Whether you’re attending your friend’s wedding as a guest or have a special work party coming up, you need to start thinking about the best formal hairstyles for long hair.
[Related topics: 10 formal hairstyles for medium-length hair to try this year]
[Related topics: Top 10 formal hairstyles for short hair for any special occasion]
The way you style your hair will make a big difference to your overall look and may even influence your wardrobe decisions, particularly what dress to wear and whether to accessorize with your favorite jewelry.
Therefore, choosing a hairstyle first will help you significantly when it comes to putting together your formal outfit, so we hope you find our recommendations helpful.
We spoke with our styling experts for the lowdown on the best formal hairstyles for long hair, and we’re happy to share the following recommendations for your upcoming event.
1: Twisted bun
Laifen’s recommendation: A stunning formal updo hairstyle for long hair, suitable for a summer wedding.
The twisted bun is an elegant updo that will show your class and sophistication. Though easy to put together, the twisted bun requires intricate styling and you need to decide whether to wear it low or high. If you have particularly long hair, tie your twisted bun low and accessorize with a floral headband if you’re attending a wedding in the coming weeks. Read up to review fabulous space bun hairstyles for long hair.
2: Elegant fishtail braid
Laifen’s recommendation: A flexible, easy-to-style braid that can work wonders for special events and parties. Just decide on the tightness of the braid before wrapping your hair in place.
The fishtail is an elegant formal hairstyle for long hair down that can be a brilliant option for so many special events. You can leave the fishtail braid to run down your back, or you can bring it across your shoulder, depending on your preferred look. When braiding, think about how tightly you want the fishtail to be and tie it together with a colored band to elevate the look.
3: Sleek middle parting
Laifen’s recommendation: One of the best formal hairstyles for long, straight hair, this sleek middle parting is as sophisticated as it is simple. We recommend using an ionic dryer for the best results.
If you don’t want to worry about accessories and want your hair to draw attention for the right reasons, a sleek middle parting is the perfect choice. This chic and stylish look also elongates the face, helping to maximize your best features. For something slightly different, the addition of wispy bangs can also work well. When blow-drying your hair, use the Laifen SE to prevent frizz and flyaways, which can cause the sleek middle parting to look less refined.
4: Braided updo
Laifen’s recommendation: Are you looking for dreamy updo formal hairstyles for long hair? The braided updo with chunky braids is a beautiful yet super simple way to tie up your hair before a wedding.
This braided updo is a classic formal hairstyle for curly long hair, but it can also look great on women with straight and wavy hair. The key to the look is a thick braid that separates the updo, adding to the depth and complexion of the style. With a few delicate additions and the right accessories, this can be a dreamy look ahead of a big summer wedding.
5: Box braids
Laifen’s recommendation: The addition of beads and cuffs can be a brilliant way to elevate your look when wearing box braids, so don’t be afraid to accessorize ahead of an upcoming special occasion.
Box braids have enjoyed viral success this year thanks to a TikTok trend that has seen millions of women worldwide take to the social media platform to show off their styles. Though not exclusively a “formal” hairstyle, this protective hairstyle for women can look super smart and is a great long hairstyle to think about ahead of a work’s night out or a friend’s birthday party for something a little different.
6: Classic French twist
Laifen’s recommendation: Though not the easiest look to pull off, the classic French twist is a stunning updo that’s perfect for all formal occasions.
The secret to the perfect French twist is the positioning of the bobby pins, so getting someone to help you will make all the difference. If you struggle to secure your hair with bobby pins, you can ask your stylist for specially designed French twist pins, which will keep your hair in place throughout the day. As with many other hairstyles on this list, the French twist is a beautiful look for wedding guests.
7: High pony
Laifen’s recommendations: If you’re looking for easy hairstyles for long hair that are formal, the high pony is hard to beat. Tie it high and in the center and let your long, straight hair flow down your back for an effortless formal hairdo.
While ponytails aren’t renowned as super formal hairstyles, with some refinement and sleek blow-drying technique, this look can be perfect for parties and special events. We’re particularly impressed with how slicked-back high ponies look, and you can tie your hair at the top and back for the ultimate look. Think about wearing a hairband or scrunchie that matches your hair color for an elegant finish.
8: A long blowout
Laifen’s recommendation: The Laifen Swift Special is the perfect hair dryer for a classic blowout, featuring ionic technology and adjustable heat to prevent your hair from frizzing and drying out.
Asking your stylist for a blowout adds instant depth and texture to your hair. It is a voluminous haircut that’s an awesome formal hairstyle for long, straight hair. While there are lots of ways to achieve a formal blowout, we love the addition of waves and curls at the ends, adding dimension to the look as in the example above.
9: Beachy waves
Laifen’s recommendation: Adding some sea salt spray to your beachy waves is a great addition for instant lift and depth. Add sea salt spray to damp hair for the best results and be amazed at the lift your waves will receive.
The beachy waves hairstyle can work for both formal and semi-formal occasions. Adding highlights, particularly if you have long and straight hair, is a brilliant way to add depth and texture to the look while making it appear even more formal. Also, after your formal event, beachy waves won’t look out of place or excessively formal in your day-to-day life, making this a versatile option for women with long hair.
10: Wavy side pony
Laifen’s recommendation: While we love the way a high and straight pony looks, the wavy side pony is another good look for formal occasions, offering depth and volume when styled professionally.
The biggest decision to make with the wavy side pony is which way to wear your hair. We recommend pairing it on the side where your hair naturally sits to keep things easy. Then, think about how low you want the pony to sit. We love the way wavy hair sits when it’s just above the shoulder line, as you can leave it to spread down your shoulder rather than pinning it back, as is the case with most classic ponies.
11: Chignon
Laifen’s recommendation: One of our favorite formal hairstyles for formal events, the classic chignon is also a relatively easy formal hairstyle for long hair that you can style with limited fuss.
For the perfect chignon for long hair, you need to secure it with bobby pins in a twisted bun at the back of your head. We recommend using a non-snag elastic band to keep it in place, too. This look is best suited to women with long, straight hair, but it can also work for wavy hair. We also love how easy it is to elevate the chignon with some floral accessories, which will complete your look for a spring or summer wedding.
Final words on easy formal hairstyles for long hair
Hairstyles for formal long hair are much easier to style than you might think. Whether you want a classy updo or a hairstyle to run straight and true down your back, there are lots of options for you to consider ahead of the big event.
You can go for any of the eleven styles above at home, or you can ask your stylist to help you. But before booking an appointment, it helps to have a clear idea of the style you want to go for to avoid confusion or disappointment!
