34 Winter Formal Hairstyles 2024-2025 for Long, Short, Curly Hair with Braids, Ponytail and etc.
As winter approaches, formal events like holiday parties, winter weddings, and gala evenings present the perfect opportunity to showcase glamorous hairstyles. Whether you’re working with long hair, short hair, or anything in between, the right style can enhance your look and match the elegance of the occasion. Here are 34 stunning winter formal hairstyles for 2024-2025 that will have you looking your best for any formal event.
The Elegant Low Bun
The elegant low bun is a timeless classic that exudes sophistication and poise. Perfect for long hair, this style features a sleek, neatly tucked bun at the nape of the neck, making it ideal for black-tie events or winter weddings. It pairs beautifully with off-the-shoulder gowns, showcasing the neckline and adding an element of grace. This hairstyle works best for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, as it elongates the neck and highlights the facial features. Dark eye colors like brown or deep green are enhanced by this minimalist style.
To achieve this look, start by parting your hair in the middle and smoothing it back into a low ponytail using a styling cream. Twist the hair into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. A light mist of hairspray ensures a flyaway-free finish. To maintain the sleekness, use a shine-boosting serum like Moroccanoil’s Glimmer Shine Spray.
Half-Up Braided Crown
The half-up braided crown combines elegance with a touch of bohemian charm, making it a favorite for winter formals. This hairstyle features a crown-like braid that frames the head, with the rest of the hair flowing down in loose waves, making it a versatile option for curly hair or straight hair. It’s a beautiful choice for holiday parties or formal dinners, especially when paired with a flowing dress. This style flatters round or square faces, adding height and structure. Green and hazel eyes pop when framed by the soft waves of this hairstyle.
To create this look, start by curling your hair for added texture. Braid two small sections from each side of the head and pull them back, securing with pins to form a crown. Add light waves to the remaining hair, and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray. To keep the waves intact, use a lightweight mousse like Bumble and Bumble Curl Mousse.
Classic French Twist
The classic French twist is the epitome of chic, making it a must-have for short hair or medium-length hair. This sleek, polished updo is perfect for high-end winter events, such as charity galas or corporate holiday parties. Its sleek design complements angular face shapes and adds sophistication to long gowns or cocktail dresses. This hairstyle enhances blue or grey eyes, bringing attention to the face’s natural contours.
To style, begin by backcombing the crown for volume. Smooth the hair back, twist it upwards, and tuck the ends inside the twist, securing with bobby pins. A spritz of strong-hold hairspray will keep everything in place. For added shine, use a smoothing serum like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum.
Loose Waves with Side Braid
Loose waves paired with a delicate side braid create a romantic and relaxed look perfect for long hair. This style suits a variety of formal winter events, from holiday celebrations to winter weddings. The soft waves and braided detail add texture and elegance, making it an excellent option for round or oval faces. This hairstyle complements hazel or brown eyes, giving a soft and dreamy appearance.
To achieve these loose waves, use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft curls. Braid a small section of hair on one side and secure it behind the ear with a bobby pin. A flexible-hold hairspray will keep the style intact without making the hair stiff. For an extra touch of volume, apply a volumizing mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse before styling.
Sleek Ponytail with Curls
For a modern and polished winter look, the sleek ponytail with curls is a showstopper. Ideal for curly hair or straight hair, this style features a high ponytail with the lengths either curled or left straight, offering versatility and elegance. It’s a fantastic choice for formal events like New Year’s Eve galas or winter fundraisers. The sleekness of the style elongates the face, making it perfect for round or heart-shaped faces. Dark eyes, particularly brown and black, are accentuated by this sleek, dramatic look.
To recreate this style, gather your hair into a high ponytail, smoothing it down with a serum for a sleek finish. Curl the lengths of the ponytail with a curling wand for a bouncy, voluminous effect. Use a shine serum, such as Redken’s Diamond Oil, to give the curls a glossy finish. Secure with a strong-hold hairspray to maintain the ponytail’s sleek appearance all night.
