Formal Hairstyles For Long Hair That’ll Steal The Spotlight

two when with chic updos and text overlay formal hairstyles for long hair that steal the spotlight

When it comes to formal events, long hair offers endless possibilities to elevate your look as far as hairstyles are concerned. From intricate updos to flowing waves, the right hairstyle can instantly transform your overall appearance and leave an unforgettable impression.

Whether you’re attending a wedding, prom, gala, or another special event, these 44 formal hairstyles for long hair will ensure you’re every bit as elegant as the occasion demands. Pin your favorite looks, start practicing your runway walk, or just hand it over to your stylist—because fabulous doesn’t wait!

two women one with her hair down and the other with a stylich bun and text overlay 44 formal and elegant hairstyles for long hair to slay your next event

44 Formal & Elegant Hairstyles For Long Hair To Slay Your Next Event!

Disclosure: Please note that several of the images in this article were created using AI technologies made through ideogram

Braided Updos

Braided updos combine elegance with a playful, almost whimsical fairytale twist, making them perfect for bridesmaids, wedding guests, formal dances, prom, and even a dressy dinner affair. Adding flowers or delicate hair accessories can enhance the style and complement the theme of your event.

1. Dreamlike Floral Braid

back of a female's head showing her formal braided updo hairstyle with flowers

2. Side Part Braided Goddess

woman with a formal braided updo hairstyle for long hair

3. The Regal Gala Braid

woman at a gala with a formal crown braided updo hairstyle for long hair

4. Braided Enchantment

back of a young woman's head with an elegant, formal braided updo

5. Sleek With Pearls

the back of a woman's head with a formal braided hairstyle for long hair with pearls

Fancy Formal Buns

When we think of “formal,” buns almost always come to mind. They embody refinement yet still offer versatility. From the sleek, no-hair-out-of-place variety to intentionally undone styles, buns work for glamorous galas, wedding guests, prom, and even black-tie affairs.

6. The Prom Princess Space Buns

young girl with a formal hairstyle for long hair for prom with space buns

7. The Sleek High Sophisticate

young woman with a formal hairstyle for long hair featuring an elegant sleek high bun

8. The Red Carpet Ready Bun

back of a blonde woman's head with a formal hairstyle for long hair that is an elegant low bun with jewels

9. The Effortless Slick Back Low Bun

beautiful woman with a sleek low bun hairstyle

10. The Masterpiece

back of a females head with a low bun hairstyle for long hair with a pearl headdress as she walks down the aisle at a church

11. The Rapturous Messy Bun

woman with a elegant formal messy bun hairstyle

12. Low Curled & Pinned Bun

back of females head showing her elegant formal bun hairstyle

Elegant Braid Styles

Braids aren’t just cute; they can be elevated into sophisticated hairstyles for formal occasions. Think Dutch braids, fishtails, and intricately woven designs that exude grace. These styles work beautifully for proms, bridesmaids, brides, or garden parties.

13. The Bohemian Braid

back of a young girls head with a formal boho braid hairstyle for long hair

14. The Crown Braided Bride

bride with an intricate formal braid hairtyles for long hair

15. The Parisian Romance

young woman with a loose over the shoulder braided formal hairstyle for long hair

16. Braided To One Side Floral Delight

young red headed woman with a crown braid to one side formal hairstyle for long hair

Ponytails

A ponytail doesn’t have to be casual! With clever styling, it can be a chic and polished option for formal occasions. Whether high, low, sleek, or voluminous, ponytails offer plenty of upscale options, gals!

17. The Straight, Long Power Pony

young girl with a prom hairstyle for long hair featuring a high straight ponytail and edges

18. The Volume Boost Ponytail

young black female with a curly sleek low ponytail

19. Captivating Waves Ponytail

back of a brunnete woman with a low wavy formal ponytail hairstyle

20. The High Glam Pony

young latina woman with a formal hairstyle for long hair that is a high ponytail

Down Styles

When in doubt, wear your hair down! Side-swept waves, slicked-back looks, or accessories like headbands and pins can make long tresses feel luxurious and red-carpet-worthy.

21. Middle Part Sleekness

young woman with a long down hairstyle with a middle part

22. The Deep Side Part Flip

beautiful bride with her long hair down, curled, and flipped

23. The Half-Pinned Charmer

woman with brown hair pinned back with a elegent hair accessory for a formal event wearing a purple dress

24. The Side-Swept Twist Back

young black girl with long hairstyle styled for prom that is pinned back on one side and down

25. Timeless Hollywood Waves & Curls

young black woman who is a bride with long hair and a hollywood glam hairstyle

26. Bejeweled Headband & Waves

young woman with long hair styles in waves for a formal event while wearing a black dress and jeweled headband

Half-Up Styles

Half-up hairstyles are the perfect choice for formal occasions, offering a stylish way to showcase long hair while keeping it out of your face. Ideal for weddings (whether you’re the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest), cocktail parties, prom, dances, award ceremonies, graduation, or even a dinner date.

27. Tender Loose Twist Backs

back of a bride's head with a formal half up and half down long hairstyle with curls

28. Bride Blooms

bride with a half up formal hairstyle with long curled hair

29. The Modern Muse

young black girl in a black dress with a half up formal hairstyle

30. Sleek High Ponytail Half-Up

back fo a young woman's head with long black hair that is wavy and styled in a half up hairstyle

31. Braided Bun Half-Up Cascade

young woman with a unique half up braided with a bun hairstyle for long hair

32. Braided Beauty & Loose Curls

blonde woman with her long hair styled in a formal half up and half down haisrtyles that is braided with waves and tendrils

33. Enchanted Pearls

girl at prom with a formal hairstyle for long hair

34. Royal Braid Back

young woman with a beautiful formal hairstyle for long hair that is partially braided

35. The Cascading Loose Curls

woman in a formal red dress with a loose half up half down hairstyle for long hair

36. The Accessory Queen

woman with an elegant formal clip back hairstyle for long hair

Updos (Non-Braided)

Nothing says “I’ve got it together” like hair that defies gravity with style! From textured updos to modern French twists with curls, waves, or sleek finishes, they’re perfect for any and all formal events. A go-to choice for brides, bridesmaids, or anyone looking to shine at a special celebration.

37. Textured Low Updo

back of female's head with a formal hairstyle for long hair that has a elegant textured and touseled look

38. The Side Swept Bangs Updo

female with a formal hairstyle for long hair in a curled updo

39. Loose Romantic Updo

young woman with a pinned up formal hairstyle for long hair

40. The Ultra Statement Updo

young female with a stylish chic formal updo

41. The Messy Curly French Twist

young woman with her hair up in a messy french twist hairstyle for long hair

42. Delicate Flowers Updo

young woman with a long hair formal wedding hairstyle with flowers

43. Loose Curls & Pearls Updo

bride with her hair in a formal updo with pearls

44. The Voluminous Updo

The Wrap-Up!

With these formal hairstyles for long hair, you’re equipped to turn heads at any event, Beauties! Whether you’re into the simplicity of a classic bun or the drama of a luxe updo, these styles are here to level up your hair game and have you strutting like the main character.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch to these hairstyles – after all, it’s all about finding what makes you feel your best! So next time you have a special occasion, remember these formal updos for long hair and get ready to impress. Keep shining, Beauties! Happy styling!

two women with theyr hair in elegant updos with text overlay 44 most stunning formal hairstyles for long hair

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