Hi, I’m Lena — a hairstylist with over a decade of salon experience. Winter formal events call for hairstyles that combine elegance with cold-weather practicality. In this curated gallery of 20 images, I showcase classic updos, modern low buns, romantic waves, polished ponytails, and embellished braids designed to flatter every length and texture. These looks suit bridesmaids, gala attendees, and anyone seeking a refined holiday style — whether you have short hair, long hair, fine strands, or thick textured hair. My professional tips: prep with a hydrating mask to counter winter dryness, protect with a heat shield before styling, and choose pins and sprays that hold through cold, dry air. For textured hair, enhance curl definition with a diffuser; for sleek styles, smooth with a flat iron and lightweight serum. Each image includes quick styling notes so you can recreate the look at home or bring clear inspo to your salon appointment.
Romantic Textured Updo with Loose Curls and Face‑Framing Tendrils
A soft, romantic textured updo built from loosely pinned curls and delicate face‑framing tendrils. Suitable for medium to long hair — fine hair looks fuller with padding or texturizing products, and thick hair will benefit from additional pins and shaping. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protectant and volumizing mousse, then blow‑dry with a round brush for lift. Create loose curl sections using a 1–1.25 curling iron or large hot rollers, alternating curl direction for natural movement. Lightly backcomb the crown for height, then gather and pin curls into a low, slightly off‑center bun, securing individual loops with U‑pins and bobby pins to build the textured shape. Leave a few tendrils around the face and soften them with a small curling iron. Tools needed: curling iron/hot rollers, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins/U‑pins and optional hair pad. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, medium‑hold hairspray and a lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate (30–50 minutes). Maintenance: carry spare pins, refresh grip with dry shampoo or texturizer, re‑curl loose tendrils as needed, avoid brushing and sleep with a loose wrap to preserve the style.
Romantic Twisted Braided Low Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, romantic low updo combines loose braids and twists gathered into a textured bun with delicate face‑framing tendrils. Hair type suitability: best for medium to long lengths and medium to thick density; natural waves or light curls hold the style most easily. Fine hair will benefit from light padding or clip‑in extensions; very short hair is not suitable. Styling technique: prep on second‑day or freshly washed hair with a light mousse or texturizing spray, blow‑dry smooth, then create loose curls with a 1–1.25 barrel. Section hair into several pieces, loosely twist or braid each section, then pin around a low central base to build a soft, voluminous bun. Gently pull braid loops for shape and softness, and pull two small face pieces free for a romantic finish. Tools needed: curling iron/wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, assortment of bobby pins and small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light mousse or root lift, medium‑hold hairspray, and a light shine serum. Difficulty level: intermediate — typically 25–45 minutes in salon (longer with extensions). Maintenance tips: secure extra pins discreetly, refresh texture with dry shampoo, retouch loose curls and mist with hairspray before photos, and protect with a silk scarf if you need to preserve the style overnight.
Half-Up Braided Crown with Loose Beachy Waves
Suitable for medium to long hair in straight, wavy or slightly curly textures, this half-up braided crown adds volume and keeps hair off the face while showcasing length. Start on dry, pre-styled hair: create soft, loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron or wand, alternating curl directions for natural movement. Take two front sections and rope-twist or Dutch-braid each toward the back, securing with small elastics and tucking the ends under the opposite twist with bobby pins to form a crown. Gently pancake the braid for width and pull a few face-framing strands loose for softness. Tools needed: curling iron/wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a boar-bristle or paddle brush. Products required: heat protectant, light texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes depending on hair length. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or a light spritz of texturizer, re-pin loosened sections, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve waves.
Textured Romantic Braided Updo with Face‑Framing Waves
This soft, textured braided updo suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick densities — straight or naturally wavy hair adapts most easily; very fine hair will benefit from light extensions for added body. Technique: create loose waves, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then gather hair to one side and form several loose twists or a relaxed braid, pinning each section into a low, textured bun while pulling pieces slightly for volume and movement. Leave a few face‑framing tendrils and soften with a finger. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling wand, teasing/comb, rat‑tail comb, small elastics, strong bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products required: heat protectant, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, light volumizing mousse or root lift, flexible hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires sectioning and pinning skills but no advanced braiding. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with a quick mist of texturizer or dry shampoo, tighten loose pins as needed, re‑shape tendrils with a curling wand, and sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap to preserve the style for 1–2 days.
