Winter has its own sort of glamour with it, though, as the lights glitter, the nights are velvet, and one is irresistibly drawn toward the sophistication. It is a black-tie holiday dinner or a work gala or a personal celebration, the season demands hairstyles that are both classy and fun. However, what is trending on Winter 2025-2026? Are we bending towards soft curls, smooth long hair updos or romantic half up looks that never fail to be charming?
The most interesting formal hairstyles of this season are based on vintage silhouettes, modern minimalism, and old-Hollywood revival, which is as timeless and fresh as it can be. I will take you through some of my favorite looks with all moods and hair length, short hair with easy elegance to voluminous medium length waves and ultra-glossy long hair straight moments.
Old Hollywood Waves Revival
Something immortal is in those falling, shiny hair that cuts around the face like a velvet curtain. The all-deep-sculpted-curvy-soft-volume style is the ideal re-entry of the old curly hair glamour in Winter 2025 2026. It suits long hair and dark rich colors that are captured by the light at those golden-hour evenings perfectly.
In order to keep that mirror-like lustre, I always grab Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray and then curl. It provides the strands with that red-carpet feel that is not heavy, particularly needed in dry winter winds. In case of touch-ups, a spray of shine serum can bring back the shine within a few seconds.
I have been wearing this outfit to winter weddings, and I can say that it never fails to attract attention. One of the celebrity hairstylist, Chris Appleton, once remarked that structured waves are power in motion and I could not agree more. This is the embodiment of confidence.
Soft Romantic Half-Up Flow
One of my favorite styles is the half-up style, which I like when I need to be sophisticated and at the same time relaxed. The specified version is light and youthful, and it suits medium or long hair that requires a bit of volume on the top and flows at the ends. It is an adorable and multi-purpose choice of evening events or even daytime celebrations due to the soft twist and slight lift of the crown.
In order to do this, I would suggest that you use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves and then fasten the upper half. A small spray of texturizing spray such as the Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast provides that soft lift without being stiff. It suits fine or thin hair, and it does not make it feel stiff.
It is a hairstyle that makes you feel a hint of romance, it is simple, touchable, and classy enough to match with virtually any formal dress.
Structured High Ponytail with Sculpted Bangs
It is no coincidence that the sculptural styles prevail in fashion weeks — they appear to be constantly refined. This smooth, architectural ponytail with a fringe cut is the evidence that long hair may appear futuristic and completely chic. It is spare, yet deliberate – the sort of style that makes people stand up and pay attention before you utter a word.
To make it look natural, I apply Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray to smooth the roots and then use a fine-tooth comb to make it look like glass. Medium length to long hair is best straight, although it can be used with layered cuts, although in that case, a little edge control is necessary on the sides.
This appearance reminds me of what you would find in a gallery opening in New York – audacious, smooth, unashamedly fashionable.
Glamorous Sleek Ponytail
The first thing that comes to mind when I consider timeless elegance is this sleek ponytail volume created by the lengths, gloss created by the top, and a slight curve that makes the ponytail seem like it was effortlessly costly. It is one of those simple but bossy styles that fits in both the medium and long hair.
Stylist Tracey Cunningham frequently stresses on the fact that healthy shine is the final accessory. That luxe feel can be further amplified with a drop of serum (I love Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original) and frizz is prevented, particularly in cold winter air.
I have taken this ponytail to dinner parties, with big earrings on it, and it makes an immediate posture and poise, like a kind of invisible crown.
Modern Ballerina Bun
It is the ideal combination of grace and power, the bun of the modern ballerina. It is high and structured and tightly wrapped, which is why high updo lovers who want to be precise but at the same time playful will love it. It is a particularly appropriate appearance on formal evenings or winter balls – smooth lines, gentle light, and unquestionable elegance.
In styling, I use Bumble and Bumble Strong Finish Hairspray to hold the hair together, it does not leave the hair brittle like other hairsprays. In the case of thin hair, it is possible to use a small amount of volumizing mousse and then pull it up to form the full rounded bun.
It is the hairstyle that never leaves a fashion house behind, it is like a little black dress.
Playful Bubble Ponytail with Bows
Whimsicalness in the midst of winter? Yes, please. This velvet bowed bubble ponytail is cute, young and unresistibly feminine -the ideal easy formal style when you feel like being a surprise. It is applicable on long hair, although it can also be used to flatter long hair with extensions.
In order to get those even bubbles, you have to use small elastics and pull each part in order to be symmetrical. Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray is a fine mist that makes everything light but safe.
Formal does not always mean serious, sometimes, this outfit is a witty fun in the ballroom as well.
Classic Bun with a Satin Bow
This satin bow-wrapped, soft bun adds an antique touch to the winter fashion of today. It is simple and has a lot of personality, a low but elegant updo that is perfect with turtlenecks, warm sweaters, or winter dresses.
I prefer a smoothing cream such as Ouai Matte Pomade to ensure that flyaways are kept down. The result? A sleek figure that is timeless, regardless of your age and event.
