20 Formal Hairstyles to Wear Down, From Glossy Waves to Pretty Half-Up Looks
Looking for formal hairstyles down that don’t feel too plain for a big night? Glossy waves, little braids and pretty clips give you plenty to choose from.
These looks include fully loose styles plus half-up ideas that leave most of your length on show.
You can keep things simple or go all out with an oversized bun and curls. I especially love the little pearl-like details.
Pick your favorite to bring along to your hair appointment.
Down and Half-Up Hairstyles Worth Saving
big brunette curls
We’re starting off strong with these gorgeous brunette curls. I love the lift at the side part and those big curled ends sitting over both shoulders.
If you want to follow this look, keep one side tucked behind your ear to show off a favorite earring.
looped bun and straight lengths
How pretty is this half-up bun? The big loops are almost flower-shaped, with long straight blonde hair left loose underneath.
Read also: 20 Prom Hair Half Up Ideas With Curls, Braids and Pretty Details
Ask for a smooth finish through the loose lengths if you want the bun to be the main detail. You don’t need to add curls to make this feel dressed up.
high half-up curls
I am obsessed with this curly half-up hairstyle. It’s so pretty, plus that high gathered section gives the top a little extra height.
The loose curl beside the face is worth keeping. Ask for a similar front piece rather than pulling every strand back.
glossy sculpted waves
If you are looking for something without braids or clips, this one is for you. The long brunette waves fall in broad curves over both shoulders.
A side part and a tuck behind one ear finish the look.
Read also: 20 Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Short Hair Worth Saving
curls and a sparkling clip
This is such a pretty way to dress up a half-up hairstyle. The sides sweep back beneath a sparkling branch-shaped accessory, with lots of defined curls below.
Read also: 20 Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair With Curls, Twists and Pretty Updos
I especially love the little white bead details around the center. Choose a similar clip if you want that extra decoration at the back.
scattered pearl-like details
How cute are these little pearl-like accents? They’re scattered along the swept-back sides rather than grouped into one big clip.
The white dots look so pretty against the dark waves.
Keep the lower lengths free of accessories if you want to follow this same arrangement.
side waves and a jeweled accent
This side-parted hairstyle may just be one of my favorites here. I love the lifted front wave and the sparkling accessory sitting right above the ear.
Try a drop earring with it, just like this look. There’s room for both without covering that pretty side detail.
side braid and ringlets
If you love braids but still want your hair down, try this combination. A braid runs from the front toward the back, with long ringlets left loose below it.
Ask to keep a section loose beside your face for a similar finish.
curly bun and face-framing spirals
I am obsessed with this curly half-up bun. The small curls through the loose lengths are gorgeous, but those long spirals beside the face are my favorite part.
Read also: 20 Valentine's Day Hairstyles for Curly Hair and Romantic Looks to Try
Bring this picture along if you want a gathered top without hiding all your curls.
black bow and loose waves
The bow fans are going to love this! The sides twist back into a low gathered section, topped with a black bow and a round pale center.
Pick a bow with long tails if you want this same detail over your loose waves.
side tuck and flowing waves
This is the same glossy wave look shown earlier, with another detail worth saving: the smooth tuck above the exposed ear. I love how it leaves the drop earring on show while the lengths stay loose.
If you’re choosing between accessories, you could skip a hair clip and wear earrings instead.
smooth hair and a leafy headband
Don’t want to go all out with curls? No problem!
Try this smooth down hairstyle with a sparkling leafy headband. The side-swept front sits neatly beneath it, with a little height through the crown.
The gently curved ends are pretty just as they are.
full waves and curled ends
If you are looking for lots of volume, then this one is for you. There’s so much to love, from the sweeping front section to the big curls around the shoulders.
I’d leave this one without a clip. Those full brunette waves already have plenty going on.
side-swept bob and flipped ends
How cute are these flipped ends? The smooth side-swept bob is tucked behind one ear, with the ends curving outward below.
It’s a pretty option if you’re working with shorter hair.
Ask for that outward flip if you want to keep the playful shape.
crossed twists and brunette curls
This is a lovely half-up idea without any visible decorative accessories. The side sections cross at the back above a cascade of big brunette curls.
Keep a curled front piece loose like the one here if you don’t want everything swept away from your face.
loose waves and a pale flower
I love this pale flower against the highlighted brown hair. It sits over the gathered section at the back, with loose waves falling below.
If you want a floral detail without a whole headband, a single flower-shaped accessory like this is a pretty option.
little braids and decorated twists
There’s a little bit of everything in this half-up look. Thick twists meet at the back, tiny braids run through the loose blonde lengths and delicate sprig-shaped accessories sit along the sides.
Read also: 20 Prom Hair Down Ideas With Curls, Braids and Pretty Accessories
Those skinny braids are my favorite detail. Ask to include them if you want more than waves alone.
braided crown and long waves
Don’t want to add flowers or sparkle to your hair? No problem there! Try this braided half-up crown with long brown waves instead.
I love how the wide braids meet across the back. Keep them full and visible if you’re asking for this look.
swept-back caramel waves
This is another twisted half-up idea, but those broad caramel-colored waves give it a different look. The crown has a little height, with smooth side sections crossing beneath it.
The long front piece is so pretty too. I’d keep that detail rather than pulling all the hair back.
gold-colored barrette and curls
Last but definitely not least, we have this pretty half-up style with a wide gold-colored barrette. I love the simple oval shape against all those loose curls.
Choose a plain clip like this if you want an accessory without flowers, bows or little sparkling details.
