The winters formals have this magic power of making us desire to take everything to the next level whether it is our dresses, our makeup, and certainly our hair. But there is always the question of what the real hairstyle really is that will lend that frosty glamour without seeming heavy-handed? Whether smooth and smooth, or gentle and girlish? In this paper, I will take you through some of the gorgeous winter ready hairstyles that I believe are both classic and new in 2025-2026. There is a character of each look, which I will be happy to share with you not only what makes them beautiful, but how to care and wear them to ensure that you feel confident when walking into your winter formal.
Carved Beauty with Woven Bulk
A puffy braided updo is surely something majestic. The manner of the head is cushioned around with flowing, gentle textures as well as making the form sleek enough to fit into even the most official events. The large braid with curled sculptures creates an air of royalty that is ideal when the earrings are adorned with pearls and a straplessly designed gown. It is formal and fun simultaneously, and it is a haircut that talks up classiness and at the same time, it is friendly.
A style as such needs a good prep routine to take care of. A texturizing mousse that would provide grip prior to braiding would be my recommendation, e.g. Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse. After securing the braid, a very light weight finishing spray would ensure the flyaways do not persist and the curls do not stiffen. This is the trick, it must be firm enough to dance on, and yet soft enough not to look plated through.
In my personal opinion, this kind of hairstyle never leaves me indifferent as to whether I have walked into an old-fashioned ballroom in the old world. Hairstylist Jen Atkin to her clientele constantly reminds her that braids are the classic because they keep up with the style. I have had these played in edgy, boho, and romantic roles, but this sculpted form of it is going towards pure elegance in winter.
I would add one more thing, which is a fine sparkle woven into the braid. Even micro-crystals are possible to be between parts with the help of a thin hairpin, making the entire appearance worthy of holiday festivals. Is it not wonderful how details are everything?
Sweet Curls with Romantic Bangs
This fashion is everything soft. A low, twisted bun with curtain bangs is so unbelievably feminine and romantic, the style of hair that suits just about anyone. It is very well combined with warm blonde colors, in which the light reflects on the edges of every bend of the twist. My favorite part is the movement provided by the tendrils of face-framing despite the smoothness of the main structure which is tucked away.
To attend to this appearance, the star is the bangs, and thus they should be given consideration. I normally set them using a round brush and Dyson Airwrap to give them that soft swoop without using heat. One serum such as Kerastase Elixir Ultime will make them shiny and smooth even during dry winter wind. The bun itself is the beneficiary of a flexible hairspray to ensure that it does not become flat before the end of the night.
As an individual, I think this style is the epitome of low key glamor. It is not yelling, but demands attention. The power of symmetry and balance in a hairstyle is constantly discussed by celebrity stylist Chris Appleton and this bun is a work of harmony. The decadence along the face is a delight in contrast with the naked bun at the base.
To make it winter ready, I would add another ribbon (velvet, around the bun). Something little, yet luxurious enough to make me think of the seasonal cozy elegance. So nice a thing to have on a formal dinner, huh?
Crown with Crystal Accent (Braided)
It is glamour at its best, a high and ornamented braid formed into a crown and embossed with a jeweled pin. The smooth roots flow out of the complicated burying and give rise to height and drama. The most special thing about this is the ornament, as it seems to be an icy winter night frost in the hair. It is a style which nearly begs to a satin gown and candles.
To maintain the look, I would recommend the use of a smoothing cream like Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. This makes the braid smooth and not coarse particularly when it is the main focus in the style. There is also finesse in securing the accessory; typically I suggest hidden bobby pins in a criss cross formation such that nothing pushes.
My own take? It is a hairstyle, which you wear when you would like to feel the heroine of the evening. It does not just match your appearance, it makes it. Celebrity colorist and stylist Tracey Cunningham has repeatedly mentioned that, accessories in hair are not merely an addition but a continuation of personality. I couldn’t agree more.
And on the one hand, the jeweled accent is already blinding, but on the other, you may take a pearl comb that is more traditional or even a velvet bow to feel more liberal. The braid is indefinitely versatile due to its braid.
