20 Winter Formal Hairstyles for Women — Elegant Updos & Ideas

I’m Lena, a salon stylist with over a decade of experience creating event-ready looks. This gallery of 20 winter formal hairstyles for women covers timeless updos, soft curls, intricate braids and modern low buns that translate beautifully in cold-weather conditions. I designed these styles to suit a range of hair types and lengths—short pixie-friendly textures, shoulder-length waves, and long hair that holds elaborate braids and chignons. In the salon I balance glamour with winter hair care: hydrating prep, lightweight oils to tame static, and low-heat shaping to protect fragile ends. For best results, prep with a nourishing leave-in, use heat protectant, and add texturizing spray for grip on smooth hair. Each image includes quick styling notes so you can recreate the look or give clear direction to your stylist for a bespoke formal finish.

Textured Side‑Swept Rope Twist with Loose Salon Curls

This elegant side‑swept rope twist with loose curls is ideal for medium to long hair. It suits straight to wavy textures and looks particularly full on medium–thick hair; fine hair benefits from light teasing or clip‑in pieces for added body. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow‑dry smooth or rough‑dry for texture, then create large, loose curls with a 1¼–1½ inch curling iron, alternating direction for movement. Gather hair to one side, create two‑strand rope twists or loose sections and interweave, securing with clear elastics and bobby pins; pancake the twist gently for width and softness. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, wide‑tooth comb, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray, anti‑frizz serum. Difficulty: moderate — expect 30–45 minutes; practice helps with even pancaking and pin placement. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and light spritz of texturizer, re‑pin loosened sections and re‑curl ends as needed to extend wear.

Textured Romantic Loose Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

An elegant textured loose updo ideal for bridal or special occasions. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair and natural waves or curls; fine hair can work when pre-textured or when using clip-in pieces for volume. Start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush to create lift. Section hair and create loose curls with a 1 curling iron; lightly backcomb the crown for height. Gather sections into a low, messy bun, securing with bobby pins and leaving a few face-framing tendrils. Finish by pulling and loosening sections to reveal texture and movement. Tools: 1 curling iron, blow dryer with round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins (U and flat), hair elastic, texturizing brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, texturizing spray or powder, flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Intermediate — expect 30–45 minutes; easier with a second set of hands. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose bun cover, refresh with dry shampoo or salt spray, and resecure pins if shape loosens.

Voluminous Textured Side Braid — Romantic Boho Bridal Hairstyle

This loose, voluminous side braid works best on long hair and on medium to thick textures; wavy hair gives the easiest hold, while fine hair benefits from lightweight extensions or strategic backcombing. Start with clean, towel-dried hair, apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to enhance natural wave, then create soft 1–1.25 curls with a curling iron to add body. Backcomb the crown lightly for lift, gather hair to one side and create a loose fishtail or pull-through braid, securing with a clear elastic. Pancake the braid (gently pull sections apart) to increase width, loosen face-framing tendrils, and anchor with discreet bobby pins. Finish with a texturizing spray for grip and a flexible-hold hairspray for movement; add small crystal pins or fresh flowers for bridal sparkle. Tools: curling iron/wand, teasing comb, tail comb, elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray/powder, flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake braid as needed, carry spare pins and travel hairspray, and sleep with a silk wrap to preserve shape.

Textured Crown Braid into Low Braided Chignon — Romantic Winter Updo

This romantic braided chignon works best on medium-to-long hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from light backcombing, a texturizing spray, or a 12–16 in. extension weft for fullness. Start on dry, lightly textured hair: apply a heat protectant if using hot tools, then a sea-salt or texturizing spray to add grip. Create a deep side part and work a Dutch/French braid from the front hairline across the crown, gently pancaking each section to broaden the braid. Gather remaining hair at the nape into a loose low bun, wrap and tuck the braid around it, and secure with bobby pins inserted sideways for hold. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, lots of bobby pins, curling iron (optional) and a mini brush. Products: root-lifting mousse or spray, texturizer, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — 30–45 minutes for an experienced stylist, longer for beginners. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a few pins, and avoid heavy coats rubbing the style; reapply light hairspray to tame humidity or snow.

