20+ Gorgeous Winter Formal Hairstyles Perfect for the Season

Classic Elegance: The Polished Low Bun

A sophisticated low bun perfectly balances modern minimalism with timeless grace. The style features a sleek crown with gentle volume at the roots, transitioning into a perfectly positioned low bun. Light flyaways add a soft, romantic touch while maintaining polished refinement. The look pairs magnificently with statement drop earrings, making it ideal for black-tie events.

Styling time: 30-40 minutes Hair type suitability: Medium to thick hair Required products:

• Heat protectant
• Strong-hold hairspray
• Smoothing serum
• Bobby pins

Romantic Bridal-Inspired Updo

This ethereal updo combines classic elegance with modern sophistication. The style features a softly textured crown with face-framing pieces and a dimensional blonde color palette. The delicate lace neckline complements the hairstyle’s romantic nature, while the overall look maintains a fresh, contemporary feel.

Styling time: 45-60 minutes Hair type suitability: All hair types Required products:

• Volumizing mousse
• Texture spray
• Pearl pins
• Medium-hold hairspray

Dramatic Evening Glamour

A high-fashion take on the classic updo, this style features architectural elements with a modern edge. The structured crown creates dramatic height, while loose tendrils frame the face beautifully. The high neckline of the lace dress perfectly balances the hairstyle’s vertical lines.

Styling time: 40-50 minutes Hair type suitability: Medium to thick hair Required products:

• Root lifter
• Styling cream
• Strong-hold hairspray
• Teasing comb

Vintage-Inspired Elegance

A masterfully crafted low bun adorned with a statement gold leaf accessory. The blonde hair is styled with precise waves and tucked into a symmetrical arrangement, creating a timelessly elegant silhouette. The beaded dress strap adds complementary sparkle.

Styling time: 45-60 minutes Hair type suitability: Fine to medium hair Required products:

• Heat protectant
• Wave-enhancing cream
• Setting spray
• Decorative pins

Modern Red Carpet Style

A contemporary interpretation of old Hollywood glamour featuring a textured crown and deliberately placed loose strands. The deep burgundy lip color and dramatic eye makeup complement the sophisticated hairstyle, while the black off-shoulder design creates a striking contrast.

Styling time: 35-45 minutes Hair type suitability: All hair types Required products:

• Volumizing spray
• Texture powder
• Medium-hold hairspray
• Shine serum

Effortless Casual Elegance

A perfectly tousled medium-length style that proves formal doesn’t always mean uptight. The blonde waves feature natural-looking dimension and movement, while the black sparkle detail adds evening-appropriate sophistication.

Styling time: 25-35 minutes Hair type suitability: Fine to medium hair Required products:

• Beach wave spray
• Light-hold mousse
• Texturizing spray
• Shine mist

Evening Sophistication

A masterfully executed back view of a formal updo, featuring intricate twisted sections and a rose gold hair accessory. The beaded black dress creates an elegant backdrop for this sophisticated style.

Styling time: 50-60 minutes Hair type suitability: Medium to long hair Required products:

• Smoothing cream
• Strong-hold gel
• Setting spray
• Decorative pins

Bohemian Formal Braid

A luxurious side braid combines sophistication with romantic charm. The style features controlled volume at the crown and a thick, textured braid with deliberately loosened sections. The white turtleneck provides a clean, modern foundation.

Styling time: 30-40 minutes Hair type suitability: Long hair Required products:

• Braiding cream
• Texture spray
• Edge control
• Light-hold hairspray

Power Suit Sophistication

The perfect blend of business and evening glamour showcases a sleek, voluminous updo with a dramatic height at the crown. The style expertly balances professional polish with evening sophistication, complemented by a structured black blazer and statement floral brooch.

Styling time: 35-45 minutes Hair type suitability: All hair types Required products:

• Root lifter
• Volumizing mousse
• Firm-hold hairspray
• Smoothing serum

Modern Minimalist Elegance

A contemporary take on red carpet glamour featuring a perfectly executed strapless neckline paired with a sleek updo. The style emphasizes clean lines and architectural precision, with face-framing pieces that soften the overall look. Black teardrop earrings add a touch of classic sophistication.

