• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

All Women Hairstyles

Inspirational Haircuts, Hairstyles & Color Trends for Women

  • All Woman Hairstyles
  • Hair Products
  • Hair Toning
  • Types of Hair>
    • Afro-American Hair
    • Curly Hair
    • Straight Hair
    • Thick Hair
    • Thin Hair
    • Wavy Hair
  • Special Events
  • Haircuts>
    • Long Haircuts
    • Medium Haircuts
    • Short Haircuts
  • Review
  • Hairstyles Ideas>
    • Bob Hairstyles
    • Braided Hairstyles
    • Celebrity Hairstyles
    • Messy Hairstyles
    • Mohawk Hairstyles
    • Pixie Hairstyles
    • Ponytail Hairstyles
    • Shaven Hairstyles
  • Color Trends>
    • Balayage
    • Caramel
    • Grey
    • Highlights
    • Ombre
    • Pastel
Home » 50 Fancy Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Special Occasions

50 Fancy Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Special Occasions

May 23, 2022 By AWH [email protected] * Leave a Comment

Half-Up Half-Down HairstyleDo you have a special occasion coming up? Whether it be prom, a party, or a wedding, special occasions often require fancy hairstyles. However, fancy hairstyles are no longer restricted to pristine and polished updos. Today’s fancy hairstyles are a lot more relaxed, creative, and even daring.

If you’re looking for the perfect hairstyle to match your outfit, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten fancy hairstyles that are perfect for special occasions. Keep reading below to find your ideal inspiration.

What Makes a Hairstyle Fancy?

When you have an event coming up, it can be hard to pair a hairstyle with a formal outfit. How can you tell if a hairstyle is fancy or appropriate for the occasion? Well, that’s a mix of what’s culturally relevant and personal style.

Naturally, if someone walks into a room in the modern day with a teased 80’s updo, we’re going to question how relevant that style is. However, the rule of thumb is always to go with whatever makes you feel great. If a particular style gives you confidence, more power to you; you go, girl!

If you’re trying to judge if a hairstyle is fancy or appropriate for a formal occasion, ask yourself if it compliments a formal outfit, incorporates modern trends, accentuates your face shape, flatters your best features, and makes you feel confident.

How We Reviewed the 10 Fancy Hairstyles for Special Occasions

Below we have compiled a list of the top ten fancy hairstyles perfect for special occasions. Our list has been extensively researched through a variety of media as we have striven to bring you the best of the best so you don’t have to go searching. We’ve based our selection on a number of criteria, including how easy the hairstyle is to achieve, how manageable the hairstyle is, how much touch-up can be expected from the style, and how versatile the hairstyle is.

When we took a look at each hairstyle, we wanted to ensure that it wasn’t something that would take hours to recreate. We wanted to ensure that all hairstyles were achievable for the average person and that it was not going to require tools or products that are uncommon. It’s also imperative that the hairstyle is manageable, because there’s nothing more annoying than a restricting style.

Last but not least, we take primping seriously. Your time to primp at a fancy, social event is often limited. We know you need that time to check in between your teeth, fix your lipstick, and check your phone. That’s why we wanted to ensure all the styles on this list didn’t require frequent touch-ups.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo, Gentle Non-Irritating...Check Price

Picking a Fancy Hairstyle That Works for You

When reviewing a fancy hairstyle, it is worth noting  that you’ll take into account your individual hair’s texture. If you have coarse hair and are looking at a sleek and smooth style, it will be more difficult for you to achieve. Keep an eye out for hairstyles that are recommended not only for your hair type and texture but for your face shape as well!

Another thing to keep in mind is your styling ability and the tools you have. If you’re trying to achieve a style that requires a fishtail braid when you’re unable to do one, you may want to watch some tutorials or ask a friend for help. Don’t be afraid to ask your girlfriends, roommate, sister, or even boyfriend or husband (if they are willing, of course) for help.

What We Reviewed

  • French twist
  • Twisted half updo
  • Double dutch
  • Low bun
  • Retro ponytail
  • Tousled-up hairstyle
  • High bun
  • Flower braid
  • Hollywood waves

1. French Twist

French Twist - a woman wearing a skyblue shirt
Source

Features

Do you need a classic wedding hairstyle that keeps your hair up and off of your back? The French twist is a cool and timeless updo that’s effortless and not too polished. Not to mention, all that this look requires is a brush and a few bobby pins or hairpins.

