25 Stunning Formal Hairstyles for Short Hair That Will Turn Heads
Short hair doesn’t mean limited options for formal events. In fact, short locks can be incredibly versatile and sophisticated with the right styling techniques.
Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or professional event, your short hair can make a statement that’s both elegant and effortless.
Ready to elevate your short hairstyle game? Here are 25 formal hairstyles that will have you looking polished and put-together for any special occasion.
1: Sleek Side-Parted Bob
A classic side-parted bob gives you instant sophistication. Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair and blow-dry straight.
Create a deep side part and use a flat iron for extra sleekness. Tuck one side behind your ear and secure with a decorative pin for added elegance.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape without stiffness.
2: Textured Pixie with Face-Framing Pieces
Add dimension to your pixie cut by creating texture with a lightweight pomade. Work the product through your hair with your fingertips for piece-y definition.
Pull a few strands forward to frame your face beautifully. This creates softness around your features while keeping the style formal.
A light spritz of texturizing spray will help maintain the look throughout your event.
3: Vintage-Inspired Pin Curls
Channel old Hollywood glamour with pin curls on your short hair. Start with slightly damp hair and create small curls using your fingers.
Secure each curl with a bobby pin and allow to dry completely. Once dry, gently brush through for soft waves that look sophisticated and timeless.
Add a sparkly hair accessory for extra glamour at formal occasions.
4: Slicked-Back Undercut
For the daring, a slicked-back undercut offers edgy elegance. Apply a strong-hold gel to dampened hair and comb everything back away from your face.
The contrast between the closely cropped sides and the longer top creates a bold yet refined silhouette that works beautifully for formal settings.
This style particularly complements statement earrings and necklines.
5: Braided Crown for Short Bob
Yes, you can create a braided crown even with shorter hair! Part your hair down the middle and create two small braids on either side.
Bring the braids around your head like a crown and secure with bobby pins. Pull out a few tendrils around your face for a soft, romantic effect.
This style works wonderfully for weddings and garden parties.
6: Sculpted Curls with Deep Side Part
Create dramatic volume with sculpted curls on your short hair. Start with a deep side part and use a small curling iron to curl your hair away from your face.
Set each curl with a light spritz of hairspray before it cools. Once cooled, gently separate the curls with your fingers for a polished but not too perfect finish.
This style creates beautiful dimension that photographs exceptionally well.
7: Sleek Twisted Updo
Surprise—updos aren’t just for long hair! For shorter bobs, create a low twisted style at the nape of your neck.
Start by smoothing your hair back with a brush and some gel. Twist small sections and pin as you go until all hair is secured at the nape.
Leave out a few strands in front for a softer, more modern look.
8: Asymmetrical Bob with Hidden Pins
An asymmetrical bob becomes event-ready with the strategic placement of decorative pins. Style your bob as usual, maintaining its asymmetrical shape.
Then, add several small, jeweled pins on the shorter side, creating a constellation effect that catches the light beautifully.
This style balances edgy and elegant perfectly for formal occasions.
9: Pompadour Pixie
Create height and drama with a pompadour-style pixie. Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry while directing the front section upward.
Tease the roots slightly and smooth the surface with a brush. Secure with strong-hold hairspray for a look that’s both bold and sophisticated.
This style pairs beautifully with dramatic evening makeup.
10: Sculptural Finger Waves
Finger waves bring vintage glamour to short hair. Apply styling gel to damp hair and use a fine-tooth comb to create S-shaped waves across your head.
Secure with clips until dry, then remove and gently mist with shine spray. This intricate style looks impressive at black-tie events.
The precision of this style creates a gorgeous frame for your features.
11: Faux Hawk with Elegant Twists
Create a sophisticated version of a faux hawk by twisting the sides of your hair back tightly while leaving the center with volume and texture.
Secure the twisted sections with bobby pins that match your hair color. Add a bit of texturizing spray to the center section for definition.
This bold yet refined style works wonderfully for creative formal events.
12: Brushed-Back Bob with Volume
For a simple yet effective formal style, brush your bob backward with volume at the crown. Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry while lifting at the roots.
Use a round brush to direct all hair backward, creating height at the crown. Set with medium-hold hairspray for a style that’s both elegant and effortless.
This versatile look complements virtually any formal outfit.
