33 Elegant Hairstyles for Short, Long, Curly and Medium Length Hair with Bangs for Any Event

Elegance is often reflected in the simplicity, structure, and attention to detail that define a hairstyle. Whether you’re preparing for a formal event, a casual day out, or an intimate dinner, choosing the right hairstyle can elevate your look instantly. The right hairstyle not only complements your attire but also aligns with your mood, hair length, and face shape. In this article, we’ll explore 33 elegant hairstyles that suit various occasions, for short hair, for long hair, for curly hair, and more. Let’s dive into the chic world of elegant hairstyles.

Sleek Low Bun

The sleek low bun is a timeless and classy choice for any formal occasion. With hair pulled back neatly, this hairstyle accentuates your neck and pairs beautifully with evening gowns or work attire. It’s ideal for individuals with long hair or medium hair lengths and works well for round or oval face shapes. The sleek finish adds sophistication, making it perfect for a wedding, gala, or professional event. If you have dark eyes or a warm skin tone, this updo will make your features pop, balancing the elegance with a soft, romantic touch.

To achieve this look, start by smoothing your hair with a straightening iron and use a lightweight styling cream for that polished effect. Gather the hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a bun, securing it with pins. A smoothing serum can help maintain the sleekness, while a strong-hold hairspray keeps the style intact throughout the day. Joico’s Defy Damage protective shampoo is excellent for maintaining the healthy shine of this look.

French Twist with Bangs

The French twist exudes vintage elegance and pairs beautifully with bangs, offering a fresh take on a classic style. This hairstyle is suited for formal settings like corporate dinners, cocktail parties, or even upscale date nights. Best suited for medium length to long hair, it frames the face nicely while the twist itself highlights the neck. Oval and heart-shaped faces work best with this style, and it looks stunning with soft, neutral eye makeup, making brown or hazel eyes stand out.

To create the French twist, gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist it upward, and secure the roll with pins. Tease the crown for added volume before finishing the style. The bangs can be styled straight or curled depending on your preference. To keep this elegant twist intact, use TRESemmé’s Freeze Hold Hairspray for a lasting grip and Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray to add some volume and texture.

Classic Ponytail with Waves

A classic ponytail becomes instantly elegant when combined with soft, cascading waves. This hairstyle works exceptionally well for long hair and adds a playful touch to formal outfits, making it suitable for dinners, galas, or even weddings. Waves offer a soft contrast, making this style especially flattering for oval and square face shapes. It enhances the look of blue and green eyes, adding depth and dimension to your features.

To achieve this look, use a large curling iron to create loose waves, and then gather your hair into a low or mid ponytail. Secure it with a sleek band or decorative accessory for an extra touch of class. Finish the style with a volumizing mousse like Paul Mitchell’s Extra Body Sculpting Foam to keep the waves in place while adding a touch of shine. A silk hair tie can elevate the elegance factor, ensuring you stand out.

Side-Swept Cornrows for Black Women

Cornrows don’t just have to be casual; they can be incredibly chic, especially when styled in a side-swept fashion. This look is perfect for black women and offers an elegant approach to protective styling. It works for various face shapes and can be tailored with beads or jewels for formal events. Best suited for medium to long hair, this style adds both edge and class to your overall appearance. It’s particularly striking when paired with bold eye makeup and evening attire.

To create this style, have your hair cornrowed to the side, either as a simple design or with intricate patterns. Maintaining this look requires minimal upkeep; just ensure your scalp stays moisturized with SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In Conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and your cornrows looking fresh.

Half-Up, Half-Down with Loose Braids

A half-up, half-down style with loose braids offers a balance of casual and elegant, making it a versatile look for both formal and relaxed settings. Whether you have long hair or medium hair, this hairstyle is perfect for round or heart-shaped faces and gives off a soft, ethereal vibe. The loosely braided sections add texture, while the half-down element keeps things relaxed. It’s perfect for boho-inspired weddings, outdoor parties, or casual Fridays at the office.

