16 Formal Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Here’s the thing about formal events and curly hair—there’s often a moment of panic when you realize that the sleek, polished updos in magazines were all designed for straight hair. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of formal events: curly hair actually has an advantage.

It holds styles better, adds built-in texture, and looks more romantic and voluminous than anything you could create with a curling iron.

Whether you’re attending a wedding, a gala, prom, or any event that calls for something special, these 16 formal styles work with your natural texture to create elegant, sophisticated looks that will last all night.

1. The Low Curly Chignon

This classic French updo gets a curly upgrade. A low chignon at the nape is elegant, timeless, and surprisingly secure for thick curly hair. It’s perfect for black-tie events and weddings.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply a smoothing serum to tame flyaways, then gather all curls at the nape of your neck.
2. Step 2: Twist the gathered hair loosely and wrap it into a flat coil against your head.
3. Step 3: Secure with long bobby pins inserted vertically around the entire chignon.
4. Step 4: Pull out a few soft tendrils at the temples and let them curl naturally against your face.

2. The Curly Updo with Braided Crown

This romantic style combines a braid that circles the head like a crown with the rest of the curls pinned into an updo. It’s intricate, elegant, and perfect for brides or bridesmaids.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a deep side part and begin a Dutch braid at the temple, following your hairline.
2. Step 2: Continue braiding along your hairline until you reach the opposite ear.
3. Step 3: Gather the remaining curls into a low updo at the back, securing with pins.
4. Step 4: Tuck the end of the braid into the updo and let a few face-framing pieces fall.

3. The Side-Swept Curly Updo

This glamorous style sweeps all curls to one side and pins them into an elegant asymmetrical updo. It shows off your shoulders, neckline, and statement earrings beautifully.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a deep side part on the opposite side of where you want the updo.
2. Step 2: Gather all curls to one side, just behind your ear.
3. Step 3: Twist the gathered hair loosely and pin it into a soft, voluminous shape against your head.
4. Step 4: Leave several tendrils out to frame your face and cascade down.

4. The Curly French Twist

The French twist is the epitome of formal elegance, and it works beautifully with curly hair. The texture adds softness and romance to this classic style.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply a light gel or mousse for hold, then gather all curls to one side at the back.
2. Step 2: Twist the gathered hair upward and tuck the ends into the twist.
3. Step 3: Secure with long bobby pins inserted vertically along the twist.
4. Step 4: Leave the top section slightly loose for softness and pull out a few face-framing pieces.

5. The Half-Up Curly Bouffant

This style creates volume at the crown with a half-up section, leaving the rest of your curls cascading down. It’s red carpet glamour that works for any formal occasion.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a horseshoe-shaped section from your temples to your crown.
2. Step 2: Tease the roots of this section gently for volume, then smooth the top layer.
3. Step 3: Pin the section back at the crown, creating height and shape.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining curls hang loose and arrange a few face-framing pieces.

6. The Curly Low Bun with Pearl Pins

A low bun is classic, but adding pearl pins elevates it to something special. The pearls catch the light and add a touch of vintage elegance.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather all curls at the nape of your neck into a low ponytail.
2. Step 2: Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a loose bun, securing with pins.
3. Step 3: Insert pearl-topped bobby pins or hairpins throughout the bun.
4. Step 4: Pull out a few soft tendrils at the temples and let them curl naturally.

7. The Curly Waterfall Braid Half-Up

This intricate half-up style features a waterfall braid that cascades across the back while the rest of your curls hang loose. It’s romantic and eye-catching.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a section from your temple and begin a waterfall braid across the back of your head.
2. Step 2: Continue the braid, dropping sections and picking up new ones to create the waterfall effect.
3. Step 3: Secure the end of the braid with a clear elastic on the opposite side.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining curls hang loose and gently pancake the braid for volume.

