28 Stunning Hairstyles for Party: From Elegant Updos to Easy Curls for Every Hair Length

When it comes to party preparations, choosing the right hairstyle can be as important as your outfit. Whether you’re attending a glamorous event, a casual get-together, or a cultural night, a well-chosen hairstyle can elevate your entire look. From sleek, polished updos to effortlessly chic waves, this article highlights stunning hairstyles perfect for any party. Whether your hair is short, medium-length, or long, there’s an option here for every hair length and occasion. Let’s dive into these gorgeous styles to find your next party look.

Elegant Night Curls

Curls are a classic choice for a night out, giving a soft, romantic vibe. This style works especially well for medium-length to long hair, creating volume and bounce that lasts through the night. Whether you’re attending a wedding, formal gathering, or a chic cocktail party, curls make for a versatile and glamorous choice. For those with round faces, curls can add angles, while oval and heart-shaped faces benefit from the soft framing effect. For an added touch of glam, pair these curls with smokey eye makeup, and you’re all set for the evening!

To achieve the perfect night curls, you can use a curling wand or rollers. A heat protectant like Tresemmé’s Heat Defense Spray is essential to prevent damage from styling tools. Set the curls with a flexible hairspray for lasting hold and shine. For maintenance, use a nourishing shampoo like OGX’s Coconut Curls Shampoo, which keeps the curls hydrated and frizz-free.

Chic Low Chignon

The low chignon is the epitome of understated elegance, ideal for more formal or black-tie events. This sleek updo gathers the hair at the nape of the neck, creating a timeless look that complements any outfit, from a sophisticated gown to a night elegant saree look. It’s perfect for medium-length to long hair and works particularly well with oval and square-shaped faces. A soft side part can add dimension to this sleek style, making it a popular option for those with lighter eye colors, as it highlights your features effortlessly.

To create this chic chignon, you’ll need a fine-tooth comb, hair ties, and bobby pins. Start by smoothing your hair back into a low ponytail, twist the ponytail, and wrap it into a bun. Secure it with pins and finish with a strong hold spray, such as L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray. To maintain the sleekness, consider using a lightweight shine serum, like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease for a glossy finish.

Playful High Ponytail

If you’re looking for something playful yet sophisticated, a high ponytail is your go-to. This style gives off a youthful vibe and can be worn to a variety of occasions, from casual birthday parties to glamorous night outings. The high ponytail is versatile enough for short hair as well, thanks to extensions or hair pieces. Best for those with heart-shaped or round faces, the height of the ponytail elongates the face, giving a sleek silhouette. It’s also perfect for those late summer nights when you want to keep your hair off your neck while still looking stylish.

Creating a high ponytail is simple. Brush the hair upward, smoothing out any bumps. Use a strong elastic to secure it high on the crown of your head, and for extra volume, tease the ponytail slightly. You can curl the ends for more texture or keep it straight for a sleeker look. Aussie’s Instant Freeze Gel works wonders to keep everything in place, and a good dry shampoo will refresh the look for an after-party touch-up.

Soft Side-Swept Waves

Soft side-swept waves are a relaxed yet sophisticated look, perfect for those who want to wear their hair down. This style works beautifully with shoulder-length or long hair, especially for those with square or angular face shapes, as it softens sharp features. It’s a perfect style for an outdoor party or a night event where you want to balance elegance with a bit of flirtatious charm. The loose waves also highlight highlights and balayage beautifully, making them a popular option for women looking to show off their color.

To get the perfect side-swept waves, start by creating loose curls with a large barrel curling iron, and then sweep the hair to one side, securing it with a decorative clip. For added shine and hold, use Moroccanoil’s Luminous Hairspray. If you’re wearing this look to an outdoor event, keep Living Proof’s Anti-Humidity Spray on hand to maintain the waves without frizz.

Indian Braided Bun

For those attending a more traditional or cultural event, the night Indian braided bun is a gorgeous and elegant choice. This look blends traditional Indian braiding techniques with modern styling for a striking yet elegant updo that’s perfect for a wedding or cultural celebration. Ideal for medium-length to long hair, the braided bun keeps your hair secure while highlighting your features, especially for those with oval or diamond-shaped faces.