Romantic Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Loose Curls

This romantic, side-swept fishtail with loose curls works best on long to mid-length hair and suits naturally wavy to straight textures (fine hair benefits from texturizing; thick hair creates more volume). Start on towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant mid-length to ends. Blow-dry while lifting the crown, then create soft, 1–1.25-inch barrel curls in alternating directions for movement. Lightly tease the crown for height, sweep hair to one side and construct a loose fishtail (or rope) braid low at the shoulder, pulling each pass outward to pancake for that soft, full look. Secure with a small clear elastic, wrap a small section around the band and pin. Finish with flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine mist. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins and small elastics. Products: volumizing mousse, texturizing or salt spray, heat protectant, flexible-hold hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: Intermediate (requires curling and braiding skills). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely re-braid, refresh with dry shampoo and re-curl a few pieces as needed, and avoid over-brushing to keep texture.

Textured Braided Crown Low Bun with Side‑Swept Fringe

This elegant updo suits medium-to-long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the look with light backcombing or a small padding piece, and naturally wavy hair makes styling quicker. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, blow-dry with a round brush for smoothness and lift, then add loose waves with a 1 curling wand to build texture. Create a deep side part and braid a loose Dutch or French braid from the front hairline along the crown, gently pancake the braid for width, then gather the remaining hair into a low, slightly off-center bun and secure with pins and an elastic. Pull out soft face-framing tendrils and mist with texturizing spray for separation; finish with a light-hold hairspray and a touch of shine serum on the fringe. Tools: blower, round brush, curling wand, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic. Difficulty: intermediate (20–40 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin stray pieces, and avoid heavy oils to preserve volume.

Boho Crown Braid with Loose Beach Waves and Fishtail Ends

This romantic half-up boho look suits medium to thick hair and works well on natural waves or straight lengths. Fine hair can achieve the same effect with volumizing products or clip-in pieces; very curly hair should be smoothed slightly or embraced for a textured finish. Start by applying a salt spray or volumizing mousse to damp hair and rough-drying for grip. Create a Dutch/French crown braid from one temple to the other, pulling gently on each section to pancake for width. Leave the lower lengths soft and create loose beachy waves with a 1 curling wand or large barrel iron, alternating directions for movement. Finish the two lower sections with small fishtail braids tied with clear elastics and tucked or left loose for an undone vibe. Tools needed: blow dryer (diffuser optional), 1 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, lightweight hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate; 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: refresh waves by misting and scrunching, use dry shampoo at roots, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks.

Half-Up Twisted Curls with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic half-up style pairs loose, defined curls with soft twisted sections pinned at the crown and delicate face‑framing tendrils. Best for medium to long hair; works well on fine to medium hair with a volumizing prep and on thick or coarse hair with smoothing cream to control frizz. Styling technique: section hair, create 1

Textured Loose Side Fishtail Braid for Long Red Wavy Hair

From salon experience, this textured loose side fishtail braid works best on long, medium-to-thick wavy or curly hair — red tones add dimension but straight hair will take the style after adding texture. Prep on towel-dried hair with a lightweight mousse and a heat protectant, then rough-dry while lifting at the roots for natural volume. Create soft waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand if needed, lightly backcomb the crown, then gather hair to one side and braid using a loose fishtail or rope technique. Pancake each braid section as you go to build fullness and an undone finish; secure with a small elastic and hide with a pin or wrapped strand. Tools: blow-dryer, diffuser (optional), curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light-hold mousse, smoothing serum for ends, flexible-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty: intermediate — typically 20–35 minutes depending on density. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist, re-pancake the braid each day, touch up ends with minimal heat, and trim regularly to prevent split ends.

Voluminous Curly Half-Up Cascade for Formal Events

This voluminous curly half-up cascade is ideal for medium-to-long hair with natural waves or curls; straight textures can achieve the look with a heat set or roller set. To create it, work with prepped, dry hair: apply heat protectant and a curl-enhancing mousse, then section the crown and lightly backcomb for lift. Use a ¾–1 curling iron or hot rollers to form defined spiral curls; allow curls to cool before loosely gathering the top half and pinning into a soft pouf with long bobby pins, leaving face-framing tendrils. Sweep and pin the remaining curls to create a controlled cascading shape down the back. Tools: curling iron or hot rollers, teasing/tail comb, long bobby pins, sectioning clips, diffuser (if air-drying). Products: heat protectant, curl cream or mousse, texturizing spray, medium-hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: Moderate (45–75 minutes) — requires basic curling and pinning skills and attention to cooling curls. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pineapple, refresh with a curl-revival spray and touch up a few curls as needed, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and trim every 8–10 weeks to keep ends polished.