Styling time: 30-40 minutes Hair type suitability: Medium to thick hair Required products:

• Heat protectant
• Smoothing cream
• Strong-hold hairspray
• Shine serum

Twisted Low Chignon with Dimensional Highlights

This refined updo features a sophisticated twisted chignon with dimensional caramel highlights woven through dark brunette base color. The style begins with a sleek crown leading to an artfully twisted low bun, secured at the nape. The look maintains a polished finish while incorporating subtle texture through the twisted elements.

Styling time: 45-60 minutes Hair type suitability: Medium to thick hair Required products:

• Heat protectant
• Strong-hold hairspray
• Smoothing serum
• Bobby pins with matching hair color

Fresh-Faced Elegance with Textured Updo

A modernized take on classic bridal styling pairs perfectly with winter formal wear. The platinum blonde updo features soft volume at the crown and seamlessly transitions into a structured yet effortless-looking arrangement. The makeup palette emphasizes natural beauty with rosy cheeks, defined brows, and a neutral pink lip.

Makeup requirements:

• Illuminating primer
• Long-wear foundation
• Cream blush
• Waterproof mascara
• Setting spray

Romantic Braided Low Updo

This intricate hairstyle combines delicate braiding techniques with crystal hair accessories. The style features multiple braided sections flowing into a unified design, adorned with small crystal pins. The dark brunette base color showcases the detailed texture work throughout the style.

Styling elements:

• Multiple braid patterns
• Strategic placement of accessories
• Balanced volume distribution
• Secure pin placement

Contemporary Messy Updo with Classic Twist

This sophisticated hairstyle features a modern interpretation of a classic updo with artfully arranged loose strands. The dark brunette hair is styled into a voluminous crown that flows into an intricately twisted low bun. The look achieves perfect balance between polished structure and intentionally undone elements.

Styling time: 35-45 minutes Hair type suitability: Medium to thick hair Essential products:

• Texturizing spray
• Medium-hold hairspray
• Shine serum
• Matte finishing paste

Classic Low Bun with Sleek Finish

An eternally elegant low bun showcases the beauty of simplicity with its polished execution. The deep brunette hair is smoothed to perfection, creating a mirror-like shine before transitioning into a precisely wrapped low bun. Pearl stud earrings complement the minimal yet sophisticated style.

Styling requirements:

• Flat iron
• Smoothing cream
• Strong-hold gel
• Fine-toothed comb
• Sectioning clips

Crystal-Adorned Twisted Updo

This romantic hairstyle combines blonde highlights with an expertly twisted updo, enhanced by a statement crystal hair accessory. The style features soft volume at the crown and transitions into an asymmetrical twisted design, perfectly framing the delicate leaf-pattern accessory.

Key elements:

• Strategic placement of hair accessory
• Balanced volume distribution
• Seamless color blending
• Secure foundation for accessory support

Effortless Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces

A beautifully undone blonde updo that masters the art of controlled chaos. This style features deliberately loose strands around the face, while maintaining a secure twisted bun at the back. The dimensional blonde coloring adds depth and interest to the overall look.

Styling guide:

• Prep with dry shampoo
• Create texture with sea salt spray
• Strategic backcombing
• Loose pinning technique

Natural Glam Makeup with Textured Updo

This look perfectly balances soft glam makeup with an effortlessly styled updo. The makeup emphasizes natural features with defined brows, subtle bronzing, and a neutral lip, while the hairstyle maintains structure with intentionally loose elements.

Makeup essentials:

• Illuminating foundation
• Bronzing powder
• Brow pomade
• False lashes
• Nude lip liner and gloss

Evening Glamour with Loose Waves

A stunning evening look featuring long, dark waves paired with radiant makeup. The hairstyle combines volume at the crown with cascading waves, while the makeup focuses on luminous skin, defined eyes, and a soft pink lip. Bokeh lighting effects in the background enhance the formal aesthetic.

