31 Winter Formal Hairstyles for Long, Medium, and Short Hair: Cute, Easy, and Elegant Ideas

Winter formal season is the perfect time to showcase your elegance with hairstyles that reflect the occasion’s sophistication. Whether you have long hair, short hair, or anything in between, there are a variety of styles suited for every hair type and face shape. From intricate braids to sleek updos, these ideas will help you stand out while staying true to your personal style. Let’s explore stunning hairstyle ideas, perfect for that winter formal night out.

Classic Low Chignon

The classic low chignon is a timeless hairstyle that exudes grace and refinement. Positioned at the nape of the neck, this sleek style is ideal for both long hair and medium lengths, making it a versatile choice for formal events. With a clean finish, it frames the face beautifully, especially for those with oval or round face shapes. This look is particularly flattering for dark or black hair, as it accentuates the smoothness and shine. It pairs elegantly with bold makeup or statement earrings, perfect for a winter formal night.

To create this look, you’ll need a comb, some bobby pins, and a strong-hold hairspray. Simply gather your hair at the nape, twist it into a bun, and pin it in place. A serum like Moroccanoil can keep flyaways at bay, while a spritz of shine spray enhances the sleek finish. Maintaining this style is easy with regular trims to keep ends neat and a light weekly hair mask to ensure shine.

Half-Up Braided Crown

The half-up braided crown is an enchanting option for anyone seeking a boho-chic yet polished look for a winter formal. This hairstyle works wonderfully for long hair and medium lengths, giving the appearance of an intricate style without too much fuss. The braids create a crown-like effect, adding a regal touch that’s perfect for heart-shaped or square faces. The style can be enhanced with soft waves or curls, creating a romantic and dreamy vibe. Pair it with soft makeup to create a balanced look.

Creating the half-up braided crown is surprisingly simple. Start by sectioning off the top half of your hair and braid it on both sides. Cross the braids at the back, pinning them in place. A curling iron can be used to add loose waves to the remaining hair, giving it more volume and texture. Use a light mousse for hold and finish with a setting spray to ensure the braids stay intact throughout the night.

Sleek Ponytail with a Twist

For those who prefer a modern, sophisticated look, a sleek ponytail with a twist is the perfect option. This style, ideal for long hair or medium lengths, combines a sleek base with a twisted section wrapped around the ponytail, adding a touch of elegance. This look is perfect for short hair easy extensions, making it a go-to option if you want something quick and easy but formal enough for a glamorous night. It works well with oval or long face shapes and emphasizes straight hair, making it sleek and modern.

To achieve this look, straighten your hair with a flat iron and gather it into a low or mid-height ponytail. Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic. Secure it with bobby pins. Use a smoothing serum or shine spray to keep the hair sleek and free of flyaways. For added volume, consider teasing the crown before pulling the hair back.

Curly Updo with Twists

A curly updo with twists is a sophisticated and romantic hairstyle for curly hair, especially for those who want to showcase their natural texture. This updo gathers the hair at the crown, with twists adding detail and keeping it elegant. Perfect for those with round or square faces, it’s a bold yet chic look for a winter formal event. The curls add volume and dimension, making it a showstopper.

To achieve this updo, start by defining your curls with a curl cream like DevaCurl SuperCream. Gather the hair into a loose bun at the crown and pin in place. Take small sections and twist them before pinning them into the bun for added detail. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to ensure the style lasts all night.

Romantic Side Braid

For a soft, romantic look, a side braid is the perfect hairstyle for long hair or medium lengths. The side braid frames the face, especially flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. This style is ideal for those who want something simple but stunning, as it creates an effortless elegance. It’s a great option for formal events that call for a bit of charm and grace, pairing perfectly with light, cute makeup.

Start by parting your hair to one side and create a loose French braid, keeping it to one side. Once you reach the end, secure it with an elastic and gently tug at the braid to give it more volume. Add a light curl to the ends if you have straight hair to enhance the soft look. Use a texturizing spray for hold and finish with a light mist of hairspray.

High Bun with Braids

The high bun with braids is an elegant yet playful hairstyle that works perfectly for a winter formal. This style is particularly flattering for round or oval face shapes and gives the illusion of length. It’s an excellent option for long hair or extensions. The braids wrapped around the bun add texture and elegance to an otherwise simple updo.

