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As the winter season approaches, many are preparing for various formal events, from holiday parties to winter weddings. Are you wondering what hairstyles will be trendy and sophisticated for these occasions? In this article, we’ll explore 34 stunning winter formal hairstyles that are perfect for any formal gathering. From elegant updos to romantic waves, we have a hairstyle for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Classic Low Chignon
The classic low chignon is a timeless hairstyle that exudes elegance and sophistication. This sleek style features the hair pulled back into a low bun at the nape of the neck, creating a clean and polished look. Ideal for both long and medium-length hair, it suits a variety of face shapes, especially oval and heart shapes. The low chignon can be dressed up with beautiful hairpins or accessories, making it perfect for formal occasions.
For care, ensure your hair is well-nourished before styling. Use a smoothing serum like Moroccanoil Treatment to control frizz and add shine. A strong-hold hairspray, such as L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray, will keep your chignon in place throughout the event without stiffness.
Sleek High Bun with Hair Accessories
The sleek high bun is a modern hairstyle that combines sophistication with a touch of glam. This style features the hair pulled into a high bun at the crown of the head, emphasizing the neck and facial features. It’s perfect for long and medium-length hair, and it’s especially flattering for those with longer necks. This hairstyle can be adorned with decorative hair accessories like jeweled clips or ribbons for a more formal touch.
To achieve this look, use a smoothing cream like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to create a sleek finish. Secure the bun with strong hair ties and bobby pins to prevent any slips. A shine spray, such as CHI Shine Infusion, can add that extra gloss, making your hair look healthy and vibrant.
Elegant French Twist
The French twist is an elegant and sophisticated hairstyle that never goes out of style. This classic updo involves twisting the hair up and securing it against the head, creating a sleek silhouette. It works beautifully for medium to long hair and is suitable for almost all face shapes. The French twist can be embellished with decorative combs or flowers for added charm, making it ideal for formal events.
For best results, prep your hair with a volumizing mousse like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Mousse before styling. To maintain hold, use a strong-hold gel, such as Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel, to smooth the hair into the twist. Finish with a hairspray like TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray for all-night security.
Romantic Half-Up Half-Down with Loose Curls
The half-up half-down hairstyle is perfect for those who want to show off their curls while still keeping some hair out of their face. This romantic style features the top half of the hair pulled back and secured, while the bottom remains loose and curly. It is versatile and suits both long and shoulder-length hair, flattering many face shapes, especially round and square.
To achieve this look, use a curling wand like the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron for soft, loose curls. Before styling, apply a heat protectant like Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer. For the half-up section, secure the hair with a cute hair tie and add some hairspray, like Aussie Instant Freeze Hairspray, to hold your curls in place.
Side-Swept Waves with Volume
Side-swept waves are an effortlessly chic hairstyle that adds volume and movement. This style features loose waves styled to one side, creating a beautiful drape across the shoulder. It’s ideal for medium to long hair and looks fabulous on various face shapes. Perfect for formal events, this hairstyle radiates elegance and sophistication.
To create this look, use a volumizing spray, like Big Sexy Hair Root Pump, before blow-drying. Use a large barrel curling iron to form soft waves, and finish by sweeping the hair to one side. A shine serum, such as L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil, can add a glossy finish, ensuring your waves look healthy and radiant.
Braided Crown with Loose Tendrils
The braided crown hairstyle is a whimsical and romantic choice, perfect for formal occasions. This style features a braid that wraps around the head like a crown, with loose tendrils softly framing the face. It’s well-suited for medium to long hair and is ideal for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. The braided crown can be adorned with flowers or hair jewels for an added touch of elegance.
For care, ensure your hair is healthy by using a deep conditioning treatment like Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector. Before braiding, apply a light mousse, such as Herbal Essences Bio Mousse, to add texture. After styling, use a flexible hold spray like Not Your Mother’s Way To Grow Long & Strong to maintain the braid’s shape while allowing movement.
Hollywood Glamour Waves
Hollywood glamour waves are a luxurious hairstyle that channels old Hollywood charm. This style features deep waves that create a dramatic and glamorous look. It works beautifully on long hair and is perfect for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. Hollywood waves can be accessorized with vintage-inspired hairpins or headbands for a formal touch.
To achieve this classic look, use a large barrel curling iron and a strong hold mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse before styling. Set the curls with hairpins to cool, ensuring the waves hold their shape. Finish with a shine spray like Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil for that Hollywood shine.
Polished Low Ponytail with Ribbon
The polished low ponytail is a chic and sophisticated hairstyle that is perfect for any formal occasion. This sleek style features the hair pulled back into a low ponytail, creating a clean and refined look. It suits medium to long hair and flatters various face shapes, especially those with angular features. Adding a ribbon to the ponytail elevates the style, making it more festive and elegant.
For care, use a smoothing balm like Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil to eliminate frizz before styling. Secure the ponytail with a strong hair tie, and wrap a small section of hair around the base for a polished finish. Use a shine spray like Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek to keep your ponytail looking fresh all night.
