32 Glam Hair Ideas for Long, Short, Medium Length Perfect for Any Occasion, From Weddings to Proms

The allure of glam hair is undeniable. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, prom, or even a casual party, the right hairstyle can elevate your look and make you feel like a Hollywood star. In this article, we’ll explore 32 stunning glam hair ideas that work for various hair lengths and occasions, ensuring you look your best no matter the event. From classic waves to modern braids, these styles are versatile and glamorous.

Soft Hollywood Waves

Hollywood waves are the epitome of old-school glamour, making them a perfect choice for formal events like weddings or proms. The waves create a soft and romantic look, ideal for long hair or medium length. This style works beautifully with a side part, emphasizing the elegance of the waves and drawing attention to your neckline and eyes. It’s a great fit for oval face shapes and complements any eye color, making it universally flattering.

To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft curls, then brush them out gently for a smooth wave effect. A lightweight hairspray will help hold the style without making it stiff. For maintenance, consider using a shine-enhancing serum like Moroccanoil Treatment to keep your locks glossy and frizz-free throughout the event.

Glamorous High Ponytail

A sleek, high ponytail adds a modern edge to any outfit, perfect for a red-carpet look at graduation or a birthday party. This style suits all hair lengths, from long to medium, and even works with wigs or hair extensions for added volume. A middle part ponytail elongates your face, making it ideal for round or square face shapes. The ponytail gives off a bold and confident vibe, suitable for those who want to stand out.

Creating this look requires a good smoothing serum or gel to tame flyaways and add shine. A tight elastic at the base secures the ponytail, while a flat iron can be used to straighten and add sleekness. For extra volume, tease the base of the pony before pulling it back.

Vintage Hollywood Curls

Step back into the glamour of the 40s with vintage Hollywood curls. This timeless style is perfect for formal occasions like a wedding or Christmas party. The curls add volume and sophistication to long hair or medium length locks. A side part enhances the vintage vibe, and this style is ideal for square or heart-shaped faces. It looks particularly stunning with bold, red lipstick for that true retro glam effect.

To achieve these curls, use a medium-sized curling iron and set each section with a pin curl clip to cool down. After removing the clips, brush out the curls for that polished vintage wave. A setting spray will help hold the style, while a shine spray adds a final touch of gloss.

Tousled Beach Waves

For a more laid-back glam look, beach waves are a perfect choice for casual events or outdoor gatherings like a beach party. This style works well on long and medium length hair, especially when paired with curtain bangs or a middle part. It’s ideal for oval or round face shapes and enhances natural textures, making it perfect for a relaxed but stylish vibe.

To create the waves, use a texturizing spray and a large-barrel curling iron, wrapping each section loosely around the barrel. Scrunch the curls with your fingers to add texture and volume. To maintain the beachy texture, a sea salt spray works wonders, keeping the waves fresh and bouncy throughout the day.

Classic Half-Up, Half-Down

The half up half down style offers the perfect blend of casual and formal, making it versatile for any event from prom to a birthday party. It works well on all hair lengths, from long hair to shoulder length and even short hair. A few loose curls or waves at the ends can soften the look, making it ideal for square or heart-shaped faces.

To style this look, section off the top part of your hair and secure it with bobby pins or a chic accessory like a bow or clip. A texturizing spray adds volume to the top section, while a curling wand can create soft waves in the loose hair.

Braided Crown

The braided crown is a stunning updo that exudes regal elegance. It’s perfect for formal events like graduations, weddings, or even a formal occasion. This style is ideal for those with long hair or medium length, and it frames round and oval faces beautifully. The braids add texture and intricacy, making the hairstyle a standout choice.

To create this look, section your hair into two parts and create two long braids. Wrap each braid around the crown of your head and secure them with pins. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. A smoothing serum will help maintain the sleekness of the braids.

Textured Pixie Cut

For those who prefer shorter styles, a textured pixie cut offers a chic and edgy look. This style is perfect for short hair and works well for professional events or even a night out at a Halloween party. The layers in the cut create movement and texture, making it a great fit for oval and heart-shaped faces.

Maintaining a pixie cut requires regular trims to keep the shape. To style, use a texturizing paste or pomade to define the layers and add volume. A light-hold hairspray keeps everything in place without making it look too stiff.

Sleek Low Bun

A sleek low bun is the perfect choice for formal events such as prom or a wedding. This elegant updo works on medium length to long hair and complements square and oval face shapes. The low bun gives off a refined and polished look, ideal for those who prefer simplicity.

To achieve this style, smooth your hair back with a gel or serum and secure it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with pins. Use a shine spray to add gloss, and a strong-hold hairspray will ensure the style stays put all night.

Glam Curtain Bangs with Waves

Curtain bangs paired with soft waves offer a glam yet playful look, making it perfect for semi-formal events like a birthday party or a casual beach outing. This style works best on medium length or long hair and suits round or oval face shapes. The waves add movement, while the curtain bangs frame the face beautifully.

To style this look, use a curling iron to create soft waves throughout the hair. Use a round brush to blow out the curtain bangs for added volume. A lightweight mousse can help maintain the shape of the bangs, while a texturizing spray keeps the waves soft and bouncy.

Afro with a Twist

For those with natural hair, a glam Afro with a twist is an eye-catching style perfect for formal events like prom or a formal occasion. This look works best for those with curly hair textures and enhances the natural volume of the hair. It’s a great choice for those with heart or oval face shapes.

