15 Gorgeous Formal Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair That’ll Turn Heads

Headed to a wedding, prom, grad party, or classy dinner and don’t know how to style your hair? Say no more! Medium-length hair gives you endless elegant options — and you don’t need to be a pro stylist to pull these off.

From soft curls to glam buns, these Formal Hairdos For Medium Hair are all about looking polished without the fuss. Whether you’re going full glam or keeping it classy-cute, you’ll find your perfect match here.

✨ 1. Classic Low Chignon

A low chignon is your go-to formal hairstyle. It’s timeless, elegant, and literally works for any occasion.
How to style it:

  • Part your hair in the middle or side
  • Twist into a low bun
  • Add pearl pins or a soft scrunchie for flair

Why we love it: It looks chic in photos and holds up all night.

✨ 2. Soft Hollywood Waves

Feel like an old-school movie star with these glam waves.
How to style it:

  • Curl medium sections toward your face
  • Brush them out gently to form waves
  • Set with a shine spray

Perfect for weddings, galas, or anytime you want that wow factor.

✨ 3. Sleek High Ponytail

Simple but sharp. This one is serving clean-girl energy.
How to style it:

  • Flat iron your hair
  • Pull it up high and wrap a strand around the base
  • Slick with gel for that clean finish

Pairs amazingly with bold earrings.

✨ 4. Half-Up Twist with Curls

The half-up, half-down look — but make it fancy.
How to style it:

  • Curl all of your hair
  • Take front sections, twist them, and pin them in the back
  • Add a crystal clip for ✨ glam ✨

Perfect for Grad Hair — effortless but elegant.

✨ 5. Twisted Crown Updo

Fit for a queen.
How to style it:

  • Create two twist braids from each temple
  • Wrap and pin them around your head like a crown
  • Pin the rest into a bun or leave soft waves

Bonus: looks amazing with off-shoulder dresses.

✨ 6. Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces

This is the Medium Length Up Dos Easy Updo you’ve been waiting for.
How to style it:

  • Tease the crown a little for volume
  • Twist into a messy low bun
  • Pull out soft face-framing strands

Ideal for daytime formal events or laid-back bridesmaids.

✨ 7. Waterfall Braid

Add romantic vibes to your look — no full updo needed.
How to style it:

  • Begin a regular braid from one side
  • Drop one strand and replace with a new one for the “waterfall”
  • Secure with a cute pin

✨ 8. Braided Low Bun

Two looks in one: braided texture and a clean bun.
How to style it:

  • Create a loose braid, then wrap it into a bun
  • Secure with bobby pins
  • Pull gently at braid loops for a fuller look

A formal hairstyle that’s anything but boring.

✨ 9. Side-Swept Glam Waves

Total red-carpet energy.
How to style it:

  • Curl hair and brush into soft waves
  • Part deeply to one side
  • Clip one side behind your ear with a statement pin

Stunning with minimal makeup and a bold lip.

✨ 10. Low Pony with a Twist

Give your ponytail a glow-up.
How to style it:

  • Twist two sections from the front toward the back
  • Join into a low ponytail
  • Add waves or leave straight

Elegant, quick, and surprisingly different.

✨ 11. French Twist

Chic AF.
How to style it:

  • Gather hair to one side
  • Twist and tuck upwards
  • Pin and spray to lock it down

Classy for any formal dress code.

✨ 12. Romantic Curls with Braided Headband

Add texture to a classic curl look.
How to style it:

  • Curl your hair as usual
  • Braid a small section and pin it over the crown like a headband

Easy detail = major payoff.

✨ 13. Slicked-Back Wet Look

High fashion vibes incoming.
How to style it:

  • Use gel to slick back roots
  • Leave ends natural or flat-ironed
  • Tuck behind ears and go

Great for minimalist outfits or black-tie events.

✨ 14. Textured Bun with Accessories

Think messy bun, but dressed up.
How to style it:

  • Tease roots
  • Loosely bun the back
  • Add sparkly pins or combs to dress it up

Works best with natural texture or loose waves.

✨ 15. Double Twist Half-Up

A fun twist on the usual half-up.
How to style it:

  • Twist both sides, one at a time
  • Secure together in the back
  • Curl the rest for bounce

Looks amazing for garden parties or graduations.

🎯 Final Pro Tips:

  • Use dry shampoo for volume
  • Always set your style with hairspray
  • A good accessory can make even a simple style pop
  • Practice at least once before your big day!

Save this post for later! 💾 Whether you’re prepping for prom, a wedding, or a grad party — these looks are guaranteed to turn heads.
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