Hairstyle Ideas For A Formal

Formal events require elegance, and putting your hair in a ponytail won't do. There are some easy ideas for formal hairstyles that require little upkeep throughout the night but that are still elegant and beautiful. Whether you choose to pull up your hair or let it down, or have short hair, you can create lovely formal hairstyles with just a few accessories.

Long Curly Hair

Long hair is ideal for creating a formal hairstyle. For centuries, curls have been considered elegant. Curl your hair in large, barrel curls and add hair gems or decorative bobby pins. You can also wind your hair into a chignon, a loose bun at the nape of your scalp, and leave a few wispy curls to frame your face.

Updos

Updos are common hairstyles at formal events. Pieces of hair are meticulously sculpted and pinned into place to create a cascade of hair. Hairspray is often a requirement. A French braid or two piled atop the head, with the rest of the hair left to fall free, is an easy, no-fuss updo. Adding ribbons that match your dress will add extra style. An updo is the most common type of formal hairstyle, and there are many photos to be found in hairdo magazines for inspiration.

Short Hair

Short hairstyles for formal events generally fall into two categories--sleek and messy. Women with short hair can pull off a ruffled, messy look by adding pretty hair clips or accessories. Sleeked-back hair is another common formal hairstyle, but it does not suit every face shape. For those with hair longer than an inch, hair extensions are available so there is more hair to work with to create a fancier updo, if desired. Extensions come in a variety of colors, so if you are bold, consider adding a stripe of colored hair to match your outfit.

Going Retro

Look to the past for inspiration. Hairstyles that were once considered everyday styles are now considered classy and elegant. Styles in the 1920s were generally short, and styles from the '40s and '50s were usually medium length. Curls, bobs and waves are all hairstyles to choose from. Look at old photos for inspiration.

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