22 Winter Formal Hairstyles 2024-2025 for Long, Medium and Straight Short Hair with Updos, Curls and Braids

Winter formals are the perfect opportunity to showcase elegant and creative hairstyles that suit the season’s festive spirit. Whether you have long hair, short hair, or medium-length hair, these stunning styles will make you shine at any event. Below, I’ll describe several gorgeous hairstyles that are perfect for winter formals, each one tailored to different hair types and lengths. Let’s dive into these exquisite looks.

Elegant Braided Updo

For those with long hair looking for a sophisticated and easy hairstyle, this elegant braided updo is a perfect choice. This style features a thick braid that wraps around the head, seamlessly transitioning into a voluminous low bun. The braid adds an element of intricacy, while the bun provides the needed elegance for a formal event. This updo is ideal for those with curly hair as the natural texture adds volume and richness to the look. It’s a cute and simple way to keep your hair neatly styled throughout the evening, and it pairs beautifully with statement earrings or a delicate necklace.

To achieve this look, start by parting your hair to one side and braiding a section from the front of your hair down to the nape of your neck. Then, gather the remaining hair into a low bun, securing it with pins. This hairstyle works especially well for those who want to keep their hair off their shoulders while still making a dramatic statement.

Chic Wavy Bob

Short hair doesn’t have to be boring at a winter formal. This chic wavy bob is perfect for women who want a simple yet stylish look. The soft waves add texture and volume, giving the hair a playful and modern touch. This hairstyle is great for those with straight hair who want to introduce some movement into their look. The bob’s length, falling just below the chin, frames the face beautifully, accentuating the cheekbones and jawline.

For a more formal twist, consider adding a side part or a few sparkling hair accessories. This hairstyle is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your outfit and the formality of the event. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer short hair easy to manage without compromising on style.

Glamorous Curly Cascade

For those blessed with curly hair, this glamorous curly cascade is a show-stopper. This hairstyle emphasizes your natural curls, allowing them to flow freely with a bit of extra definition. The key to this look is to enhance your curls’ natural texture, giving them a soft and voluminous finish. The cascading curls are perfect for adding height and drama to your look, making it an ideal choice for formal events.

This style is particularly stunning on long hair, as it allows the curls to cascade down the back, creating a waterfall effect. Pair this hairstyle with a bold lip color and a fitted gown to complete the look. The best part? This style is not only beautiful but also easy to maintain throughout the evening with just a bit of hairspray and touch-ups.

Edgy Undercut with Curled Top

For those who love to make a bold statement, this edgy undercut with a curled top is the perfect winter formal hairstyle. The short hair on the sides and back contrasts beautifully with the longer, curled top section, creating a dynamic and modern look. This hairstyle is ideal for those who want to showcase their daring side while still keeping things elegant.

The curled top adds volume and softness, making this look perfect for formal occasions. Whether you’re wearing a sleek tuxedo or a stunning gown, this hairstyle will ensure you stand out. It’s a fantastic choice for women with short hair who want something cute yet bold and simple to style.

Romantic Waves with Beaded Headband

This romantic waves hairstyle, enhanced with a delicate beaded headband, is perfect for those looking for a cute and feminine winter formal look. The soft waves are styled to perfection, creating a dreamy, ethereal vibe. The beaded headband adds a touch of sparkle, making this hairstyle perfect for a special evening.

This style works best for medium to long hair and is ideal for those with straight hair who want to add some movement and texture. It’s an easy hairstyle that can be achieved with a curling iron and a bit of texturizing spray. The headband not only adds a decorative element but also helps to keep the hair in place, ensuring you look flawless all night long.

Sleek Bob with Bangs

For a modern and polished look, this sleek bob with bangs is a fantastic choice. The straight, smooth texture of the bob contrasts beautifully with the soft, face-framing bangs. This hairstyle is ideal for those with short hair who want to keep things simple yet chic. The bangs add a playful touch, making this a versatile style that can easily transition from day to night.

This style is particularly flattering for those with a defined jawline and high cheekbones, as it accentuates these features. It’s a cute and easy option for a winter formal, requiring minimal styling and maintenance. Pair this look with a bold red lip for a classic, timeless appearance.