To create this look, start by braiding two small sections on either side of your head. Gather the rest of your hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with pins. Wrap the braids around the bun and pin them in place. To maintain this style, use a smoothing serum to tame flyaways and add shine.

Voluminous Hollywood Waves

Voluminous Hollywood waves are a glamorous and timeless hairstyle for long hair and medium lengths. This style, reminiscent of old Hollywood glam, works beautifully with all face shapes but is especially stunning on those with heart-shaped faces. These waves are perfect for a winter formal where you want to feel like a movie star, pairing well with bold lips and minimal eye makeup.

To create these waves, use a large-barrel curling iron to curl your hair away from your face. Once the curls have cooled, brush them out to create soft waves. Use a volumizing spray at the roots for added lift, and finish with a setting spray to keep the waves intact all night.

Textured Ponytail with Braids

A textured ponytail with braids is a fun and trendy option that adds volume and texture to your long hair or medium length. It’s a modern, edgy take on the classic ponytail, with braids adding extra flair. This style is great for heart or oval face shapes and works well for those who want something easy yet bold for their winter formal.

Start by adding loose waves to your hair with a curling wand. Create a couple of small braids on each side of your head, and then gather all your hair into a high ponytail. Secure the braids into the ponytail, then gently tease the ponytail for added volume. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the messy, voluminous look.

Sleek Half-Up Twist

The sleek half-up twist is a minimalist yet stylish hairstyle that works great for short hair or medium lengths. This look is particularly flattering on oval or long faces, with its smooth finish highlighting the contours of the face. It’s a perfect combination of polished and laid-back, making it a versatile option for formal events. Pair this hairstyle with statement earrings or bold lips for a polished finish.

To create the sleek half-up twist, start by straightening your hair and sectioning off the top half. Twist the sections back and pin them into place, keeping the rest of the hair smooth and straight. Use a shine serum to enhance the sleekness, and finish with a light hairspray to keep the twists in place all night.

Braided Bun with Accessories

For a dramatic and glamorous look, a braided bun with accessories is a perfect choice for a winter formal. This hairstyle for curly hair or long hair adds texture and volume while maintaining an elegant finish. It’s ideal for oval or round faces, as the high bun elongates the neck and adds height. Adding accessories like decorative pins or a tiara can elevate the look to something fit for royalty.

To achieve this style, start by creating a loose braid with your long hair or medium length and twisting it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins and add accessories to finish the look. Use a strong-hold hairspray to ensure it stays in place throughout the evening.

Loose Waves with a Sparkling Headband

Loose waves paired with a sparkling headband create a simple yet enchanting look that is perfect for winter formal events. This style is particularly flattering for long hair and medium lengths, giving you soft, romantic curls that frame the face beautifully. It’s ideal for heart or oval-shaped faces, as the headband draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. This style works for all hair colors but looks particularly stunning with dark black hair or highlighted strands, giving it extra dimension and shine.

To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose curls throughout your hair. Once curled, gently brush them out to form soft waves. Place a sparkling headband across your crown and secure it in place. Finish with a shine-enhancing hairspray to keep the look in place while adding that extra bit of sparkle.

Tousled Low Ponytail

A tousled low ponytail is a chic yet easy option for those who want to look effortlessly stylish. Perfect for short hair and long hair, this hairstyle offers a modern, laid-back vibe while still being elegant enough for a winter formal. It flatters round and square face shapes by elongating the face, and works well with straight hair or lightly tousled curls for added texture. Pair this look with bold earrings and soft makeup for a trendy yet polished appearance.

To create this look, gather your hair loosely at the nape of your neck and secure it with a clear elastic. Tug at the crown for volume and texture. You can use a texturizing spray for a more tousled look, or smooth things down with a little hair serum for a sleek finish.

Braided Headband with a Low Bun

A braided headband paired with a low bun is an elegant and feminine choice, perfect for a winter formal. This hairstyle is ideal for long hair or medium lengths, creating a sophisticated and classic look. The braid acts as a natural accessory, while the low bun keeps the style polished and refined. It’s a flattering choice for oval or square faces, as the braid helps soften the face while drawing attention to the bun at the nape.

To achieve this style, create a French braid at the crown of your head, leading into a low bun. Use bobby pins to secure the braid and bun in place. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything intact. You can also add a touch of shine serum to make the braid stand out more.