To create this style, braid small sections of your hair loosely and secure them halfway back. Leave the rest of your hair down, and use a curling wand to add gentle waves for volume. Moroccanoil’s Curl Defining Cream will help enhance the waves and keep frizz at bay, while a light hairspray will hold the braids without making them stiff.

Textured Pixie Cut for Short Hair Classy

For those who love short hair, the textured pixie cut brings an edge to elegance. This look is perfect for short hair classy occasions, adding a bit of flair to cocktail parties, gallery openings, or a formal dinner. The tousled layers give a fun and sophisticated appearance that works well with oval, square, or diamond face shapes. This cut also draws attention to your eyes, making it an excellent option for those with striking eye colors like blue or gray.

Styling this look is all about texture. Use a texturizing spray or mousse to define the layers and give the cut movement. A volumizing shampoo, like Big Sexy Hair’s Root Pump Plus Mousse, can help create lift and hold. For maintenance, regular trims are key to keeping the cut sharp and fresh.

Sleek Middle Part with Waves

A sleek middle part paired with soft, subtle waves offers a minimalist yet elegant look. Ideal for long hair or medium length hair, this style is perfect for formal gatherings, red carpet events, or professional meetings. It works well on oval, square, and round face shapes, and the waves create a soft, romantic vibe that pairs beautifully with formal attire. For those with dark brown or black hair, this look enhances your natural depth and shine.

To style, part your hair down the middle and use a curling iron to create loose, flowing waves. Finish with a shine serum, like Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, to add smoothness and luminosity. Maintain this look with regular deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair looking sleek and healthy.

Voluminous High Ponytail

The voluminous high ponytail is a statement hairstyle that exudes glamour. This look is ideal for long hair and works well for formal events like weddings, proms, or high-profile gatherings. It gives an instant lift to the face, making it a fantastic choice for heart-shaped or round faces. Pair it with bold makeup and striking earrings to complete the look.

To create this high ponytail, use a teasing brush to add volume to the crown before pulling the hair into a high pony. Secure it tightly, and use a curling iron to add waves or curls for added texture. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the ponytail in place all night long. Living Proof’s Full Dry Volume Blast is a must for creating and maintaining the volume.

Twisted Crown Braid

The twisted crown braid is an elegant updo that brings a regal feel to any formal occasion. Suitable for medium or long hair, this style is perfect for weddings, galas, or other formal gatherings. It frames the face beautifully and works best with oval or heart-shaped faces. This hairstyle looks particularly stunning on those with blonde or light brown hair, as the texture of the braid is more pronounced with lighter hues.

To create the look, section off the front of your hair, twist it, and secure it at the back of your head. Braid the rest of the hair into a loose crown and secure with bobby pins. A finishing spray, like Aveda’s Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray, ensures the style remains in place without looking stiff. Regular conditioning will help maintain the softness of the braid.

Elegant Low Ponytail for Curly Hair

For those with curly hair, an elegant low ponytail can be a fantastic option. It’s an easy yet polished hairstyle that’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from formal events to a casual day at the office. The natural curls add texture and interest to this simple style, making it ideal for square or oval faces. It enhances the look of darker hair shades and is perfect for those with shoulder length to long hair.

To create this style, smooth your hair back with a hydrating cream and secure it at the nape of the neck. Leave the curls loose for a more natural, voluminous look. DevaCurl’s SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler works wonders for defining curls and keeping frizz under control, ensuring your ponytail stays sleek throughout the day.

Soft Waves with Side Part

Soft waves paired with a deep side part offer an effortless elegance, perfect for long hair and medium hair alike. This classic look works well for any formal event, from weddings to red-carpet occasions. The side part adds structure, while the waves create a soft, romantic vibe. It’s especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces and complements a variety of eye colors, from hazel to brown.

To achieve this style, start by using a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves. Then, part your hair deeply to one side, and use a texturizing spray to enhance volume. A light serum, such as Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil, can add shine without weighing down the waves. Regular trims will help maintain the softness and bounce of this look.