Romantic Curls with Floral Pins
Nothing says romance like cascading curls adorned with delicate floral pins, making it a stunning choice for winter formals. This style works beautifully for long hair and medium hair, creating a whimsical and soft look that’s ideal for winter weddings or holiday banquets. The loose curls and floral accents make this hairstyle perfect for oval or heart-shaped faces. Blue or green eyes stand out against the soft, flowing curls, creating an ethereal and romantic vibe.
To create this look, curl your hair with a medium-barrel curling iron for soft, romantic curls. Pin back small sections with floral pins for a delicate touch. Use a curl-enhancing cream like Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control to maintain the bounce in your curls while preventing frizz in the winter air.
Messy Bun with Face-Framing Strands
The messy bun with face-framing strands is an effortlessly cute and easy hairstyle that’s perfect for casual winter formals or holiday get-togethers. This style works well for medium hair or short hair, adding a playful yet elegant touch to any outfit. It’s perfect for square or heart-shaped faces, softening the angles and drawing attention to the eyes. Hazel or green eyes shine against this laid-back style.
To create this look, pull your hair into a loose bun at the crown of your head, leaving a few strands out to frame your face. Curl the loose strands for a more polished appearance. For texture, use a texturizing spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the bun in place without making it too stiff.
Braided Updo with Twists
A braided updo with twisted details offers a unique and elegant look for black hair and those with curly hair. This intricate style is perfect for formal events like winter balls or holiday parties, and it works best for those with oval or long faces. The twists and braids add dimension, making this style perfect for showcasing natural textures. Dark eye colors, such as brown or black, are enhanced by the style’s bold structure.
To create this look, start by braiding sections of the hair and twisting them into a low bun. Secure with pins and add shine with a hair oil like Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil. This style requires regular maintenance to ensure the braids remain tight and the twists stay in place, so a good holding spray is essential.
Sleek Straight Hair with Middle Part
For a sleek and modern formal look, straight hair with a middle part is a go-to style for short hair or long hair. This simple yet elegant style is ideal for black-tie events or high-end winter galas, where a polished look is key. It’s a great option for oval or round faces, as the middle part elongates the face and creates balance. This hairstyle enhances dark or light eyes, drawing attention to the symmetry of the face.
To achieve this look, use a flat iron to straighten the hair, and apply a smoothing serum like Chi Silk Infusion to prevent frizz and add shine. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the sleekness throughout the night.
High Ponytail with Curls
The high ponytail with curls is both fun and cute, making it perfect for semi-formal winter events like holiday parties or New Year’s Eve celebrations. This style works well for long hair and can be adjusted for short hair easy looks. The high ponytail lifts the face, making it ideal for round or square faces, while the curls add volume and dimension. This style enhances dark brown or green eyes, giving a playful yet glamorous vibe.
To create this look, pull your hair into a high ponytail and curl the ends with a curling iron. For extra volume, tease the crown before securing the ponytail. Use a volumizing spray like Big Sexy Hair Push Up to keep the ponytail full and bouncy.
Vintage Hollywood Waves
Vintage Hollywood waves are the epitome of glamour, making them a timeless choice for long hair and medium hair alike. This style features deep, structured waves that exude elegance, perfect for formal winter events like galas or black-tie weddings. Ideal for heart-shaped and oval faces, these waves create a luxurious look that enhances blue or green eyes, giving you that old-school movie star vibe.
To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create uniform waves. Pin each curl to cool, then brush through for smooth, sleek waves. Set the style with a shine-enhancing hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin. This style is best maintained with a serum to keep the waves smooth and frizz-free, such as John Frieda’s Frizz Ease.
High Bun with Side Braids
The high bun with side braids offers a structured yet playful look, making it a versatile choice for curly hair or straight hair. This hairstyle is perfect for winter formals, adding height and volume to the look while keeping the face open. It’s best suited for oval and square faces, and highlights darker eye colors like brown or hazel, adding an edgy yet elegant flair.