Textured Updo with Soft Twists
The textured updo with soft twists is a beautiful and sophisticated hairstyle that combines elegance with a touch of whimsy. This style features the hair twisted into an intricate updo while maintaining a soft, textured appearance. It works well for medium to long hair and suits various face shapes, especially oval and round faces. This hairstyle is perfect for formal events, offering a romantic and polished look.
To achieve this updo, start by adding texture with a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. Create soft twists and pin them into place for a secure yet relaxed look. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray such as L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the style in place without stiffness.
Sleek Straight Hair with Middle Part
Sleek straight hair with a middle part is a timeless and sophisticated look that is perfect for any formal occasion. This style features long, straight hair parted down the middle, creating a clean and elegant silhouette. It flatters all face shapes, especially those with angular features, making it a versatile choice for winter events.
To achieve this sleek look, use a straightening serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum before flat-ironing your hair. A high-quality flat iron, such as the GHD Platinum+, can help create that ultra-smooth finish. Finish with a shine spray like Kerastase Elixir Ultime to add gloss and shine.
Fishtail Braid with Floral Accessories
The fishtail braid with floral accessories is a beautiful and romantic hairstyle that combines intricate braiding with natural elements. This style features a fishtail braid cascading down the back, adorned with delicate flowers or hairpins. It’s ideal for medium to long hair and suits a variety of face shapes, particularly oval and heart shapes. This hairstyle is perfect for winter weddings or formal gatherings, adding a whimsical touch to your look.
To create this fishtail braid, start with textured hair using a light mousse like Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray. Separate the hair into two sections and begin braiding using the fishtail technique. Add small flowers or hairpins throughout the braid for added charm. Finish with a light hold hairspray such as Aussie Miracle Flexible Hold Hairspray.
Low Bun with Twisted Sections
The low bun with twisted sections is an elegant and sophisticated hairstyle that is perfect for formal occasions. This style features a low bun secured at the nape of the neck, with twisted sections of hair adding detail and interest. It works well for medium to long hair and is flattering on various face shapes. This hairstyle is versatile enough for both day and night events, making it a fantastic choice for winter gatherings.
To achieve this look, start by curling your hair slightly for added texture. Use a curling wand like the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron. Gather the hair into a low bun, incorporating twisted sections as you secure it. Use a smoothing cream like Living Proof No Frizz to tame any flyaways. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray like Matrix Vavoom.
Cascading Curls with Subtle Highlights
Cascading curls with subtle highlights are a glamorous and romantic hairstyle that adds dimension and texture. This style features loose curls cascading down the shoulders, enhanced by soft highlights that catch the light beautifully. It’s perfect for long hair and suits various face shapes, especially those with round or oval features. This hairstyle is ideal for formal winter events, offering a soft and feminine look.
To achieve cascading curls, use a curling iron and start by applying a heat protectant like Chi 44 Iron Guard. Create loose curls and then gently brush them out for a soft, flowing look. To enhance the highlights, consider using a color-depositing conditioner like Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer for brightness and shine.
Top Knot with Soft Curls
The top knot with soft curls is a stylish and playful hairstyle that combines elegance with a relaxed vibe. This style features a high bun on top of the head, with soft curls framing the face. It’s perfect for medium to long hair and is particularly flattering for those with longer necks. This hairstyle is ideal for winter formal events, offering a chic yet comfortable look.
To create this hairstyle, start with curly hair using a curling wand and a heat protectant spray like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer. Pull the top half of your hair into a high bun, leaving soft curls to fall around your face. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray like Not Your Mother’s Way To Grow Long & Strong to ensure the style lasts all night.
Vintage-Inspired Finger Waves
Vintage-inspired finger waves are a glamorous hairstyle that harkens back to the elegance of the 1920s. This style features soft, sculpted waves that create a vintage Hollywood look, perfect for formal events. It works best on medium to long hair and is suitable for those with oval and heart-shaped faces. This hairstyle adds a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to any winter formal occasion.
To achieve this look, start with damp hair and use a strong-hold gel like Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel. Create the waves by using your fingers to shape the hair into S-shaped curves. Secure the waves with clips and allow them to dry. Once set, remove the clips and finish with a strong-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray 25.
Loose Chignon with Side Part
The loose chignon with a side part is an effortlessly elegant hairstyle that balances sophistication with a relaxed vibe. This style features a soft, low bun secured at the nape of the neck, complemented by a side part that adds a touch of asymmetry. It’s ideal for medium to long hair and suits various face shapes, especially round and oval faces. This hairstyle is perfect for winter formal events, allowing for an easy yet polished look.
To achieve this style, start by creating soft waves using a curling wand and a heat protectant like Redken Heat Protectant Spray. Gather the hair into a loose chignon, allowing tendrils to frame the face. Secure the bun with hairpins, and finish with a light-hold hairspray, such as Aussie Miracle Hold Hairspray, to maintain the look without stiffness.
Sleek Ponytail with Statement Clip
The sleek ponytail with a statement clip is a chic and modern hairstyle that emphasizes clean lines and bold accessories. This style features hair pulled back into a smooth ponytail, secured with a striking clip or hairpiece for added flair. It works well for medium to long hair and is suitable for various face shapes, particularly oval and heart-shaped faces. This hairstyle is perfect for formal winter gatherings, providing a sophisticated and polished appearance.
