25 Stunning Formal Hairstyles for Long Hair That Will Turn Heads at Any Event

Looking for the perfect way to style your long locks for that upcoming special occasion?

Having lengthy hair gives you endless possibilities for creating elegant, sophisticated styles worthy of red carpets and formal events.

The right hairstyle can elevate your entire look, complementing your outfit and creating a polished, put-together appearance that photographs beautifully.

Whether you prefer romantic updos, glamorous curls, or sleek styles with modern edge, having a repertoire of formal options ensures you’ll always have the perfect hair for any dressy occasion.

Ready to transform your long hair into a statement-making style? Explore these 25 stunning formal hairstyles perfect for your next special event!

1: Classic French Twist

Embrace timeless elegance with this sophisticated updo that showcases the nape of your neck while creating a sleek, polished silhouette.

This versatile style complements virtually any formal attire.

You’ll need plenty of bobby pins and hairspray to secure the twist, working from bottom to top to create height and structure.

The beauty of this style lies in its simplicity—a smooth, unadorned twist creates refined elegance perfect for black-tie events and formal occasions.

2: Romantic Loose Updo

Create effortless glamour with this soft, intentionally undone style featuring strategically placed loose tendrils.

This feminine approach offers formal polish without appearing too rigid or severe.

You’ll want to curl your hair before gathering it loosely at the nape or crown, allowing pieces to fall naturally while securing the main structure.

This forgiving style works particularly well for those with naturally wavy or textured hair, as it embraces and enhances natural movement.

3: Hollywood Waves

Channel old-Hollywood glamour with these structured, glossy waves that cascade dramatically over one shoulder.

This show-stopping style creates maximum impact with polished sophistication.

You’ll need a 1-inch curling iron and strong-hold products to create these defined waves that maintain their shape throughout your event.

The side-swept direction adds asymmetrical interest while keeping hair off both shoulders—perfect for showcasing statement earrings or detailed necklines.

4: Braided Crown Updo

Create ethereal elegance with this romantic style featuring a braided halo that encircles your head with remaining hair gathered into a low, textured bun.

This bohemian-inspired look offers formal whimsy.

You’ll start by creating a Dutch or French braid along your hairline, continuing around your entire head before incorporating remaining hair into a low bun.

This dimensional style works beautifully for outdoor formal events or romantic occasions where softer styling complements the setting.

5: Sleek High Ponytail

Embrace modern sophistication with this elevated take on a classic ponytail positioned high on your head with glass-smooth texture.

This contemporary style offers unexpected formal edge.

You’ll need a boar bristle brush and smoothing serum to achieve the ultra-sleek finish essential for making this simple style red-carpet worthy.

The dramatic height and strict smoothness transform this everyday style into something worthy of formal events, especially when paired with statement makeup and accessories.

6: Twisted Low Chignon

Showcase elegant simplicity with this sophisticated low bun featuring twisted sections that create architectural interest.

This timeless style offers understated refinement perfect for formal settings.

You’ll divide your hair into sections, twisting each before wrapping them together at the nape of your neck to create a structured yet soft bun.

This versatile style complements traditional formal attire beautifully, creating clean lines that don’t compete with elaborate necklines or accessories.

7: Half-Up Bouffant Style

Create dramatic height and volume with this retro-inspired style featuring teased crown with remaining hair flowing freely.

This statement-making approach balances vintage influence with modern styling.

You’ll need significant backcombing at the crown to create the characteristic height, smoothing the surface carefully to maintain polished appearance.

This bold style creates a striking silhouette that commands attention while still allowing you to showcase your long length—perfect for making an entrance.

8: Grecian-Inspired Updo

Channel ancient elegance with this draped style featuring twisted sections and strategic loops that mimic classical sculptures.

This timeless approach offers romantic sophistication.

You’ll create multiple twisted sections wrapped and pinned to create a dimensional updo that appears complex yet maintains soft, natural-looking texture.

This feminine style pairs beautifully with formal gowns featuring draped fabrics or goddess-inspired silhouettes for cohesive thematic dressing.

9: Sleek Side-Swept Chignon

Combine contemporary sleekness with classic elegance in this asymmetrical low bun positioned to one side.

This architectural style creates dramatic lines with sophisticated minimalism.

You’ll create a deep side part before gathering all hair into a low, sleek chignon positioned behind one ear for maximum impact.

The intentional asymmetry of this style creates visual interest that photographs beautifully from all angles—perfect for events with professional photography.

10: Waterfall Braid with Curls

Showcase intricate braiding with this half-up style featuring a horizontal waterfall braid with voluminous curls beneath.

This romantic approach balances structure with flowing movement.

You’ll want to create defined curls before beginning the waterfall braid, which allows strands to “fall” through the braid creating a cascading effect.

This detailed style offers the perfect balance between up and down styling—ideal for those who want to showcase their length while keeping hair off their face.

11: Twisted Rope Updo

Create architectural interest with this modern updo featuring twisted rope-like sections wrapped and pinned to create dimensional texture.

This contemporary approach offers sophisticated structure.

You’ll divide your hair into sections, twisting each tightly before wrapping and pinning them in an intentional pattern that creates visual complexity.

This distinctive style stands out from traditional formal updos, making it perfect for fashion-forward individuals who want modern elegance.

12: Voluminous Side Ponytail

Transform a simple ponytail into formal elegance by positioning it to one side with exaggerated volume and curled ends.

This versatile style balances playfulness with sophisticated styling.

You’ll tease the crown and sides before gathering hair low and to one side, curling the ponytail itself to create bouncy, dimensional movement.

