23 Formal Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair Ideas 2024

Finding the perfect formal hairstyle can be a challenge, especially if you have medium-length hair.

Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, business event, or any other special occasion, your hairstyle plays a significant role in completing your look.

Formal hairstyles are all about combining elegance, sophistication, and personality, ensuring you look polished and put together.

In this article, I’ve compiled 23 stunning formal hairstyles that are perfect for medium-length hair.

From timeless buns and chic twists to glamorous curls and modern braided styles, there’s something here for every occasion.

Let’s dive in!

23 Formal Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair Ideas

1. Sleek Low Bun

A sleek low bun is a timeless, elegant option for formal events. To achieve this look, brush your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.

Twist the ponytail and wrap it around its base to form a bun, then secure it with bobby pins. Use a smoothing serum or gel to keep flyaways in place and to create a polished, sleek finish.

This style works best with straight or slightly wavy hair and can be paired with statement earrings for added elegance.

2. Classic French Twist

The classic French twist is the ultimate formal updo. To create it, gather your hair into a low ponytail, twist it upwards, and tuck the ends into the twist.

Secure it with pins, making sure the twist stays tight and neat. Spritz some hairspray for a long-lasting hold.

This hairstyle suits medium-length hair and is ideal for a professional or elegant evening event.

3. Textured Chignon

A textured chignon adds volume and sophistication to your look. Start by loosely curling your hair to add texture.

Pull the hair into a low ponytail, twist sections, and pin them at the nape of your neck, allowing some strands to fall naturally for a soft look.

Use a texturizing spray to enhance the volume and finish with hairspray for hold. This style is perfect for those wanting an effortlessly chic updo.

4. Half-Up Bouffant

The half-up bouffant is a glamorous hairstyle with a vintage flair. Tease the crown section of your hair to create height and volume.

Smooth the top layer over the teased section and pin the top half of your hair back, leaving the rest to flow down.

This style looks stunning with waves or curls at the ends, adding extra volume and dimension to your medium-length hair.

5. Twisted Low Ponytail

For a twisted low ponytail, part your hair in the middle or on one side and create small twists on both sides of your head, securing them with pins at the back.

Gather the remaining hair into a low ponytail. Wrap a strand of hair around the ponytail holder to hide it.

This simple yet elegant hairstyle adds interest with minimal effort and is perfect for any formal occasion.

6. Glam Hollywood Waves

Glam Hollywood waves are a perfect choice for a formal event. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, voluminous curls.

Once curled, brush through the hair gently to soften the waves and add a shine serum for a polished look.

Sweep one side of your hair behind your ear to create a glamorous asymmetry. This style works well with medium-length hair and can elevate any formal outfit.

7. Sleek Middle Part

A sleek middle part is a minimalist but chic hairstyle for formal events. Part your hair directly down the center and flat iron it for a smooth finish.

Use a heat protectant before styling to avoid damage and a serum to add shine.

Tuck the sides behind your ears and apply some hairspray to keep everything in place. This is a modern, sophisticated look that pairs well with bold makeup or accessories.

8. Braided Crown

The braided crown is an intricate yet easy-to-create hairstyle. Part your hair in the middle and start braiding from one side, moving across your hairline to the other side.

Secure the braid with pins as you go, ensuring it stays tight and close to the scalp. Leave the rest of the hair down or in loose waves for a feminine, ethereal look.

9. Low Twisted Bun

For a low twisted bun, start by twisting small sections of hair from both sides of your head and pin them at the back.

Gather all your hair into a low ponytail, twist it, and wrap it into a bun. Secure the bun with pins and finish with a light hairspray for a secure hold.

This understated style is perfect for formal events, offering both elegance and simplicity.

10. Voluminous Side Sweep

The voluminous side sweep adds drama and elegance to your formal look. Start by curling your hair for added volume, then sweep all your curls to one side.

