22 Winter Formal Hairstyles for 2025

Winter formals are the perfect stage to showcase your style, and nothing completes your look like the right hairstyle.

Whether you’re stepping into a formal gala or a cozy winter event, choosing the perfect hairdo sets the tone.

This guide reveals 22 stunning hairstyles for 2025, packed with the season’s latest trends and timeless elegance.

22 Winter Formal Hairstyles

1. Elegant French Roll-Up

Elevate your look with the sophisticated French roll-up, a perfect choice for formal winter events.

This updo features full, folded locks with subtle blonde highlights that catch the light effortlessly.

It adds a touch of glamour and complexity, making it ideal for pairing with a formal gown. Style with volume-enhancing products to complete this timeless, festive look.

2. Cascading Half-Up Waves

Achieve a dreamy vibe with flowing half-up, half-down waves that exude romance and charm. This look is enhanced with a delicate floral accessory for an elegant touch.

The soft, cascading waves bring a natural yet stunning flair to formal settings. Use a curling wand for loose waves and secure the half-up section with your favorite decorative clip.

3. Sleek Ponytail Curl

For a bold yet polished look, try the sleek ponytail curl. This hairstyle combines a smooth, high-shine base with a dramatic curled end that adds flair.

It’s sophisticated and modern, pairing beautifully with any evening outfit. Use a flat iron for sleekness and a curling iron for the end.

4. Braided Chignon Elegance

Step into sophistication with the braided chignon, featuring intricately woven strands that blend into a low bun.

This timeless yet modern style works beautifully for high-fashion events. Soft, face-framing strands create a delicate balance.

Braid sections of your hair, then tuck into a bun and finish with a texturing spray for an effortless yet polished look.

5. Polished Low Bun

Create a sleek and sophisticated low bun that highlights your facial features beautifully.

This style requires combing your hair tightly and smoothly back into a neat bun at the nape of your neck.

Keep it sleek with smoothing products for a flawless finish. It’s an effortless way to radiate elegance, pairing perfectly with any formal winter outfit.

6. Embellished Braided Ponytail

For a look that’s both elegant and playful, try an embellished braided ponytail. Begin with intricate braids at the crown, leading into a voluminous ponytail.

Add sparkle with delicate hair accessories for a touch of glamour.

This hairstyle turns any festive or formal occasion into a fashion statement while allowing you to flaunt your creative side.

7. Romantic Cascading Curls

Channel romance with luxurious, flowing curls, perfect for soft elegance.

Craft an intricate crown using intertwined sections for subtle structure, then let voluminous curls cascade down your back.

This look pairs beautifully with sophisticated gowns and adds dramatic movement. It’s the epitome of charm and perfection for a dreamy winter evening out.

8. Half-Up, Half-Down Glamour

Achieve timeless glamour with a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Gently pull back the top section of your hair into a soft twist or pin, while leaving long waves cascading below.

This effortless blend of refined and relaxed style enhances formal outfits while still feeling approachable.

9. Sculpted Elegance Bun

Achieve this flawless, sculpted bun by smoothing your hair at the crown and twisting it into a voluminous bun at the back.

The sleek shine adds to its sophisticated appeal, making it ideal for high-profile events.

Pair this polished look with sleek dresses to exude elegance. It’s your go-to style for a refined and timeless vibe.

10. Intricate Braided Updo

This majestic braided updo features twists, loops, and intricate braiding, all woven into a low, voluminous bun.

It merges traditional and modern elegance, making it perfect for winter galas. The refined structure pairs stunningly with ornate gowns.

Create this look with detailed braiding techniques, and you’ll exude a regal charm that feels both vintage and contemporary.

11. Bohemian Braided Tapestry

For a relaxed yet elegant vibe, style long, flowing hair with multiple loose braids, adorned with decorative silver charms.

This look feels uniquely bohemian and is great for outdoor or casual winter gatherings.

The playful charms catch the eye, adding a personalized, whimsical touch to your hair. Perfect for someone who loves a laid-back yet standout style.

12. Twisted Rosette Bun

Create a charming high bun that resembles a rosette, combining soft twists and curls atop the crown.

This elegant style is a fantastic match for a winter ball or formal dinner, offering a mix of modern sophistication with old-world allure.

It’s an easy way to add grace and intricate detail to your look, perfectly complementing classic or modern outfits.

13. Voluminous Top Knot

Create a stunning, high top knot that adds both height and glamour to your look. Sweep back your hair elegantly for a polished finish, emphasizing your facial features.

Focus on getting the right volume and smoothness to perfect this style. It’s the ultimate choice for a winter formal, blending sophistication and bold elegance effortlessly.

14. Classic Chignon Twist

Achieve timeless beauty with a sleek chignon twist resting at the nape of your neck. This low bun is all about a clean, polished finish that exudes understated charm.

Gather and twist your hair carefully to shape the bun, keeping things smooth and elegant. Perfect for formal settings, this style radiates both simplicity and sophistication.

15. Swirled Low Bun

Go for a romantic swirled low bun that’s effortless yet striking. Twist soft strands into delicate swirls before forming your bun at the back.

This adds texture and depth, making your hairstyle visually rich yet simple to create.

Its natural flow complements flowing gowns perfectly, offering a look that’s both graceful and charming for winter formals.

16. Braided Crown with Pearls

Channel regal vibes with a braided crown enhanced by elegant pearls.

Wrap the braids around your head to create a crown-like effect, and weave in delicate pearl accessories for extra charm.

This hairstyle brings a touch of luxury and grandeur, making it ideal for anyone aiming to make a sophisticated, standout statement at their winter formal.

17. Sleek Side-Swept Waves

Elevate your style with a deep side part and glossy waves gracefully swept to one side. This look radiates glamour and captures the essence of classic Hollywood elegance.

A smooth, polished finish ensures a standout appearance perfect for formal winter gatherings where sophistication and charm take center stage.

18. Low Side Bun with Crystal Accessories

Craft a chic low side bun adorned with dazzling crystal accessories for the ultimate festive flair.

This stunning hairstyle is both practical and luxurious, neatly keeping hair away from the face while maximizing sparkle under the lights.

19. High Gloss Ponytail

Go for a sleek high ponytail with an ultra-glossy sheen to achieve a bold, modern vibe.

This elegant yet practical style pulls hair away to highlight your features, making it great for pairing with daring makeup.

20. Crown Twist Updo

Channel regal charm with a continuous hair twist styled into a crown, gracefully gathered into an intricate updo.

This hairstyle is uniquely elegant, serving as a refined alternative to traditional braided crowns.

With its well-sculpted finish, it’s ideal for formal occasions that call for an impressive yet timeless statement look.

21. Romantic Tousled Updo

Achieve an effortlessly romantic look with a tousled updo. Gently pull back soft curls, leaving stray wisps to frame your face.

It’s that perfect mix of stylish and undone, adding whimsical charm. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor winter events, this feminine hairstyle complements formal outfits beautifully.

22. Vintage Curls with Deep Part

Channel the glamour of the 1920s with deeply sculpted waves and a pronounced side part.

The glossy, defined curls cascade elegantly down one side, while the other side tucks neatly behind your ear.

Perfect with ornate gowns, this style exudes vintage charm and timeless elegance. Use shine spray and pins for a polished finish.

Conclusion

Winter formal events call for hairstyles that shine as bright as the season itself.

From timeless elegance to soft, romantic charm, these 22 hairstyles offer something for every taste and occasion.

Whether you’re drawn to glamour, vintage vibes, or modern sophistication, there’s no shortage of inspiration.