Formal events can be quite stressful, especially when you have to figure out how to do your hair. You don’t want to look like you came straight out of bed, nor do you want to overdo it with fancy hairdos that don’t suit you. To make your life easier, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to achieving a beautiful formal hairstyle that will make you look stunning from every angle.
Step 1: Clean and Condition
Before beginning, make sure your hair is clean and conditioned. This is important because you want your hair to be easy to work with, and clean hair is easier to manipulate. If you have curly or frizzy hair, detangle it gently with a wide-tooth comb. Use moisturizing hair products to ensure that your hair is soft and manageable.
Step 2: Choose the Right Style
The next step is to choose a formal hairstyle that complements your facial features, outfit, and occasion. The best way to achieve this is by looking at pictures of hairstyles that suit your face shape and hair length. You can do this by browsing through magazines or using social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration.
Step 3: Start Styling
Once you’ve decided on the hairstyle you want to go for, part your hair and tie it in sections. Start styling from the bottom to the top, working on the lower layers first. This helps to ensure that the finished result is polished and tidy. Some common formal hairstyles include updos, curls, braids, and chignons. Let’s delve into some popular styles in detail.
Updo
Updos are one of the most common formal hairstyles for women. They’re elegant and sophisticated, and they can make any outfit look formal. To achieve an updo, you need to start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck or the crown of your head and twisting it upwards, securing it with hairpins. Once you’ve pinned your hair in a secure bun, accessorize it with hair jewelry, flowers or pins to give it that extra glam.
Curls
Curls are another popular and timeless formal hairstyle that suits all face shapes. To achieve curls, you can use curling irons or rollers to achieve loose or tight curls. Once your hair is curled to your liking, you can pin some sections of the curls or leave them loose depending on the style you desire. Invariably, curled hair can be accessorized with a headband, hairpins, or a hairnet to complete your outfit.
Braids
Braids can add a romantic touch to any formal look. They’re perfect if you have long hair and want to keep it off your face. One can go for several braiding styles such as French, Dutch, fishtail, rope, or twist braids. Once you’ve braided your hair to your liking, you can accessorize with hair jewelry, flowers, bows, or ribbons.
Chignons
A chignon is a low bun that sits at the nape of your neck. It’s elegant and timeless, making it perfect for any formal occasion. You can style your chignon by gathering your hair into a low ponytail and then twisting it into a bun before securing it with hairpins. You can wear your chignon sleek or texturized, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Set Your Style
After you’ve styled your hair, you want to set the style in place to make sure it stays put throughout the night. You can use hairspray to keep the style in place or use a texture spray if you want to add some volume and texture to your hair.
FAQs
Q: Can I do a formal hairstyle at home?
A: Yes, you can. However, if you’re not confident in your hairdressing skills, you can hire a professional hairdresser to help you out. Doing a formal hairstyle yourself can save you time and money, but it can be stressful if you don’t have the right tools or experience.
Q: What hair accessories should I use for a formal hairstyle?
A: It depends on the style you choose. For updos, you can use hairpins, hairbands, clips, or barrettes. For braids, you can use hairpins, bows, or flowers. For curls, you can use hair jewelry, ribbons, or headbands. Chignons can be accessorized with pins, hair jewels, or hair nets.
Q: How do I choose a formal hairstyle that complements my outfit?
A: The hairstyle you choose will depend on the neckline of your outfit, the formality of the event, and the occasion. You should also consider your face shape and the length of your hair. If you’re unsure, you can ask a hairstylist or check for inspiration online.
In conclusion, doing a formal hairstyle can be daunting, but with the right tools and a well-explained guide such as this, the process can be fun and rewarding. Remember, to achieve a perfect formal hairstyle, cleanliness is key. Furthermore, choose a style that suits you and your outfit, set it in place, and don’t forget to accessorize to achieve that extra elegance that completes the look.
