updos and Designs for Special Occasions
Looking your best at formal events means having the right hairstyle to match the occasion. Your long hair gives you many styling options that can work for any dress code or venue.
Whether you want an elegant updo or flowing waves, these formal hairstyles will help you create a polished, sophisticated look that stays put throughout your special event.
The right style can transform your long hair into a stunning statement piece.
1: Sleek Chignon
The sleek chignon is a classic updo that sits at the nape of your neck. You’ll need to comb your hair back smoothly and twist it into a neat bun.
This timeless style works great for formal events and professional settings. Use hair pins to secure the bun in place and hairspray to keep flyaways tamed.
2: Romantic Half Updo with Dutch Fishtail
Create a lovely half-up style by gathering the top section of your hair at the back of your head. Add a Dutch fishtail braid along one side for extra flair.
This style works best when you secure the hair near your occipital bone. Finish with hairspray to keep everything in place.
3: Sophisticated Slick Back Style
Slicking your hair back creates a polished, elegant look perfect for formal events. Start by applying texturizing spray at your roots for volume.
Then, use a small amount of hair wax or mousse to smooth your hair back from your face. This sleek style works great with straight or wavy hair.
4: Elegant Soft Curls with Hair Accessory
You can create soft, flowing curls that frame your face for a romantic formal look. Add a delicate hair accessory like a crystal pin or pearl clip to elevate the style.
The loose curls give your hair natural movement while maintaining an elegant appearance. Place the accessory near your temple or above your ear for the most flattering effect.
5: Classic French Twist
The French twist creates a sleek, polished updo perfect for formal events. You start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck, then twist it upward along the back of your head.
Secure your twist with bobby pins and tuck loose ends underneath. Add a few pearl pins or a delicate comb for extra elegance.
6: Voluminous Backcombed Style
Backcombing adds amazing volume to your long hair. Start by gently teasing small sections near your crown with a fine-toothed comb.
Then, smooth the top layer of your hair over the teased sections for a polished look. Add hairspray to keep the volume in place.
7: Glamorous Updo for Prom
A sleek updo hairstyle makes the perfect statement for prom night. Pull your long hair into a high bun and leave a few soft pieces around your face for a romantic touch.
Add sparkly hair accessories or delicate flowers to dress up your updo. This classic style works great with any dress and keeps your hair off your neck while dancing.
8: Chic Low Bun with Side Part
Create a side part in your hair and brush it smooth. Then, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a neat bun.
Secure the bun with bobby pins and use hairspray to keep any loose strands in place. This timeless style works great for formal events.
9: Textured Ombre Waves
Your hair can look stunning with textured ombre waves. The style blends different shades from dark to light while adding soft waves throughout your length.
The waves create movement and depth, making your hair look thicker and more dynamic.
Ask your stylist to place lighter tones near your face to brighten your features.
10: Platinum Bob with Pin Up Curls
A platinum bob with pin-up curls creates a glamorous vintage style. You can achieve this look by adding soft waves to a shoulder-length cut.
Make a deep side part and pin back one side near your neck. The curls work best when styled away from your face to show off your features.
11: Braided Crown Updo
Create a regal look by wrapping a French braid around your head like a crown. Start braiding at one side of your head, work your way across, and pin the end behind your ear.
Add some small flowers or delicate pins to make this style perfect for weddings and formal events.
12: Simple Low Ponytail with a Twist
Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie to create a low ponytail.
Then, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to hide it. Secure the wrapped section with a bobby pin.
13: Vintage Victory Rolls
Victory rolls bring classic 1940s style to formal events. You can create this look by rolling two sections of hair at the crown of your head.
Your victory rolls can be small and subtle or big and bold. Pin them securely in place while leaving the rest of your hair flowing or styled in waves.
This glamorous style works great for special occasions and adds height to frame your face beautifully.
14: Side-Swept Hollywood Waves
Side-swept waves add classic glamour to your formal look. This style works best on medium to long hair and creates a soft, romantic effect.
You can achieve this look by curling your hair with a medium-barrel iron and brushing the waves to one side.
Secure with pins and hairspray to keep the style in place all evening.
15: Modern Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid creates an eye-catching look for formal events. This style splits your hair into two sections and weaves small pieces from the outer edges into the center.
You can wear your fishtail braid straight down your back or pin it up into an elegant updo. Pull the braid gently to create a soft, loose texture that looks more natural.
16: Graceful High Bun
Pull your hair into a sleek, high ponytail at the crown of your head. Then, twist the ponytail around its base to create a neat bun shape.
Secure the bun with bobby pins and add hairspray to keep it in place.
17: Refined Half-Up Bouffant
The half-up bouffant adds classic elegance to long hair. You can create volume at the crown while letting the rest flow freely.
This versatile style works great for formal events. Secure the top section with pins. Then, use hairspray to maintain the height throughout the day.
