Need Perfect Prom Hair or a Whimsical Wedding Look? Here Are 35 Elegant Hairstyles to Choose From

Looking for an elegant hairstyle for prom or wedding season? Instead of stressing over your hair for your next fanciful affair, check out our roundup of elevated looks.

By Sarah Plail & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 01 Sep 2026

Summer is fast approaching. Hopefully, your season will be full of fun parties, fancy dinners, and you might even have a wedding or two to attend. If you’re looking for hair inspiration for such occasions, you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up 35 elegant hairstyles that are sure to be the perfect addition to your upcoming soirees.

Banana Clip Ponytail

Banana clips may have been popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but this versatile tool can create timeless looks, including hairstyles as sophisticated as the long ponytail.

Tie your hair so it’s half-up and half-down. Use an elastic to tie the top half. Then use your banana clip to secure the rest of your locks. The result? A longer-looking ponytail! For a fresh, updated version, leave out a couple of face-framing strands, ala our model, for a more fun feel.

Side-braid Blowout

This 70’s, Disco-inspired look works well if you’re looking for a style that’s as fun as it is elegant. Mizani artist Jamal Edmonds uses a wand with a large barrel and a paddle brush to create these voluminous, brushed-out curls. Complete the look by adorning your braids with glitter, or gold accessories, like Jamal has, for extra sparkle.

Pinned Back

Pinning sections of your hair back is so simple yet so effective for creating an elegant look. It’s also versatile; you can pin your hair back no matter your hair type or texture. Plus, you can choose if you pin one side back with a deep-side parting for vintage vibes or both sides with a middle parting for a playful look that almost resembles pigtails. Choose ornate barrettes or snaps if you want additional sophistication.

Sleek Bun

A sleek bun works on virtually all hair types, whether textured, straight, curly, or fine. L'Oreal Professionnel artist Madison Sullivan adds braids to her bun for a more playful take on this classic style.

High Ponytail

A high ponytail looks good, no matter your face shape or hair type. What’s more, this elegant hairstyle is straightforward to do yourself. The most impactful high ponytails are rife with volume, so use Redken’s Root Lifter Volumizing Spray when creating yours.

Chignon Hairstyle

A classic chignon is effortlessly elegant and is the perfect hairstyle for a soiree. Redken artist Ruth Roche explains how to create this chic knot using just a few bobby pins and elastic in this video. To secure and set the chignon, Ruth applies Redken Max Hold Hairspray 32 Neutral Fragrance (formerly known as Triple Hold 32). This high-hold spray will keep your locks in place all day long.

Free-Flowing Ringlets

If you’re blessed with type 3 or type 4 hair, then why not make the most of your natural curls for your next special occasion? One editor shares how she created these five different curly hairstyles for weddings for inspiration here.

French Twist Ponytail

The French are undeniably chic; make no mistake about it. So it’s no surprise this French twist-inspired ponytail has a classically elegant feel. This look is created by rolling and pinning your hair at the back of your head. It requires effort and patience, so you’ll want to ensure it stays in place with a liberal mist of hairspray. Biolage Professional’s Freeze Fix Humidity Resistant Spray is one of our faves.

Old Hollywood Waves

Is there anything more elegant than Old Hollywood glamor? Evoke the golden age on your next night out with lady-like waves. Artist Ruth Roche shows how to create these soft waves at home.

Fishtail Braid

A fishtail braid may look intricate, but it’s surprisingly painless to do, as you only need to braid two strands of hair. Mizani Artist Carla Marcelle shows how to create the fishtail braid on textured hair. Carla uses hairspray consistently while working on the braid to ensure the hair remains in place.

Twist Half-updo

Created by Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s international DigitArtistic Director, Alexandry Costa, this look is inspired by minimalism and the brand’s Japanese heritage. Try adding a twist to your next half-up style for an elegant, high-fashion take on this classic half-updo. Blow dry your hair with the brand’s Tsuyu Sleek Blow Dry Oil Spray before you begin styling for a sleek and shiny blowout that’s two times faster.

Low Bun Updo

This low bun may be simple as far as elegant hairstyles go, but it delivers maximum glamour. Celebrity stylist Danielle Keasling shows us how to create this look by twisting sections of hair around a half ponytail and securing them with bobby pins.