Textured Romantic Side-Swept Tousled Updo with Loose Waves & Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed, romantic side-swept updo suits medium to long hair and works best on natural waves or hair types from fine to medium-thick (coarse hair will need extra smoothing and product). Start by prepping damp hair with a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray; blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to enhance texture. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron, alternating directions for movement. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then gather sections toward one low side and secure with pins and a small elastic—leave a few tendrils around the face for softness. Finish by tugging and loosening sections for that tousled effect and pinning as needed for balance. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, bobby pins, small elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or texturizer, flexible-hold hairspray, light serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate; expect 25–40 minutes in-salon. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or loose bun, refresh with dry shampoo and finger-combing, and re-curl stray pieces with a quick barrel touch-up.
Romantic Textured Braided Updo with Cascading Curls
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and naturally wavy to curly textures, this romantic textured braided updo combines loose crown braiding with cascading ringlets for a soft, bohemian finish. Start with clean, towel-dried hair treated with heat protectant and a volumizing mousse; blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to enhance natural wave. Create two loose French/Dutch braids from the temples toward the back, secure with small elastics, then pull gently on the braid edges to pancake for width. Curl remaining lengths with a 1 barrel wand, finger-comb curls, and weave the braided sections into a low, slightly off-center braided cluster, securing with long bobby pins. Finish by teasing lightly at the crown and misting with flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: 1 curling wand, blow dryer with diffuser/round brush, sectioning clips, teasing comb, bobby pins, small elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray, texturizing powder or spray, flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate; allow 45–75 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh curls with a quick wand touch-up or mist of water + texturizer, and retighten loose pins as needed.
Romantic Side-Swept Cascade: Voluminous Half-Up Curls
Suitable for medium-to-long lengths and medium to thick textures, this romantic side-swept half-up with cascading curls adds volume and movement. Fine hair benefits from root-lifting mousse or clip-in pieces; naturally curly hair should be smoothed at the crown before styling. Styling technique: blow-dry with a round brush or diffuser for lift, spray heat protectant, then wrap 1–1.25 sections around a medium-barrel curling wand, alternating directions. Lightly backcomb the crown for height, smooth the top layer, pull hair to one side and secure with hidden bobby pins and U-pins, leaving loose curls to cascade. Finish by separating and pinching curls for a lived-in look. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling wand, round brush, sectioning clips, tail comb, bobby pins/U-pins, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray, lightweight serum for shine. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires consistent curling technique and strategic pinning. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizing spray, touch up face-framing pieces with a curling iron, and trim ends every 10–12 weeks.
Soft Textured Romantic Updo with Crystal Accent
This elegant textured updo works beautifully for medium to thick hair and for fine hair when paired with light padding or clip-in volume pieces. Start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand to add grip, then gently backcomb the crown for lift. Section hair, twist and pin irregular sections into a low, slightly off-center bun, leaving a few face-framing tendrils soft and piecey. Place a decorative crystal hairpiece over the finished knot and secure with U-pins. Tools needed: curling wand, teasing comb, tail comb, sectioning clips, plenty of bobby/U-pins, small elastics and a diffuser if starting from curly hair. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or dry shampoo for texture, texturizing spray or sea-salt spray, light-to-medium hold hairspray and a shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — a trained stylist can complete in 30–45 minutes; DIY may take longer. Maintenance: anchor with hidden pins, mist with flexible hold spray, avoid excessive touching, and carry a mini spray and a few pins for quick evening touch-ups.
Romantic Braided-Twist Low Updo with Face‑Framing Tendril
This romantic braided-twist low updo works best on medium to thick, shoulder‑length to long hair; fine or short hair can achieve the same look with clip‑in extensions for added volume. Start with towel‑dried hair prepped with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant. Create a loose Dutch or French braid along the crown or side, then twist remaining hair into a low bun, securing with bobby pins and small elastics. Gently pancake the braid and pull pieces for softness, and leave a single face‑framing tendril, shaping it with a 1–1.25 in. curling wand for a soft wave. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling wand, teasing brush, elastics and varied bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or salt spray for grip, light styling paste for piece control, and flexible‑hold hairspray to finish. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes; ideal for pro styling at events. Maintenance tips: refresh volume with dry shampoo, reset stray pieces with a few pins and a dab of styling paste, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to preserve hold.
Voluminous Textured Side-Swept Pull-Through Braid for Medium–Long Hair
This romantic, textured side-swept pull-through braid is ideal for medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium, and thick textures — layering helps create movement. Start by prepping damp hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, then blow-dry with a round brush to build body at the crown. Create loose waves (1–1.25 barrel) for grip, leave face-framing pieces out, and section the top into three horizontal panels. Backcomb the crown lightly, secure each section with small elastics, and perform a pull-through technique or loose fishtail on the lower sections. Pancake each loop to create fullness and pin discreetly to shape the silhouette. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or powder, flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — expect 30–45 minutes in salon or at home with practice. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-pancake and re-pin loose pieces, touch up waves as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.
