18 Formal Hairstyles For Medium Length Hair Ideas 2025

In the world of fashion and beauty, the right hairstyle can make all the difference, especially when it comes to formal events.

Medium-length hair offers a perfect canvas for a variety of elegant styles that can elevate any look.

Whether you’re attending a sophisticated wedding, a glamorous gala, or a festive celebration, having a repertoire of go-to hairstyles can be your secret weapon for looking effortlessly chic.

In our article, “18 Formal Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair,” we present a curated selection of stunning styles, each designed to enhance your elegance and charm.

These hairstyles are not only easy to achieve but also have the power to transform your appearance, making you feel confident and beautiful for any special occasion.

Formal Hairstyles For Medium-Length Hair Ideas

1. Vintage Hollywood Waves

Experience the timeless charm of vintage Hollywood waves, perfect for medium-length hair. This classic style features smooth, sculpted waves cascading elegantly, ideal for black-tie events or weddings.

Start by using a large-barrel curling iron to create defined curls. Secure each curl with clips to set them for a polished finish. Once cooled, gently brush through to transform the curls into soft, flowing waves.

A light mist of hairspray ensures the look stays intact, exuding glamour and sophistication. This hairstyle is perfect for anyone seeking a graceful, classic look that turns heads at any formal occasion.

2. Sleek High Bun with Bangs

Achieve ultimate chic with the sleek high bun, a sophisticated choice for medium-length hair on formal occasions. Begin by straightening your hair and gathering it into a high ponytail.

Twist the ponytail around its base to craft a tight, smooth bun. The addition of soft bangs frames the face beautifully, adding a modern flair.

Finish with a shine spray for a glossy appearance, making this look ideal for evening galas or upscale dinners. This elegant hairstyle speaks volumes of style and grace, ensuring you stand out with refined elegance.

3. Half-Up Bouffant Curls

For a romantic and voluminous look, try the half-up bouffant curls, perfect for medium-length hair. This style combines height and texture, adding a touch of vintage charm.

Backcomb the crown area to create a bouffant, securing it in a half-up ponytail. The rest of the hair remains in soft, loose curls crafted with a medium-sized curling iron.

This blend of retro and modern elements makes it ideal for weddings or formal gatherings. The result is a soft, eye-catching hairstyle that exudes elegance and romance.

4. Effortless Beach Waves

For a relaxed yet elegant look, consider effortless beach waves. Perfect for medium-length hair, this style radiates a casual but polished vibe.

Use a curling wand to form loose waves, then gently run your fingers through for a tousled effect. A spritz of texturizing spray keeps the waves airy and soft, maintaining a natural look.

This versatile hairstyle is suitable for any formal daytime event or evening party, delivering a chic, laid-back elegance that’s always in style.

5. Braided Low Ponytail with Curls

Embrace elegance and playfulness with a braided low ponytail that’s perfect for formal occasions. Start by crafting two loose braids along the sides of your head, guiding them to meet at the nape where they tie into a charming ponytail.

Add texture and volume by curling the remaining hair, giving it a soft, romantic finish. Adorn your hairstyle with decorative hairpins for a touch of sparkle, making it ideal for weddings, proms, or upscale events.

This look combines intricate braiding with a curled ponytail, offering a romantic yet polished style that captures attention and exudes charm.

6. Voluminous French Twist

Achieve timeless sophistication with a voluminous French twist. Begin by gently backcombing the crown to create volume, then gather your hair into a sleek twist at the back.

Secure it with bobby pins, leaving a few soft strands free in the front to elegantly frame your face. Perfect for galas or weddings, this classic updo adds an element of grace while the subtle volume gives it a modern flair.

It’s a refined choice that complements any formal outfit, delivering elegance with its beautifully crafted twist.

7. Half-Up Hollywood Waves

Channel vintage glamour with half-up Hollywood waves. This look marries the allure of cascading waves with a chic, pinned-back crown.

Curl your hair into loose waves, then gently brush through for a smooth finish. Take the top section of your hair and pin it back with a dazzling hair accessory, like a jeweled barrette.

Ideal for red carpet events, this style balances old-school charm with modern elegance, making it a standout option for any formal occasion. It’s a perfect blend of vintage and contemporary style.

8. Sleek Vintage Chignon

Opt for a sleek vintage chignon to exude refined grace at any formal affair. Begin by smoothly brushing your hair back and securing it into a low, twisted chignon at your neck’s nape.

Use hair gel or pomade for that ultra-sleek finish, ensuring every strand stays in place. Pin the bun neatly to achieve a polished look.

This hairstyle is perfect for galas, weddings, or ballroom evenings, offering an effortless yet sophisticated appearance that radiates elegance and poise. It’s a classic style with a modern, sophisticated twist.

9. Half-Up Twisted Curls

Unleash your inner romantic with half-up twisted curls, a hairstyle that radiates elegance for any formal event. Begin by creating voluminous curls using a large curling iron on your medium-length hair.

