16 Formal Hairstyles For Long Hair Curly

Long, curly hair is a blessing, offering a wealth of texture and volume that truly shines in formal settings. While sleek updos often dominate the formal hairstyle scene, embracing your natural curls can create looks that are equally, if not more, captivating and unique. From romantic cascades to intricate braided masterpieces, these styles are designed to highlight your beautiful tresses while ensuring you look sophisticated and elegant for any special occasion. Dive into our curated list of 16 stunning formal hairstyles that will make your long curly hair the star of the show!

Romantic Cascading Curls

Embrace the natural beauty of your long curly hair with this timeless style. Romantic cascading curls involve letting your luscious locks flow freely, perhaps with a slight pin-back on one side or a gentle lift at the crown for added volume. This look exudes effortless elegance, perfect for any formal event where you want to highlight your hair’s texture and length. A light hold hairspray will keep your curls bouncy and defined all night.

Elegant Low Bun with Tendrils

This sophisticated low bun offers a classic yet soft appeal. The hair is gathered at the nape of the neck, forming a chic bun, while delicate curly tendrils are left to frame the face. It’s a perfect choice for black-tie events, adding a touch of grace without being overly severe. This style beautifully showcases the nape of the neck and works wonderfully with statement earrings. To achieve this, use a curl-defining cream before styling to ensure tendrils are perfectly sculpted.

Half-Up Twisted Crown

For a regal and enchanting look, the half-up twisted crown is an excellent choice. Sections of hair from either side are twisted or braided back and secured at the crown, allowing the rest of your beautiful curls to cascade down your back. This style keeps hair away from your face while still showcasing its length and volume. It’s versatile enough for weddings or proms and can be embellished with small floral pins. Secure the twisted sections with bobby pins matching your hair color for an invisible hold.

Side-Swept Glamour

Evoke old Hollywood charm with a glamorous side-swept look. All your gorgeous curls are gathered and swept over one shoulder, creating an asymmetrical and dramatic silhouette. This style is incredibly flattering, highlighting your décolletage and allowing for a stunning display of your long, curly tresses. It pairs beautifully with strapless or one-shoulder gowns. Use strong-hold hairspray and bobby pins to keep the hair securely swept to one side.

Textured High Ponytail

Elevate your ponytail game with a textured high ponytail that exudes modern sophistication. Instead of a sleek pony, this style embraces the natural texture and volume of your curls, gathered high on the crown. It creates a playful yet polished look that’s both chic and comfortable, allowing your curls to bounce freely. This style is perfect for showing off a beautiful backline of a dress. Tease the roots slightly before gathering to maximize volume at the crown.

Braided Updo with Volume

Combine the intricate beauty of braids with the grandeur of an updo, specifically designed for curly hair. This style often involves several braids (French, Dutch, or fishtail) woven into a voluminous updo, secured elegantly at the back of the head. It’s a stunning choice for special occasions, offering a complex and artistic feel while keeping hair neatly secured. The volume ensures your curls are showcased, not hidden. Use a texturizing spray before braiding to give your hair grip and fullness.

Vintage Hollywood Waves

While often associated with straight hair, curly hair can be transformed into stunning, glamorous vintage Hollywood waves. This involves meticulously setting your curls into uniform, deep, and glossy waves that exude old-world elegance and sophistication. The result is a polished, high-impact look that’s perfect for a black-tie gala or a retro-themed event. Use a curling wand to create consistent waves, then brush them out gently and pin them to set.

Curly Chignon with a Twist

A chignon is a timeless updo, and adding a twist for curly hair makes it even more captivating. This style involves gathering your curls into a sophisticated knot or coil at the nape of your neck or slightly above, often with a subtle twisted element leading into it. It’s understated elegance that works for any formal occasion, offering a polished yet soft silhouette. Secure stray curls with bobby pins and a spritz of flexible hairspray.

Bohemian Braided Headband

For a formal event with a touch of whimsical charm, the bohemian braided headband is perfect. This style features a braid (or two) running across the crown of the head, mimicking a headband, while the rest of your long curls are left to flow freely. It’s an effortlessly romantic look that adds an artistic flair to your formal ensemble. This style is particularly stunning for outdoor weddings or garden parties. Gently pull on the braid sections to make it appear thicker and softer.

Messy Bun with Face-Framing Curls

Don’t let the name fool you – a ‘messy’ bun for formal events can be incredibly chic and sophisticated, especially with long curly hair. This style involves a loosely gathered, voluminous bun, artfully secured at the back of the head, with strategic face-framing curls left out to soften the look. It’s modern, romantic, and perfectly suited for events where you want an elegant yet relaxed vibe. Use a dry texturizing spray to add grip and enhance the ‘effortless’ look.

Pinned Back Sophistication

This elegant style is all about showcasing the length and texture of your curls while keeping them neatly out of your face. Sections from the front are smoothly pulled back and securely pinned at the crown or just below, creating a refined and polished look. The rest of your curls are left to cascade down your back or shoulders, giving you a beautiful silhouette. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective way to achieve formal elegance. Use a smoothing serum on the front sections before pinning.

Waterfall Braid into Curls

The waterfall braid is an exquisite choice for long curly hair, creating a delicate, intricate pattern that flows seamlessly into your natural curls. This braid appears to ‘drop’ strands, allowing them to blend beautifully with the loose hair below, giving the impression of a cascading waterfall. It’s a romantic and ethereal look, ideal for semi-formal events or garden parties, adding a touch of fairy-tale charm. Practice makes perfect with this braid; use a light styling gel for better control.

Glamorous Side Braid

Transform your long curly hair into a show-stopping statement with a glamorous side braid. This isn’t just any braid; it’s often a voluminous Dutch or French braid that starts from one side of the head and sweeps across, gathering all the hair into a thick, textured braid that rests over one shoulder. It’s bold, chic, and perfect for making an impression at any formal event. Gently pull apart the braid sections after braiding to create maximum volume and a softer look.

Voluminous Half-Up, Half-Down

A classic for a reason, the half-up, half-down style gets a major upgrade with long curly hair by focusing on maximum volume. The top section of your hair is gently teased at the crown for height and then loosely gathered, allowing the rest of your magnificent curls to tumble freely. This style offers the best of both worlds: hair off the face for elegance, and length showcased for impact. It’s universally flattering and adaptable for various formal settings. Use a root-lifting spray before teasing for lasting volume.

Classic French Twist with Curls

The French twist is the epitome of timeless elegance, and when adapted for long curly hair, it gains an added layer of texture and softness. Instead of a perfectly smooth roll, this version allows for the natural curl pattern to contribute to the twist’s character and volume. It creates a sleek, sophisticated profile while still celebrating your hair’s inherent beauty. This updo is ideal for the most formal occasions. Use bobby pins and a strong-hold hairspray to secure the twist firmly.

Elevated Ponytail with Braided Base

Take your high ponytail to new heights of sophistication with a braided base. This style involves French or Dutch braiding the hair from the nape upwards, eventually gathering it all into a high, voluminous curly ponytail. The braid adds an unexpected, intricate detail, making it much more than a simple pony. It’s a modern and chic option that’s both secure and incredibly stylish, perfect for dancing the night away. Ensure the braid is neat and tight before transitioning into the ponytail.

With these 16 stunning formal hairstyles, your long curly hair is sure to be a showstopper at any event. Each style offers a unique blend of elegance, sophistication, and charm, all while celebrating the natural beauty and volume of your curls. Whether you prefer a dramatic updo, a romantic half-up style, or glamorous cascading waves, there’s a perfect look waiting for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the style that makes you feel most confident and beautiful. Embrace your magnificent curls and shine!