Curly hair is stunning and versatile, but figuring out how to style it for more formal occasions can feel tricky. The key is working with your natural texture instead of against it. For an elegant look, you’ll want to focus on defining your curls with the right products—something with hold but without crunch, like a lightweight mousse or curl cream. Don’t be afraid to use a diffuser to enhance your curl pattern and set the foundation for your style. Updos, half-up styles, and sleek low buns can all be elevated with curls that are properly prepped and moisturized. A smooth edge control is essential for sleekness around the hairline, especially for tighter curl patterns, to keep everything looking polished.
Need some ideas to make your curls shine for your next formal event? Let’s get into some stunning looks that are perfect for any occasion.
#1 Curly Hairstyle for Formal Event
This curly updo is a stunning choice for a formal event, especially if you love adding some playful texture to your look. The hair is styled high with soft tendrils framing the face, while a touch of highlights gives extra dimension to the curls. This style works best for those with medium to thick hair since it provides the volume needed to hold up this structured look. However, for finer hair, adding a bit of teasing or hair padding could help achieve similar fullness. It’s perfect for weddings or proms!
#2 Curly Side Part for Formal Occasion
This curly formal side-part hairstyle is a great option for adding elegance while embracing your natural curls. The deep side part creates a flattering asymmetry, and the curls are styled to cascade softly over one shoulder, making it ideal for formal occasions. This style works best for medium to thick hair, as it helps maintain the volume without falling flat. For finer hair, you might need some texturizing spray or volumizing mousse to keep the shape intact throughout the day.
#3 Super Curly Hairstyle for Formal Events
This super curly formal hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking to make their natural curls the star of the show. The tight, well-defined curls are styled to one side, adding volume and framing the face beautifully. It’s ideal for those with naturally thick, coily hair, as the curls hold their shape effortlessly. The structured style makes it a great choice for formal events like weddings or galas, and it will hold up well all night with the right curl-defining products and a bit of hairspray for extra hold.
#4 Formal Hairstyle for Mixed Curly Hair
This formal hairstyle for mixed curly hair combines effortless elegance with a touch of sparkle. The half-up, half-down style pulls back the top section into a soft twist, adorned with a jeweled hairpiece, while the loose, defined curls cascade down beautifully. Ideal for medium to long hair, this look works well for those with naturally mixed curly or wavy textures. The added accessory elevates the style, making it perfect for weddings or formal events.
#5 Formal Curly Hairstyle for Kids
This formal curly hairstyle for kids is a sweet and elegant updo that’s perfect for special occasions. The tight, defined curls are gathered into a high bun, topped with a sparkling tiara that adds a playful yet regal touch. Loose tendrils frame the face, giving the style softness. Ideal for naturally curly or wavy hair, this look holds well for long events like weddings or parties. Using a lightweight curl mousse will help keep those curls in place without stiffness.
#6 Half Up Formal Curly Hairstyle
This formal curly hairstyle featuring natural curls styled half up, half down is the perfect blend of casual and elegant. The top section is twisted into a delicate knot, allowing the natural curls to flow freely down the back. The subtle highlights bring out the dimension in the curls, making this style ideal for medium to long hair with a natural curl pattern. This look works beautifully for weddings or formal events and is best suited for those with medium to thick hair to maintain the fullness and volume.
#7 Cute Curly Hairstyle for Formal Occasion
This cute curly hairstyle for a formal occasion is a perfect blend of structure and volume. The hair is slicked back into a polished base, while the top forms a voluminous bun with tight, defined curls cascading down into a ponytail. This style is ideal for medium to thick hair, as it holds the curls beautifully and adds dimension. A great choice for weddings or proms, this hairstyle combines elegance with a playful touch. Use a strong-hold spray to keep everything in place all night long!
#8 Formal Hairstyle for Long Curly Hair
This curly formal hairstyle for long hair is a perfect choice if you want to keep your length while adding some texture and style. The loose, flowing curls are paired with a half-up twist that gives the top section volume and structure, making it ideal for formal events like weddings. The soft waves cascade naturally, enhanced with subtle highlights that bring out the curl definition. For long hair, this style works best with medium to thick hair to maintain that effortless, voluminous look.
#9 Formal Curly Ponytail Style
This formal curly ponytail hairstyle is a stunning option if you’re looking for elegance with a modern twist. The hair is twisted on both sides and pulled into a low ponytail, secured with a dazzling accessory that adds extra glam. Soft, defined curls flow down the back, giving this style a graceful yet structured look. It works best for long, thick hair to create that voluminous ponytail. For finer hair, you might need some volumizing mousse or extensions to enhance fullness.
#10 Medium-Length Curly Hair for Formal Events
This formal curly hairstyle for medium-length hair strikes the perfect balance between elegance and volume. The top section is loosely pinned back, allowing the curls to cascade freely while still adding structure to the style. Ideal for medium to thick hair, the loose waves have a soft, natural flow with a touch of highlights that enhances the curl definition. If you have fine hair, you might need a texturizing spray to maintain the hold and volume throughout the event. It’s a lovely choice for weddings or other formal occasions!
#11 Formal Curly Hairstyle for Black Women
This formal curly hairstyle for Black women is all about bold, defined curls that add both volume and drama. The deep side part gives the style a sophisticated shape, while the large curls cascade beautifully to frame the face. Perfect for medium to thick hair, this look holds its structure and is ideal for formal occasions like weddings or galas. If you want curls that last all night, using a curl-defining mousse and setting spray will help maintain the look without frizz.
#12 Natural Formal Hairstyle for Curly Hair
This formal hairstyle for curly natural hair is perfect for showing off those gorgeous, bouncy curls while still looking polished. The half-up style keeps the top section neatly pinned back, allowing the curls to flow freely. A delicate gold accessory adds a touch of elegance, making it ideal for weddings or other formal events. This look works best for medium to long hair with a natural curl pattern, providing both volume and definition. If your curls are on the tighter side, using a curl-enhancing cream will help maintain the shape without frizz.
#13 Formal Hairstyle for Short Curly Hair
This formal curly hairstyle for short hair is a lovely choice if you want to keep things chic and manageable. The soft curls add volume and texture, giving this bob a playful yet polished feel. The side part adds subtle drama and frames the face beautifully, making it ideal for round or heart-shaped faces. Best suited for those with fine to medium hair, this style benefits from a lightweight curl-enhancing cream to maintain definition without weighing the hair down. It’s a perfect pick for formal events if you want an easy, elegant look.
#14 Curly Hairstyle for Wedding Guest
This curly wedding guest hairstyle is a beautiful blend of elegance and ease. The half-up, half-down style lets the natural curls take center stage, while the top is loosely pinned to add structure without feeling too formal. It’s perfect for medium to long hair lengths, especially for those with natural curls or waves. If you have fine hair, you may need some volumizing mousse to achieve the same bouncy effect. This look will hold up well for a long day of celebrations, making it great for outdoor weddings or summer events!
#15 Formal Updo for Curly Hair
This formal updo is perfect if you have naturally curly hair and want to show off your texture in an elegant way. The curls are loosely gathered into a soft, voluminous bun at the back, giving it a romantic and effortless look. It’s ideal for medium to thick hair density, as the fullness of the curls holds the shape beautifully. However, it might be tricky for those with fine hair to achieve this same volume without some extra help from styling products or extensions. A great choice for weddings or special events!
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