At the crown, take two sections and twist them, securing with pins for a stunning effect. This creates a cascade of curls that flows beautifully, ideal for weddings or evening galas.

Add a touch of shine spray to enhance the glossiness of your waves and twists, ensuring they remain polished throughout the event.

This look combines structure with volume, offering a sophisticated yet enchanting appearance that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

10. High Curled Ponytail with Bangs

Achieve an elegant yet playful look with a high curled ponytail perfect for proms or receptions. Begin by curling your entire hair length, then gather it into a high ponytail.

Wrap a small section around the base to hide the elastic band, adding a sleek finish. Soft bangs in front frame your face, giving a modern twist to this classic style.

The blend of curls and sleekness provides texture and dimension, making it a versatile choice for those aiming for a formal style that balances structured and relaxed elements.

11. Sleek Low Chignon with Pearls

For timeless glamour, the sleek low chignon is a must-try, especially for black-tie events or weddings. Smooth your hair back into a low bun at the neck’s nape, securing it with pins for a tight, elegant hold.

Adorn your chignon with delicate pearl accessories to elevate the look, adding a regal touch. Use a strong-hold gel or hairspray to maintain the sleek appearance and keep flyaways at bay throughout your event.

This hairstyle offers a polished and refined look, embodying classic elegance with a modern twist. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated and graceful aesthetic.

12. Textured Low Bun with Loose Strands

Embrace a relaxed yet chic style with a textured low bun, perfect for cocktail parties or weddings. Twist sections of your hair and pin them into a loose bun at the nape, leaving a few strands free to frame your face.

This adds a soft and romantic touch to your look. The beauty of this style lies in its balance of sophistication and a carefree vibe. Use a texturizing spray to boost volume and movement, enhancing the natural beauty of the loose strands.

This hairstyle is ideal for those who prefer a formal look with a slightly undone, effortless charm.

13. Curly Updo with Bangs

This curly updo with bangs gives medium-length hair a magical touch for special events. Imagine your curls piled high, creating a mix of playful and elegant vibes.

The curly bangs gently frame your face, adding a soft and charming look. To create this style, gather your natural curls or use a curling wand for extra bounce.

Pin the curls loosely to give them volume and keep the updo secure with bobby pins. This style is a fantastic choice for weddings or fancy dinners, making you look both youthful and sophisticated.

14. Shaggy Layers with Soft Bangs

For a chic and modern flair at formal gatherings, try shaggy layers with soft bangs. These soft, wispy bangs beautifully frame your face, while the layers bring volume and movement to your hair.

Start with medium-length hair and add layers for texture. Use a curling iron to create loose, natural waves, and finish with a texturizing spray to enhance the tousled look.

This hairstyle is perfect for semi-formal events like brunches or cocktail parties, where you want to blend a relaxed and refined appearance.

15. Braided Crown with Loose Waves

Embrace romance and boho charm with a braided crown with loose waves. This formal hairstyle starts by braiding two sections of hair from each side and securing them at the back to form a crown.

Allow the rest of your hair to fall into soft, loose waves using a curling wand for a natural, flowing effect. This style is ideal for weddings, garden parties, or outdoor events where you want to maintain an elegant yet relaxed appearance.

The braided crown adds a touch of regality, while the waves keep the look fresh and effortless, perfect for any occasion where elegance is desired.

16. Twisted Low Bun with Floral Accessory

Opt for a twisted low bun to add a classic touch to your formal event look, especially when paired with a delicate floral accessory.

Twist your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck and secure it with pins. The addition of a floral accessory elevates the look, making it ideal for weddings or formal evening events.

This sleek and timeless hairstyle pairs beautifully with flowy dresses or gowns, ensuring you have a polished, elegant appearance that truly stands out.

17. Elegant Twisted Chignon with Hairpiece

Transform your look for formal events with this elegant twisted chignon. Perfect for weddings or galas, this style wraps your hair into a graceful low bun at the neck, exuding a soft, feminine vibe.

What truly elevates this hairstyle is the addition of a jeweled hairpiece, lending a touch of glamour and sophistication. To achieve this look, simply twist your hair into a bun, secure with bobby pins, and place your accessory right above the bun for a regal finish.

This refined hairstyle is ideal for medium-length hair and pairs beautifully with a formal gown, making you the belle of any event.

18. Floral Half-Up Hairstyle

Embrace a touch of nature with the floral half-up hairstyle, perfect for outdoor weddings, festive events, or cultural celebrations. This style is a blend of simplicity and beauty, making it a timeless choice.

Begin by pulling back the top half of your hair and securing it with pins, allowing the rest to cascade naturally. Add a floral garland or a string of flowers at the back for an enchanting, nature-inspired finish.

This hairstyle is superb for medium-length hair, offering a laid-back elegance that is both festive and chic, ensuring you look effortlessly stunning at any occasion.