15 Formal Hairstyles for Short Hair Women
Short hair gives you plenty of options for formal events and special occasions. You don’t need long locks to create stunning styles that match your dress and the event’s mood.
Whether you’re going to a wedding, prom, or business function, you can transform your short hair into an elegant style that works for any formal setting.
From braided crowns to pearl-adorned updos, these looks combine class with modern trends.
1: Elegant Pixie Updo with Pearls
You can transform your pixie cut into a formal style by twisting the crown section and securing it with pearl pins. This creates a graceful updo that works well for special events.
Add small pearl hair accessories near your temples or scattered through the twisted sections to create a refined look that catches the light.
2: Tousled Platinum Pixie Cut
A platinum pixie cut with tousled texture adds edge to formal occasions. The messy-on-purpose style keeps your look fresh and modern while staying sophisticated.
Style your platinum pixie with texturizing paste and gentle finger-combing to create soft, piece-y layers that frame your face.
3: Sleek Side-Parted Bob
A sleek side-parted bob creates a polished, formal look that works well for special events. The clean lines and smooth finish give your hair a sophisticated appearance.
Create a deep side part and straighten your hair for maximum shine and elegance.
Your bob should fall between your chin and shoulders for the best effect.
4: Chic Braided Crown
Create a delicate crown braid around your head for a timeless formal look. This style works well with shoulder-length or bob haircuts.
Pin the braid in place with small bobby pins that match your hair color for a secure fit.
5: Classic Sleek Pixie
Your sleek pixie cut brings elegance to formal events with its polished, close-cropped style.
Keep the sides neat and tapered while leaving the top slightly longer for a sophisticated look.
Pair this timeless cut with a smoothing serum to maintain shine and control throughout your special occasion.
6: Glossy Low Sleek Bun
Pull your short hair back into a sleek low bun at the nape of your neck. Apply a shine serum to create a glossy finish that catches the light.
Secure with bobby pins and hairspray for a polished look that works well at formal events.
7: Textured Finger Waves
Add depth to your finger waves by creating texture through gentle teasing at the roots. You can achieve this classic look with a fine-toothed comb and setting lotion.
The style works great on pixie cuts and short bobs, giving you that perfect mix of vintage glamour and modern edge.
8: Half-Up Twisted Bun
This elegant style combines a twisted bun on top with free-flowing hair below. You can create it by taking the upper section of your hair and twisting it into a neat bun.
Keep the bottom portion of your hair loose for a perfect mix of polished and casual looks. This style works great for formal events while staying comfortable.
9: Bold Slicked-Back Look
A slicked-back style brings movie star glamour to short hair. You can create this look with hair that’s at least 3 inches long on top.
Apply strong-hold gel to damp hair and comb it straight back from your forehead. This creates a sleek, sophisticated look perfect for formal events.
10: Glamorous Slicked Pixie
A slicked pixie cut gives you a sleek and polished look perfect for formal events. Apply styling gel and brush your hair back for a wet-look finish that sparkles under lights.
This style works great with any hair texture and pairs well with statement earrings or a bold necklace.
11: A-Line Waves with Highlights
An A-line bob with soft waves and highlights creates a polished formal look. The angled cut frames your face while the waves add texture and movement.
Add light highlights to make your waves stand out. Choose colors that complement your base shade for a natural, dimensional effect.
12: Short Hair with Elegant Bobby Pins
Place decorative bobby pins in a diagonal pattern across one side of your hair for a chic formal look. Choose metallic or pearl-adorned pins for extra sparkle.
Add a few small twists near your ear and secure them with the bobby pins to create visual interest.
13: Romantic Halo Braid
A halo braid wraps around your head like a crown, creating an elegant look perfect for formal events.
This style works great with short hair by using small, tight braids pinned close to your scalp.
You can add soft waves to any loose pieces around your face to make the style more romantic and feminine.
14: Graphic Statement Headband
A bold graphic headband adds instant polish to your short hairstyle. Pick a headband with geometric patterns or striking designs that match your outfit.
You can position the headband slightly back from your hairline to create height and visual interest. This works great with pixie cuts and short bobs.
15: Soft Curls and Side-Braid
Style your short hair with gentle, loose curls. Add a small side braid near your temple. This mix creates an elegant look perfect for formal events.
Pair this style with a deep side part. It boosts volume and creates a graceful frame for your face.