8. The Curly Updo with Floral Accents

Fresh or silk flowers in a curly updo create a romantic, garden-party look that’s perfect for spring and summer formal events.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a loose, voluminous updo with your curls, pinning securely.
2. Step 2: Choose 2-3 small flowers that complement your outfit.
3. Step 3: Tuck the stems into the updo, arranging them asymmetrically.
4. Step 4: Let a few curls escape around the flowers for a soft, natural look.

9. The Side-Swept Curly Ponytail with Volume

A side-swept ponytail at shoulder level is elegant and modern. Adding volume at the crown takes it from simple to sophisticated.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a deep side part on the opposite side of where you want the ponytail.
2. Step 2: Apply volumizing powder to the roots at your crown and lift with your fingers.
3. Step 3: Gather all curls to one side and secure with a strong elastic at shoulder level.
4. Step 4: Wrap a small curl around the base to hide the elastic and let the ponytail cascade.

10. The Curly Gibson Tuck

The Gibson tuck is a vintage style that looks complicated but is actually simple. It creates a rolled effect at the back that’s elegant and polished.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather all curls at the nape as if making a low ponytail, but don’t pull the ends through the elastic all the way.
2. Step 2: Leave a loop of hair and let the ends hang forward over the elastic.
3. Step 3: Flip the loop upward and tuck the ends into the pocket created.
4. Step 4: Secure with pins and pull out a few face-framing tendrils.

11. The Curly Braided Bun

This style combines a braid with a bun for double the elegance. The braid adds texture and interest while the bun keeps everything secure.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather all curls into a high or mid-height ponytail.
2. Step 2: Braid the ponytail loosely and secure the end with a clear elastic.
3. Step 3: Wrap the braid around the base to form a bun, securing with pins.
4. Step 4: Gently pull at the braid to loosen it and create volume.

12. The Curly Half-Up Crown Twist

This style twists the front sections and joins them at the back, creating a crown-like effect. It’s simple but looks intricate and formal.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a section from each temple and twist them toward the back.
2. Step 2: Bring both twists together at the back and secure with bobby pins.
3. Step 3: Gently pull at the twists to loosen them and create volume.
4. Step 4: Let the remaining curls hang loose and arrange face-framing pieces.

13. The Curly High Bun with Tendrils

A high bun is dramatic and elegant. Leaving soft tendrils out around the face softens the look and adds romance.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Gather all curls at your crown into a high ponytail.
2. Step 2: Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a bun, securing with pins.
3. Step 3: Leave out several thin tendrils at the temples and nape.
4. Step 4: Curl the tendrils with your fingers and arrange them around your face.

14. The Curly Updo with Ribbon Detail

Adding a velvet or satin ribbon to a curly updo creates a romantic, almost Victorian feel. It’s perfect for winter formals or vintage-inspired events.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Create a low bun or chignon with your curls.
2. Step 2: Take a length of ribbon—velvet, satin, or grosgrain—and tie it around the base.
3. Step 3: Tie in a bow and let the tails hang or tuck them in.
4. Step 4: Arrange the ribbon so it sits neatly against the updo.

15. The Curly Faux Bangs Updo

This clever style uses front curls to create faux bangs, giving you the look of bangs without the commitment. It’s dramatic and face-framing.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Take a triangular section from your forehead and pull it forward.
2. Step 2: Pin the rest of your curls into a low updo at the back.
3. Step 3: Arrange the front section to fall across your forehead like bangs.
4. Step 4: Curl the faux bangs with your fingers and set with light hairspray.

16. The Curly Sleek Crown with Loose Curls

This style combines a sleek, smooth crown with loose, voluminous curls in the back. It’s modern, editorial, and perfect for formal events where you want to stand out.

How to style it:

1. Step 1: Apply a strong-hold gel to the front section of your hair from your hairline to your crown.
2. Step 2: Brush this section back smoothly and secure temporarily with a clip.
3. Step 3: Let the remaining curls at the back hang loose and voluminous.
4. Step 4: Remove the clip and let the sleek crown blend into the loose curls.