Creating this style requires a bit of braiding skill, but once mastered, it’s a show-stopper. Start by creating a simple braid on each side of your head, then gather the braids into a low bun. Secure with pins and add decorative hairpieces for a more festive look. Pantene’s Pro-V Airspray is a great choice to hold everything in place without the sticky residue.

Tousled Bob for Short Hair

If you have short hair, the tousled bob is a fun and flirty option that adds texture and volume. This casual yet stylish look is perfect for night gatherings where you want a playful, effortless style. Best for those with round or heart-shaped faces, the tousled bob gives volume and movement, adding dimension to shorter cuts. It’s an ideal style for those who want something simple yet chic.

To create this look, apply a texturizing spray, like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, to damp hair. Scrunch the hair with your fingers and use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance the natural waves. Finish with a light hairspray to maintain the texture throughout the evening.

Voluminous Half-Updo

The half-up, half-down style combines the best of both worlds—elegant and easygoing. Perfect for medium-length to long hair, this style adds height at the crown while allowing the rest of the hair to flow freely. Great for women with square or heart-shaped faces, the voluminous crown adds balance and height, elongating the face and creating a sophisticated silhouette. It’s perfect for casual dinners or night cocktail parties.

To create this voluminous half-updo, tease the crown section of your hair and secure it with bobby pins. Let the rest of your hair flow in soft waves, or straighten it for a sleeker look. Big Sexy Hair’s Root Pump Spray is great for adding height and volume at the crown, and it works well for all hair types.

Sleek Low Ponytail

The sleek low ponytail is a go-to style for those seeking a modern, polished look. Ideal for medium-length to long hair, this style is perfect for formal events or even a chic night out. It offers a minimalist yet elegant vibe that works well for oval and square face shapes. This look also pairs beautifully with statement earrings or bold makeup, making it an easy way to elevate your outfit.

To achieve this look, start by straightening your hair and applying a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum. Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie. Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth any flyaways, and finish with Tresemmé’s Extra Hold Hairspray for all-night shine and hold.

Messy Top Knot

The messy top knot is a trendy, laid-back hairstyle that’s perfect for casual night parties. This carefree style works well with short hair, shoulder-length, or long hair and is especially flattering on oval or heart-shaped faces. It’s ideal for those spontaneous nights out or when you’re looking for something easy and stylish without much effort. Add a bold lip, and this hairstyle is sure to turn heads!

To create the perfect messy top knot, flip your head upside down and gather your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a loose bun and secure it with bobby pins. Tease the bun a little to add texture, and spritz with Batiste Dry Shampoo to give it that extra volume and matte finish.

Vintage Hollywood Waves

For an ultra-glamorous look, night Hollywood waves are a timeless option. This retro-inspired style is perfect for black-tie events or a classy evening out. Best suited for long hair or medium-length hair, this look works particularly well with square and oval face shapes, as the waves frame the face beautifully. Pair it with a bold red lip, and you’ll be channeling old-school glamour!

To create this look, start with clean, dry hair and section it off. Use a large barrel curling iron to curl the hair, ensuring the curls are smooth and uniform. Brush the curls out gently for that signature wave effect, and finish with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to hold the waves in place all night long.

Braided Crown

For a boho-chic vibe, the braided crown is a lovely choice for both casual and formal parties. This look works well for medium-length or long hair and adds a feminine touch that’s perfect for garden parties or summer nights. Heart and square face shapes benefit from the framing effect of the braid, which softens angular features.

To create this hairstyle, part your hair down the middle and create two braids, one on each side. Wrap the braids over the top of your head like a crown and secure them with bobby pins. Use a lightweight hairspray like Herbal Essences BioFlexible Hairspray to keep everything in place without losing the soft, romantic feel.

Pin-Up Victory Rolls

If you’re going for a retro party look, victory rolls are a stunning, vintage-inspired hairstyle. This look works best for shoulder-length to long hair and is ideal for those with heart-shaped or round faces, as it draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones. It’s a fantastic option for themed parties or a night elegant event where you want to stand out.