Sleek Low Ponytail

Contrary to popular belief, creating a sophisticated look doesn’t need to take hours. An uncomplicated and quick contender for elegant hairstyles is a low ponytail. Use hair gel to smooth down your hair and edges for added sleekness.

Galaxy Edges

Those with textured hair types will be familiar with laying their edges, which tames your baby hairs and edges for a sleeker appearance. Take laying your edges up a notch by coaxing your hair into artistic styles we like to call Galaxy Edges for their Milky Way-like swirls.

Heart Hairstyles

Looking for elegant hairstyles for date night? Wear your heart on your hair with a rom-com-inspired braided ‘do. Biolage Professional artists Sara Shefferly and Caryn Vanderbilt show you how to create these intricate, Insta-worthy looks in this video.

Half-Up Half-Down

The half-up half-down hairdo is a classic for a reason. This feminine style optimizes elegance. Biolage Professional partner Sunnie Brook gives a voluminous spin to this look.

Beads and Gems

You can elevate any hairstyle to elegant heights with the right accessories. Why not try adding beads, jewels, or gems to your style next time you go out? We’re inspired by this party-ready look created by Monae Everett, who adorned a beautiful braid with pearls.

Voluminous Glam Curls

Is there anything more glamorous than big, bouncy curls? To achieve this look, it’s important to prep your hair; stylist Cynthia Dhimdis recommends using L’Oreal Professional’s Volumetry Anti-Gravity Root Spray to lift your locks.

Pin-Straight Bob

A sleek, straight bob is always elegant, evocative of French chicness. Parisian model Isabeau Delatour shows how she gets her mane poker straight with the L'Oréal Professional Steampod Flat Iron & Styler.

Wet-Hair look

Many celebrities go for the wet look when walking the red carpet. Create this mermaid-inspired look at home with a hair oil and gel.

Braids

The best thing about braids? How they work on almost all hair types and textures. Recreate this intricate, art-inspired braided look for your next soiree by pinning your braid to your head.

Claw Clip Updo

A humble claw clip can do so much. Reach for yours if you’re looking for elegance with minimal effort. Ideally, your hair will be freshly washed and styled; however, this updo still looks great even when wash-day is a distant memory.

Half-Up Half-Down Bun with Curls

This half-up half-down bun look is perfect for natural curlies. Matrix brand ambassador Takisha Sturdivant-Drew shows us how to achieve this playful yet elegant hairstyle.

Ballerina Bun

Ballerinas are known for their poise and elegance. If you’re looking for a ladylike updo, who better to take inspiration from? Bradley Leake creates this sleek ballerina bun in seven steps.

Retro Pin Curls

Try pin curls for authentic vintage-inspired glamor. This look was first made popular in the ‘30s, so it’s a classic. Plus, pin curls are a great heatless curling method.

Scarf Bun

Never underestimate how much hair accessories can elevate your locks to luxurious heights. Think of it like adding jewelry to your outfit. Add a silk scarf to your bun to create an ultra-chic updo.

Curly Updo

This updo is perfect for those with curly, coily, or textured hair. Hair.com Ambassador Bradley Leake creates a super-secure style showcasing your natural curls.

Snake braids

Snake braids have been trending all over social this spring and are ideal to try if you’re looking for inspiration for your next party.

Ribbon Pony

Have you seen hair bows all over Instagram too? This trend is everywhere at the moment, and best of all, adding a ribbon to your ponytail is a super quick way to glam up a hairdo.

Hair Tinsel

Tinsel is not just for holiday glam. It’s also great for festival looks as well as more elegant affairs that incorporate the fairy-core trend.

Bubble Braids

Contrary to popular belief, elegance doesn’t have to mean demure.

Halo Braid

The halo braid is the perfect romantic hairstyle for special occasions. This updo is created by wrapping your braid around your head to resemble a crown and then securing it with bobby pins.

Beehive Ponytail

The classic beehive is back (let’s be honest, did it really ever go anywhere?). Channel your inner ‘60s siren with this ‘do.

Discover more inspirational hair looks and expert-backed advice on Hair.com.