Loosely Stranded and Easy-Going Low Bun
Something effortless is the low bun with face-framing waves that are loosely styled. It is not too serious but formal enough to accompany any winter party. The brunette dark color draws the attention to the lightness of the style, creating the depth and the contrast, the unkempt strands give an impression that you just have left a romantic movie.
In the case of hair such as this, less is more as far as styling products are concerned. I would pre-style using a light leave-in conditioner such as Ouai Leave-In Conditioner to make hair shiny and silky and to eliminate frizz. Hairspray with a flexible hold means that the hair that will be framing the face will be put exactly where you desire it; soft, yet deliberate.
Personally, I like the way this style suits ladies who do not want to appear over-dressed. The idea that celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess is fond of embracing texture over fighting it is something that often inspires this bun to seem like such a nod to the philosophy. It is the type of hairstyle that appears fashionable in all the angles though it may relax a bit during the evening.
I would insert thin hairpins with a frosty finish in case I wanted to improve the winter theme. Imagine them to be small snowflakes which reflect the light as you pass by. Do you not like it when a hairstyle is seasonal but at the same time not too obvious?
Gay Waves of a Low Chignon
This style is a combination of formal and playful motion. The waves flow into a low chignon and offer a combination of vintage appeal and contemporary shine. The nape of the head is sleeked, and the large crown is soft and voluminous to counterbalance creating a fun and sophisticated hairstyle. It is a particularly complimentary style to those who want lots of volume around the face and still be able to have the elegance of an updo.
This one is all about volume as far as maintenance is concerned. I would apply a volumizing spray such as the Bumble and bumble Thickening Spray on the roots and then a big barrel curling iron so as to shape the waves. When it is pinned in place, a powerful yet feelable hairspray can ensure that it is all in place without being rigid.
Personally, I feel confident in this hairstyle as it gives me the feeling of an appearance of a movie-star- I am walking into a party in the golden age of Hollywood. And it’s not just me. Stylist Gregory Patterson has repeatedly indicated that body hair feels younger and partying. I believe, this is what makes this look shine even during winter formals.
Had I wished to make it still more flexible, I would have tried a rich jeweled comb that slips over the bun. It would snatch the glittering lights of any party place and make the entire style complete. Careful use of a sparkle will carry some distance, particularly in the month of December.
Braided Crown Elegance
This is a master piece of the weaved type of style which covers the head in a graceful manner forming a crown. The hair is almost sculpted with the braids thick, structured and smoothed. I like the way the curving tendrils of the face framing disrupt the formal, making the appearance graceful without being too hard. It is the type of hairstyle that suggests as quickly as queen of the ball but it is unexpectedly multi-useable you could wear it with a full-length dress or even a nice jumpsuit.
This braid is no exception to the care; smooth frizzy-free strands are exactly what this braid needs to shine. I would never go to hair without applying Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother influenced by the fact that it is not only capable of making the hair appear well slicked back all night but also preventing any flyaways. Finally, a spray of L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray will fix everything into place without sticking the braid.
On a personal level I believe this kind of style is ideal in winter formals since it is warm and cozy like your hair is being wrapped in something nice. Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan has repeatedly stated that braids are efficient yet strong and I could not disagree more, as they survive dancing as well as hugs, even cold winds outside the venue.
The best thing about this braid is the game with the texture: it is not too complicated to be striking but at the same time, it is not too prominent to emphasize your dress and make it the center of attention. In need of a hairstyle that seems eternal and at the same time contemporary, this braid crown is the one that will provide you with that.
Voluminous Hollywood Waves
This is the final combination of the glamour and the drama, large, puffed-up waves with the volume at the top that are exaggerated. It is an ode to traditional Hollywood hair styles but with a contemporary twist it has a 2025 look. The flowing waves are sleek, outlined and neatly lined to put the face into a frame that is luxurious. It is the hairstyle that shouts confidence as soon as one enters the room.
