Formal Dance Hair Styles

Elegant hairstyles can be easy to do.

If you're going to a formal dance wearing an elegant dress, your hair should look just as fancy. Choose a style that is a little more special than your normal, everyday look. There are many hairstyles to choose from that are easy to do yet elegant enough for any occasion.

A Modern Chignon With a Braid

Wearing a braid like a halo is trendy and sophisticated.

Braids often look casual, but certain braided styles are appropriate for formal wear. A large wreath-like braid wrapped around your hairline looks chic when paired with a chignon. Long hair is needed to create this style. Start with straight, dry hair. Separate a 2- by 4-inch section of hair at your hairline, above one ear. Clip this section to secure it while you pull the rest of your hair back, twisting to make a low bun. Tuck the ends under and pin. Braid the front piece in the standard way using three sections. Wrap it around your head, and pin to secure it behind your other ear.

A Modern Up-Do

The chignon can look modern.

A loose up-do is a modern, fun style. Make sure it conveys causal elegance, rather than looking messy, by using the right styling products. Start with hair blown dry and wavy, not pin straight. If your hair is naturally straight, mist it when it is wet with a texturizing spray before drying. Pull all your hair back loosely while leaving the sides hanging straight down, including only the ends in the bun. If the sides are too short, leave them out. Roll the gathered hair sideways, and then tuck the ends under. Secure with bobby pins. Mist your entire head with a shine spray and then an extra-hold hairspray to keep any loose strands from looking unruly.

Hot-Rolled Curls

Setting your hair in hot rollers can give you glamorous curls.

Instead of an up-do, try wearing your hair down. Using hot rollers is a great way to tame naturally curly hair or add some bounce to straight hair. They can be used on any length hair. Start with hair that has been blown straight. Section hair by making a low side part on each side of your head. Place the rollers horizontally in the middle section and vertically on the sides, always rolling back toward your crown. Leave the rollers in for an hour if your hair is naturally curly, or at least two hours if it is straight. After taking the rollers out, accessorize with a few hair clips or combs. Mist with hairspray to keep your curls in place.

Straight and Sleek

A flat iron is essential when you want your hair straight.

This easy, chic style is perfect for medium-length straight hair with a fine texture. Blow dry your hair, and then use a flat iron with a straightening product to make sure the hair stays sleek. Flip the ends of the hair out a little while flat ironing, or turn them under. Accent this straight style by adding an accessory on one side, such as a sparkly rhinestone clip or feather that lies flat against your head.

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