25 Formal Hairstyles for Long Hair Women
Long hair offers endless styling possibilities for formal events.
From elegant updos to sophisticated half-up styles, your length provides the perfect canvas for creating memorable looks.
Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or professional event, these 25 formal hairstyles will help you make a stunning impression while showcasing your beautiful long locks.
1: Classic French Twist
The timeless French twist creates an elegant silhouette that works beautifully for formal events.
This sophisticated style keeps hair completely off your neck for comfort during long evenings.
Begin by brushing hair smoothly to one side, then twist upward along the back of your head. Secure with bobby pins inserted horizontally for maximum hold.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the polished look without stiffness. This versatile style complements everything from business attire to evening gowns.
2: Glamorous Old Hollywood Waves
These sophisticated waves channel vintage glamour while showcasing your length.
The deep side part and structured waves create a red-carpet-worthy look perfect for formal events.
Create a deep side part, then form waves using a 1.25-inch curling iron, curling each section away from your face. Allow curls to cool completely before brushing through.
Secure the style with flexible-hold hairspray. Tuck one side behind your ear for an asymmetrical finish that beautifully frames your face.
3: Elegant Low Chignon
This timeless low bun sits at the nape of your neck, creating a sophisticated profile that pairs perfectly with statement earrings.
The style offers comfortable elegance for long events.
Gather hair at the nape and twist into a coil, securing with pins as you wrap. For a more textured look, lightly tease sections before forming the chignon.
Leave a few face-framing tendrils for a softer effect that complements your facial features. This versatile style works for both professional and evening events.
4: Braided Crown Updo
This romantic style features a braided crown that frames your face while keeping length secured in an updo.
The textured elements create visual interest perfect for formal occasions.
Begin by creating a Dutch braid along your hairline, continuing around your head like a crown. Gather remaining hair into a low bun or twisted updo.
Gently pull sections of the braid to create fullness and texture. This ethereal style pairs beautifully with floral dresses or romantic evening attire.
5: Sleek High Ponytail
The sleek high ponytail offers modern sophistication that showcases your length while keeping hair off your face.
This style creates a striking silhouette for formal events.
Brush hair smoothly into a high ponytail positioned at the crown of your head. Apply a smoothing serum before gathering to eliminate flyaways.
Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. The elevation elongates your neck and creates an elegant profile that commands attention.
6: Twisted Side Swept Updo
This asymmetrical style features twisted sections that create dimension and visual interest.
The side-swept design offers a modern take on formal hair perfect for special occasions.
Begin by creating a deep side part, then twist sections of hair away from your face, securing with pins as you work toward the opposite side.
Gather all twisted sections into a low, asymmetrical updo. This architectural style showcases your bone structure while keeping hair elegantly contained.
7: Romantic Half-Up Twisted Crown
This feminine style keeps some length flowing freely while securing the top portion in an elegant twisted crown.
The combination creates balance perfect for formal daytime events.
Take two-inch sections from each temple and twist them back, connecting them at the crown. Secure with decorative pins or a small hidden elastic.
Leave the remaining hair flowing in loose waves for movement and softness. This versatile style transitions beautifully from daytime ceremonies to evening receptions.
8: Formal Fishtail Braid
The intricate fishtail braid elevates the standard braid into formal territory.
This textured style creates visual interest while keeping your length contained for active events.
Begin your fishtail over one shoulder, working with small sections for a detailed finish. Secure the end with a clear elastic and mist with hairspray.
Gently pull sections of the braid outward to create volume and texture. For added elegance, wrap a thin section around the elastic and secure with a pin.
9: Twisted Low Updo
This sophisticated style features multiple twisted sections gathered into a low updo. The technique creates texture and dimension perfect for formal occasions.
Divide hair into sections and twist each away from your face, securing with pins as you work toward the nape. Gather all twisted sections into a low, textured bun.
Leave a few face-framing pieces for softness if desired. This elegant style showcases your bone structure while offering comfortable sophistication for long events.
10: Classic Ballerina Bun
The sleek ballerina bun creates a timeless silhouette that pairs perfectly with formal attire. This polished style elongates your neck and highlights your facial features.
Begin by brushing hair into a high, smooth ponytail. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base, securing with pins as you work.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray for a polished, flyaway-free finish.
This elegant style creates a sophisticated profile that beautifully complements architectural necklines.
11: Cascading Side Curls
This glamorous style features all hair swept to one side in voluminous curls. The asymmetrical design creates drama perfect for evening formal events.
Create a deep side part, then curl sections away from your face using varying barrel sizes for dimension. Allow curls to cool completely before styling.
Gently comb through with your fingers and position all curls over one shoulder. Secure with hidden pins and flexible-hold hairspray for lasting wear.
12: Twisted Rope Braid Updo
This intricate style uses rope braids to create texture and visual interest. The technique works beautifully for securing long hair in an elevated formal style.
Divide hair into sections and create rope braids by twisting two strands in opposite directions and then twisting them together. Form multiple rope braids throughout your hair.
Arrange the rope braids into your preferred updo shape, securing with pins. The dimensional texture creates a sophisticated look perfect for special occasions.