The French twist is a favorite among brides, and it is no wonder why. This sleek style can be worn a number of ways. Keep the twist loose to create a more casual, effortless appearance, or keep the twist tight and put together for a more elegant look.

PROS

  • Classic style
  • Classic style
  • Can be worn many different ways

CONS

  • May be difficult for some to do on themselves

2. Twisted Half Updo

Twisted Half Updo - a woman wearing a tube dress
Source

Features

​Do you have a spring or summer special occasion to go to? If so, then the twisted half updo is one of the perfect fancy hairstyles for you. This boho-chic hairstyle is a gorgeous take on a half-up and half-down do.

The best part about this look is that it’s easy; absolutely no braiding is required! To achieve this shabby chic look, twist small sections of hair and bring them around the back of your head. Secure the pieces in place with a bobby pin or hairpin of your choice. Twist as many or as little pieces as you’d like to create the effect you’re after.

This look is perfect for those with short, medium, and long hair. However, hair shorter than chin length may require more pins to hold the hair in place.  It’s also an ideal hairstyle for any hair texture, whether it be coarse, thin, or thick.

PROS

  • Easy
  • No braiding required
  • Perfect for all hair textures

CONS

  • Hair shorter than chin length may require more bobby pins

3. Double Dutch

Double Dutch - a woman wearing a floral croptop
Source

Features

Does this hairstyle bring back childhood memories? The double Dutch is a fun, cute, and elegant hairstyle perfect for any special occasion. This is one of our fancy hairstyles that is ideal for long and thick hair.

To achieve this look, start with two Dutch braids on each side of your scalp. A Dutch braid is also called a “reverse French braid” because it actually is a French braid but instead of crossing the strands over, you cross them under. Once you have the two braids, tie them together and secure it all up with pins.

PROS

  • Nostalgic hairstyle
  • Fun, cute, and elegant

CONS

  • Best for long and thick hair

4. Low Bun

Low Bun - a woman wearing a lot of earrings
Source

Features

We believe that the low bun is one of the most underrated fancy hairstyles for special occasions. The low bun is a timeless classic that can give anyone an instant look of glamor and sophistication that’s hard to beat.

Not only is this hairstyle ideal for any hair texture, but it’s also perfect for short, medium, and long hair. The rule of thumb here is if you can fit your hair into a bun, then this look can work for you! It’s also one of the easiest hairstyles on our list and one of the most natural hairstyles to do yourself.

A great thing about the low bun is the tighter you pull it, the more striking it becomes. If you keep the bun loose and allow small tendrils of hair to frame the face, you create a more effortless and romantic updo in mere minutes. Don’t be afraid to invest in some sturdy bobby pins or hair pins to help keep this in place all night long.

PROS

  • Versatile
  • Timeless classic hairstyle

CONS

  • Doesn’t work well with super short hair

Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil for Hair, Lashes & Brows 100% Pure &...Check Price

5. Retro Ponytail

Retro Ponytail - a woman wearing a gray see through longsleeve blouse
Source

Features

The retro ponytail is one of the many retro styles that are perfect for almost any special occasion. It’s a glamorous partial updo that screams vintage elegance. It’s not only easy to do yourself, but only requires a few hair elastics and hairpins.

We love a simple and gorgeous hairstyle that’s not only easy to do, but easy to maintain. Throw your hair up into this easy ponytail, and you’re good to go all night long. The best part? This is one of the fancy hairstyles perfect for second-day hair.

PROS

  • Great for second-day hair
  • Retro style
  • Glamorous, vintage look

CONS

  • Not easy to do yourself

6. Tousled-Up Hairstyle

Tousled-Up Hairstyle - a woman wearing a white longsleeve
Source

Features

Do you have short hair? Have you been trying to find the fancy hairstyles for special occasions that will work for your length of hair? Then the tousled-up hairstyle is for you.

This fun and gorgeous look is absolutely perfect for naturally curly hair but can be achieved with a curling wand or iron, too. We suggest using a barrel size of around ⅝’’ and above for the best results. The tighter your curls are, the more bouncy and playful this look becomes. The looser the curls, the more sultry and sexy it can be. Don’t be afraid to play around with different-sized curls!

PROS

  • Fun and gorgeous style
  • Great for naturally curly hair
  • Great for short hair

CONS

Need curling iron if you don’t have curly hair

7. High Bun

High Bun - a woman wearing a white night dress
Source

Features

Ballet anyone? The high bun screams elegant ballerina, and we are absolutely loving it. The reason this high bun make it to our list of fancy hairstyles is not only because of its timeless beauty, but because of its simple elegance.

