Winter Formal Hairstyles 2024 – 2025 for Women: Cute, Easy, Long, Medium, and Short Hair Ideas
Winter is a time for elegance and sophistication, and what better way to elevate your formal look than with a stunning hairstyle? Whether you have long hair, medium, or short hair, there’s something for everyone in this collection of winter formal hairstyles 2024 – 2025. From classic updos to modern twists, we’ve curated the perfect styles for women of all hair types, including black hair, curly hair, and straight locks.
Let’s dive into these cute and easy ideas that are sure to dazzle this season.
Classic French Twist with Modern Flair
The Classic French Twist has always been a go-to for formal events, but in 2024 – 2025, it’s getting a modern update with soft, loose strands framing the face. This hairstyle exudes elegance and works wonderfully for women with medium to long hair. It’s perfect for a formal winter event, giving off a timeless yet fresh look. This twist works best for women with straight or slightly wavy hair, but it can be adapted for those with curly hair by adding a sleek finish.
To maintain this style and achieve a sleek finish, use Oribe’s Superfine Hair Spray to hold the twist in place without weighing it down. For extra shine, a drop of Moroccan Oil Treatment can be applied before styling.
Sleek Low Bun with Side Part
A Sleek Low Bun is an epitome of sophistication, especially when paired with a side part. This hairstyle is simple yet polished, making it ideal for formal occasions. It suits women with short hair or medium lengths, especially those with straight or black hair. The sleek finish gives it a formal edge, while the side part adds a touch of softness to balance the structured bun.
For best results, use Ouai’s Matte Pomade to smooth down any flyaways and finish with Living Proof’s Flex Hairspray for long-lasting hold without stiffness.
Voluminous Hollywood Waves
Nothing says glamour like Voluminous Hollywood Waves, a style that’s perfect for long hair or medium length. The big, bouncy waves bring old-school Hollywood glam to any formal event. This hairstyle works well for women with naturally straight or wavy hair, and it’s a great choice for those looking to wear their hair down. Women with black hair can add highlights or lowlights to enhance the wave definition.
To achieve these luxurious waves, use a large-barrel curling iron and finish with Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray for volume and texture.
High Bun with Braided Wrap
For those who love updo hairstyles, a High Bun with a braided wrap around the base is the perfect formal look. This style is ideal for women with long hair or medium length and can be achieved with straight or curly hair. The braided wrap adds a cute and elegant touch, making it suitable for both casual and black-tie events.
Keep the hair in place with TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Gel and finish with John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hairspray to tame any flyaways.
Elegant Chignon with Pearl Accessories
The Chignon is a timeless formal hairstyle, and in 2024 – 2025, it’s all about adding delicate details like pearls for extra elegance. This hairstyle works for women with short hair or medium length, making it a versatile option for many. The pearls add a festive, winter-ready vibe to the classic style, making it suitable for formal events, including winter weddings.
To achieve a smooth chignon, apply Kerastase Discipline Smoothing Milk to damp hair and secure with Goody’s Ouchless Bobby Pins.
Textured Updo with Loose Strands
For a more relaxed, yet still formal style, a Textured Updo with loose strands is the perfect choice. It’s easy to achieve and looks effortless while still being polished enough for formal occasions. This style suits women with medium to long hair and is especially flattering for those with curly hair or layers.
To achieve the right texture, apply Ouai Wave Spray before styling and finish with Redken Fashion Work 12 Hairspray for a soft hold.
Low Ponytail with Sleek Finish
A Low Ponytail with a sleek finish is the perfect example of a simple yet formal hairstyle. It’s easy to create and works for a variety of hair types, including short hair easy and medium lengths. This hairstyle is ideal for women with straight hair and can be styled with a middle or side part for added sophistication.
Use Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum to smooth the hair and Aveda’s Control Force Hairspray for maximum hold without making the ponytail stiff.
Vintage-Inspired Finger Waves
Bring a touch of retro glam to your winter formal look with Vintage-Inspired Finger Waves. This style is best for women with short hair or medium lengths and works particularly well for those with black hair or sleek styles. Finger waves add a touch of classic elegance, making this a great option for formal events with a vintage twist.
To create this look, use L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Curve It Elastic Curl Mousse and set the waves with Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray.
Messy Bun with Sparkling Hairpins
The Messy Bun is a perfect blend of casual and formal, making it a popular choice for winter formal events. Adding sparkling hairpins elevates the look from everyday to glamorous, while still keeping it cute and easy. This hairstyle suits women with medium to long hair, and it works especially well for those with curly hair or naturally textured hair. The loose, undone look softens facial features and adds a relaxed yet polished vibe.
To create this look, use Kristin Ess Working Texture Spray to add body to your hair, and secure the bun with bobby pins. Finish the style by adding some sparkling pins or decorative clips for a wintery, elegant touch. Use IGK’s No More Blow Air Dry Spray to reduce frizz and maintain the style throughout the evening.