To create this style, twist sections of your hair the night before with a curling cream like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. In the morning, unravel the twists for a defined yet voluminous Afro. A light oil can be used to add shine and keep the hair hydrated throughout the day.

Voluminous Hollywood Blowout

A voluminous Hollywood blowout is a classic glam look, perfect for formal occasions like a wedding or Christmas party. This style works best for long hair or medium length and adds body and bounce. It’s great for oval and heart-shaped faces, enhancing the overall glam factor with its soft and luxurious finish.

To achieve this style, blow-dry your hair using a large round brush to add volume at the roots. Finish with a volumizing spray, like the Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray, and a light-hold hairspray to lock in the body. Regular trims are essential to keep this blowout looking fresh.

Shag with Curtain Bangs

The shag haircut paired with curtain bangs brings a retro vibe with a modern twist. It’s a perfect look for those seeking a stylish, laid-back hairstyle that works for casual events or a birthday party. This style suits medium length and shoulder length hair and is ideal for square or round face shapes, adding movement and texture.

To style a shag, use a texturizing spray to enhance the natural layers and give the hair a tousled effect. Curtain bangs can be styled with a round brush for volume, while a texturizing cream like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Styling Leave-In will add definition and hold.

Sleek Side-Parted Bob

A sleek side part bob is an effortlessly chic look, perfect for professional settings or more formal events like a graduation or formal occasion. This style works best for short hair, giving it a polished and sophisticated finish. Oval and square faces benefit most from this sleek and symmetrical cut.

Use a flat iron to achieve a smooth, sleek finish and apply a shine serum to enhance the gloss. A lightweight mousse will help keep the bob’s structure intact, while a light mist of hairspray ensures a flyaway-free look.

Retro Finger Waves

Finger waves are a glamorous throwback to the 1920s and 30s, offering a polished, high-fashion look perfect for a prom, bridesmaid, or even a Halloween costume party. This style works best on short hair or medium length hair, creating an elegant and vintage feel. Ideal for oval or square face shapes, the waves add sophistication and drama.

To create this look, apply a strong-hold gel to wet hair and use a comb to create the signature “S” shaped waves. Allow the hair to air dry or use a diffuser to set the waves. For a lasting hold, use a firm-hold hairspray, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold.

High Textured Bun

A high textured bun adds a glamorous twist to a casual updo, making it perfect for events like a birthday party or prom. This style works well on long hair or medium length hair and suits round or oval face shapes. The texture adds volume and dimension, making it more eye-catching than your average bun.

To create this look, tease the crown of your hair for extra volume, then gather it into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely into a bun and secure it with pins. A texturizing spray can add grip and hold, while a light-hold hairspray keeps the volume intact.

Soft Waves with Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are an excellent way to add length and volume to your waves for a glam look, ideal for a wedding or prom. This style works for those with short or medium length hair who want to create the illusion of longer locks. It’s also perfect for oval or round face shapes, giving the hair a fuller, more luxurious appearance.

To achieve this look, clip in your extensions and blend them with your natural hair using a curling wand to create soft waves. Use a light mousse to add texture and definition, while a shine spray adds the perfect glossy finish.

Half-Up Braided Ponytail

The half up half down braided ponytail combines two classic styles for a glam, romantic look. It’s a great option for formal events like weddings or graduations and works best for long hair or medium length. The braid adds an intricate detail, while the ponytail keeps the look casual and fun. Oval and heart-shaped faces suit this style well.

To create this look, braid a small section of hair from each side of your head and pull them back into a ponytail. Add soft waves to the loose hair for extra dimension, and use a light-hold spray to keep the braids in place all day.

Side-Swept Glam Curls

For a red-carpet-worthy look, side-swept glam curls are a stunning choice for events like prom or a formal occasion. This style works best on long hair or medium length, giving you full, bouncy curls that frame your face beautifully. A side part adds drama and suits oval or heart-shaped faces.

To achieve this look, use a curling iron to create voluminous curls, then sweep the hair to one side and secure it with pins. Finish with a firm-hold hairspray and a shine serum to keep the curls intact and glossy throughout the evening.

Textured Pixie with Bangs

A textured pixie with bangs is the perfect glam look for those who want something edgy yet elegant. This style is ideal for short hair, offering texture and movement while maintaining a sleek, polished finish. It’s a great option for Halloween parties or more formal settings like a birthday celebration.

To style, use a texturizing pomade or paste to add definition to the layers and bangs. A small amount of mousse can give the hair extra lift and volume at the roots, while a light-hold hairspray keeps everything in place.

Low Twisted Chignon

A low twisted chignon is the epitome of sophistication, making it perfect for formal occasions like weddings, proms, or a Christmas gala. This elegant style works well for long or medium length hair, and it suits heart-shaped or oval faces beautifully. The chignon’s sleek finish adds an air of refinement.

To create this look, smooth your hair back and twist it into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Use pins to secure the twist, and apply a smoothing serum for a polished look. A light mist of hairspray will help maintain the sleekness throughout the night.

Glam hair can transform your look and add that special touch to any event. From wedding updos to casual beach waves, these styles ensure you’ll find the perfect match for your occasion. Let us know which style is your favorite, or share your own glam hair ideas in the comments!