Textured Low Side Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic textured low side bun suits medium to long hair and works best on wavy or slightly layered straight hair; fine hair benefits from root lift and texturizing products, while thick hair should be thinned or sectioned for manageability. Start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush for smoothness. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 in curling wand for texture, leaving two face‑framing pieces out. Gather hair to one side at the nape, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, twist sections into a relaxed bun and secure with pins and long bobby pins. Pull small pieces free for softness and mist with a flexible-hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, tail comb, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, lightweight smoothing serum. Difficulty: intermediate — achievable at home with practice or quick in-salon. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh shape with dry shampoo and a few pins, and re-curl loose strands on day two.

Voluminous Textured Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium-to-long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from padding or texturizing for added hold while thick hair provides natural lift. Begin on clean, dry hair: apply a heat protectant and a texturizing or sea-salt spray. Section the crown and lightly backcomb to create volume, then smooth the top layer. Use a 1 curling iron to add loose barrel curls through mid-lengths and ends for grip. Gather hair toward the nape, loosely twist and pin into a soft, voluminous updo, leaving two to four face-framing tendrils. Secure with long bobby pins and hairpins, tucking pins into curls to hide them. Tools: 1 curling iron, rat-tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips and plenty of pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, medium-hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum and dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: moderate — plan 30–45 minutes in a salon; practice improves speed. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo or light mist, re-pin any loosening pieces, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve lift.

Soft Romantic Textured Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium to thick hair and natural waves; fine hair can work with light padding or clip-in pieces. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a texturizing spray, blow-dry with a round brush to add body. Create soft, loose curls with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions, then finger-comb to loosen. Back-comb lightly at the crown for lift, gather hair into a low to mid loose bun, twisting and tucking sections and securing with U-pins and bobby pins to maintain a soft, undone shape. Leave face-framing tendrils and wispy bangs out; shape these with the wand and a dab of styling cream for definition. Tools needed: curling wand, blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic, bobby/U-pins. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light styling cream or pomade for tendrils, flexible-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: moderate — achievable in 30–45 minutes with basic pinning skills. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or a few quick re-curls, and tighten pins as needed before events.

Soft Romantic Curled Low Updo with Side-Swept Wave and Decorative Hairpiece

This elegant low updo with soft, sculpted curls and a side-swept wave suits medium to thick hair best and can be achieved on shoulder-length to long hair; fine hair will benefit from texturizing and light padding. Technique: blow-dry with a round brush for smoothness, create uniform S-waves and 1–1¼ barrel curls with a curling iron or wand, then loosely pin sections into a low, looped bun to preserve movement. Add a decorative comb or hairpiece at the side to anchor the look. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron/wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, strong bobby pins and U-pins, small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, medium-to-strong flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — salon recommended for brides or formal events; achievable at home with practice. Maintenance tips: reinforce with extra pins at the nape, mist with flexible hairspray after each adjustment, carry a travel hairspray for touch-ups, and avoid humidity; touch up loose curls with a small barrel if needed.

Romantic Braided Low Chignon Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium-to-thick, shoulder-length to long hair; fine hair can be prepped with padding or extensions for added volume. Start on clean, dry hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at roots, then blow-dry for lift. Create loose, wide sections and curl with a 1 curling iron to add body. Build soft structure by twisting or loosely Dutch-braiding two to three crown sections, pancake the braids for width, then gather the lengths into a textured low chignon at the nape, securing with bobby pins and small elastics. Leave a few face-framing tendrils and refine with a curling wand for soft S-shaped waves. Use a salt/texturizing spray to increase grip and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray for movement. Tools: 1 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, bobby pins, small elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: Moderate (40–60 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh tendrils with a quick curl, reinforce pins as needed, and use dry shampoo between washes to preserve texture.

