Formal hairstyles for long hair are a great option to show off your hair’s natural beauty while still maintaining a polished and sophisticated look. From classic up-dos to braided styles, there are many options that can be tailored to fit any event or occasion. For an extra special touch, add in accessories such as headbands, clips, or flowers to create an even more eye-catching style. With the right formal hairstyle for long hair, you’ll be sure to make a lasting impression wherever you go!
1. Chic Braided Updo
The chic braided updo is an incredibly stylish and sophisticated hairstyle that is perfect for any formal occasion. This look can be tailored to be as edgy or soft as you like and is a great way to show off your long locks. To start, gather all of your hair into one low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Begin to braid two sections together, working up the head until you reach the crown. Secure with elastic bands and then add some soft waves into the braid using a curling iron or hot rollers. Finish off by pinning loose sections into place and adding in accessories such as flowers or hair pins for an extra special touch. With this chic braided updo, you’ll be sure to turn heads wherever you go!
2. Waterfall Braid Half Updo
The waterfall braid half updo is a beautiful and romantic look that is perfect for any formal occasion. This hairstyle can be tailored to fit any hair type or length, making it great for all types of events. Start by splitting your hair in half, from ear to ear.
Begin from one side and create a regular three-strand braid down the head until you reach the nape of the neck. As you complete each section, add some extra hair into the mix for a thicker look. Secure with elastic bands, and then repeat this on the other side. Finish off by pulling sections out of the braid to give it a more romantic look and flair. With this waterfall braid half updo, you’ll be sure to make a statement wherever you go!
3. Twisted Bun Hairstyle for Long Hair
The twisted bun hairstyle for long hair is a classic look that is perfect for any formal occasion. This hairstyle is simple and easy to create but looks incredibly elegant and sophisticated. Start by gathering all of the hair into a low ponytail at the crown of your head.
Split the ponytail into two sections, then twist each section individually until they’re tight and secure. Wrap each twisted section around the base of the ponytail and pin securely in place. Finally, pull out some tendrils around the face for a softer, more romantic look. With this twisted bun hairstyle for long hair, you’ll be sure to look chic and stylish wherever you go!
4. Simple Hairstyle for a Formal Event
The simple hairstyle for a formal event is a timeless look that can easily be dressed up or down. Start by gathering all of your hair into a low, loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure with an elastic band and tease the ponytail to give it more volume and texture.
Twist your ponytail loosely and then wrap it around the base of the ponytail, pinning in place as you go. For a more polished look, wrap one final strand around the bun and secure with pins. Finish off by gently pulling out some strands along the face for a softer finish. With this simple hairstyle for a formal event, you’ll be sure to look stunning no matter what type of occasion you’re attending!
5. Elegant Low Bun
The elegant low bun is a classic hairstyle that is perfect for any formal or special occasion. Start by gathering all of your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure with an elastic band and then split the ponytail into two sections. Twist each section tightly until they’re secure, then wrap each twisted section around the base of the ponytail and pin in place. Finally, pull out some tendrils around the face for a softer look and secure with pins. With this elegant low bun, you’ll be sure to look chic and sophisticated wherever you go!
6. Ponytail Hairstyle for a Special Occasion
The ponytail hairstyle for a special occasion is a great way to look effortlessly chic and stylish. Start by gathering all of your hair into a high ponytail at the middle of the back of your head. Secure with an elastic band, then wrap a strand of hair around the base to conceal any visible bands. Gently pull out sections around your face to frame and soften it. To give your ponytail extra texture and volume, apply some hairspray and use a comb or brush to tease it lightly. With this simple yet elegant style, you’ll be sure to look stunning on that special occasion!
7. Long Wavy Hair Half Updo
The long wavy hair half updo is a beautiful hairstyle that looks great on any occasion. Start by gathering the top section of your hair into a ponytail, and secure it at the back of your head with an elastic band. Split the ponytail into two sections and begin to twist each section until they are securely in place around the base of the ponytail.
Tease the remaining hair below the elastic band for added volume and texture, then incorporate it into an elegant braid or twisted style at either side of your face. Finally, pin in place and tousle lightly with a comb for extra waviness. With this stunning long-waved half updo, you’ll be sure to turn heads everywhere!