I cannot emphasize the fact that the maintenance of these waves needs prep. Blow-drying A volumizing mousse, such as the Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse, used at the roots before blow-drying, preconditions things. Once the hair is curled, I brush it through with a wide-tooth brush and love the feel of soft, bouncy hair. A light shower of Kenra Shine Spray is a game-changer to be shiny.
In my personal viewpoint, this is one of the styles that leave you immediately glamorous as though you have entered a red carpet. Stylist to celebrities, Chris Appleton, has frequently explained how having a lot of hair in it isn’t simply about fashionable hair but confidence as well. I could not say otherwise, due to the fact that the larger the hair, the larger the presence.
The thing that is so beautiful about this hairstyle is that it is elegant and a bit jocular. It can be worn with a smooth dress to contrast or with a lot of glam, sequins and glitz. Either, it ensures that everyone is staring at you.
Twisted Half-Up Romance
Such a hairstyle embodies that romantic meet between formal and casual, coiled parts of which are pulled back to a half-upcuts, and cascades of curls fall down the shoulders. The atmosphere here is a casual one like you have just left a romantic winter movie. I love the volume of the twists in the top of the head, as it looks more purposeful than uncontrollable curls.
To style it, it is important to create texture. I usually apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray so that the twists do not fall half way down the night. This style is easy with a couple of well placed bobby pins, particularly ones that match your hair color. And to add the shine at the curls, one of my favorite is Bumble and bumble Curl Defining Cream.
To my mind, this half-up is an ideal style that suits those who do not want their hair to be all up but would prefer something more sophisticated than curls. It is casual, with the fresh, flirtatious vitality. It also allows the chances of accessories– consider sparkling earrings or a bit of a hair piece.
Relatable is the beauty of this hairstyle. It does not shout formalism, but speaks romance, which is even more effective. In case you prefer a casual hairstyle that is easy to maintain and will be good in all perspectives, it is a great option.
Soft Chignon with a Twist
The style combines all the sophistication of a low chignon and a contemporary touch. The bun is low and full without being smooth; rather, it has a texture in forms of loops which give it a fresh and dimensional appearance. The strands of hair that loosely surround the face make the structure softer and more romantic and not so firm.
In order to make it, the preparation is all. I would begin with a silicone based serum such as Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale, to eliminate flyaways and add the silky feel to the hair. In the process of creating the chignon, it is possible to use clear elastics and crisscrossed bobby pins to achieve that layered look without it collapsing. A bit of hairspray is applied to fix the texture and not to flatten the volume.
In my opinion, this chignon is the best winter formal hairstyle as it is neither too graceful nor too characterless. It is neither too bridal, nor too severe. It is just appropriate to one who wishes to appear professional and friendly at the same time.
What I like most about this one is that this bun has a vintage quality and still product a bit of artsy touch. It is the kind of hairstyle that would fit perfectly with a dress that has something in its neckline, as it will make your outfit shine and at the same time look fantastic on its own.
Loose Strands Soft Romantic Twist
This appearance is the final of unobtrusive grace, a small twist collected down at the back, and pieces falling free at the face, making it move and be light. I love this because the front parts are smoothly fused into a bun and what it forms is a graceful form that is very much suitable with open neckline gowns. It is professional, yet not unnatural – which is what winter parties should feel.
In order to maintain the appearance of this hairstyle as sleek as possible, I would suggest a lightweight shine spray such as the Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray. It suppresses flyaway without trying to weigh hair down and it is particularly helpful on dry and cold days when flyaway is a real problem. Only a haze can fix the femininity and hold the fashion together throughout the night.
I personally consider this type of style to be both easy to wear and glamorous. They have that non-effort quality red carpets have but are simple enough to learn at home or with a stylist. Much of the statements made by celebrity stylists such as Chris Appleton concern the balance between structure and softness, and this kind of nail polish nail hits that balance perfectly in a winter evening.
The strands that fall loose can be the most significant at times, too, but you should never look down upon the importance of those little touches in changing the whole atmosphere of the appearance.
