12 Trendy Formal Updos to Try this Fall and Winter
Easy, formal and chic.
Formal updos used to be known as stuffy hairstyles that required the help of a stylist and loads of hairspray. The tables have turned and in this day and age, formal updos have a new meaning, and feeling, and they can often be done in the comfort of your own home. Women are wearing formal hairstyles just for fun, and they’re often trading their salon appointments for easy D.I.Y. styles that are a lot more laid back.
12 Best Formal Updos
If you don’t already have your go-to formal easy hairstyles handy, we have just the inspiration for you! Scroll through the gallery of our top formal hair updos for any hair type:
1. Braided Bun
Here’s one more reason to love braids if you don’t love them already! The style can be dressed up or dressed down. If you are set on incorporating braids into your formal style, this coiled braided bun is a current way to do it.
2. Croissant Bun
Whether you’re looking for updo hairstyles for prom or a simple formal style, this one is for you. Try this croissant-inspired bun as your formal updo. The look is pretty easy to create with our croissant bun tutorial. To finish your look you can set with TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hair Spray Smooth Hold Level 2 for a soft and smooth finish.
3. Curly Bun
Looking for formal updos that don’t require any heat styling to your naturally curly hair? This curly bun was made for you. Gather your hair into a loose low chignon and pin in place. Set your updo with TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Boost Hold Level 3 to finish the look.
4. Donut Bun
Take the donut bun to new heights with this new and formal version of the look. Swirl the length of your hair around the bun to create a three-dimensional look. This look is the perfect marriage between classic updo styles and more current variations.
5. Formal Fauxhawk
Have a last-minute formal event and your hair is already styled into a casual fauxhawk? We’ve got a quick fix! Add a barrette to turn it into a formal updo. A touch of sparkle instantly elevates just about any hairstyle.
6. Fishtail Bun
This is yet another fishtail braided style to add to your list of favorites. Wear this fishtail braided bun to any formal event. The off-centered style adds some edge to a more classic look.
7. Floral Bun
Flowers add a touch of flair to any style, right? Dress up your updo with flowers of your choice to recreate this look. Talk to the florist of any big event about setting aside a handful of flowers to use in your style!
8. French Roll
This is one of the classiest formal updos of all. Learn how you can create this French updo here. This chic style is a classic for a reason and it’s as relevant now as it ever was. Grab a comb and some hair pins and get ready to throw it back in a super-classy way!
9. Wrapped Chignon
Leave the exposed hair elastics for casual styles. Formal updos are all about hiding the tools used to create the look. Cover your ponytail holder with your own hair to create an ultra-polished finish to any updo style.
10. Beehive-Inspired Updo
Looking to recreate some formal updos from the past? Start with the beehive! Give this look a modern twist by toning down the height of the look just a bit. There’s still enough volume in the style to give you that desired height without going overboard.
11. Diamond Accessory
Go the extra mile by adding a diamond accessory to your updo. When tucked underneath a braid, this diamond hairpiece makes even more of a statement. Pair the accessory with coordinating earrings for an all-over sparkling look.
12. “Coral” Bun
This look is as complicated to create as it looks, but the outcome is totally worth it! This style requires a sheer hairnet to keep the “coral” pattern in place. We love the movement in this look and think it’s the perfect show-stopping style for a formal event.
Thinking about trying out one of these styles? Make sure to grab a picture of the finished look and tag us over @AllThingsHairUS!
