Formal events are a great place to show off your style and fashion choices. Many of the formal haircuts promoted at the salon are for women with long hair. However, we have lots of formal hairstyles for short hair that you can try out if you don’t wear your hair long.
The Best Short Formal Hairstyles for Women
Formal hair looks especially good when it has been matched up with the right accessories. The accessories that you choose may depend on what the formal occasion is.
Tiaras look amazing on wedding hairstyles and you will find plenty of choices in wedding boutiques. Beaded clips and bands are a wonderful choice for balls and proms.
1. Low Messy Formal Bun
There are so many short formal hairstyles for weddings, from braids to ponytails and buns. Some women like it glamorous, some want a more relaxed updo, and if you’re going to pull off that messy but intricate hairdo, a low braided bun is all that you need.
2. Rounded Bob with Defined Ringlets
When going for a short formal curly hairstyle, you can expect loads of compliments. Make sure you layer your tresses to obtain that marvelous rounded shape.
3. Side-Braided Silver Bob
Do you want to glow and look breathtaking for an upcoming event? A short braided formal hairstyle can be the ace up your sleeve. Go for a silver ombre and create three braids on one side of the head.
4. Formal Hairstyle with a Low Bun
A bun is a short formal updo that can be pulled off for several occasions like parties, days at the office, or meetings. To give the hairstyle some volume, use your fringe or top hair to build a hair bump.
5. Sleek Blonde Lob with a Side Part
This easy formal hairstyle for short hair can make you also look professional. The inverted bob works so well with your glasses, and it amazingly frames the face.
6. Side-Braided Wavy Blonde Bob
Get a gorgeous blonde ombre by keeping the roots dark and the tips in a yellow blonde hue. Create waves and use bobby pins to tuck the hair over the ear, on one side of your head.
7. Side-Parted Bob with Sculpted Waves
A retro formal hairstyle will look marvelous if pulled off on short hair. Vintage looks will instantly transform you into a glamorous diva, and those waves will undoubtedly make you glow!
8. Side-Swept Pixie with Jeweled Clips
Smooth side-swept bangs and two jeweled clips dress up this short layered cut. The textured crown and nape add volume behind the sleek front.
9. Platinum Pompadour
Androgynous looks are so on-point that there are dozens of formal hairstyles for short hair designed to create a contrast between the masculine and the feminine. Pair a pompadour with menswear-inspired details in your ensemble, such as a tie or a tailored suit.
Watch this tutorial:
10. Pixie with Curved Side Bangs
Sometimes, all you need is some volume and a strategically placed flip. Women’s formal hairstyles for short hair don’t have to be complicated or intricate. The coiffure she’s working here is alluring on several levels. Her hairdo gives her an air of mystique, and her visible eye smolders, so you don’t know if she’s serving looks or shade.
11. Waterfall Braid
There are all sorts of hairstyles at your disposal if your hair is neck- or shoulder-length. A waterfall braid isn’t just formal, it’s whimsical, and you’ll get compliments all evening long.
Curls help the braid hold its shape, plus sometimes curly hair is easier to plait, so if your hair isn’t naturally wavy or curly, you might break out the heat tools or hot rollers.
12. Blonde Pixie with a Floral Headband
Hair accessories are often utilized when it’s time to dress to the nines, but only if they add to your hairstyle and overall appearance. Here’s a divine example of a hairband that actually makes the style.
It’s a retro-inspired ‘do, this one dating back to the mod trend of the early to mid-1960s. The pale lip and dramatic eye makeup are on-trend, too.
13. Slicked-Back Blonde Pixie
Formal hairstyles for short hair that have an androgynous edge really are sexy. As you can see, all it takes is a subtle slick back, a faint side part, and the barest hint of a pompadour. Flawless.
Why Short Hair Works for Formal Events
Way too many people are of the opinion that unless a woman has long hair, she can’t do anything dressy, but that misconception ignores the vast world of formal hairstyles for short hair of all lengths. Short hair is more versatile than you can imagine unless you a. have short hair and b. have ever tried to style it.
Short hair is far from boring, and the hairstyles associated with it are all over the board. After all, “short” is subjective, so short hair can refer to a pixie, a crop, an undercut, or cuts that fall at the nape of the neck, such as bobs and pageboys.
Since prom season is upon us and wedding season is fast approaching, arm yourself with possible ‘do ideas as early as possible—and if you’re thinking about getting the big chop, let this serve as the assurance that you can rock a fierce but formal short hairstyle.
Short formal hairstyles can be mind-blowing; however, you have to think outside the box. Don’t look at the sea of braided updos covering every fashion and beauty website and magazine. Don’t pine for long locks to such an extent that you forget how to appreciate your short tresses.
Short hair, don’t care, girlfriend. Make that your philosophy because there is nothing lovelier than a short, curly bob, nor is there anything sexier than an androgynous punk rock crop.
Show off your personality and your impeccable style with a formal hairstyle that brings out your inner fire.
14. Tapered Crop with Short Coils
Formal and natural aren’t mutually exclusive. Embrace your natural hair for your next formal event. Let your curls stand out, each one beautifully shaped, the finished product sculpted to perfection. Try to say this whole look doesn’t slay. Just try.
15. Curly Pixie with Golden Highlights
Punky bangs can easily be created for a short formal haircut. Use soft hold hair gel to give the style a little extra stiffness which will prevent it from going floppy.
16. Asymmetrical Bob with Side Braids
Two slim side braids pull one side of this asymmetrical bob back above the ear. Leave the longer opposite side smooth and loose to show the angled outline.
17. Messy Chic
It is possible to create a messy formal hairstyle for short hair. Start by backcombing to add volume at the roots. Take a few strands of your hair down and drape them around your face.
18. High Pony with Hair Bow
You can make a short hairstyle seem longer with an artificial hair bow in the same color as your haircut. Pull your hair into a high short ponytail. Clip a large hair bow onto your hairstyle to complete your look.
19. Finger Waves
Finger waves are a popular formal hairstyle for women with short hair. This look is soft and retro, with a wonderful vintage charm. It looks great with strong lip makeup. If you are growing your hair long, you can try finger waves with long hair too.
20. Asymmetrical Cut with Waves
Asymmetrical haircuts are a lovely style for women with strong facial features. The loose waves add a gorgeous formal touch to short asymmetrical hairstyles for women.
21. Side-Swept Bob with Barrel Curls
Copper and bronze highlights look fantastic on short dark haircuts. These highlights help to catch the light and give the wearer an added touch of luxury.
22. Side-Parted Bob with Curled Ends
To change the natural weight and movement of a short haircut, style it in a side parting. Heavier side bangs can really change the look of your face.
23. Big Glamorous Curls
Large perfect curls are a popular look for formal haircuts. Use heated rollers to create uniform curls in short hairstyles. Set each curl with hairspray.
Formal occasions can be great fun. Many women enjoy the preparation as much as the event itself. Browse through all of our lists to find the perfect hairstyle for your next formal event.
More Fashionable Formal Hairstyles for Short Hair
Since women’s formal hairstyles for short hair come in various shapes, sizes, and lengths, there’s no way you won’t find a cropped coif that you love. Remember, you don’t have to hack off all your hair, but you can rock a fierce look if you do. What’s your favorite way to style short hair?
