Semiformal Hair Styles

Special occasions call for romantic hairstyles.

If you've got a special dance, dinner or party coming up, don't stop planning at just your outfit. The right hairstyle can perfect your look and create an unforgettable night. Take into consideration the formality of the event, your dress style and the atmosphere of the venue. Try a few styles with your event clothing on to get an idea of what type of style might work best. Also, keep in mind your natural hair texture and features.

Updos

If you want an updo like a chignon, skip the hairspray, and instead try soft-hold gel or styling cream prior to styling. Gather the back of your hair as you would for a ponytail and twist it in a circle at the nape of your neck, using small hair pins to hold the bun in place. The look can be as tight to your head or as loose as you wish. Leave a few strands to fall around your face.

Loose and Romantic

Hair should be soft and touchable. A great way to get that look, but still keep it formal, is by adding a romantic touch. If you want to keep your hair down, use soft-hold gel to keep straight hair shiny or a styling cream to hold curls in hair. For loose, romantic curls, blow-dry hair first, and then use a 1 1/2-inch-barrel curling iron all over your head. Hair pro Vernell Hooker of Farouk Systems suggests letting curls cool for a few minutes, turning your head upside down and shaking vigorously. This will keep your style from looking overdone.

Keep it Simple

Fussy hairdos can detract from your fun. According to Cara Birnbaum of iVillage.com, "Techniques that work for some textures may not work for others. The key is to find what works best for your hair type." If your hair is curly, don't spend hours blowing it out or flat-ironing. If it's stick straight, skip the curling iron and glam it up with a shimmer shine spray. Don't let heat, humidity or a little rain wreck your hair or your night. Go natural and stick with what works for you.

Accessorize

Nothing looks as pretty as a fresh flower tucked behind one ear. Hawaiian women wear them on the right to show their single status. Hair accessories can add that final, special touch to your semi-formal look. Experiment with adorned or beaded headbands, crystal clips, barrettes or faux flowers. These are especially cute on short hair. If your'e on a budget, buy cheap barrettes or headbands and make your own pretty accessories with a hot glue gun and beads or crystals.

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