17 Formal Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair That Elevate Your Look Effortlessly

Choosing the right hairstyle for medium-length hair can elevate your appearance for any formal occasion. Whether you want something elegant, sophisticated, or simple, the right look can complement your outfit and boost your confidence.

In this guide, we will have a look at 17 formal hairstyles designed specifically for medium-length hair, helping you find styles that work with your hair type and event. You’ll discover versatile options that balance style and ease, making your preparation straightforward and effective.

1) Sleek Low Chignon

A sleek low chignon is a classic choice for medium-length hair at formal events. You can create a smooth, polished look by pulling your hair back close to the nape of your neck and securing it into a neat bun.

This style works well with straight or slightly textured hair. It offers sophistication without requiring a lot of volume, making it ideal if you want a clean, elegant appearance.

2) Soft Romantic Waves

Soft romantic waves add gentle texture and movement to medium-length hair. You can create an effortless, polished look that feels natural and elegant.

This style works well for formal occasions, offering a subtle touch of femininity without appearing overly styled. It suits most face shapes and hair textures, making it a versatile choice.

3) Classic French Twist

The Classic French Twist is a timeless formal hairstyle that works well with medium-length hair. You start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail, then twist it upwards and tuck the ends in to create a sleek vertical roll.

This style offers a polished look suitable for many formal occasions. It is elegant without being overly complicated to achieve, especially if you have a bit of practice.

You can secure it using pins or clips, ensuring it stays neat throughout your event.

4) Voluminous Bouncy Blowout

You can achieve a voluminous bouncy blowout with medium-length hair by using a round brush and a blow dryer. Focus on lifting the roots to add volume and curl the ends slightly for bounce.

This style works well for formal events, giving your hair a polished yet lively look. It holds well throughout the day if set with a light hairspray.

5) Elegant Half-Up Twisted Crown

You can create a polished look with an elegant half-up twisted crown. This style involves twisting sections of hair from each side and securing them at the back, forming a crown-like effect.

It works well on medium-length hair, adding detail without fully pulling hair away from your face. This look is versatile, suitable for formal events where you want both sophistication and ease.

6) Subtle Bouffant with Curls

You can create a refined look by backcombing the crown area to form a subtle bouffant. This adds gentle volume without overwhelming your medium-length hair.

Finish by securing the bouffant with pins or a clip, then style the rest of your hair in soft curls using a medium-sized curling iron. This combination gives you a polished yet natural appearance suitable for formal events.

7) Braided Crown Updo

The braided crown updo is an elegant choice for medium-length hair. It frames your face while keeping hair neatly styled. This look works well for formal events and suits many face shapes.

You can create the crown by braiding sections along your hairline and pinning them at the back. It balances a polished and natural appearance, making it ideal for various occasions.

8) Smooth Side-Parted Updo

You start this look by creating a deep side part to define the style. Smooth your hair back gently, using a lightweight serum or gel to tame any flyaways.

Gather your hair at the nape or slightly to the side, then secure it into a sleek bun or twist. This updo highlights your facial features and works well with medium-length hair for formal occasions.

9) Messy Textured Bun

You can create a messy textured bun that balances casual and formal effortlessly. This style works well with medium-length hair, adding volume and natural texture.

Leave some face-framing strands loose for a soft, relaxed effect. It requires minimal tools and offers an elegant look without appearing overworked. This makes it ideal for various formal occasions.

10) Polished Low Ponytail with Volume

You can create a polished low ponytail that adds volume at the crown for a more sophisticated look. Start by gently teasing the hair on top to build height without disrupting smoothness.

Gather your hair at the nape and secure it with a sleek band. This style balances elegance with a subtle lift, perfect for formal occasions.

Finish with a smoothing serum to control flyaways and maintain shine throughout your event.

11) Twisted Halo Updo

The twisted halo updo creates a clean, elegant frame around your face by twisting sections of hair and pinning them in place.

This style works well with medium-length hair, providing a polished look without needing extra length.

You can achieve this by parting your hair centrally and twisting hair sections across the crown, securing them with pins.

It suits formal events and pairs nicely with accessories like subtle clips or hairbands for added detail.

12) Loose Finger Waves

You can achieve a polished look with loose finger waves on medium-length hair. This style creates soft, defined waves that frame your face elegantly.

It works well for formal events because it balances vintage charm with a modern finish. You only need a curling iron and a comb to shape the waves carefully.

Loose finger waves suit various face shapes and add a refined texture without appearing overly styled.

13) Glamorous Vintage Roll

You can achieve a glamorous vintage roll with medium-length hair by creating smooth, sculpted waves or pinning sections into classic rolls. This style adds a refined, retro touch to your look, perfect for formal occasions.

Start by smoothing your hair, then section and roll it upward, securing with pins. Finish with hairspray to hold its shape throughout your event.

14) Sleek Straight with Middle Part

You can create a polished formal look by wearing your medium-length hair sleek and straight with a middle part. This style highlights symmetry and frames your face evenly.

To achieve this, use a flat iron for smoothness and apply a light serum to reduce frizz. This hairstyle works well with clean lines and minimal accessories for a sophisticated appearance.

15) Sophisticated Knot Bun

You can achieve a clean, polished look with the sophisticated knot bun. It works well on medium-length hair and offers a sleek alternative to traditional buns.

This style involves twisting your hair into a knot shape and securing it firmly, creating a structured yet elegant effect. It pairs nicely with formal outfits for events requiring a refined appearance.

16) Side Swept Curls

Side swept curls offer a timeless and elegant look for medium-length hair. You can create volume by curling large sections and directing them away from your face.

To finish, sweep the curls to one side and secure with pins if needed. This style works well for formal events, providing both structure and softness.

17) Retro-Inspired Flip

You can add classic charm to your medium-length hair with a retro-inspired flip. This style features ends flipped outward or inward, creating a playful yet polished look.

It works well for formal occasions when you want a subtle nod to vintage elegance without overdoing it. The flip adds movement and frames your face softly, enhancing your overall appearance.

This hairstyle suits various textures and is easy to maintain throughout the day, making it a practical choice for any event.