Styling time: 45-60 minutes Required tools:

• Large barrel curling iron
• Heat protectant
• Volumizing mousse
• Flexible-hold hairspray

Braided Low Bun with Highlights

This intricate style combines braiding techniques with a low bun, enhanced by beautiful blonde highlights throughout. The look features a center part with braided sections leading to a textured low bun, creating dimension and interest from every angle.

Technique breakdown:

• Multiple braid patterns
• Strategic pinning
• Color placement enhancement
• Texture manipulation

Delicate Blonde Updo with Crystal Accent

A masterfully crafted updo showcases dimensional blonde tones woven into a sophisticated twisted bun. The style’s crown features carefully placed volume, while wispy tendrils frame the face for a romantic touch. The standout element is an exquisite crystal flower hair accessory, complementing a cozy grey turtleneck sweater. This versatile style works beautifully for medium to long hair and requires approximately 30-40 minutes to create.

Styling Requirements:

• Heat protectant spray
• Medium-hold hairspray
• Bobby pins
• Texturizing spray
• Crystal hair accessory
• Teasing brush

Classic Elegant Low Chignon

A timeless low chignon demonstrates the perfect balance of sophistication and effortlessness. The auburn hair is smoothed back into a polished bun, positioned at the nape of the neck. This hairstyle particularly flatters oval face shapes and pairs magnificently with formal attire, as shown with the black off-shoulder design. The style emphasizes natural freckles and features a soft, dewy makeup approach with neutral tones.

Styling Requirements:

• Smoothing cream
• Strong-hold hairspray
• Hair pins
• Fine-toothed comb
• Hair tie
• Shine serum

Refined High Bun with Side Profile

An elegantly structured high bun creates a striking silhouette, perfectly complementing the black formal wear. The auburn hair is swept upward with precision, creating height at the crown while maintaining a clean, sophisticated appearance. Paired with delicate pearl studs, this style exemplifies modern refinement while highlighting facial features through strategic styling.

Styling Requirements:

• Root lifting spray
• Strong-hold gel
• U-shaped pins
• Smoothing brush
• Hair donut (optional)
• Anti-frizz serum

Expert Styling Tips for Winter Formal Hairstyles

Preparation Is Key

• Start with day-old hair for better grip and hold
• Use a clarifying shampoo the day before to remove product buildup
• Apply a hydrating mask to combat winter dryness
• Consider your outfit’s neckline when choosing a style

Weather-Proofing Your Style

• Use anti-humidity spray to prevent frizz
• Set your style with cool air to lock in shape
• Consider indoor heating when choosing products
• Pack emergency bobby pins and travel-size hairspray

Maintenance Throughout the Event

• Secure loose pieces with crossed bobby pins
• Touch up with a small teasing brush
• Keep a travel-size dry shampoo for shine control
• Use static-fighting sheets for winter weather

Professional Insights

Choosing the Right Style

• Consider your face shape and natural texture
• Factor in the event’s duration
• Think about your comfort level with formal styles
• Account for any hair accessories or headpieces

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-product application causing heaviness
• Insufficient securing of updos
• Ignoring weather conditions in styling choices
• Trying new techniques on event day

Care and Maintenance Tips

Pre-Event Preparation

• Schedule a trim two weeks before
• Do a test run of your chosen style
• Prepare your hair with appropriate treatments
• Invest in quality styling tools

Post-Event Care

• Use gentle removal techniques for pins
• Apply overnight repair treatment
• Schedule deep conditioning
• Rest hair from heat styling

Conclusion

Winter formal hairstyles in 2024-2025 embrace both classic elegance and modern sophistication. Whether opting for a sleek updo, romantic braid, or glamorous waves, the key lies in preparation and proper product selection. Remember that the best formal hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident while complementing your overall look.

For lasting results, focus on:

• Proper preparation and product selection
• Weather-appropriate styling techniques
• Secure styling methods
• Regular touch-up strategies

Save these inspirational looks for your next formal event, and don’t forget to share your finished style on social media with #WinterFormalHair #FormalHairstyles2025.