To recreate this hairstyle, gather your hair into a high bun and braid two small sections on either side of the head, wrapping them around the bun. Use bobby pins to secure the braids and finish with a medium-hold hairspray. To maintain the style, apply a light mousse like Redken’s Stay High 18 for extra volume at the roots.
Messy Side Braid
A messy side braid is the perfect blend of effortless chic and formal elegance, ideal for long hair or medium hair. This hairstyle is great for semi-formal winter events like holiday parties or date nights. The loose, tousled braid flatters round and heart-shaped faces, and looks especially striking with hazel or green eyes, giving off a carefree, romantic vibe.
To create this look, loosely braid the hair to one side, pulling a few strands loose for a messy, undone effect. Secure the braid with a hair tie and lightly tug at the sections for extra volume. Finish with a texturizing spray like Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray to add some grit. Use dry shampoo to refresh and maintain the style throughout the evening.
Half-Up Twisted Crown
The half-up twisted crown is a whimsical and feminine option for medium-length hair or long hair, perfect for formal winter occasions like weddings or gala dinners. The twisted sections create a regal, crown-like effect, flattering oval and heart-shaped faces. This style works best with light eye colors like blue or grey, adding a delicate, ethereal touch to your overall look.
To style this, twist two sections of hair from each side of your head and pin them at the back, leaving the rest of your hair down in soft waves. For added volume, use a volumizing mousse like Kenra Volume Mousse, and finish with a lightweight hairspray to hold the twists in place.
Twisted Low Ponytail
A twisted low ponytail is sleek and sophisticated, making it a great option for short hair or medium-length hair at formal winter events. The twist detail adds elegance and structure, perfect for black-tie events or winter weddings. This hairstyle works well for square or oval faces and enhances deep eye colors like brown and green.
To create this look, part your hair in the middle and twist small sections on either side of the head, joining them into a low ponytail at the nape. Secure with a hair tie and wrap a small piece of hair around the base for a polished finish. Use a shine serum like Moroccanoil Treatment to keep the style smooth and frizz-free.
Low Chignon with Hair Accessories
The low chignon is a classic formal hairstyle, but adding delicate hair accessories can elevate it to another level. This look is perfect for long hair and medium hair, adding a touch of glamour to winter events like galas or black-tie parties. It’s especially flattering for oval faces and works well with dark or light eye colors.
To style this, create a low bun at the nape of the neck, leaving a few loose strands to soften the look. Add delicate accessories, like pearl pins or jeweled clips, for a touch of sparkle. Maintain this sleek updo with a strong-hold hairspray and a shine-boosting product, like Kenra Shine Spray, for a polished finish.
Double French Braids
For a bold and trendy winter formal hairstyle, consider double French braids, a perfect option for medium hair or short hair. This edgy yet formal look is ideal for semi-formal events or winter festivals. Best suited for round or square faces, the braids give structure and bring out the intensity in brown or black eyes.
To achieve this look, part the hair down the middle and create two French braids, starting at the crown and working your way down. Secure with clear elastics and finish with a shine spray. For added texture and grip, use a texturizing powder like Schwarzkopf Osis+ Dust It.
Side-Swept Waves with a Deep Part
Side-swept waves with a deep part offer a glamorous, red-carpet-ready look for long hair or medium hair. This hairstyle is ideal for black-tie winter events, giving you a touch of old Hollywood elegance. It works well for heart-shaped and oval faces and enhances the beauty of light eyes, particularly blue or grey.
To achieve this look, part your hair deep to one side and curl it using a medium-barrel curling iron. Brush out the curls for soft waves and pin one side behind the ear. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus for long-lasting hold and use a smoothing serum to add shine.
These winter formal hairstyles are not only stunning but versatile, making them perfect for various hair types and lengths. Whether you’re attending a winter wedding, a gala, or a holiday party, you’re sure to find a style that suits you. Share your thoughts and favorite formal hairstyles in the comments below—let’s get the conversation started!