Textured Braided Crown Updo — Romantic Crown Braid for Medium to Long Hair
This textured braided crown updo suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures once lightly prepped. Start by applying a light texturizing spray and creating loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron for grip. Section hair along the hairline and create a Dutch (inside-out) or French braid from one temple, continuing around the head to form a crown; pancake the braid to widen strands and pull through remaining lengths into a low, braided bun. Secure with long bobby pins and small elastics, leaving a few face-framing pieces soft. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling iron, small elastics, assorted bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or dry shampoo for hold, lightweight smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray and anti-frizz finish spray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–50 minutes in salon conditions. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin any loosened pieces, sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet, avoid heavy brushing, and retouch with a lightweight serum to tame flyaways. For longer wear, lightly mist with flexible hairspray after pinning.
Voluminous Side‑Swept Braided Cascade with Soft Barrel Curls
This luxe side‑swept braided cascade suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures — fine hair can achieve the look with added extensions or volumizing products, and naturally wavy to straight hair will hold the structure cleanly. Start on clean, blown‑out hair: create a deep side part, take a crown section and begin a loose Dutch/rope braid toward the back, gently pancake each stitch to build volume. Curl lengths with a 1¼–1½ inch barrel to form soft, defined loops, then feed the curled sections into the braid and pin the cascade to one side with hidden elastics and pins. Tools: curling iron or wand, tail comb, clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, and a fine finishing brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray for grip, flexible‑hold hairspray, and a light shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate (30–60 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely rebraid, refresh shape with a light mist and touch‑up curls, avoid heavy oils that flatten volume, and book trims every 8–12 weeks to keep ends healthy.
Romantic Textured Braided Updo — Soft Halo Braid for Medium to Thick Hair
A romantic textured braided updo built from a soft halo or loose French braid with twisted sections pinned into a low, voluminous bun. Suitability: ideal for medium to thick hair with natural wave or loose curl; fine hair will benefit from texturizing products and light backcombing, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling. Styling technique: curl hair in 1–2 inch sections, create a loose French/halo braid along the crown, pull apart the braid for softness, twist remaining lengths and pin into a textured low bun; leave a few face-framing tendrils. Tools needed: 1 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing/sea-salt spray for grip, medium-hold hairspray and a light shine serum. Difficulty level: intermediate — allows room for personalization but requires some braiding and pinning skill. Maintenance tips: style on second-day hair for better hold, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of hairspray, tighten loose pins before events, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose hairnet to preserve shape.
Boho Half-Up Crown Braid with Loose Beach Waves
This half-up boho style pairs a soft crown braid with long, loose beach waves for a romantic, wearable look. Suitability: ideal for long hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the same effect with light extensions or added root-teasing for braid fullness. Styling technique: start on dry hair after applying a heat protectant and volumizing mousse. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly undone. Section the front hair and braid a Dutch or French crown across the hairline, then pancake the braid to widen it and pin it at the back so it blends into the waves. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastic, and bobby pins. Products required: thermal protectant, root-lift or mousse, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a small smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty level: moderate — requires consistent curling and basic braiding skills; plan 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, touch up a few curls with the wand, and sleep loosely braided or on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.
Soft Textured Low Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
This soft, textured low updo suits medium-to-thick hair and shoulder-length to long hair; fine hair benefits from light clip-in pieces or targeted backcombing. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry with a round brush to build lift. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions for natural texture. Lightly tease the crown for height, gather hair at the nape, and twist into a loose, messy bun, securing sections with strong bobby pins and a hidden elastic. Leave a few face-framing tendrils and soften them with your fingers for a relaxed finish. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, tail comb, duckbill clips, long bobby pins and elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, sea-salt/texturizing spray, medium-hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum and dry shampoo. Difficulty: Intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and a light hairspray mist, re-pin any loosened pieces, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to maintain shape and hold.
