18 Semi Formal Hairstyles Ideas for 2024

Finding the perfect hairstyle for a semi-formal event can feel like a delicate balance between casual and elegant.

Whether you’re attending a wedding, a cocktail party, or a fancy dinner, your hairstyle should complement your outfit without being too formal or too relaxed.

The key is to choose a style that enhances your natural beauty while adding a touch of sophistication.

In this article, I’ve gathered 18 semi-formal hairstyle ideas that range from sleek buns to soft waves, giving you plenty of versatile options for any occasion.

Let’s dive into it!

18 Semi Formal Hairstyles 2024

1. Sleek Low Bun

A sleek low bun is a go-to semi-formal hairstyle that offers both style and ease. To achieve this look, start by using a smoothing serum to tame any flyaways.

Then, gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail tightly and wrap it around its base to create a bun, securing it with bobby pins.

For extra sleekness, smooth the top of your head with hairspray or gel. This style works best for straight or slightly wavy hair, giving you a polished look that’s perfect for any semi-formal event.

2. Half-Up, Half-Down with Loose Waves

For a mix of elegance and playfulness, the half-up, half-down style with loose waves is ideal. Start by curling your hair loosely with a curling iron for soft, flowing waves.

Next, take the top section of your hair and secure it in a half-up style with a clip or small elastic.

You can add a bit of volume to the crown by teasing the roots before securing. The waves give this style a relaxed feel, while the half-up part keeps it semi-formal.

3. French Twist

The French twist is a classic updo that’s perfect for semi-formal occasions. Begin by gathering your hair into a low ponytail without securing it.

Twist the ponytail upwards, tucking the ends into the twist and pinning them with bobby pins. The final look should be smooth and tight against your head.

You can leave a few strands loose around the face for a softer appearance. This elegant updo works best for medium to long hair and pairs well with dresses and formal attire.

4. Braided Crown

A braided crown offers a romantic and semi-formal vibe, perfect for medium to long hair.

Start by parting your hair down the middle, then braid both sides into regular three-strand braids. Wrap each braid around your head and secure the ends with bobby pins, forming a crown-like appearance.

You can pull apart the braid slightly to make it appear fuller and more relaxed. This hairstyle is ideal for those looking for a soft, feminine look with a creative touch.

5. Loose Curls with Side Part

Loose curls with a deep side part create a sophisticated yet relaxed style. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, voluminous curls, then sweep your hair to one side, creating a deep side part.

This adds extra volume and frames the face beautifully. A light mist of hairspray will hold the curls in place without making them stiff.

This hairstyle is versatile and works well for various hair lengths, making it perfect for a semi-formal event.

6. High Ponytail with a Twist

For a youthful yet polished look, try a high ponytail with a twist. Start by pulling your hair into a high ponytail and securing it with a hair tie.

Take a small section of hair from the ponytail, wrap it around the base to hide the elastic, and pin it in place.

For a more textured look, you can curl the ends of your ponytail or tease it for volume. This hairstyle keeps hair out of your face while adding a touch of elegance.

7. Low Chignon

A low chignon is a timeless, polished hairstyle that works well for any semi-formal occasion.

To achieve this look, part your hair down the middle or side, then gather it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail around itself to form a bun and secure it with bobby pins.

Leave a few face-framing strands for a softer finish, or keep it slicked back for a more professional appearance.

8. Fishtail Braid

A fishtail braid is an intricate yet easy-to-create style that suits semi-formal events. Begin by splitting your hair into two sections.

Take a small piece of hair from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to the opposite side.

Repeat this on the other side, alternating until you’ve reached the end of your hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie.

9. Soft Waves with Headband

If you want to keep your hair loose but still styled, try soft waves with a headband. Use a curling iron to create soft, loose waves throughout your hair.

After curling, place a decorative or simple headband over your hair, pushing it back slightly to keep the waves flowing freely.

The headband adds a touch of elegance while keeping the hair away from your face.

10. Slicked Back Wet Look

For a modern and edgy take on semi-formal hair, the slicked back wet look is ideal.

To achieve this style, apply a generous amount of styling gel or mousse to damp hair, then use a comb to slick your hair straight back from the forehead.

The goal is to create a smooth, shiny finish that looks almost wet. This look is bold, so it pairs best with simple outfits and minimal accessories. It works for short to medium hair lengths.

11. Messy Low Bun

A messy low bun is a relaxed yet stylish choice for semi-formal occasions. To create this look, gather your hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck.

Twist the hair into a loose bun, allowing some strands to fall out naturally.

Secure the bun with bobby pins but avoid making it too neat—the charm of this style is in its slightly undone appearance.

12. Voluminous Blowout

A voluminous blowout is perfect if you want to let your hair shine naturally.

Start by applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow dry using a round brush to create volume at the roots and smoothness through the lengths.

This look works well on medium to long hair and gives off a polished, semi-formal vibe without needing any intricate styling.

13. Side Braid with Loose Curls

A side braid combined with loose curls creates a romantic, semi-formal hairstyle. Start by curling your hair with a large curling iron for soft waves.

Then, braid a small section of hair on one side, starting from the temple and working towards the ear.

Secure the braid with a pin, blending it into the rest of your loose curls. This hairstyle adds a bit of detail while keeping the look soft and elegant.

14. Half-Up Knot

The half-up knot gives a modern twist to the classic half-up style. To create this look, take the top half of your hair and tie it into a small knot at the back of your head.

Leave the rest of your hair loose, either straight or in waves. The knot adds a unique, semi-formal touch, making it ideal for those who want to keep things stylish yet casual.

15. Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle

For a twisted half-up hairstyle, section off the top part of your hair. Take small sections from each side, twist them, and secure them at the back with pins.

This creates a soft, romantic effect while keeping your hair out of your face.

It’s an easy-to-achieve look that works well for various hair lengths and adds a bit of elegance to your overall style.

16. Vintage Waves

Vintage waves are inspired by old Hollywood glamour and bring a timeless touch to semi-formal events.

Use a curling iron to create tight, structured waves, then brush them out gently for a smooth, glossy finish.

This style works best on medium-length hair and pairs beautifully with vintage-inspired outfits or accessories.

17. Low Ponytail with Hair Wrap

A low ponytail with a hair wrap is an easy yet elegant way to style your hair. Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic.

Take a small section of hair from the ponytail, wrap it around the elastic, and pin it in place to hide the hair tie.

This simple touch elevates the look, making it perfect for semi-formal occasions. The style works for both straight and wavy hair.

18. Double Dutch Braids

For a trendy yet semi-formal look, try double Dutch braids. Part your hair down the middle and create two Dutch braids, starting from the hairline and working your way down to the nape of your neck.

Secure the braids with elastics or pins. You can leave the ends of the braids loose or incorporate them into a low bun for a polished finish.