15 Stunning Formal Hairstyles That’ll Make You Feel Like Royalty

Looking for the perfect hairstyle for that upcoming wedding, gala, or special event? I’ve got you covered with these gorgeous formal hairstyles that’ll have everyone asking for your hairdresser’s number. From classic updos to modern twists, these styles are total show-stoppers. Let’s dive into some serious hair inspiration!

1. The Modern French Twist

Forget everything you know about your grandmother’s French twist – we’re giving this classic a contemporary upgrade. Start with a deep side part and add some volume at the crown. The key here is to keep it slightly loose and textured rather than perfectly sleek. Create your twist from the nape up, leaving some pieces artfully loose around your face. A few decorative pins or a small sparkly clip at the base adds that perfect touch of glamour. Pro tip: this style works amazingly well on second-day hair!

2. Vintage Hollywood Waves

Nothing says red-carpet ready like these glamorous waves. The secret is all in the prep work – start with a good heat protectant and use hot rollers or a large-barrel curling iron. Here’s the game-changer: let each curl cool completely before touching it. Once cooled, use a paddle brush to gently brush through the curls, creating that signature wave pattern. Finish with a deep side part and tuck one side behind your ear with a gorgeous statement clip. This style literally screams old Hollywood glamour!

3. The Braided Crown Updo

This ethereal style looks complicated but it’s actually totally doable. Create two Dutch braids, one on each side of your head, working from front to back. Instead of finishing the braids, pin them together at the nape of your neck and twist the remaining hair into a low, messy bun. Pull out some face-framing pieces and add small flowers or pearl pins throughout the braids. It’s giving major fairy-tale princess vibes!

4. The Sleek High Ponytail

Don’t underestimate the power of a perfectly executed high pony – it’s clean, elegant, and totally striking. The key is getting it smooth and straight. Use a boar bristle brush and some smoothing serum to eliminate any bumps. Once secured, take a small section of hair and wrap it around the elastic for that polished finish. For extra drama, add some subtle extensions for length and volume. Trust me, it’s Ariana Grande-level fierce!

5. The Twisted Chignon

This modern take on the classic chignon is pure sophistication. Part your hair in the middle and create two low ponytails. Twist each one tightly, then wrap them around each other at the nape of your neck, pinning as you go. The result is this gorgeous, architectural look that’s perfect for showing off statement earrings. Bonus: it holds up amazingly well through hours of dancing!

6. The Mermaid Braid

Perfect for longer hair, this statement braid starts as a French braid at the crown and transitions into a fishtail braid down your back. The secret is to pull apart the braid gently after it’s done to create that coveted voluminous look. Add some small sparkly pins throughout for extra formal vibes. It’s especially stunning on highlighted or balayage hair since it shows off all those gorgeous color dimensions.

7. The Modern Gibson Tuck

This vintage-inspired style has made a major comeback. Create a deep side part, then roll and tuck your hair along the nape of your neck, securing with pins as you go. The modern twist? Leave the ends slightly messy and pull out some soft pieces around your face. It’s giving major Bridgerton vibes but with a contemporary edge!

8. The Twisted Rose Bun

This show-stopping style looks like a blooming rose at the back of your head. Start with a high ponytail, then split it into sections. Twist each section and wrap them around the base in a spiral pattern, creating that flower effect. It takes some practice (and quite a few bobby pins), but the result is absolutely worth it. Perfect for being the belle of any ball!

9. The Side-Swept Cascade

This romantic style features soft waves swept elegantly to one side. The trick is to curl all your hair in the same direction, then gently brush through with your fingers. Secure the side sweep with some hidden pins and finish with a sparkly hair accessory. It’s particularly stunning with an off-shoulder dress or asymmetrical neckline.

10. The Textured Top Knot

This isn’t your everyday messy bun – it’s its glamorous cousin! Create loads of texture with a dry texturizing spray, then gather your hair high on your crown. Twist and pin it into a sophisticated knot, letting some pieces fall naturally. The key is making it look effortlessly undone while still being totally formal-appropriate. It’s perfect for those with medium to long layers!

11. The Woven Updo

Think of this as a grown-up version of your favorite braided styles. Create multiple small braids throughout your hair, then weave them together into a low, intricate updo. The beauty of this style is that it doesn’t have to be perfect – each tiny imperfection adds to its charm. Add some metallic threads or tiny pearls woven through for extra special occasion vibes.

12. The Retro Finger Waves

Channel your inner 1920s starlet with this timeless style. While traditional finger waves can be tricky, modern tools make it easier to achieve this look. Use a flat iron to create S-shaped waves close to the scalp, then set with strong-hold hairspray. Keep the back sleek in a low bun or let it flow into soft waves. It’s particularly striking on shorter hair or bobs!

13. The Twisted Waterfall

This elegant style features a series of twisted sections that cascade down like a waterfall. Start by creating a deep side part, then take small sections and twist them back, connecting them as you go. The remaining hair falls in soft curls down your back. It’s romantic, sophisticated, and perfect for any formal occasion.

14. The Baroque Updo

This ornate style is all about volume and drama. Create big, bouncy curls all over, then pin them up randomly, creating a purposefully asymmetrical look. The key is to maintain height at the crown while keeping the sides slightly lower. Add some ornate hair accessories to really embrace that baroque glamour. It’s perfect for making a major statement!

15. The Modern Pompadour

This edgy-meets-elegant style works amazingly well for both long and medium-length hair. Create volume at the crown using backcombing and product, then smooth the sides back into a sleek low bun or twist. The contrast between the heightened front and sleek sides creates a stunning silhouette. It’s particularly great for showing off bold makeup and statement jewelry!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re attending a black-tie wedding or walking down the red carpet (hey, we can dream!), these formal hairstyles will ensure you look absolutely spectacular. Remember, the key to any formal style is preparation – make sure you have all your tools ready, plenty of bobby pins, and a good strong-hold hairspray. Don’t be afraid to practice your chosen style a few times before the big event, and always have some backup pins in your clutch for emergency touch-ups!

Now go forth and rock that formal event with your gorgeous, head-turning hair!