Soft Romantic Twisted Low Updo for Medium-Length Wavy Hair
Suitable for medium to long hair with natural waves or loose curls; ideal for fine-to-medium densities (very thick hair benefits from thinning or smaller sections). Start on second-day hair for better grip. Technique: work with a 1–1.25 barrel to create loose curls for texture, apply heat protectant and texturizing spray first. Backcomb lightly at the crown for volume, smooth the surface, then divide hair into sections and twist each into soft loops toward the nape, securing with long bobby pins and a small elastic base if needed. Leave a few tapered face-framing tendrils for a soft finish. Tools needed: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, long and short bobby pins, small elastic, optional padding/donut for added lift. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum or pomade for flyaways, medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: Intermediate — typically 25–40 minutes in a salon; practice recommended to create even loops. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo and a light mist of hairspray, re-pin any loosened sections during events, sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose bun, and carry extra pins and travel-size spray for touch-ups.
Romantic Textured Low Bun Updo with Side-Swept Volume
Best suited to medium–to–thick hair and to straight, wavy or softly curled textures; fine hair will need volumizing products or light padding/extensions to achieve the same fullness. Begin by applying a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush to create lift at the crown. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand for grip, mist with texturizing spray, and backcomb slightly at the crown for side-swept volume. Working in sections, twist or loop pieces into a low bun, pinning each section with bobby pins and U‑pins so the bun reads as layered, airy folds rather than a tight knot. Leave a couple of face‑framing tendrils and softly loosen the crown for a relaxed, romantic finish. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins/U‑pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing powder/spray, medium-hold hairspray, light smoothing serum. Difficulty: intermediate (30–50 minutes). Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, secure any loose pieces with spare pins, touch up spray after travel, and sleep on silk to preserve the shape.
Romantic Braided Crown Updo with Textured Low Messy Bun
Suitable for medium to long hair and adaptable across fine, medium, and thick textures, this romantic braided crown updo works best on hair with at least light natural wave or added texture. Start with second‑day hair or apply a root volumizer; create a deep side part and French/Dutch braid along the hairline, pancake the braid for fullness, then gather hair into a low, textured bun at the nape. Pull a few face‑framing tendrils loose and soften the crown for a lived‑in finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand (½–1 in), and a blow dryer if needed. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/salt spray, light mousse or volumizer, dry shampoo, medium‑hold hairspray, and a small amount of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes with practice. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizer, re‑pin loosened pieces, touch up tendrils with a curling wand, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf to preserve shape.
Textured Romantic Side Braid with Voluminous Curls
Suitable for long to mid-back hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the look with light extensions or extra teasing. Start on freshly washed, towel‑dried hair: apply a root‑lifting mousse and heat protectant. Blow‑dry with a round brush for lift, then create loose S‑waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions for natural movement. Lightly tease the crown for volume, sweep hair to one side and work a loose three‑strand or pull‑through braid, securing sections with clear elastics and discreet bobby pins. Pancake the braid gently to increase fullness and pull out soft face‑framing tendrils for a relaxed, romantic finish. Tools needed: curling wand, round brush, hairdryer, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, elastics and bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, salt/texturizing spray, light smoothing cream for flyaways, flexible‑hold hairspray and a touch of shine serum. Difficulty: moderate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid overnight, refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizer, retouch curls as needed and use weekly deep conditioning to protect hair from heat and teasing.
Textured Romantic Twisted Low Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This textured, romantic twisted low updo works best on medium to long hair and medium-to-thick density; fine hair benefits from light teasing or clip‑in extensions for fullness, while naturally curly hair should be smoothed slightly for defined twists. Technique: prep hair slightly dirty (24 hours post‑wash) with a root‑lifting mousse, divide into top, crown and lower sections, backcomb the crown for volume, create loose curls with a 1–1.25” curling iron, then twist and pin sections toward a low, asymmetrical chignon, leaving soft face‑framing tendrils. Tools needed: curling iron, teasing brush or comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and U‑pins, small elastic, and a rat‑tail comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or sea‑salt spray for grip, light‑to‑medium hold hairspray, and a little smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — suitable for experienced DIY stylists or best executed by a salon stylist for event work. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo and texturizer, carry a few pins and travel hairspray for touchups, avoid heavy oils that weigh it down, and sleep with a loose silk scarf to preserve shape.
As you explore these 20 winter formal hairstyles, remember the best style is one that complements your outfit, face shape, and hair health. Start prep 1–2 weeks before the event with a trim to remove split ends and a deep-conditioning treatment to boost shine and manageability. On the day, combat static and frizz with anti-frizz spray and a lightweight finishing serum, and use quality pins and elastic bands to secure the look without damage. Fine hair benefits from root-lifting products or temporary clip-in pieces for volume; thick hair takes well to layered cutting and smoothing balms to reduce bulk. Opt for flexible-hold sprays so styles move naturally in photos. If you want a flawless result, book a trial run — I’ll tailor one of these 20 looks to your hair type and the season’s conditions. — Lena, Senior Stylist