Secure the hair with bobby pins at the back of your head. Tease the roots slightly for extra lift and apply texturizing spray to keep the volume.

This look works well with medium-length hair and creates an elegant, asymmetrical silhouette.

11. Sleek High Ponytail

A sleek high ponytail offers a modern and polished look. Start by gathering your hair high at the crown of your head and securing it tightly with an elastic.

Smooth any flyaways using a gel or smoothing cream, and wrap a strand of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic.

This simple but stylish updo is perfect for a contemporary, formal look.

12. Side French Braid Updo

The side French braid updo combines elegance with intricate detailing. Begin by French braiding one side of your hair from the front, working towards the back.

Once braided, gather all your hair into a loose bun or chignon at the nape of your neck. This braid adds a formal touch and is a great way to incorporate texture into your updo.

13. Curled Ends with Barrette

Add soft curls to the ends of your medium-length hair for a touch of formality. To create this look, use a medium-barrel curling iron to curl just the ends.

Secure one side of your hair with an embellished barrette or clip for added style. This hairstyle is simple yet sophisticated and works well for a wide range of formal occasions.

14. Retro Flip

The retro flip is a nod to vintage elegance. Blow dry your hair straight, then use a curling iron to flip the ends of your hair outwards.

Part your hair to one side and smooth the top for a sleek finish. This style adds a playful twist to a formal look and works especially well with shoulder-length hair.

15. Messy Low Bun

The messy low bun is a more relaxed yet formal hairstyle. Gather your hair into a low ponytail, then twist and pin sections loosely to create a bun.

Pull out a few strands around your face to soften the look. A texturizing spray will give your hair volume and a casual, effortless finish while still looking polished.

16. Twisted Half-Updo

A twisted half-updo combines the elegance of an updo with the flow of loose hair.

Twist two sections of hair from either side of your head and pin them back, leaving the rest of your hair down.

This hairstyle works well with wavy or straight hair, and you can add volume to the crown for a more formal appearance.

17. Braided Low Ponytail

A braided low ponytail is a great way to add some detail to your hairstyle. Start with a French braid or regular braid at the top of your head and stop at the nape of your neck.

Secure the remaining hair into a low ponytail. Wrap a strand of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic for a more polished look.

18. Vintage Waves

Vintage waves give you a timeless, elegant look. Use a curling iron or rollers to create defined, smooth waves.

Brush through the curls gently to loosen them into waves and spritz with shine spray for a glossy finish.

This hairstyle is perfect for medium-length hair and adds a glamorous touch to formal events.

19. Sleek Low Ponytail

The sleek low ponytail is a minimalist yet formal look. Smooth your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.

Use a flat iron to ensure your hair is sleek and straight, and apply serum for a glossy finish.

Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic to hide it, and you’re ready for any formal occasion.

20. Side Part with Loose Curls

For a side part with loose curls, part your hair deeply on one side and use a curling iron to create loose waves or curls.

This hairstyle adds volume and frames your face beautifully, making it ideal for formal settings. Finish with a light hairspray to keep the curls in place without looking too stiff.

21. Dutch Braid Updo

The Dutch braid updo is an intricate yet formal hairstyle.

Braid two sections of hair on either side of your head using the Dutch braiding technique (braiding under rather than over) and pin them into a bun at the back of your head.

This hairstyle adds texture and elegance to medium-length hair, perfect for formal occasions.

22. Half-Up Fishtail Braid

A half-up fishtail braid combines a traditional half-updo with the intricacy of a fishtail braid.

Braid the top half of your hair into a fishtail and secure it at the back, leaving the rest of your hair loose.

This style is both elegant and unique, adding a touch of formality without being overly structured.

23. Rolled Updo

For a rolled updo, roll sections of hair upwards towards the back of your head and secure them with pins.

Continue rolling and pinning the hair until all is neatly tucked into place.

This vintage-inspired look adds sophistication and works beautifully with medium-length hair for a formal event.