Half-Up, Half-Down with Curls
The Half-Up, Half-Down style is a great balance for those who want the best of both worlds—part updo, part down. This hairstyle is especially stunning for women with long hair or medium length hair, and it works well for both straight and curly hair. Adding soft curls to the down section of the hair enhances the formal look, while the half-up style keeps it structured and neat. It’s perfect for women looking for an elegant but relaxed style for formal winter events.
To achieve this look, use a curling iron to create loose curls and secure the top section with a few bobby pins. For extra volume and hold, use Kenra Volume Spray and finish with Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray to give it a soft shine and long-lasting hold.
Braided Crown with Loose Curls
A Braided Crown combined with loose curls creates a romantic, ethereal look perfect for winter formal events. This style suits women with long hair or medium lengths and works for both straight and curly hair. The braid encircling the head gives an elegant crown effect, while the loose curls add softness and movement to the overall look. This style is especially flattering for women attending winter weddings or formal holiday events.
To create the look, braid a section of hair from one side of the head, crossing it over to the other side to form a crown. Use Ouai Wave Spray for texture, and define the loose curls with T3 SinglePass Curling Iron. Finish with Verb Ghost Hairspray to keep the curls intact and give them a natural shine.
Sleek Straight Hair with Middle Part
For a clean and polished look, sleek straight hair with a middle part is a timeless option for formal winter events. This style suits women with medium to long hair and is especially ideal for those with naturally straight or black hair. The sleek finish adds sophistication, making it a great choice for black-tie events or formal dinners. It’s also perfect for women who prefer a simple, no-fuss style.
To achieve the sleek look, use GHD Platinum+ Styler to straighten the hair, and smooth down any flyaways with Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray. For a shiny, polished finish, apply Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil to the ends of your hair.
Twisted Low Bun with Statement Clip
A Twisted Low Bun paired with a statement clip is the perfect formal look for women who want something both sophisticated and stylish. This hairstyle is ideal for women with medium to long hair, and it works best for straight or slightly wavy hair. The twisted bun adds structure, while the clip brings attention to the style, making it a statement piece for any winter event.
Start by twisting sections of hair into a low bun and securing it with bobby pins. Finish by adding a decorative clip or pin to one side. Use Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield to keep the style sleek and frizz-free, and finish with Aveda Control Force Hairspray for a strong hold.
Waterfall Braid with Soft Waves
The Waterfall Braid is a romantic and intricate hairstyle that’s perfect for formal occasions in 2024 – 2025. Paired with soft waves, this style is best for women with long hair or medium lengths. The waterfall braid adds visual interest, while the waves keep the look soft and elegant. It’s an excellent choice for women with curly hair or those looking to add texture to straight hair.
Use Redken Beach Envy Wave Aid to create soft waves, and braid the top section of your hair to create the waterfall effect. Secure the style with John Frieda Frizz Ease Hairspray to keep the waves in place and maintain the braid’s structure.
High Ponytail with Volume at the Crown
A High Ponytail with extra volume at the crown is a bold and stylish look for formal events. This style is perfect for women with long hair, but it can also be adapted for medium lengths. The added height at the crown creates a flattering lift, making it an ideal choice for women with fine hair looking to add volume. The high ponytail also keeps the hair off the face, allowing you to showcase bold makeup or accessories.
To achieve the look, tease the crown of your hair before pulling it into a high ponytail. Use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray to create volume, and finish with TRESemmé Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray to keep everything in place.
Soft Waves with Side-Swept Bangs
For a soft and romantic look, soft waves paired with side-swept bangs is a versatile hairstyle that suits both long hair and medium lengths. The waves add movement, while the bangs frame the face, making this style ideal for women with round or heart-shaped faces. It’s a flattering look that works well for formal winter events, especially for those who want a relaxed yet elegant style.
To achieve the waves, use Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron and set the waves with L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray. Use Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shine Spray to add extra gloss to the waves.
Half-Up Bouffant with Ribbon Detail
The Half-Up Bouffant is a glamorous and vintage-inspired style, perfect for formal winter events. The added ribbon detail gives this style a festive, cute touch, making it great for holiday parties or winter galas. This hairstyle suits women with long hair or medium lengths, especially those with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair. The bouffant adds volume and height, making it particularly flattering for women with round faces.
To create this look, tease the crown of your hair to add volume and secure the top section with bobby pins. Add a ribbon to complete the look, and use L’Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray to keep the bouffant in place without losing its softness.
Fishtail Braid with Elegant Finish
The Fishtail Braid is an intricate yet simple way to add a formal touch to your look. Perfect for women with long hair, this braid offers a unique texture that stands out at formal events. The braid works for curly hair as well as straight, making it a versatile option for all hair types. The elegant finish adds a level of sophistication that pairs beautifully with formal attire.
To create the fishtail braid, separate the hair into two sections and cross small strands over from each side. Secure the braid with a decorative hair tie and finish with Living Proof’s Flex Hairspray to hold it in place. For extra shine, use Moroccan Oil Treatment on the ends of the hair.