The high bun is one of the few styles actually recommended for thin and fine hair. It helps create volume and is additionally ideal for any hair texture. However, if you have an oval face, you may want to avoid this style. It’s never recommended for oval-shaped faces as it encourages too much height at the crown of their head and makes the face look longer.

PROS

  • Elegant style
  • Great for thin and fine hair

CONS

  • Not recommended for oval faces

Coconut Oil Hair Care 4 Piece Set - Revitalize and Nourish Dry or...Check Price

8. Flower Braid

Flower Braid - a woman wearing a white hooded jacket
Source

Features

Do you love so many braids are on-trend in the fashion world lately? We do too. If you’re looking for the next big braid trend, the flower braid is it.

This is one of the sweetest fancy hairstyles on our list;  it’s ideal for a stroll in the garden, afternoon tea, and other springtime activities. Although it may look difficult to achieve, the flower braid is one of the easiest braid trends on the internet.

Start by pulling half of your hair into a ponytail, making sure to pull the hair over one ear and secure it in place with a hair elastic. Then all you have to do is braid the ends and twist them into place and secure them with a hairpin or bobby pin.

What’s fun about the flower braid is that you can add as many or as little twists as you want. Get creative with the shapes you can make. Don’t be afraid to have some fun!

PROS

  • Sweet hairstyle
  • Easy to do

CONS

  • May not be elegant enough for some

9. Hollywood Waves

Hollywood Waves - a woman wearing a white gown
Source

Features

This is the look we’ve all been waiting for, the old Hollywood waves. This modern classic is supremely popular and has been for years. Not only is this one of the fanciest hairstyles that is absolutely perfect for any occasion, but it’s also a hairstyle that’s sure to turn heads.

Hollywood waves are best known for their glossy uniform appearance. To achieve this look, be sure that you pin the curls in place as they cool to help encourage them to keep their shape all night long. This is also a fancy hairstyle that is ideal for medium to long hair and works for almost any hair texture.

What’s excellent about Hollywood waves is that you can take this already vampy look up a notch with the right accessory. Hair accessories with this hairstyle can be truly epic. Try anything bedazzled for a show-stopping look.

PROS

  • Glossy and uniform appearance
  • Works well with almost any hair texture
  • Works well with medium to long hair

CONS

  • May be difficult to do it yourself
  • Not recommended for shorter hair

10. Lace Braid

Lace Braid - a woman wearing a gray knitted blouse
Source

Features

This classy braid reminds us of the pioneer days. It is perfect for all lengths of hair. The lace braid is very much like a French braid, but the wearer only needs to add new chunks of hair to each section of the braid.

For this look, you should take three strands of hair from one side of your head, and cross sections of hair as you would when making a French braid. While doing this, continue adding hair just to the lower section. After all the hair is pulled up, make a regular three-stranded braid on both sides, and cross the braids on the lower part of your neck. Then all you have to do is secure the hair with a bobby pin.