This adaptable style works for various formal occasions, from less traditional ceremonies to elegant evening events requiring polished yet approachable styling.

13: Double Twisted Updo

Create visual complexity with this sophisticated style featuring two twisted sections wrapped in opposite directions to form an elegant updo.

This dimensional approach offers architectural interest.

You’ll divide your hair horizontally into two sections, twisting each in opposite directions before wrapping them around each other and securing with pins.

The contrasting directions create textural interest that elevates this style beyond basic updos, perfect for those who appreciate subtle structural details.

14: Formal Fishtail Braid

Elevate the standard braid with this intricate fishtail technique worn over one shoulder with textured volume.

This detailed approach offers bohemian elegance perfect for less traditional events.

You’ll want to create volume at the crown before beginning your fishtail, gently pulling small sections to create loose, romantic texture throughout.

This statement-making braid works beautifully for formal outdoor events or elegant occasions where traditional updos might feel too rigid or conventional.

15: Modern Gibson Tuck

Reinvent this vintage-inspired updo with contemporary styling that creates a rolled effect around the head with textured finish.

This updated classic offers timeless elegance with current appeal.

You’ll roll your hair upward from the nape, securing as you go to create a continuous tuck around the lower half of your head with height at the crown.

This sophisticated style balances retro influence with modern execution, perfect for those who appreciate vintage aesthetics with fresh interpretation.

16: Twisted Crown with Cascading Curls

Frame your face beautifully with twisted sections at the crown while allowing curls to flow freely down your back.

This half-up approach balances structure with romantic movement.

You’ll curl your entire head before creating twisted sections that wrap around the crown like a headband, pinning securely while leaving the back completely free.

This flattering style works particularly well for those who want to showcase their length and curl pattern while keeping hair elegantly off their face.

17: Formal Low Ponytail

Reinvent the simple ponytail with sleek styling, wrapped sections, and textured ends for unexpected formal elegance.

This minimalist approach offers sophisticated simplicity.

You’ll create glass-smooth texture from roots to where the ponytail begins, wrapping a section of hair around the elastic for refined finishing.

This understated style creates clean lines that complement elaborate gowns or statement jewelry without competing for attention—perfect for balanced formal styling.

18: Knotted Updo

Create architectural interest with this modern style featuring sections knotted together to form a dimensional, textured updo.

This contemporary approach offers unexpected formal sophistication.

You’ll divide your hair into sections, literally knotting them together before pinning strategically to create an intentionally complex structure.

This distinctive style offers a fashion-forward alternative to traditional formal updos, perfect for creative individuals who appreciate architectural approaches to hair.

19: Side-Swept Glamour Waves

Create dramatic asymmetry with voluminous waves swept dramatically to one side for red-carpet worthy styling.

This old-Hollywood inspired look offers timeless glamour with major impact.

You’ll use a large-barrel curling iron to create defined waves, directing them all toward one side for intentional, structured movement that holds its shape.

This photogenic style creates striking visual interest from every angle—particularly ideal for formal events with professional photography.

20: Braided Ballet Bun

Elevate the classic bun with intricate braiding wrapped around a high, structured center for dimensional elegance.

This refined approach offers sophisticated texture with timeless appeal.

You’ll create a traditional high bun first, then add braided sections wrapped around its base to create complex textural interest that transforms the simple silhouette.

This polished style offers the perfect balance of classic and current elements, ideal for traditional formal settings requiring sophisticated, controlled styling.

21: Twisted Back Half-Updo

Create romantic sophistication with twisted sections pulled back from both temples while allowing the rest to flow freely in curled cascades.

This versatile style balances structure and movement.

You’ll curl your entire head before taking sections from each temple, twisting them back and securing in the center to create a beautiful frame for your face.

This adaptable approach works for various formal scenarios, from weddings to galas, offering polished styling that maintains the beauty of your length.

22: Woven Updo with Height

Showcase intricate weaving techniques in this dimensional updo featuring overlapping sections with volume at the crown.

This architectural style offers visual complexity with elegant execution.

You’ll create height at the crown before weaving sections over and under each other to create a basket-like pattern secured into a structured updo.

This distinctive style creates beautiful dimension that catches the light differently from every angle—perfect for making a sophisticated statement.

23: Wrapped Low Ponytail

Transform a basic ponytail with wrapped sections that create the illusion of complex styling with surprisingly simple execution.

This elegant approach offers refined simplicity.

You’ll secure a low ponytail first, then take smaller sections from within it to wrap around the base and length, creating dimensional texture with minimal effort.

This deceptively simple style creates beautiful, photograph-worthy detail perfect for formal events where understated elegance complements your overall look.

24: Twisted Side Chignon

Create asymmetrical interest with this sophisticated low bun positioned to one side with twisted sections for dimensional texture.

This elegant style offers refined side-swept sophistication.

You’ll direct all hair to one side before creating twisted sections that wrap and tuck into a textured chignon secured behind your ear.

The intentional asymmetry of this style creates striking visual interest while maintaining the traditional elegance expected for formal occasions.

25: Sleek S-Wave Style

Channel vintage glamour with these structured, defined waves created in a continuous S-pattern for dramatic formal impact.

This retro-inspired look offers timeless sophistication.

You’ll need precision and patience to create these methodical waves using flat iron techniques that create sharp, defined bends throughout your length.

This statement-making style works beautifully for formal events with vintage themes or whenever you want to evoke the polished perfection of bygone Hollywood eras.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer romantic updos or glamorous flowing styles, these formal hairstyles showcase the versatility of long hair for special occasions.

Choose the one that complements your outfit, venue, and personal style for head-turning elegance!