Romantic Voluminous Braided Half‑Up with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic, voluminous braided half-up combines Dutch/French braiding at the crown with oversized rope/pancaked braids down the sides and soft face‑framing tendrils. Best suited to medium-to-thick long hair and naturally wavy or textured hair — fine hair will work with lightweight clip-in extensions; very straight hair benefits from a quick wave to add grip. Technique: blow-dry with a round brush or diffuse to add body, create two Dutch/French sections at the front, braid toward the back incorporating hair and secure with elastics, then transition into loose rope or three-strand braids and pancake each braid for fullness. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1–1.5

Textured Low Romantic Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils

This textured low updo is ideal for medium to long hair and works best on medium‑to‑thick or naturally wavy hair; fine hair can achieve the same volume with padding or a few clip‑in extensions. Start with clean, towel‑dried hair treated with heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow‑dry using a round brush or diffuse for natural lift. Create soft waves through the lengths with a 1–1.25 curling iron, then roughen the hair with a texturizing spray. Section the hair, lightly backcomb at the crown for lift, and loosely twist or loop sections into a low, asymmetric bun, securing each piece with strong bobby pins so the texture remains visible. Pull out a couple of face‑framing tendrils and tease them slightly for a soft finish. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, flexible‑hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — 30–45 minutes in salon or at home. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin any loose pieces; carry extra pins and a travel texturizer for touch‑ups.

Textured Braided Low Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils

Salon-ready textured braided low bun with soft face-framing tendrils — best suited to medium-to-long hair and hair with natural wave or fine-to-medium density. Prep hair with a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray on damp hair and blow-dry for grip. Technique: create a deep side Dutch/French or rope braid across the crown, gently pancake the braid for width, then gather the remaining hair at the nape and form a loose, twisted bun by looping sections and securing with bobby pins; leave two small pieces at the front and softly curl them. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1

Half-Up Braided Crown with Loose Waves — Boho Romantic Hairstyle

This half-up braided crown with loose, beachy waves suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures—layers add movement. Technique: prep hair with a light blow-dry for volume, create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, then take two front sections and French/Dutch braid toward the crown, pinning ends underneath to form a soft crown. Leave face-framing pieces and a few tendrils for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small clear elastics and a fine-tooth comb for light teasing. Recommended products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum or oil on ends and dry shampoo for extra texture and longevity. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding and wave technique; allow 25–45 minutes depending on length and layering. Maintenance tips: refresh waves with a spritz of texturizer, re-pin any loosened braid with discreet bobby pins, avoid heavy sprays that weigh hair down, and sleep with a loose braid or silk scarf to preserve shape.

Romantic Textured Low Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable hair types: works best on medium to thick hair or naturally wavy hair; fine hair can be built up with texturizing products or lightweight extensions. Styling technique: start on second‑day hair or apply volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow dry with a round brush for lift. Create loose curls with a 1–1.25” curling iron, leave ends softer, then gently tease the crown for height. Section hair, twist and pin textured curls into a low, slightly off‑center chignon, securing with bobby pins and U‑pins so the shape reads soft yet structured. Pull a few face‑framing tendrils and lightly curl them to frame the face. Tools needed: curling iron, round brush, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins/U‑pins, small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, salt or texturizing spray, light‑to‑medium hold hairspray, and a touch of shine serum. Difficulty level: intermediate — expect 30–60 minutes depending on hair density. Maintenance tips: carry a travel hairspray and extra pins, refresh tendrils with a quick heat touch‑up, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape; avoid heavy oils that flatten the texture.

As a stylist I always recommend a short trial run before your formal event—especially for braided updos or vintage waves—to fine-tune shape and hold. Protect hair from winter dryness with a weekly hydrating mask and regular trims to avoid split ends showing in polished styles. Use a microfiber towel, a heat protectant, and set larger shapes with cool blasts from your dryer to lock style without overexposing hair to heat. For longevity, add light texturizer at the roots, secure with discreet pins, and finish with a flexible-hold spray so movement still looks natural. Don’t forget accessories: jeweled clips and velvet ribbons are seasonally elegant and help anchor styles under coats and hats. If you want help translating any look to your hair type, book a consultation—I love adapting these 20 looks into a salon-ready plan that keeps hair healthy and camera-ready all night.