Tousled Pixie Cut

The tousled pixie cut is perfect for women who want a short hair easy and cute hairstyle for their winter formal. This pixie cut is full of texture and movement, giving it a playful and youthful vibe. The tousled look is effortlessly chic, making it a great option for those who prefer a low-maintenance style.

This hairstyle is ideal for those with short hair who want something that can be styled quickly yet still looks polished. The textured layers add dimension, making your hair appear fuller and more voluminous. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a style that’s both modern and sophisticated.

Soft Wavy Bob

This soft wavy bob is a perfect example of how medium length hair can be both cute and elegant. The gentle waves add a touch of softness and romance, making it an ideal choice for a winter formal. This hairstyle is perfect for those with straight hair who want to add a bit of texture and movement.

The bob’s length is flattering for most face shapes, and the waves can be easily achieved with a curling iron or hot rollers. This style is versatile and can be dressed up with accessories or kept simple for a more understated look. It’s a great choice for women who want a classic yet trendy hairstyle for their winter formal.

Braided Buns with TwistsFor those with long hair looking for a playful yet sophisticated hairstyle, this braided buns look is a great option. The hair is sectioned into two parts, each twisted into a neat bun, with intricate braids flowing from the front to the buns. This style is perfect for showcasing highlights or black hair with contrasting colors, adding depth and texture to the look. The twist adds a modern edge to the traditional bun, making it ideal for formal occasions.

To achieve this style, start by parting your hair down the middle and braiding the sections from the front towards the back. Twist the remaining hair into buns and secure with pins. This hairstyle is not only cute but also ensures your hair stays in place throughout the evening, making it a great option for those who plan to dance the night away.

Sleek Crown Braid

The sleek crown braid is a perfect choice for those with medium or long hair who want a regal and elegant look. This hairstyle involves braiding the hair around the crown of the head, creating a halo effect that is both feminine and sophisticated. The sleekness of the braid contrasts beautifully with the soft, face-framing strands, adding a touch of softness to the overall look.

This style is especially flattering for those with straight hair, as it allows the braid to sit neatly and evenly. It’s a simple yet striking hairstyle that pairs well with both minimalist and extravagant outfits. The crown braid is also an excellent way to keep your hair off your face while still making a statement.

Half-Up Braided Top Knot

The half-up braided top knot is a versatile hairstyle that works well for both short hair and medium hair. This style combines the sleekness of braids with the ease of a top knot, making it a practical yet stylish choice for winter formals. The braids are pulled back into a high top knot, leaving the rest of the hair to flow freely.

This look is particularly suitable for those with curly hair or textured hair, as it allows the curls to add volume and interest to the lower half of the hairstyle. The top knot keeps the look polished and sophisticated, while the loose curls add a touch of romance. This is a great easy hairstyle for those who want to mix tradition with a modern twist.

Retro Glam Waves

Channel your inner Hollywood starlet with these retro glam waves. This hairstyle is perfect for those with short hair who want to make a bold statement. The voluminous waves are styled to perfection, creating a glamorous look that is both timeless and chic. This style works particularly well with curls or wavy textures, as the waves add a vintage feel to the overall look.

Pair this hairstyle with a bold red lip and winged eyeliner for a classic, movie-star vibe. The retro glam waves are perfect for any formal event where you want to stand out and exude confidence. It’s a simple yet powerful look that will leave a lasting impression.

Textured Pixie Cut

For those with short hair looking for something cute and edgy, the textured pixie cut is an excellent choice. This style is all about embracing your natural texture, whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair. The layers add volume and movement, making this a versatile look that can be dressed up or down.

This hairstyle is ideal for winter formals, as it’s easy to manage and maintain. The textured pixie cut pairs well with statement earrings or a bold makeup look, ensuring that all eyes are on you. It’s a modern and trendy choice that is perfect for those who want to make a fashion-forward statement.

Soft Curly Bob

The soft curly bob is a great option for those with medium length hair who want a cute and playful look. The soft curls add volume and texture, giving the hair a bouncy and youthful vibe. This hairstyle is perfect for those with naturally curly hair or for anyone who wants to add some curls to their look.

The bob’s length frames the face beautifully, making it a flattering option for various face shapes. This easy hairstyle is perfect for winter formals, as it requires minimal styling while still looking polished and chic. Pair it with a soft makeup look for a fresh and youthful appearance.

