20 Formal Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair 2025

Every woman knows the power of a perfect hairstyle, especially when attending formal occasions.

As we step into 2025, the allure of medium-length hair takes center stage, providing the perfect canvas for creativity and elegance.

In this article, I’ve curated 20 stunning formal hairstyles tailored for medium-length hair, highlighting the latest trends and timeless classics.

Whether you’re preparing for a glamorous wedding, an upscale dinner, or a sophisticated gala, these hairstyles are designed to inspire and elevate your look.

Let’s jump into it!

20 Formal Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair

1. Elegant Side-Swept Curls

Transform your appearance with this formal hairstyle of luxurious, side-swept curls. Begin with a heat protectant on clean, dry hair.

Use a medium barrel curling iron to curl large sections, directing them away from your face. Gently brush the curls for added volume and smoothness.

Twist a small section from the front to the back and secure it with pins. Ideal for medium length hair, this style exudes a glamorous yet effortless vibe, perfect for any formal occasion.

2. Braided Crown with Flowing Waves

Opt for this enchanting hairstyle for formal settings, featuring a crown of intricate braids leading into soft waves.

Start with a deep side part and braid the larger section in a French braid along the hairline, securing it at the back.

Use a curling wand to create waves in your hair, enhancing its movement and texture.

3. Classic French Twist with Cascading Curls

Enhance the classic French twist with cascading curls. Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush for added volume.

Lightly backcomb the crown area for lift. Sweep your hair into a French twist, leaving the ends free to curl with a curling iron.

Secure the style with bobby pins and a light mist of hairspray for hold. Perfect for sophisticated gatherings, this style blends timeless elegance with a modern twist.

4. Sleek Angled Bob

Create a sharp, contemporary look with a sleek angled bob. Cut the hair to form a subtle angle from back to front, with the longest strands framing your face.

Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair and blow-dry straight using a paddle brush. Finish with a flat iron for pin-straight locks, highlighting the angular cut.

This hairstyle emphasizes facial features and exudes a polished, professional aura, ideal for formal events and meetings.

5. Textured Updo with Loose Strands

This textured updo combines elegance with a playful twist, perfect for formal events. Start by spraying a texturizing spray on dry hair to add grip and volume.

Gently tease the roots, then gather your hair loosely at the back and twist it into a soft bun at the crown. Allow some delicate strands to fall around your face and neck, adding a romantic flair.

Lightly curl these strands for extra charm. This style is both charming and sophisticated, ideal for weddings or any elegant occasion.

6. Braided Ponytail with Flower Accents

This style features a dramatic side braid flowing into a voluminous ponytail adorned with flowers.

Start with a deep side part and French braid along the hairline, adding larger sections as you braid towards the nape.

Secure with a band and tease the ponytail for volume. Curl the ends for a soft look. Add small white flowers or decorative pins along the braid for a unique touch.

7. Half-Up, Half-Down with Pearl Accents

This classic style is enhanced by pearl accents, making it ideal for formal gatherings. Curl your hair with a medium iron for soft waves.

Gather the top section and secure it at the back, then place pearl pins throughout the gathered hair for elegance.

Arrange the pearls so they are visible, adding a touch of sophistication. This hairstyle combines simplicity and elegance, perfect for medium-length hair at any formal event.

8. Sleek and Sculpted Chignon

The sleek chignon is the height of sophistication, featuring a smooth bun at the nape of the neck. Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair and blow-dry straight.

Pull your hair into a tight, low ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure with pins. Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth any flyaways and finish with a strong-hold hairspray.

This look is perfect for formal business events or evening galas, offering a polished and refined appearance.

9. Intricate Braided Crown

Imagine wearing a beautiful crown made of your own hair! This formal hairstyle creates a stunning braided circle around your head.

Start by dividing your hair in half and tightly braiding each side. Then, wrap these braids around your head like a crown and pin them securely.

For an extra touch of elegance, add flower or jewel pins along the braid.

10. Voluminous Ponytail with Sleek Top

This hairstyle is a blend of smooth and puffy. Begin by applying a smoothing serum to damp hair and blow-drying it straight.

Pull your hair into a high ponytail, making sure the top is sleek and smooth. Then, use a curling iron to create waves in the ponytail and gently tease them for more volume.