Sleek High Bun with Bangs

The sleek high bun combined with bangs is a bold yet elegant style, perfect for evening events or upscale dinners. This updo highlights your facial structure, drawing attention to your cheekbones and jawline. It works best on oval and diamond-shaped faces, and it is a great choice for those with dark, dramatic eye colors. Whether you have long hair or medium hair, this style delivers sophistication with ease.

To create this look, pull your hair into a high bun, smoothing it out with a flat iron for a sleek finish. Style the bangs either straight or slightly curved, depending on your preference. For maintenance, use Ouai Finishing Crème to smooth flyaways and keep the bun looking sleek all day long.

Braided Crown with Middle Part

The braided crown is a regal and chic choice that’s perfect for weddings, proms, or any formal event. This style works best for curly hair or textured hair and complements oval and round face shapes. The middle part adds symmetry, making it a great choice for those with heart-shaped faces. This look highlights your natural hair texture and adds volume and interest.

To style, section your hair in the middle and braid each side into two loose, voluminous braids. Wrap them around the crown of your head and secure them with pins. Cantu’s Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel can help keep the braids neat while maintaining moisture in your hair.

Loose Curls with Middle Part

Loose curls paired with a middle part create a casual yet elegant style that is suitable for long hair or medium hair. This is perfect for both formal events and casual dinners, offering flexibility while keeping the overall look chic. It’s particularly flattering for oval or rectangular faces, and the middle part brings out the balance in your features. This style is great for anyone with naturally wavy or curly hair who wants to emphasize their natural texture.

Use a large curling wand to enhance your curls and then part your hair in the center. A defining cream like DevaCurl SuperCream will help add moisture and shine while controlling frizz. Regular conditioning will ensure the softness of your curls for this look.

Half-Up Twist with Waves

The half-up twist combines effortless style with a hint of elegance, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. This hairstyle is perfect for long hair or medium hair, and works especially well with wavy or curly textures. It’s ideal for heart or square-shaped faces, and the twist adds a bit of volume to your crown, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your natural features.

To achieve this look, take two sections from either side of your head, twist them, and pin them at the back of your head. Use a curling iron to add loose waves to the remaining hair. R+Co’s Sail Soft Wave Spray can help maintain the texture and hold of this style, while adding shine and definition to the waves.

Elegant Cornrows into a Bun

For an edgy yet refined take on cornrows, try styling them into a high bun. This hairstyle for black women is both elegant and practical, making it ideal for formal occasions or even a night out. It works well with oval and square face shapes and enhances bold makeup looks. The cornrows add texture, while the bun adds sophistication.

To achieve this look, braid your hair into small cornrows going towards the crown of your head. Then, gather the braids into a bun and secure them with hair ties or pins. Cantu’s Edge Stay Gel can help smooth the edges and maintain the structure of the cornrows.

Sleek Ponytail with a Weave

A sleek ponytail paired with a weave can elevate your look instantly. This style is perfect for black women and works best with long hair or medium length. It’s perfect for a black-tie event or a corporate gala, offering both elegance and edge. The weave adds volume and length, making the ponytail stand out.

To create this look, smooth your hair with a straightening iron and pull it into a high ponytail. Attach a weave for added length and volume, and use Eco Style Professional Styling Gel for a sleek, polished finish. This look can be maintained with a shine serum to keep the weave looking fresh.

Dreadlock Updo for Formal Events

Dreads don’t just have to be casual; they can be styled into an elegant updo perfect for formal events like weddings or galas. This look is especially flattering for black women and works well for a variety of face shapes, including oval and square. The dreads are twisted and pinned into a structured updo, adding both texture and sophistication.

To achieve this look, twist sections of your dreads and pin them to the back of your head in an intricate design. Taliah Waajid Lock It Up Gel is ideal for keeping the dreads in place and maintaining their shine. For maintenance, use a residue-free shampoo to keep the locks clean and fresh.

Elegant hairstyles offer endless possibilities, whether you’re attending a black-tie event or just looking to elevate your everyday look. We hope these ideas have inspired you to try something new and elegant with your hairstyle. Share your thoughts or suggestions in the comments below, and let us know which styles you’ll be trying next!