Side-Swept Curls with Glamorous Shine
For a Hollywood-inspired look, Side-Swept Curls with a glamorous shine is the way to go. This style is ideal for women with medium to long hair and works well with both curly hair and straight hair that’s curled into soft waves. The side-swept style brings drama to the look, making it perfect for formal winter events.
To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose curls, and sweep the hair over one shoulder. Add Ouai Hair Oil for shine and finish with Sebastian Shaper Hairspray to keep the curls in place all night.
French Braids into Low Bun
For a polished yet playful formal hairstyle, French Braids leading into a low bun create a perfect blend of texture and structure. This look is excellent for women with medium to long hair, particularly those with black hair or straight hair. The braids add interest, while the bun keeps the style elegant and suitable for formal events.
To create this look, braid two sections from the front of the hair and pull them into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Use TRESemmé Freeze Hold Hairspray to keep the braids in place, and finish with Kerastase Elixir Ultime for added shine.
Slicked-Back High Ponytail with Shine
The Slicked-Back High Ponytail is a sleek and bold look perfect for women who prefer short hair prom styles or have medium to long hair. The sleek finish makes this hairstyle ideal for formal events, as it offers a chic and polished look. It works especially well for women with naturally straight hair or black hair.
To achieve this look, brush the hair back tightly and secure it into a high ponytail. Use Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to smooth the hair and add shine, and finish with Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine for a glossy finish.
Textured Low Bun with Floral Accessories
For a more bohemian formal look, the Textured Low Bun paired with floral accessories is a beautiful option for women with long hair or medium lengths. The texture of the bun gives it an undone, effortless feel, while the floral accents make it perfect for winter weddings or formal parties. This style works well for women with curly hair or straight hair that has been textured with waves.
To create this look, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray before styling the bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Add small floral clips or pins for decoration and finish with Redken Fashion Work 12 Hairspray.
Loose Waves with Braided Half-Updo
For a relaxed yet formal hairstyle, Loose Waves combined with a braided half-updo offer a perfect blend of elegance and ease. This style works best for long hair and medium lengths, particularly for women with naturally curly hair or those who prefer to wear their hair down. The braid adds structure while the loose waves keep the look soft and feminine.
To achieve this look, use a curling wand to create loose waves and braid the top section of your hair. Secure with bobby pins and finish with Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for added texture and volume.
Straight Hair with Sleek Side Part
For a minimalist, polished look, straight hair with a sleek side part is a great option for formal events. This style is best suited for medium to long hair and works well with straight hair or black hair. The sleek finish adds sophistication, while the side part softens the look, making it ideal for women who want something simple and easy to maintain.
To create this look, use a flat iron to straighten the hair, and smooth down flyaways with John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum. Finish with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray for long-lasting hold and shine.
Curly High Bun with Rhinestone Clips
The Curly High Bun with rhinestone clips is a perfect way to add sparkle to your formal winter look. Ideal for curly hair and long hair, this style elevates a simple updo with the glamour of rhinestone accessories. The high bun creates a sleek and structured look, while the curls add volume and texture, making this an excellent choice for formal events like winter galas or holiday parties. Women with medium or black hair can also achieve this look by adding clip-in extensions for more volume.
To style this high bun, pull the hair up into a tight ponytail, then twist the curls into a bun and secure with bobby pins. Use Oribe Curl Control Silkening Crème to keep curls defined, and finish with IGK’s Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray for a smooth, shiny finish. Add rhinestone clips for that extra touch of glam.
Low Chignon with Delicate Hairpins
The Low Chignon is a timeless classic, and adding delicate hairpins elevates this style to formal winter elegance. This hairstyle suits women with medium to long hair, and is particularly well-suited for those with straight or black hair. The chignon sits low at the nape of the neck, offering a sleek and structured look, while the hairpins add a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for winter weddings or formal events.
To create the chignon, gather the hair into a low ponytail and twist it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins and finish with L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the style smooth. Use Drybar’s 100 Proof Treatment Oil to add shine, and decorate with small hairpins for added elegance.
Glamorous High Bun with Sleek Edges
For a bold and polished look, the Glamorous High Bun with sleek edges is a showstopper for any formal winter event. This updo works best for long hair and medium lengths, especially for women with black hair or those with a naturally voluminous texture. The sleek, smooth edges give the high bun a refined and sophisticated finish, making it perfect for black-tie events or holiday galas.
To create this look, pull the hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, smoothing the edges with Eco Styler Professional Gel. Finish with Aveda Control Force Hairspray to ensure everything stays in place and add shine with Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil.
Conclusion
With these 27 winter formal hairstyles 2024 – 2025, you have a wide range of elegant and stylish options to choose from. Whether you prefer long hair, medium lengths, or short hair, there’s something for everyone.
Let us know in the comments which style you’re most excited to try for your next winter formal event!