Slicked Back Wet Look

The slicked-back wet look is a bold and daring choice for those who want to make a statement. This style is perfect for short hair and long hair, giving off a high-fashion vibe that’s ideal for a formal event. It works especially well on oval or square face shapes, emphasizing the bone structure and drawing attention to the eyes and lips. This hairstyle pairs beautifully with sleek outfits and minimal accessories, allowing the hair to take center stage.

To achieve this look, apply a wet-look gel to damp hair and comb it back smoothly from the face. Secure the sides with clips if necessary to keep the hair in place. Use a shine spray to enhance the wet effect, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to ensure the style lasts all night.

Twisted Half-Up Half-Down

The twisted half-up half-down style is a romantic and feminine hairstyle that’s perfect for formal occasions. This style works well for long hair and medium lengths, with the twisted sections adding texture and interest to the hair while still keeping things soft and natural. It’s an excellent choice for heart-shaped or oval faces, and the soft waves or curls in the remaining hair add a touch of whimsy. This look is versatile enough to work with both casual and formal outfits.

To create this look, section off the top half of your hair and twist each side toward the back, securing with bobby pins. Curl the remaining hair lightly for added texture. Finish with a setting spray to hold the twists in place, and add a light texturizing spray for a more tousled look.

Textured French Twist

For a modern take on a classic updo, the textured French twist is a go-to option. This hairstyle is ideal for long hair and medium lengths and adds a contemporary twist to the traditional French roll. The added texture gives it a relaxed, yet elegant vibe, making it perfect for a formal winter event. It’s especially flattering on oval and square face shapes, as it adds height and volume at the crown while keeping the overall look polished.

To create this look, tease the crown of your hair for volume, then smooth the sides back and twist the hair into a classic French twist. Pin it in place with bobby pins, and use a texturizing spray to add volume and texture. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style intact all night.

Side-Swept Hollywood Waves

Side-swept Hollywood waves are a glamorous and timeless option for any winter formal. This hairstyle is perfect for long hair and medium lengths, with the sweeping waves giving off an old Hollywood vibe. It’s particularly flattering for heart-shaped or oval faces, as the side-swept look draws attention to the cheekbones and eyes. This look pairs beautifully with a bold lip color and sparkling accessories, making it ideal for a formal night out.

To create this look, curl your hair with a large-barrel curling iron and sweep it to one side. Secure the side with bobby pins if necessary. Brush out the curls to create soft, voluminous waves. Use a shine-enhancing hairspray to finish the look, and add a touch of hair oil for extra gloss.

Braided Ponytail with Ribbon

For a playful and stylish option, a braided ponytail with a ribbon is a perfect choice. This hairstyle works well for long hair and medium lengths, adding a fun and youthful twist to a classic ponytail. It’s particularly flattering for round or heart-shaped faces, as the height of the ponytail elongates the face. The ribbon adds a cute and feminine touch, making it a perfect choice for a winter formal.

To achieve this look, create a high ponytail and braid it down to the ends. Tie a ribbon around the base of the ponytail for an added touch of elegance. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the braid intact, and use a texturizing spray for added volume.

Messy Top Knot

The messy top knot is a casual yet chic hairstyle that’s perfect for those who want something effortless yet stylish. This look works well for short hair and long hair, giving you a carefree vibe while still looking polished. It’s an excellent option for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, as the top knot adds height and draws attention to the eyes. This look is perfect for pairing with bold makeup or statement jewelry.

To create this look, gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a messy bun at the top of your head. Secure with bobby pins, and pull a few strands loose to frame your face. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the bun in place.

Braided Crown with Loose Waves

A braided crown with loose waves is a romantic and whimsical hairstyle that’s perfect for a winter formal. This look works well for long hair and medium lengths, with the braid adding an ethereal touch to the soft, flowing waves. It’s especially flattering for heart-shaped and round faces, as the braid frames the face beautifully. This look is perfect for those who want to feel like a princess at their formal event.

To achieve this look, create a loose braid across the crown of your head and secure it with bobby pins. Curl the remaining hair into loose waves, and finish with a shine-enhancing hairspray to keep the style in place all night.

Conclusion

Winter formal events are a time to shine, and with the right hairstyle, you’ll look and feel your best. Whether you go for sleek and polished or voluminous and textured, there’s a look for everyone. Share your favorite styles in the comments and let us know which one you’ll try for your next winter formal!