Something magical about bows is that they are a reminder that it is possible to be elegant and have fun at the same time.
Textured Romantic Curls
Winter parties demand a texture, which reflects candlelight. These thick, falling curls make the concept of royal romance come to life – ideal on long hair, curly hair or even medium length hair. The secret of this look is regulated texture: not too good, not too crazy.
To add definition, a diffuser and a good curl cream (such as Davines Love Curl Controller) are used. The appearance is softened and made warmer by a couple of tendrils that are placed on the face, which is perfect when it is cold outside and the party is lit by the silver.
It is the sort of hair that moves — a contemporary fairytale situation.
High Glam Waves with Edge
And finally, but not the least, a glance that causes pure drama – long curls, high shine, and waves cut into a big pony. Here is structure, but movement, too, a glamorous contradiction, which characterizes the formal tendencies of Winter 2025-2026.
At one point, celebrity stylist Jen Atkin has said that hair is supposed to move. This is precisely what is so magnetic about this style – it is glamorous, and not frozen.
Good enough to wear on outrageous characters and glittering evenings – when confidence is your biggest asset.
Golden Braided Crown Elegance
The braids are re-entering the fashion market this winter with a sophisticated touch. The golden-colored crown braid combined with some curly waves on the hair feels like a fairytale of the modern era, the one that needs to be arranged and be able to move at the same time. The complex weaving provides a royal touch and the falling curls provide the lightness any formal appearance requires.
I can never leave without Kerastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum to add shine to my hair, it feeds the hair overnight and leaves the hair supple enough to style. A bit of light hairspray secures the texture without being rigid.
I have always thought that a good braid can do the same job that jewelry does, i.e. frame the face and make everything look purposeful. This one, specifically, is subtly strong.
Short Hair Crystal Accent
Who knows that short hair will not steal the show? This is a sophisticated type of short hairstyle with a statement crystal clip which exudes confidence. It is ideal in winter formals when you do not want to strain to make your appearance speak of elegance. The short hair easy silhouette is made three dimensional and soft with the waves.
Stylist Justine Marjan tends to suggest adorned clips to transform plainness into elegance and she is not wrong, a single piece of accessory could make even the most basic outfit look better.
A light pomade such as Ouai Matte Pomade is used to shape ends and tame flyaways, thus this is a style that is easy and glam-up in no time.
Chocolate Retro Glam Waves
These smooth, full-bodied waves are Hollywood nostalgia pure — smooth, self-assured and inexhaustibly sexy. The long hair shape is more shinny and moving and the part of the hair is deep side and it complements any face. It is a sexy but classic style that is ideal with jewel colors and evening parties.
To replicate this richness, apply a large-barrel curler and apply Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray on top of it – it will provide that movie-still shine, but without the heaviness.
I adore the way this appearance is strong but feminine the type of long hair straight and curly hair hybrid that no one ever notices.
Braided Ponytail Glam
When a ponytail collides with a long hair updo, magic takes place. This is a high pony that is twisted at the top and is free-flowing in structure, an absolute stunner in winter ball or formal parties. It is sure, smooth in the hair, and romantically curled in the ends.
In order to maintain its shine, I use Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat – it repels humidity and gives a phenomenal shine. With thick or thin hair, a teasing brush on the top can be used to add volume.
It is one of those I woke up glamorous looks, the elegant and yet so easy to wear.
Elegant Half-Up Hollywood Volume
Something so cinematic about this high half up hairstyle. The crown is raised, and the long hair waves, which are loose and long, are soft and touchable. It is a glance that exudes elegance and fits in nearly all winter events such as charity dinners and party balls.
Once Hairstylist Jen Atkin said, Volume is not vanity it is energy. I totally concur with this, it is a fashion with that assertive lift that makes your entire being shine.
Your friends here are a small dry texture spray and a teasing comb – balancing without stiffness.
Romantic Textured Red Updo
This is a volume updo with romantic tendrils, which is ideal to those who appreciate softness with volume. The dulled copper color provides it with a shine in the cold winter light and it suits most of the medium or long hair updo styles. It is elegant, eternal, and unbearably cozy.
I love Redken Shine Flash Spray to give my skin a shiny look. It gives a slight lightness, particularly beautiful with red or copper, which is in need of depth.
This is a stylish re-interpretation of elegance: traditional in the spirit, contemporary in the implementation.
Soft Corporate Glam Curls
Formal need not be overdone either, sometimes the most effective appearance is one that is subtle. These medium length curls are a combination of medium long professionalism and feminine appeal. It is a great choice to use in a business affair that turns into a party in the evening and it is flexible and admittedly stylish.
Apply Living Proof Flex Hairspray to moveable light hold. It is a simple style that can be used even with thin hair making it look volumized but not bulky.
It is the type of appearance which states: I am refined, yet still myself.
Modern French Twist Reinvented
This is a French twist variation that adopts the texture and freedom making a classic an easy-going modern. It is fancy enough to be the inspiration of short hairstyles but it is also the hair that can be worn to the boardroom or ballroom.