Braided Mohawk Curls

For those who love to mix edgy with elegant, the braided mohawk curls hairstyle is a perfect fit. This style combines the boldness of a mohawk with the softness of loose curls, creating a dynamic and eye-catching look. The sides are braided close to the scalp, while the top section is left curly and voluminous.

This hairstyle is ideal for long hair or medium length hair, and it’s perfect for making a statement at a winter formal. The contrast between the sleek braids and the fluffy curls creates a unique and modern look that is sure to turn heads. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity and confidence.

Sleek and Polished Short Hair

For those with short hair who prefer a minimalist look, the sleek and polished style is a great choice. This hairstyle is all about smooth, straight lines and a clean finish, making it perfect for those who want a no-fuss, elegant look. The sleekness of the hair highlights the face, making it a flattering option for various face shapes.

This simple hairstyle is perfect for winter formals, as it pairs well with both elaborate and minimalist outfits. It’s an easy and low-maintenance option that still looks chic and sophisticated. Add a bold lip color or statement earrings to elevate the look further.

Braided Chignon with Twists

This intricate braided chignon is ideal for those with long hair who want to achieve a timeless and elegant look. The style features a series of braids that are twisted into a low chignon at the nape of the neck. This hairstyle is perfect for formal occasions as it keeps the hair off the face and shoulders while showcasing the intricate braiding work. The soft tendrils framing the face add a touch of softness, making this style both sophisticated and romantic.

This updo works particularly well for those with medium to long hair and can be enhanced with delicate hairpins or a small floral accessory. It’s a cute yet formal hairstyle that pairs beautifully with a classic evening gown.

Effortless Wavy Layers

For those who prefer a more relaxed and natural look, these effortless wavy layers are a perfect choice. Ideal for medium or long hair, this hairstyle is all about embracing your hair’s natural texture. The loose waves create a soft, beachy look that is both simple and chic. This hairstyle is perfect for a winter formal, especially if you’re going for a more laid-back, boho vibe.

To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves, then gently tousle them with your fingers. This style works beautifully for those with straight hair who want to add some movement and volume without the need for intricate styling.

Voluminous Pompadour

For a bold and edgy look, the voluminous pompadour is a fantastic choice for those with short hair. This hairstyle is all about height and volume, with the top section of the hair being styled upwards and back, creating a dramatic effect. The pompadour is perfect for making a statement at a winter formal, and it pairs well with minimalist or avant-garde outfits.

This look is particularly striking on those with short hair who want to showcase their confidence and fashion-forward style. It’s a simple yet high-impact hairstyle that’s sure to turn heads.

Vintage Hollywood Curls

Channel old Hollywood glamour with these vintage curls, perfect for a sophisticated winter formal look. This hairstyle is ideal for medium to long hair and features tight, defined curls that are styled to create a voluminous and polished finish. The curls are reminiscent of classic movie stars and are perfect for adding a touch of vintage elegance to your outfit.

This style works well with both straight hair and curly hair, as the curls can be achieved with hot rollers or a curling iron. It’s a great choice for those who want a glamorous and timeless hairstyle for their winter formal.

Sleek Box Braids Bob

For those with black hair or textured hair, a sleek box braids bob is a stunning option for a winter formal. The bob length keeps the style modern and chic, while the neat braids add a touch of elegance. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want a simple yet stylish look that is both low-maintenance and versatile.

The box braids can be accessorized with beads or cuffs to add a personal touch, and the bob length makes it easy to manage while still looking polished. This style is perfect for those who want to showcase their natural hair in a protective and stylish way.

Romantic Twisted Updo

This romantic twisted updo is perfect for those with medium to long hair who want a hairstyle that is both elegant and feminine. The hair is twisted into loose rolls that are pinned at the back, creating a soft and romantic updo. This style is ideal for formal events, as it keeps the hair off the shoulders while still looking soft and inviting.

The twisted updo is versatile and can be dressed up with decorative pins or left simple for a more understated look. It’s a cute and easy hairstyle that is perfect for a winter formal.

Winter formals offer the perfect opportunity to experiment with different hairstyles, whether you’re looking for something elegant, playful, or bold. These hairstyles cater to various hair lengths and textures, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Remember to choose a style that complements your outfit and personal style, and don’t be afraid to add your unique touch with accessories or styling products. We’d love to hear which hairstyle you’re planning to try at your next winter formal—leave a comment and let us know!