8. Sleek Braided Bun
The sleek braided bun is a perfect combination of classic elegance and modern style. Start by pulling all your hair back into a tight low ponytail, using an elastic band to secure it in place. Split the ponytail into two sections and begin to twist each section until they are securely around the base of the ponytail. Take the remaining hair from the first section, divide it into three sections, and begin to make a braid with each section. Then wrap the braid around the base of your ponytail, pinning as needed to make sure everything stays in place. Finish off your look with some hairspray for extra hold, and you’ll have a sleek and stylish braided bun that’s sure to get you noticed!
9. Messy High Bun
The messy high bun is a classic look that will take you from day to night. Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Separate the ponytail into two sections, then begin to twist each section until they are securely around the base of your ponytail. Tease the remaining hair below the elastic band for added volume and texture, then wrap the ponytail up and around itself until it looks like a messy bun at the top of your head. Pin any stray hairs in place and lightly tousle with a comb for extra volume. With this trendy messy high bun, you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd!
10. Long Side Braid
The long side braid is the perfect way to show off your hair’s length. Start by gathering all of your hair to one side of your head and split it into three sections. Begin to braid the hair and move down alongside your face, crossing the left section over the middle then right over the new middle section. Continue braiding until you near the nape of your neck, then secure with an elastic band. To give your braid a modern twist, pull out small pieces of hair at random from each section to create a tousled look. Finish it off with some hairspray for extra hold and you’ll have a gorgeous long side braid that will turn heads!
11. Romantic Half Up Hairstyle for Long Hair
Go for romance with this half-up hairstyle for long hair. Start by gathering the top half of your hair and lightly tease it to add volume. Create a three-strand braid and secure it with an elastic band at the base, then wrap the braid in a loose bun at the back of your head. Take some of the loose hair below the bun, section it off into two pieces, and crisscross them over each other with pins until they reach the bun. Let down any remaining hair and softly curl or wave it for added texture. Finish off your romantic look with some hairspray and you’ll be ready to wow the crowd!
12. French Braid into a Chignon Bun
Try something daring with this French braid into a chignon bun hairstyle. Begin by parting your hair to one side and creating a three-strand braid along the length of the sectioned off hair in the front. Secure the end of the braid with an elastic band and pull apart some strands of the braid to give it more volume and texture. Next, gather all of your remaining hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a low bun, securing with pins or an elastic band. Then, wrap your French braid over the bun, tuck in any stray ends, and secure with pins. Spray with some hairspray for extra hold and you’ll have a unique hairstyle that will make heads turn!
13. Infinity Braid Ponytail Hairstyle
Add some pizzazz to your look with this easy infinity braid ponytail hairstyle. Begin by sectioning off the top four inches of your hair at the crown and gently tease it for more volume. Next, create an infinity braid starting at the back of one ear and continue braiding around your head until reaching the back of the other ear. Secure at the end with a band and then gather all of your remaining hair into a low ponytail right behind the infinity braid. Give the ponytail an extra boost by teasing it lightly and finishing off with hairspray. Now you’re ready to showcase your stylish new look!
14. Infinity and Bubble Braid Style
Create a modern, edgy look with this infinity and bubble braid hairstyle. Begin by sectioning off the top inch of hair at the crown and lightly tease it for more volume. Next, create a small, looped bun at the back of your head and secure with pins or an elastic band. Then, create two three-strand braids on either side of the bun and secure them into place with bands at the end.
For the remaining hair in back, part it into two even sections and start making an infinity braid down each side; if you run out of hair while braiding, add in some pieces from each braid (which will create bubble-like pieces). Secure both braids with an elastic band at the bottom and finish off with hairspray to keep your locks looking beautiful all day!
15. Fishtail Braids into Rolled Bun
Get a unique look with these fishtail braids into rolled bun hairstyle. Begin by sectioning off the top four inches of hair at the crown and lightly tease it for more volume. Then, create two fishtail braids on either side of the crown area and secure them at the end with elastic bands. Next, gather all of your remaining hair into a low ponytail right behind the braids. Start to twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun shape and secure with pins or an elastic band. To add even more texture, pull some pieces out of each braid while rolling your bun and finish off with hairspray! Now you’re ready to show off your creative style!
16. Twisted Bun for Long Straight Hair
Get a chic and elegant look with this twisted bun for long straight hair. Begin by sectioning off the top inch of hair at the crown and lightly tease it for more volume. Then, gather all the remaining hair into a low ponytail right behind your crown area. Start to twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun shape and secure with pins or an elastic band. To add even more texture, create two three-strand braids on either side of the bun and secure them in place with bands at the end. Finally, gently pull some pieces out of each braid while rolling your bun and finish off with hairspray! Now you’re ready to show off this beautiful style!
17. Boho Style for Long Thick Hair
Get a stylish boho look with this style for long thick hair. Begin by sectioning off the top four inches of hair and lightly tease it for more volume. Then, gather all of your remaining hair into a low ponytail right behind the teased hair and start to twist it around itself to form a bun shape, using bobby pins or an elastic band to secure it in place. To add even more texture, create two French braids on either side of the bun and secure them with bands at the end. Finally, pull some pieces out of each braid while rolling your bun and use hairspray to set your style in place. Now you’re ready to show off this bohemian chic look!
18. All About Sassy Texture
Bring your hair to life with this sassy texture style. Start by sectioning off the top two inches of hair at the crown and lightly tease it for more volume. Then gather all the remaining hair into a high ponytail behind the teased hair and start to twist it around itself to form a bun shape, using bobby pins or an elastic band to secure it in place. To add even more texture, create a fishtail braid on either side of the bun and secure it with bands at the end. Finally, pull some pieces out of each braid while rolling your bun and use hairspray to set your style in place. Now you’re ready to show off this sassy and dynamic look!
19. French Twist
Give your hair a classic and chic twist with this French Twist style. Begin by sectioning off the top two inches of hair at the crown and lightly tease it for more volume. Then, gather all the remaining hair into a low ponytail behind the teased hair and start to twist it around itself to form a bun shape, using bobby pins or an elastic band to secure it in place. To add even more texture, create a French braid on either side of the bun and secure them with bands at the end. Finally, pull some pieces out of each braid while rolling your bun and use hairspray to set your style in place. Now you’re ready to show off this timeless look!
20. Half Up Style with Loose Messy Braid
Get a perfectly messy look with this Half Up style with Loose Messy Braid. Start by sectioning off the top two inches of hair at the crown, and lightly tease it for more volume. Then gather all the remaining hair into a mid-level ponytail behind the teased hair and start to twist it around itself to form a bun shape, using bobby pins or an elastic band to secure it in place. To add even more texture, create a loose mess braid on either side of the bun and secure them with bands at the end. Finally, pull some pieces out of each braid while rolling your bun and use hairspray to set your style in place. Now you’re ready to show off this dynamic and stylish half-up style!
Final Tips
Create the perfect formal look for your long hair with a few simple steps and accessories. Begin by sectioning off the top two inches at the crown, lightly tease it for volume, and then gather all the hair into a high ponytail behind the teased hair and start to twist it around itself to form a bun shape.
Secure this in place with bobby pins or an elastic band. To add texture, create two French braids on either side of the bun and secure them with bands at the end. Pull some pieces out from both sides of your bun, use hairspray to set your style in place and finish with an accessory of your choice – like a sparkly clip or a pretty ribbon – for a polished and completely put-together look that will surely turn heads!
FAQs
Long hair gives you more styling options and can be a great way to make a statement on prom night. Whether you’re a fan of updos, buns or dreamy curls there are plenty of ways you can showcase your locks. Here are some frequently asked questions about formal hairstyles for long hair:
What tools do I need to create a formal hairstyle for long hair?
You’ll need the standard hair styling tools such as a brush, comb, pins, and hairspray. You may also need curling irons or straighteners depending on the look you’re trying to achieve.
How do I keep my formal hairstyle looking fresh all night?
The key is to use the right products to ensure that your style holds throughout the night. Start by applying heat protectant spray prior to heating your locks with an iron and then finish off with plenty of hairspray or setting lotion.
Are there any tricks to achieving different types of formal hairstyles?
Yes! To create voluminous curls or waves use velcro rollers when styling wet hair, or if you’re aiming for bigger curls try using large barrel curling irons. If you prefer wearing updos give yourself ample time before Prom day so you can get used to working with braiding techniques – practice often!
