Do 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.
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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
French Twist
Image by beyondtheponytail , via Instagram
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
Twisted Half Updo
Image by hairstylistkristen, via Instagram
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 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 hair pin 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
Double Dutch
Image by Roxxsaurus via YouTube
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
Low Bun
Image by chelseataylor_hairstylist_ via Instagram
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
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Retro Ponytail
Image by stephanieannb via Pinterest
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
Tousled-Up Hairstyle
Image via Pinterest
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
High Bun
Image by trendyhairstylesforwomen via Pinterest
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
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Flower Braid
Image by MissySue via YouTube
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
Hollywood Waves
Image by gammapiu.it via Pinterest
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
Lace Braid
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
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!
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