About Formal Hairstyles

Discover which formal hairstyles suit you by looking through bridal and beauty magazines to find celebrities and models with a face shape similar to yours. The chic styles they are wearing will likely flatter you as well. If you have uncommon or vintage tastes, you can even look for pictures of actresses or women from past decades. After all, the hairstyles worn to formal events by such icons as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor are considered classics that look as stunning today as they did back then.

Function

Formal hairstyles are a fitting accessory for occasions where elegant attire is required. They are worn along with cocktail dresses or evening gowns, although they are suited as well to ceremonial events set in the morning or afternoon, such as traditional weddings. While formal hairstyles are not a requirement in terms of etiquette, they are a factor that can distinguish style-conscious individuals from those with simpler tastes, if not a laxer set of standards when it comes to dressing up.

Identification

Formal hairdos used to be characterized by stiffness due to the arguably excessive use of styling products. In contemporary times, however, hairstylists no longer rely as much on the aerosol hairsprays used to hold 1960s-inspired beehive and bouffant styles in place. While the hairstyles of the past appeared shiny, they were also untouchable as every strand was supposed to stay put. Modern formal hairstyles, on the other hand, have more movement, as the latest technology in hairstyling products shapes tresses while allowing them to remain flexible.

Considerations

When choosing a formal hairstyle, think about the mood you wish to evoke. A playful or flirty style makes use of details, such as tendrils around the face, that would look inappropriate with a more serious style, which sticks to the basics and keeps away from too many embellishments.
Take the neckline of your outfit into account as well. For instance, wear your hair up if you have on a halter-style dress meant to show off your shoulders. Turtlenecks are another cut that go well with hair pulled away from the face. Strapless fashions, on the other hand, work with hair worn either up or down.
If you want your hairstyle to look especially flawless, book an appointment at a salon, or at least ask for the help of a friend skilled at creating hairstyles.

Types

While there are many variations on formal hairstyles, they can basically be classified into three types.
When all the hair is pinned or pulled away from the face, this is called an "updo." Buns and French twists are no longer the only formal updos. A ponytail may seem casual, but dressing it up and keeping it neat instead of sloppy makes it an acceptable formal hairstyle (see Resources).
Hair that is worn down for formal occasions looks attractive styled in curls or waves. If worn straight, a flat iron can be used to ensure that hair appears smooth and polished, with no flyaways.
A half-up, half-down style can be worn to pull hair conveniently off the face, yet leave the bottom section down to add softness to the look. Do not neglect the section worn down; curl or straighten the loose locks depending on personal preference.
Short hair can be styled in a formal fashion by simply applying a pinch of hair wax or gel onto hair to make sure all the strands are in place. More elaborate styles can also be created, for example by adding finger waves.

Warning

Ensure that hair does not get damaged even when styled frequently. Apply heat-protective serum before using any thermal styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons. If these will be used regularly, invest in ceramic or tourmaline thermal tools. The chrome or metal-plated ones dry hair instead of sealing in the moisture as their more expensive counterparts do. You may also want to style hair without heat by using regular hair curlers instead, or even the soft rollers that can be worn overnight to sleep in.

Resources

• Examples of the formal ponytail hairstyle
• Video on creating finger waves on short hair