To achieve this look, start with straightened hair using a flat iron and a smoothing serum like Living Proof No Frizz Serum. Gather the hair into a sleek ponytail at your desired height and secure it with a hair tie. Add a bold statement clip for a touch of glamour, and finish with a shine spray like CHI Shine Infusion to enhance the sleekness.
High Ponytail with Elegant Waves
The high ponytail with elegant waves is a stylish and sophisticated hairstyle that combines a youthful look with classic elegance. This style features a high ponytail that cascades into loose, glamorous waves. It’s perfect for medium to long hair and is especially flattering on those with oval or heart-shaped faces. This hairstyle is an excellent choice for winter formal events, adding a touch of sophistication.
To create this look, start with slightly wavy hair and gather it into a high ponytail, securing it tightly. Use a curling iron to add waves to the ponytail, allowing for movement and volume. Finish with a smoothing cream like Moroccanoil Treatment to tame frizz and add shine.
Braided Low Bun with Floral Pins
The braided low bun with floral pins is a charming and romantic hairstyle that is perfect for formal events. This style features a low bun secured with intricate braiding and adorned with delicate floral pins for a whimsical touch. It works well for medium to long hair and is particularly flattering for those with oval and round face shapes. This hairstyle is ideal for winter gatherings, adding a soft, romantic flair.
To create this look, start by braiding sections of your hair and securing them into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Use floral pins to decorate the bun, adding a feminine touch. A texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray will help hold the braid and bun in place, giving it a soft, romantic finish.
Side Braid with Loose Waves
The side braid with loose waves is a relaxed yet stylish hairstyle that combines elements of both elegance and playfulness. This style features a loose braid draped over one shoulder, paired with soft, cascading waves on the other side. It works beautifully for medium to long hair and suits various face shapes, especially round and oval faces. This hairstyle is ideal for winter formal occasions, offering a charming, effortless look.
To create this hairstyle, start by curling your hair into loose waves using a curling iron. Then, create a loose side braid and pull out a few strands to frame the face. A light mousse like Herbal Essences Bio Mousse will help enhance the texture and hold of the waves.
Twisted Low Updo with Subtle Volume
The twisted low updo with subtle volume is an elegant hairstyle that combines simplicity with sophistication. This style features twists of hair gathered into a low updo, offering a refined look with a touch of volume. It works well for medium to long hair and is suitable for various face shapes. This hairstyle is perfect for winter formal events, providing a polished appearance.
To achieve this hairstyle, begin by curling the hair lightly for added texture. Gather the hair into a low updo, twisting sections of hair and pinning them in place. Use a volumizing spray like Big Sexy Hair Root Pump to add dimension at the crown. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray, such as Aussie Instant Freeze Hairspray, to secure the look.
Smooth Straight Hair with Pearl Hairpins
Smooth straight hair adorned with pearl hairpins is a classic and timeless hairstyle that exudes elegance. This style features long, straight hair with a polished finish, enhanced by the addition of delicate pearl hairpins for a touch of glamour. It works well for medium to long hair and is flattering for all face shapes, especially angular features. This hairstyle is perfect for formal winter occasions, providing a refined and sophisticated look.
To achieve this look, use a straightening serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease before styling. Flat iron your hair for a sleek finish, then secure it with pearl hairpins along one side for added elegance. A shine spray, like CHI Shine Infusion, will keep the hair looking glossy and smooth.
Curly Updo with Romantic Tendrils
The curly updo with romantic tendrils is a soft and feminine hairstyle that perfectly combines elegance with a touch of romance. This style features a beautiful updo made from loose curls, with soft tendrils cascading down the sides of the face. It’s ideal for medium to long hair and works well for various face shapes, especially round and oval. This hairstyle is perfect for winter weddings or formal gatherings, adding a whimsical touch to your look.
To create this look, start by curling the hair into soft waves with a curling iron. Gather the curls into an updo, allowing tendrils to frame the face. Finish with a light-hold hairspray like Aussie Miracle Flexible Hold Hairspray to keep everything in place while maintaining movement.
Loose Waves with Sparkling Headband
Loose waves with a sparkling headband create a glamorous and festive hairstyle that is perfect for winter formal occasions. This style features soft, loose waves adorned with a sparkling headband that adds a touch of elegance. It works well for medium to long hair and is flattering for all face shapes. This hairstyle is ideal for holiday parties and special events, offering a chic yet effortless look.
To achieve this look, curl your hair into loose waves using a large barrel curling iron. After styling, place a sparkling headband on top to add a festive touch. A texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray will help enhance the waves and keep them looking fresh throughout the event.
These 25 winter formal hairstyles are sure to elevate your look for any event this season. Whether you opt for an elegant updo or romantic waves, there’s a hairstyle for everyone. We hope you find the perfect style that reflects your personality and makes you feel beautiful. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know which hairstyle you plan to try!
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