I prefer to leave it with Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray to make it last. A drop of serum through the ends makes the structure beautiful to touch.
Any winter wardrobe must have a hairstyle that can be adjusted to, and this is my twist.
Soft Knotted Low Ponytail
Simple does not imply plain- it is evidence of this in this low knotted ponytail. It is silky, elegant, and so simple to make up, and it is among my favorite basic long hair styles when attending a formal event. The knot detail on the bottom is just subtle couture without being overly forceful.
In order to get that silky finish, apply Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil prior to styling before it smoothes flyaways and gives it a light-reflecting shine.
It is subtle, elegant and undoubtedly fashionable, something I always revisit during winter.
Romantic Double Braid Fusion
A work of art in terms of structure and delicacy – this is a long hair style with two converging braids which join to form one large plait. It is old fashioned but modern, appropriate to a formal evening in winter or even a warm engagement dinner. The warmness is provided by the soft strands around the face that makes it a favorite among those who want to have a sophisticated yet friendly finish.
In order to replicate it, you will have to divide your hair into two equal parts and loosely braid one strand of the hair on both sides and then bring them together into a single plait. Complete with a flexible hold spray – L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray is a winter essential to soft control.
I adore the way the style is classic and not monotonous. It is the type of loose braid that can be made to appear complicated without the hours in front of a mirror.
Silky Low Bun with Ribbon Detail
There is nothing more classy than a low bun that is perfectly smooth and wrapped in satin especially in winter. This is a simple but exquisite appearance that incorporates medium length elegance and Parisian finishing. The ribbon also adds the feminine touch, blurring the whole shape.
In order to get that smooth feel, put on Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray and blow dry it. Blotch into a thin twist and finish with a satin ribbon – better in a wintery blush or champagne color.
This appearance is casually nonchalant — as though it were a New York art ball red carpet.
Twisted Black Rope Ponytail
It is minimalism that finds its way to meet the luxury in this sculpted black hair look. The smooth rope ponytail is organized, basic and completely dominating – ideal in formal winter occasions where you desire something bold but easy to care about. The style adds gloss, touch and confidence simultaneously.
Nai’vasha Johnson, a stylist frequently says, Shine is your statement accessory and this ensemble makes the point. Apply a shine serum such as Mizani Thermasmooth Sleek Guard to get that mirror finish.
An ideal companion to minimalist dresses and gold rings – it is simple and memorable.
Braided Ribbon Low Ponytail
Young, tender, and constantly romantic – the hairstyle is a mix of side braids and a tied ribbon decor. It is a winter fairytale hair cut that suits long hair or medium length cuts. The satin bow and the soft waves form the motion and the finishing touch of charm respectively.
To style it, you can apply a light mousse in your hair to make it smoother and fix the braids in place at the back. That lived-in touch is added by some face-framing strands.
This appearance is like a snowy garden party, tasteful and somewhat witty.
Soft Retro Pony with Curved Bangs
The hairstyle is inspired by the screen sirens of the 60s a voluminous half up ponytail with soft cascading curls. It is a quick fix to medium to long hair giving it the right amount of glamour in winter evenings. Its polished finish is smooth on the top and the edges are distinct and are easy to capture on camera.
Apply Living Proof Volume Spray and enhance the roots and then apply your curls. Apply a fine spray of touchable hairspray.
Something so elegant about this one, evergreen, so sure and so much in harmony with the warm grace of the season.
Bubble Ponytail Chic
This appearance is nowadays a classic of formal styles – both flirtatious and sophisticated. The ponytail long hair bubble gives the hair volume and texture without the complication of curling. It particularly compliments the smooth, shiny hair, providing a chiseled figure that is not only fashionable but also elegant.
To style, part your pony using small elastics and gently pull each of the bubbles to make it bigger. Add shine spray such as Oribe Shine Light Reflecting Spray in order to achieve that perfect finish.
This fashion shouts effortless confidence, no matter where you are going, be it a gala or a night out, you cannot help to feel glowing.
Embellished Winter Braid
This would be the hairstyle of sparkle had she had one. The braid of long curly hair with glittering clips does not fail to produce royal winter vibes – it would be perfect on a formal occasion or even during a celebratory dinner. It is the ideal combination of form and shine.
I would suggest curling the ends then braiding to have a fuller finish. Then, put jeweled barrettes or rhinestone elastics -they will shine so pretty in chandeliers.
It is modernized elegance, something that completes every winter night, making it a little more magical.
Conclusion
During winter 2025-2026, the formal styles of the hairstyles are also about balance structured, but soft, polished, but effortlessly real. No matter what your favorite way of wearing is sleek buns, massive curls, or elaborate braids, each style has its own story of self-assurance and elegance. The best thing about these styles is that they allow you to feel both retro and up-to-date at the same time, as you have stepped into a classic movie, only to be made up to date.
Therefore, feel free to do it, just pick the one that appeals to your mood this season, add your favorite accessory, and leave your hair to speak. Since, after all, nothing is more in style than elegance.
