Updos & hairstyles for your wedding, prom or formal event

Ideas for Elegant Hair Styles

Sometimes, an accession calls for elegant hair and nothing else will do. Whether you’re attending a ball (yes, there are still balls!), a benefit, or some other event that demands an ultra-classy and sophisticated look, elegant hair styles are a necessity. If you are assuming you’re going to have to spend a fortune at a salon, think again! Some of these looks are actually the easiest styles to create.

As with other looks, it’s always recommended to try out elegant hair styles before the actual event. This gives you the opportunity to see which look you like the best so you’re not in a panic trying to change styles at the last minute.

Twisted Low Pony Tail

It can be tempting to slick your hair back into a low ponytail or a bun, but elegant hair doesn’t have to be quite so neat. Use rollers or a curling iron to put your hair in ringlets. To create a twisted ponytail, start at your face and twist one inch pieces of hair to create rolls all the way to the nape of your neck, and pin in place. You can then either create a low ponytail, or use a barrette or a flower to hold the hair together at the neck. Finally, gently fluff the curls hanging down from the neck.

Ballerina Bun

Although low buns are typically thought of when one visualizes elegant hairstyles, the ballerina bun is a youthful, chic alternative. This is a look that never goes out of style and is perfect for humid conditions, so you won’t have to worry about losing your look because of the weather.

A ballerina bun is easiest to achieve with second-day hair because the natural oils will help hold the style in place. If your hair is not straight, use an iron to create a sleek look, paying close attention to the roots.

Now, use a boar brush to put your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. Lift the ponytail into the air and then twist clockwise to create a small bun. Fan the hair around the bun and pin it in place. You may want to add hair accessories around the bun or on the side of your head to dress the look up a bit.

French Twist

There are many variations of the French twist that fall in the category of elegant hairstyles. These can be done with curly or straight hair, all up or half down, with hair accessories added or without. The French twist can offer you elegant hair with a ton of different looks.

Although you can tweak this look many different ways, it’s easiest to begin by brushing your hair back from your forehead and gathering it at the nape of your neck. Now, twist the hair in a clockwise direction twice to hold the base near your head.

Holding the ponytail in one hand, extend it toward the ceiling in the other. Fold the hair about one-third of the way from the top and curl the folded ponytail so you create a twist. When the hair is twisted where you want it, hold these elegant hairstyles in place with bobby pins.

With a little practice, you will find you can create these elegant hair styles anywhere on your head – off-center, diagonal, horizontal, or even one on each side of your head while leaving the back of your hair down.

This video has some great ideas for what you can do with your own hair.