Full High Bun with Waving Hair
This high bun is among the fashions that immediately declare that it is formal. The height is used to provide more stature and the curled tendrils on the front side outline the face with a bit of romanticism. Combined with full bangs, it is fun and yet very right on a ballgown or even cocktail dress. It is the type of hairstyle that allows your accessories to shine, like glittering earrings poking out once every turn.
Here a strong-hold hairspray is necessary. I give the word L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray; it provides you with the grip but without the horrible crunch that you fear like the plague and still allows those curls around the face to be natural and not stiff. In case your hair does not hold its own height easily then teasing the top with a fine-tooth comb then leaving the bun will hold together.
It is a style that reminds me of old Hollywood glam reimagined to the present time whenever I come across it. It is melodramatic to the finest, with twinkling lights in the winter. I have worn a variation of this appearance previously and liked the way it totally altered my posture of making me seem taller and even more up-to-date, as though the haircut was also adding a few inches to my self-esteem.
Such high buns do not wear out of fashion, though the current twist has brought the texture and softness of face-framing strands. That tiny fact contributes to the fact that it is up-to-date.
Glamorous Side-Swept Waves
The side-swept style is so classic, particularly when one combines it with smooth curls. This gaze completes all drama on one side and makes a beautiful asymmetry which is eye catching and flattering. It is perfect when you are in an off shoulder dress and you want the hair color and texture to match your neckline.
A setting spray such as the Kenra Professional Thermal Styling Spray comes in handy to make the curls bouncy during the night. It is heat protection and this cannot be bargained and it assists the waves to last long even after the first dance. A deep side part is also important in this case; it determines the sweep and also provides the style with an elegant finish.
I personally like this winter look as it is festive and glamorous and is not too complicated. It is the type of style I would typically wear in cases where I am in need of looking good yet still enjoy myself. Hairstylists such as Justine Marjan tend to mention that side-swept hair is an instant red-carpet energy — something that I could not more completely agree with.
And be we fair: the cold air out-of-doors and warm lights in-of-doors, wavy hair, shiny as these, is nearer to being illuminated than not. And they are a declaration of their own.
Modern Detailed Chignon Braided
This braided chignon is low and it is all crafted. The loom weaved over the crown is also nice and textured and the tucked bun at the back is nice and neat. It is the type of hairstyle that leaves people wondering, how did you do that? – but it is quite possible with a little time and pins.
Braids are also likely to dry during the winter weather, and I would suggest applying a leave-in conditioner that is hydrating such as Redken One United, and then style the braids. It provides a slip to the strands in order to make the braid smoother and shinier, as well as to preserve against seasonal dryness.
I adore the way this appearance combines classicism and fashion. Something feels a little vintage about a braided updo, and the style of the way it is tucked and smoothed here is fresh. It is ideal in case you do not aim to be overly complex like a tight bun, but you do not want to be too dramatic like full curls.
The detail is sometimes the ingredient of a winter hairstyle. The texture of the braid will draw and keep attention even in the dark, almost like some piece of jewelry to the hair.
Venusian Low Side Bun with Polished Waves
The style is the definition of classic beauty a side bun that comes with soft and polished waves that flow into the bun. It is organized yet not complicated and this is what makes it an all-purpose decision when it comes to any winter formal. The manner in which the front is swept back is very voluminous and the bun itself is elegant on the side. It combines with strapless dresses and high-neck dresses very well.
To keep this type of appearance shiny, I would recommend Moroccanoil Treatment Light. It straightens the flyaways, gives a shine and makes the hair cut not appear flat in a building. Even a little drop or two before the styling can change the finish.
I prefer to wear this style because, personally, it has a calming effect and is like luxury. It does not shout in your face but it exudes elegance. Hairstylist Anh Co Tran tends to underline that classic forms never go out of fashion, and I believe that it is one of those eternal looks.
And frankly, even the best winter clothes are those that make you feel like yourself – just high. This is precisely what this bun does.
Antique Hollywood Waves, Side Swept
This vintage hairstyle has the touch of cool modernity. The deep side permits the waves to cascade down the shoulders in a dramatic way producing that unquestionable Old Hollywood look. The curved brunette oily shade completes the sculpted curls, providing them with a smooth finish that feels like winter formals. It is one of the fashions that is as much of a dance-floor as a holiday picture.