This style is both simple and glamorous, making it perfect for formal dinners or a fun night out. It’s an easy way to add a touch of chic elegance to your look.

11. Cascading Curls with Pearl Enhancements

Feel like a princess with this romantic hairstyle! Start by curling your hair into soft, defined curls using a medium-barrel iron.

Take the top half of your hair and twist it into a loose half-ponytail or twist. Secure it with pins and add large pearl clips to make it fancy.

This look is effortlessly graceful, ideal for galas or receptions where you want a touch of sophistication.

12. Textured Half-Up Twist with Braids

Create a magical look with this textured hairstyle. Begin by making loose waves with a curling wand.

Next, take the top half of your hair, twist it slightly, and add small braids within the twist for extra detail.

Secure it at the back with pins, letting the rest of your hair flow freely. This versatile hairstyle is perfect for both formal events and casual outings.

13. Braided Halo with Jewel Accents

Transform your hair into a magical crown with the Braided Halo style. Start by making two small braids from the front sections of your hair.

Carefully wrap these braids around your head and secure them at the back. Add a touch of sparkle by placing small jeweled pins along the braid.

This style is perfect for weddings or festive occasions, combining classic braids with a touch of glamour for an unforgettable look.

14. Sophisticated Blonde Updo

For a truly chic appearance, try the Sophisticated Blonde Updo. Begin by backcombing your roots to create volume.

Smoothly brush your hair back and twist it into a high updo, securing it with pins, but leave some ends loose for a modern twist.

Finish with a high-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. This hairstyle is perfect for formal events where you need to look polished and refined.

15. Playful Ponytail with Voluminous Curls

Turn a simple ponytail into a fun and fabulous style with voluminous curls. Gather your hair into a high ponytail and use a large-barrel curling iron to curl the ponytail.

Lightly tease the curls to add bounce and volume, creating a lively yet polished look. This hairstyle is perfect for events like outdoor weddings or formal gatherings.

It’s playful and chic, ensuring you stand out with a vibrant, energetic style that’s easy to achieve and maintain.

16. Elegant Flowing Waves with Clip

Achieve a timeless beauty with Elegant Flowing Waves, perfect for any special occasion. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create soft waves throughout your hair.

Gently brush them out for a natural, flowing look. Gather sections of hair from each side and secure them at the back with a stylish decorative clip.

This style offers a controlled yet effortlessly chic appearance, ideal for formal dinners or receptions.

17. Elegant Side-Swept Twist

Create a luxurious, side-swept twist that elegantly gathers your hair to one side.

Start by applying a smoothing product to damp hair and blow-dry it using a round brush for extra sleekness. Once dry, gently sweep all your hair to one side.

Begin twisting the hair from the nape of the neck all the way to the ends, securing it with discreet pins. Let a few curls fall naturally to soften your face.

18. Classic Low Chignon

For a timeless look, try the Classic Low Chignon, ideal for formal events. Begin by parting your hair down the middle, then smooth it back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.

Twist the ponytail into a neat bun, tucking under the ends and securing them with bobby pins.

Finish with a light mist of hairspray for hold and a touch of shine serum for a glossy finish.

19. Half-Up, Half-Down with Soft Waves

Combine elegance and flow with the Half-Up, Half-Down with Soft Waves. Use a wide-barrel curling iron to create gentle curls, then softly brush them out for a wavy texture.

Take sections from both sides of your head, twist or braid them slightly, and secure at the back with a clip or pins.

This romantic hairstyle is perfect for formal dinners, dances, or weddings, offering a glamorous yet effortless appearance that blends charm with style seamlessly.

20. Braided Crown with Loose Waves

Embrace an enchanting style with the Braided Crown with Loose Waves. Start by creating a French braid along the crown of your head, beginning at one ear and ending at the other.

Secure the braid with pins, and use a curling iron to add loose waves to the rest of your hair.

This whimsically beautiful style is perfect for garden parties or outdoor weddings, giving a bohemian yet polished vibe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this collection of 20 formal hairstyles for medium-length hair showcases the incredible diversity and versatility available to you.

Whether you’re aiming for a timeless classic like the low chignon or something more whimsical like the braided crown with loose waves, there’s a style perfectly suited for every formal occasion and personal taste.

From weddings to elegant dinners, these hairstyles offer both structure and softness, ensuring you look and feel your best.