13: Side-Swept Pixie with Crystal Accents
Transform your pixie cut with a deep side part and crystal accessories. Create a deep side part and smooth your longer side with a flat iron.
Add tiny crystal pins or clips throughout the longer section for a constellation effect that catches the light beautifully at formal events.
This style is perfect for holiday parties and evening galas.
14: Modern French Twist
Yes, even short hair can achieve a French twist variation! Gather your hair at the back, twist upward, and secure with bobby pins.
Allow the ends to create a small “pouf” at the top for a modern touch. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for softness.
This classic style adds instant sophistication to your formal look.
15: Bob with Hidden Braided Details
Add interest to a classic bob with hidden braids. Create one or two small, tight braids underneath the top layer of your hair.
When you tuck your hair behind your ear, these braids create an unexpected detail that elevates your style for formal occasions.
This subtle detail adds sophistication without being overly complicated.
16: Structured Crop with Sparkling Headband
A structured crop becomes event-ready with a statement headband. Style your cropped hair with a bit of pomade for definition and control.
Add a sparkling headband that sits about an inch back from your hairline. This creates a polished, sophisticated look that’s perfect for formal events.
The combination of structure and sparkle creates beautiful balance.
17: Retro Rolled Bob
Channel vintage vibes with a rolled bob. Use a curling iron to curl the ends of your bob under, then carefully roll and pin the sides for a sculpted effect.
Add a bit of hairspray to maintain the shape throughout your event. This classic style works beautifully for both daytime and evening formal occasions.
This timeless look pairs perfectly with vintage-inspired dresses.
18: Textured Crop with Subtle Highlights
Make your cropped cut formal-ready by adding visual interest with subtle highlights.
Ask your stylist for face-framing highlights before your event.
Style with a bit of texturizing paste, pushing the hair slightly forward for a modern, sophisticated finish that’s perfect for formal settings.
The dimension created by highlights photographs beautifully.
19: Twisted Halo for Short Hair
Create a romantic halo effect with twisted sections. Part your short hair down the middle and twist small sections back on each side.
Secure with bobby pins at the back of your head, creating a halo effect. This soft, romantic style is perfect for weddings and garden parties.
Leave a few wispy pieces out to soften the look around your face.
20: Sculpted Waves with Deep Side Part
Create dramatic glamour with sculpted waves. Start with a deep side part and use a small curling iron to create defined waves.
Set each wave with hairspray before it cools. Once set, gently brush through for a polished, red-carpet-worthy finish that’s perfect for formal events.
This classic style never goes out of fashion for formal occasions.
21: Accessorized Asymmetrical Cut
Make your asymmetrical cut event-ready with strategic accessories. Style your cut as usual, maintaining its sharp lines and angles.
Add a statement hair clip or jeweled pin on the side with less hair. This draws attention to the intentional asymmetry of your style.
The contrast between sleek hair and a bold accessory creates visual interest.
22: Sleek Bob with Hidden Accent Braid
Add an unexpected detail to a sleek bob with a hidden accent braid. Create a small, tight braid near your ear and tuck it behind for a subtle surprise.
Style the rest of your bob sleek and straight. This combination of polished and playful works beautifully for formal events.
The hidden detail creates intrigue without overwhelming your style.
23: Textured Crop with Feathered Sides
Create movement and dimension with feathered sides on your cropped cut. Ask your stylist for feathered layers before your event.
Style with a bit of texturizing cream, directing the feathered sides toward your face for a soft, flattering effect that’s perfect for formal occasions.
This style offers sophistication with a touch of softness.
24: Mini Top Knot with Textured Back
Combine playful and polished with a mini top knot. Section off the top portion of your hair and create a small knot or bun.
Texture the back and sides with a bit of styling paste. This half-up style works beautifully for creative formal events.
The contrast between the sleek knot and textured back creates interesting dimension.
25: Wet-Look Bob with Side Sweep
Embrace the editorial wet-look trend for a high-fashion formal style. Apply a generous amount of styling gel to damp hair.
Create a deep side part and comb through for a sleek, wet effect. This bold, modern style makes a statement at creative formal events.
The light-reflecting quality of this style creates stunning visual impact.
Conclusion
Your short hair is a versatile canvas for formal styling.
Experiment with these looks to find your signature formal style that makes you feel confident and beautiful for any special occasion.