PROS

  • Classy look
  • Great for all lengths of hair

CONS

  • May be difficult to achieve this look by yourself

11. Blonde Twisted Bun

Blonde Twisted Bun - a woman wearing a black blouse
Source

12. Soft Waves

Soft Waves - a woman wearing a pink sleeveless blouse
Source

13. Bun with Lace Braids

Bun with Lace Braids - a woman wearing a stripe blouse
Source

14. Prom Updo Hair

Prom Updo Hair - a woman wearing a sexy backless
Source

15. Fairy Hairstyle

Fairy Hairstyle - a woman wearing a black cape
Source

16. Textured Pony

Textured Pony - a woman wearing a white spaghetti strap
Source

17. Ponytail with Bangs

Ponytail with Bangs - a woman wearing a cream hooded jacket
Source

18. Classic Updo

Classic Updo - a woman with tattoo wearing a black spaghetti strap
Source

19. Sleek Low Bun

Sleek Low Bun - a woman wearing a pearl necklace
Source

20. Double Twisted Braid

Double Twisted Braid - a woman wearing a purple shirt
Source

21. Side Braid Loose Bun

Side Braid Loose Bun - a woman wearing a lot of earrings
Source

22. Fishtail Braid with Soft Curls

Fishtail Braid with Soft Curls - a woman wearing a black sleeveless top
Source

23. Braided Ponytail

Braided Ponytail - a woman wearing a white longsleeve
Source

24. Short Hair with Cute Clips

Short Hair with Cute Clips - a woman wearing a black sleeveless top
Source

25. Twisted Fishtail Braid with Butterfly

Twisted Fishtail Braid with Butterfly - a woman wearing a white blouse
Source

26. Lace Braid with Haircolor

Lace Braid with Haircolor - a woman inside a salon
Source

27. Sleek Ponytail

Sleek Ponytail - a woman wearing a earrings
Source

28. Simple and Neat Low Bun

Simple and Neat Low Bun - a woman wearing a earrings
Source

29. Purple and Blue Fancy Hair

Purple and Blue Fancy Hair - a woman wearing a gray shirt
Source

30. Half Updo Hair with Heart Clip

Half Updo Hair with Heart Clip - a woman wearing a yellow blouse
Source

31. Formal Bob Hairstyle

Formal Bob Hairstyle - a woman wearing a earrings and necklace
Source

32. 5 Lace Braids Hairstyle

5 Lace Braids Hairstyle - a woman wearing a black shirt
Source

33. Messy French Twist

Messy French Twist - a woman wearing a blue night dress
Source

34. French Twist with Bangs

French Twist with Bangs - a woman wearing earrings and necklace
Source

35. French Twist Updo

French Twist Updo - a woman wearing a white knitted longsleeve
Source

36. Curly Waves with Blonde

Curly Waves with Blonde - a woman wearing a off shoulder top
Source

37. Sleek Wavy Hairstyle

Sleek Wavy Hairstyle - a woman wearing a pink polo blouse
Source

38. Half Up Half Down Hairstyle

Half Up Half Down Hairstyle - a woman wearing a black off shoulder longsleeve
Source

39. Smooth and Simple Braided Pony

Smooth and Simple Braided Pony - a woman wearing a blue denim longsleeve
Source

40. Twisted Low Bun with Highlights

Twisted Low Bun with Highlights - a woman wearing a black cape
Source

41. Formal Curly Long Hairstyle

Formal Curly Long Hairstyle - a woman wearing a pink longsleeve blouse
Source

42. Double Braid with Accessories

Double Braid with Accessories - a woman wearing a black cape
Source

43. Bubble Braid on a Natural Hair

Bubble Braid on a Natural Hair - a woman wearing a pink blouse
Source

44. Formal and Brial Updo

Formal and Brial Updo - a woman wearing a rust top
Source

45. Natural Sleek Black Hair

Natural Sleek Black Hair - a woman wearing white knitted longsleeve
Source

46. Side Lace Braids with Bun

Side Lace Braids with Bun - a woman wearing a black cape
Source

47. Braided Twist Updo Formal Hairstyle

Braided Twist Updo Formal Hairstyle - a woman wearing a white gown
Source

48. Elegant Formal Prom Hairstyle

Elegant Formal Prom Hairstyle - a woman wearing a black blouse
Source

49. Icy White Twisted Hair

Icy White Twisted Hair - a woman wearing a black cape
Source

50. Blonde Ponytail

Blonde Ponytail - a woman wearing a white spaghetti strap
Source

The Verdict

Whether you’re heading to a wedding, dance, Christmas party, or work event, a classy and fancy hairstyle is often a much-needed accessory. Most people tend to spend so much time, effort, and money on clothing, shoes, and accessories but they often forget to think about their hairstyle. Luckily, in this day and age, the era of pristinely polished updos has passed.

Today, effortlessness is prized in a lot of fashion looks including the fancy hairstyles we’ve reviewed today. Not only that, but we as a culture tend to value easy fashionable hairstyles, especially if they can have a dual-use.

However, when you’re picking a fancy hairstyle for your next special occasion, always remember to look for something that works for your specific hair texture, type, and length. It’s also imperative to remember that the right style should not only help you look great but make you feel great, as well. Don’t feel boxed into those individual styles either; have fun, and put your own twist on any hairstyle to make it feel truly your own. After all, it is all about feeling confident in your own skin. You are the only one who needs to truly love your hair!

PURA D'OR Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo, CLINICALLY...
PURA D'OR Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin...
Check Price
Batiste, Dry Shampoo, Beautiful Brunette, 6.73 fl. oz.
Batiste, Dry Shampoo, Beautiful Brunette, 6.73 fl....
Check Price
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole, Fresh Scent, 7 Fl...
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1%...
Check Price

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. We may also earn small commissions on purchases from other retail websites.

Copyright © 2023 - All rights reserved *All Women Hairstyles
About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact