20 Elegant Formal Hairstyles for Long Hair: Stunning Looks for Every Occasion

Long hair provides limitless opportunities for sophisticated and elegant hairstyles. Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or corporate event, the right hairstyle can enhance your overall appearance and complement your attire. 

From timeless updos to cascading waves, here are 20 stunning formal hairstyles for long hair, complete with expert styling tips and suggestions for different face shapes and hair textures.

1. Classic Chignon

Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces, straight or slightly wavy hair.
Tip: Apply a smoothing serum before styling to ensure a sleek, polished look. Secure the chignon with decorative pins or a pearl comb for added sophistication. This refined updo is perfect for high-end events and effortlessly exudes grace.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Brush your hair back and gather it at the nape of your neck.
2. Twist the gathered hair into a low bun and secure with bobby pins.
3. Apply hairspray to keep flyaways in check and ensure a lasting hold.

2. Romantic Loose Curls

Best for all face shapes and medium to thick hair.
Tip: Use a wide-barrel curling iron and a lightweight hairspray to create soft, voluminous curls without making them stiff. This style enhances natural beauty and pairs beautifully with delicate accessories.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
2. Use a curling iron to curl sections of hair away from your face.
3. Lightly finger-comb the curls for a natural, flowing effect.
4. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to maintain bounce and shine.

3. Sleek Low Ponytail

Best for: Square and oval faces, straight hair.
Tip: Wrap a strand of hair around the hair tie to achieve a chic and seamless finish. This minimalist hairstyle is ideal for a modern, sophisticated look, making it perfect for corporate galas or fashion-forward events.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Brush your hair back smoothly and gather it at the nape of your neck.
2. Secure with an elastic band, leaving out a small section of hair.
3. Wrap the loose section around the elastic and pin it underneath.
4. Apply a shine serum for an extra polished appearance.

4. Voluminous High Bun

Best for: Round and oval faces, thick hair.
Tip: Lightly tease the crown before styling to create volume and height. A high bun gives a bold yet elegant look, perfect for showcasing statement earrings.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic.
2. Tease the ponytail lightly for added volume.
3. Wrap the ponytail around the base to form a bun and secure with pins.
4. Spritz with hairspray to keep the style in place.

5. Waterfall Braid

Best for: Round and heart-shaped faces, fine to medium hair.
Tip: Loosen the braid gently for a soft, romantic effect. This ethereal style works beautifully for weddings and outdoor ceremonies.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Start by parting your hair to one side.
2. Begin a French braid near your temple, dropping sections as you go.
3. Continue the braid around the back of your head and secure it with a pin.
4. Curl the remaining hair for an added touch of elegance.

6. French Twist

Best for: Oval and square faces, straight or wavy hair.
Tip: Secure the twist with bobby pins and use a stronghold hairspray for a flawless, all-night look. This classic updo radiates sophistication and timeless elegance.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Gather your hair to one side and twist it upward.
2. Tuck the ends into the twist and pin them securely.
3. Smooth out any flyaways and finish with hairspray.

7. Side-Swept Hollywood Waves

Best for: All face shapes, thick or layered hair.
Tip: Use velcro rollers or a large curling iron to achieve the glamorous waves. This vintage-inspired style works beautifully for red-carpet events and weddings.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair.
2. Use a large curling iron to curl sections away from your face.
3. Brush through the curls gently for a smooth, soft wave effect.
4. Sweep all the hair to one side and secure it with discreet pins if needed.
5. Finish with a shine-enhancing hairspray.

8. Braided Crown Updo

Best for: Heart and round faces, medium to thick hair.
Tip: Add decorative pins or flowers for an ethereal, bohemian touch. This romantic updo is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and whimsical themes.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Part your hair in the middle and create two braids, one on each side.
2. Pull the braids over the crown of your head and pin them in place.
3. Tuck any loose ends underneath the braids.
4. Set with hairspray for long-lasting hold.

9. Twisted Half-Up, Half-Down Style

Best for: Oval and diamond faces, all hair types.
Tip: Use a texturizing spray before twisting to create a more defined and lasting look.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Take two small sections from the front and twist them backward.
2. Secure the twisted sections at the back of your head with bobby pins.
3. Leave the remaining hair in loose waves for a romantic finish.
4. Use a light mist of hairspray to hold the style in place.

10. Fishtail Braid

Best for: Square and oval faces, long and thick hair.
Tip: Gently pull apart the braid for a fuller, more voluminous appearance.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Divide your hair into two sections.
2. Take a small piece from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to the other.
3. Repeat the process until you reach the end, then secure with a hair tie.
4. Loosen the braid slightly for a fuller, softer look.

11. Elegant Low Bun with Side Part

Best for: Round and square faces, straight hair.
Tip: Smooth down flyaways with a tiny amount of pomade for a polished look.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Part your hair deeply to one side.
2. Gather all the hair at the nape and create a low bun.
3. Secure with bobby pins and smooth any flyaways.
4. Apply a shine-enhancing serum for extra gloss.

12. Boho Chic Messy Bun

Best for all face shapes and wavy or curly hair.
Tip: Leave a few face-framing strands loose for a carefree, effortless vibe.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Gather hair into a loose ponytail and twist it into a bun.
2. Secure with pins, but leave some pieces loose for a natural effect.
3. Pull out a few front strands to frame your face.
4. Mist with a flexible-hold hairspray.

13. Braided Side Ponytail

Best for: Heart and oval faces, medium to thick hair.
Tip: Weave in a small ribbon for added elegance and a touch of personality.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Sweep hair to one side and secure into a loose ponytail.
2. Create a loose braid within the ponytail and secure it at the end.
3. Add a decorative ribbon or pin for flair.
4. Use hairspray to keep the braid in place.

14. Pin-Curled Updo

Best for: Oval and diamond faces, fine to medium hair.
Tip: Secure each curl with bobby pins for a vintage, Gatsby-inspired style.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Curl small sections of hair using a curling iron.
2. Pin each curl to your scalp and let them set.
3. Once cooled, arrange the curls into a stylish updo.
4. Finish with stronghold hairspray.

15. Classic Blowout

Best for all face shapes and medium to thick hair.
Tip: Use a round brush while blow-drying for a voluminous, salon-finish effect.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair.
2. Use a round brush and blow dryer to create volume.
3. Finish with a shine-enhancing serum.

16. Dutch Braided Updo

Best for: Round and heart-shaped faces, thick hair.
Tip: Secure with hidden bobby pins for a seamless, intricate look.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Create a Dutch braid along the crown of your head.
2. Gather the remaining hair into a low bun.
3. Secure the braid and bun with pins.
4. Mist with hairspray for all-day hold.

17. Half-Up Bouffant

Best for: Oval and square faces, all hair types.
Tip: Tease the crown area for added height and a regal feel.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Backcomb the crown section for volume.
2. Secure with pins at the back of your head.
3. Leave the rest of your hair in loose waves.
4. Smooth with a light hairspray.

18. Loose French Braid

Best for: Square and heart faces, medium to thick hair.
Tip: Pancake the braid slightly by pulling the strands outward for a fuller effect.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Start a loose French braid from the top of your head.
2. Continue braiding to the ends and secure with a tie.
3. Pull on the braid slightly for a softer, fuller look.
4. Apply hairspray for hold.

19. Knotted Updo

Best for: Diamond and oval faces, medium hair.
Tip: Use a stronghold hairspray to keep the knots structured and elegant.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Divide hair into sections and tie small knots.
2. Pin each knot securely at the back of your head.
3. Tuck in loose ends for a polished look.
4. Spritz with finishing spray.

20. Side-Swept Twisted Waves

Best for: Round and oval faces, all hair types.
Tip: Pin one side behind the ear for a refined, red-carpet-ready look.

How to Achieve the Look:

1. Curl your hair in loose waves.
2. Sweep one side behind your ear and secure it with pins.
3. Add a decorative hairpiece if desired.
4. Finish with a light-hold hairspray.

Elevate Your Look with the Perfect Formal Hairstyle

Choosing the right formal hairstyle depends on your hair type, face shape, and the occasion. Whether you opt for a sleek chignon, romantic curls, or an intricate braid, these elegant styles will ensure you look sophisticated and polished. 

To achieve a long-lasting and flawless finish, invest in quality hair products and styling tools. A well-executed hairstyle can enhance your confidence and make a statement at any formal event!