13: Sleek Low Ponytail with Middle Part
This minimalist style offers sophisticated elegance that showcases your length while maintaining a clean silhouette.
The middle part creates symmetry perfect for formal settings.
Create a precise middle part from forehead to crown. Apply smoothing serum before gathering hair into a low ponytail at the nape.
Wrap a section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. This sleek style pairs beautifully with architectural clothing and statement jewelry.
14: Half-Up Bouffant with Cascading Curls
This dramatic style features volume at the crown with curled length flowing freely. The combination creates a perfect balance for glamorous formal occasions.
Tease the crown section for height, then smooth the surface and secure at the back of your crown. Curl the remaining length in large, bouncy curls.
Finish with a medium-hold hairspray to maintain the volume and curl pattern. This show-stopping style creates a striking silhouette that commands attention.
15: Twisted Low Side Bun
This asymmetrical style gathers hair into a textured side bun positioned at the nape. The side placement creates visual interest perfect for formal events.
Create a deep side part, then twist sections back toward the opposite nape area. Form a textured bun with the gathered hair, securing with pins throughout.
Leave a few face-framing pieces if desired for softness. This elegant style showcases statement earrings on the exposed side while maintaining a sophisticated silhouette.
16: Braided Halo Updo
This romantic style features a braided halo that crowns your head while remaining hair forms an elegant updo.
The combination creates ethereal beauty perfect for formal occasions.
Create a three-strand braid with a section of hair, then wrap it around your head like a halo, securing with pins. Gather remaining hair into a textured low bun.
Pull sections gently to create softness and dimension throughout. This dreamy style complements romantic formal attire beautifully.
17: Polished S-Wave
This sophisticated style features structured S-waves that create vintage-inspired glamour. The polished finish offers timeless elegance perfect for formal events.
Create a deep side part, then use a flat iron to form S-shaped waves throughout your length. Allow the style to cool completely before brushing very gently.
Secure with flexible-hold hairspray for lasting wear. This classic style creates a refined silhouette that pairs beautifully with formal attire.
18: Twisted Topknot
This elevated style positions a textured bun at the crown of your head, creating height and elegance. The style offers sophisticated drama perfect for formal occasions.
Gather hair into a high ponytail positioned at your crown. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base, securing with pins as you work.
Create texture by gently pulling sections of the twist outward. This statement style elongates your silhouette and creates a striking profile view.
19: Waterfall Braid with Curls
This romantic style features a waterfall braid that crowns your head while curled length flows freely.
The combination creates whimsical elegance perfect for formal daytime events.
Create a waterfall braid along one side of your head, allowing dropped strands to blend with the remaining hair. Curl all free-flowing hair in uniform curls.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray for natural movement. This feminine style offers formal sophistication with romantic softness.
20: Twisted Low Ponytail
This elevated ponytail incorporates twisted sections that create texture and visual interest.
The technique transforms the simple ponytail into formal territory.
Take sections from each temple and twist back toward where your ponytail will sit. Gather all hair including the twists into a low ponytail at the nape.
Wrap a section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. This sophisticated style offers comfortable elegance for long formal events.
21: Formal Half-Up Twist
This versatile style secures the top portion in an elegant twist while allowing length to flow freely. The combination creates balance perfect for various formal occasions.
Take the top third of your hair and create a twisted shape at the crown, securing with decorative pins. Curl the remaining length in uniform waves.
Leave a few face-framing pieces for softness if desired. This adaptable style transitions beautifully from professional events to evening occasions.
22: Woven Updo
This intricate style features woven sections that create a basket-like texture. The technique secures long hair in an artistic pattern perfect for formal events.
Divide hair into sections and weave them over and under each other, securing with pins as you create your pattern. Tuck ends underneath and pin securely.
Pull sections gently to create controlled volume and texture. This architectural style creates a sophisticated statement perfect for special occasions.
23: Sleek Low Knot
This minimalist style gathers hair into a sleek knot positioned at the nape. The clean lines create modern sophistication perfect for formal settings.
Apply smoothing serum and gather hair into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a knot shape, securing with pins as you work.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray for a polished, flyaway-free finish. This elegant style creates a refined silhouette that complements modern formal attire.
24: Side-Swept Mermaid Braid
This romantic style features a large side braid with sections pulled out for texture. The technique creates bohemian elegance perfect for formal outdoor events.
Sweep all hair to one side and create a loose Dutch braid from the nape down the length. Secure with a small clear elastic covered by a section of hair.
Gently pull sections of the braid outward to create the “mermaid” effect. This artistic style offers sophisticated whimsy for special occasions.
25: Vintage Pin Curls
This retro-inspired style features structured pin curls that create an old-world glamour. The technique transforms long hair into a sophisticated, formal style.
Create defined curls using a small-barrel curling iron, then pin each curl to your head to cool completely. Release pins and brush gently to form waves.
Secure with flexible hold hairspray for lasting wear. This timeless style creates vintage elegance perfect for formal evening events.
Conclusion
Your long hair offers endless formal styling possibilities.
Whether you prefer sleek, romantic, or vintage-inspired looks, these 25 styles will help you make a stunning impression at your next special event.