To create victory rolls, section off the top part of your hair. Take a small section, roll it upwards towards your scalp, and pin it in place. Repeat on the other side. Use a strong-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray to keep the rolls intact and add shine.

Textured Lob with Beach Waves

A textured lob with beach waves is a relaxed yet stylish choice for any night event. This look is ideal for shoulder-length hair and works great on oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. It’s an effortless style that suits everything from a casual dinner party to a semi-formal night out, giving your hair a tousled, natural appearance.

To achieve beachy waves, use a salt spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray on damp hair and scrunch it with your hands. For added waves, use a curling wand to create loose, tousled curls, then finish with a lightweight hairspray to keep everything in place.

Slicked-Back Wet Look

For a high-fashion, modern look, the slicked-back wet look is a bold choice for a night out. This style works well on short hair, shoulder-length, and long hair, making it versatile for any hair length. It suits oval and square face shapes particularly well, as the slicked-back style highlights sharp angles and cheekbones.

To achieve this look, apply a generous amount of gel or styling cream, like American Crew Firm Hold Gel, to damp hair and comb it back. The goal is to create a shiny, sleek appearance that stays in place throughout the evening. Finish with a shine spray for that extra wet look effect.

Sleek Braided Ponytail

A sleek braided ponytail is the perfect blend of modern and edgy, suitable for a night elegant event or even a glamorous cocktail party. This hairstyle works well for long hair and helps create a clean, polished look that complements heart, oval, and round face shapes. The sleek ponytail adds length and elegance, while the braid adds a touch of texture, making it an eye-catching choice for any occasion.

To achieve this style, smooth your hair back with a styling gel like Eco Styler Gel to create a sleek ponytail. Then, braid the ponytail from the base to the ends and secure it with a clear elastic. Finish with a strong hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray to keep everything in place for the entire night.

French Twist

The French twist is a timeless, elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for formal events like galas or black-tie dinners. This look works best for medium-length to long hair and is particularly flattering for oval and square face shapes, as it elongates the neck and adds a sophisticated touch. This classic style is ideal when you’re aiming for a night elegant look with minimal accessories, allowing your hairstyle to be the main statement.

To create a French twist, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it upwards, securing the twist with pins as you go. Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth out any flyaways and finish with L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray for a sleek and polished appearance. For extra shine, apply Redken Shine Flash spray to maintain a glossy finish throughout the night.

Side-Swept Curls

Side-swept curls bring a soft, romantic feel to your overall look, making it a great option for weddings, date nights, or semi-formal night events. This hairstyle works best with long hair and is perfect for heart and oval face shapes, as the side-swept curls frame the face beautifully and highlight the cheekbones. Pair it with a glamorous dress for a head-turning look that’s sure to impress.

To achieve this style, curl your hair using a large-barrel curling iron, then sweep all the curls to one side, securing them with bobby pins at the back. Spritz Oribe Superfine Hairspray to keep the curls in place and add volume. A light shine serum like Verb Ghost Oil can be applied to the ends for extra gloss and smoothness.

High Messy Bun with Face-Framing Strands

For a casual yet chic look, the high messy bun with face-framing strands is a perfect choice for night simple parties, like casual get-togethers or laid-back celebrations. This hairstyle works well for medium-length to long hair, and is especially flattering for those with round or heart-shaped faces, as the face-framing strands soften the overall look. The bun offers a playful vibe while keeping your hair out of the way, making it an easy style to wear for more relaxed occasions.

To create this style, pull your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a loose bun, securing it with bobby pins. Leave a few strands out to frame your face, curling them slightly for added softness. Use a texturizing spray like Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray to add volume and create that effortless, messy look.

Conclusion

These party hairstyles offer a wide range of options for anyone looking to elevate their look, whether you’re going for something simple or a bold statement. Whether your hair is short, medium-length, or long, there’s a style for every occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant night events. We hope these ideas inspire you to try something new and experiment with your party hairstyles. Feel free to share your favorite looks and styling tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!