The maintenance of this style is reduced to shine and shape. To make sure the hair is shiny and not to have it weighing down I tend to get a bottle of Redken Shine Flash Glistening Mist. To keep the waves smooth and flowing, placing large rollers or using a curling iron and slewing them down, and brushing them into position, is helpful. It will require a little more work, but the reward is undefeatable.
I have always felt that this appearance was a confidence booster. The side-swept wave is a gorgeous frame to the face, and it seems like there is something about the cascading curl that is powerful and feminine. A celebrity stylist known as Kim Kimble constantly mentions that waves are definitely the ultimate luxury hairstyle and I totally agree with this. They make you feel that you are on a red carpet.
To make it winter-themed, I would add a velvet headband that is soft and is placed on one side or a crystal clip. Enough glitz to make the entire appearance complete with the festivity of the season.
Plaited Crown into a Slick Bun
It is a hairstyle that takes braids to the next level. The crown braid flows over the head and is collected in a thick bun, and it hits the nail of the head of having the perfect balance between the structure and softness. The bun is smooth and the braid above rough is what makes this especially elegant. It is quite royal, as though it were a garment to a winter ball or a black tie wedding.
The style such as this takes considerate preparation. I would suggest applying the Moroccanoil Treatment Light prior to the braiding to ensure it has shine and yet does not make it heavy. The braid requires a grip in order to maintain the shape and therefore a texturizing spray at the roots is useful. A finishing mist will be applied after the bun has been pinned in order to lock everything in place without making it stiff.
I personally consider this hairstyle ageless. I have gotten endless compliments every time I have put on something resembling this, people just seem to have something to say about braids. The hairstyle is unique in that it is described by stylist Justine Marjan as providing a hairstyle with depth and narrative, which is precisely what makes this particular hairstyle unique.
To emphasize the winter season, the metallic touch; a metallic accessory, silver, pearl, even icy-blue gems would change this already fancy design into the real showcase.
Sexy Vintage Janeses with Gold Frisbee
It is an all-out glamour hairstyle. The retro waves are very voluminous and have a very pronounced definition and are enhanced by golden highlights which provide depth and brightness. Combined with a daring make-up, it turns out to be the type of appearance that attracts people to talk about it in the most desirable manner. It is dramatic, though in the best sense of the word.
Such waves need good underpinnings to maintain them. I would suggest applying Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother to smooth the hair, make it smooth and strong and then curl it. Sculpted retro finish is built by using a boar bristle brush to brush out big barrel curls. Setting spray cannot be compromised when you want the style to last till night.
To me, this fashion represents winter glorification. I have always been a fan of the retro curls that envelop the face, as it is luxurious and purposeful. It is mentioned multiple times by celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton that volume at the crown makes it look longer and in this case, it gives it a dramatic effect that would be perfect at winter formals.
To make the whole look complete, a red lipstick or shiny earrings will help to bend into the season. It can be the little details that can make you feel like nothing can stop you.
Intricate Braided Cascade
Here are braids that are repackaged into something so fascinating. The hair is also woven in a loose cascade braid that falls naturally down the back and the strands provide extra softness to the face. It is formal, all right, but with a fairy-tale touch–winter fairy tale.
It requires some preparation to take care of a long braid like this. To begin with, I would use Invisible Oil Primer by Bumble and bumble Hairdresser to remove frizz and bring shine. A bit of styling cream applied to the braid also helps it to stay in place rather than unravel even when it is in motion several hours.
Personally, I find this kind of style empowering, but in a very subtle manner. It contains in itself a romantic trust in the wearing of a braid that is not too good–it has personality. Riawna Capri, a stylist, has claimed that braids enable women to wear their hair as an artwork, and I believe she makes a case with this style.
Where winter events are concerned you may tie a strip of silk or some little metallic wire through the braid. The addition is so tiny, yet it transforms the hairstyle into a festive one and at the same time it remains elegant.
Flocked Forehead Bun with Face-Framing Hair
This is a high and high hairstyle whereby the top knot is huge and high and hangs playfully as strands of soft tufts cover the face. The bun has a purposeful style to the modern and not messy texture, and that is what makes it flawless in its balancing between grace and comfort. I am fond of the fact that the front strands make the whole construction so soft, romantic, and a bit effortless: this is just perfect in winter evenings when you want to keep your hair up, and yet catch the eye.
If I want to make this appearance last throughout an evening of dancing I have to prepare with a root-lifting spray such as Living Proof Full Root Lift. It puts that sky-high crown without dragging the hair down. I also have a liking to loosely twist sections and then pin it into the knot to produce that airy fullness that you would see here. In order to maintain the front tendrils all shiny, a little bit of Chi Silk Infusion will smooth out flyaways and still leave them soft.
As far as I am concerned, this updo is one of the simplest methods of being dramatic, yet not too complex. Celebrity stylist Kristin Ess frequently writes that undone texture can be pricier than something excessively accurate, and this look makes her right. It is fashionable, stylish and highly comfortable to wear in a winter ball.
The best part is that this hairstyle suits open necklines, higher collars, and the face frame is flattering to a degree that your clothing becomes even more impressive. Miniature styles are sometimes present in a huge way.
Winter Updo Romantic with Loose Curls
In this case, we have a more relaxed, romantic approach to the updo. The bun is plump yet less flattened, with the dainty curls to cascade and fall around the face. It is tender, almost fairy tale-ish, something every girl would like to see her hair be more of a soft than a dramatic ‘do. It is so timeless, but at the same time it is going to be modern in 2025-2026 due to the relaxed detailing.
It takes the correct preparation to make a look like this:the loose curls must be shinied and held. My favorite product is Kerastase Laque Couture Hairspray that ensures things are held firm but at the same time, it allows movement naturally. To achieve such a glowing look, a splash of Moroccanoil Treatment Light rubbed on the bun causes the hair to shine in the evening light.
On a personal level, I believe that this updo will look excellent with a light make-up appearance. It is beautifully balanced without competing with your outfit on the contrary, it augments it. It is a good example of celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak explaining that romance in hair is not perfection but texture.
It is a type of hairstyle that leaves you feeling immediately graceful as soon as it is tied in place. It goes hand-in-hand with satin, velvet, lace, etc., it all matches and makes winter formals seem a bit more enchanted.
Sleek Low Bun with a Satin Bow
This fashion adds a flair of light-heartedness into an old fashioned low bun with a delicately made satin bow. The bun is glossy, silky and well polished and the bow gives it an extra touch of glamour that makes the appearance look youthful and contemporary. It is not flashy but never dull, a trend that allows your accessories to shine and hair to be in place and sleek.
To keep this bun, one has to have smooth and frizz-free hair. Before I pull the hair back, I apply Redken Frizz Dismiss Serum and I will be sprayed with Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray to finish it off with that smooth look. Satin or silk should also be used to make the bow, as these are fabrics which not only appear higher but also do not frizz like harder fabrics.
In my personal experience, I believe that this hairstyle is particularly ideal in case your outfit is already vivid. The clean bun is an ideal match to the ornate gowns, sequins, or high-shine fabrics. In addition, bows are expected to be a big trend in 20252026, and it is not only stylish but also prompt to add them into a formal hairstyle.
What is so beautiful about this appearance is the fact that the color of the bow can be changed by the wearer to be suitable to the outfit or you can get a sparkling accessory to create a dramatic effect. It is smooth but fun and thus one of the most adaptable winter formal attires in the season.
It is no longer about the coats and glittering lights when winter comes, but how we decide to crown ourselves to the most special evenings of the season. No matter how you tend to lean towards smooth buns, flowing curls or intricately braided hair, the appropriate hairstyle can change the entire energy. My advice? There is nothing to be ashamed of playing, adding sparkle, and letting your appearance be an expression of what you want to express at the time. Which of these winter formal hairstyles will you then be trying first?
