Elegant Formal Hairstyles for Long Hair – Best Styles for Any Occasion

Looking for the perfect formal hairstyles for long hair to elevate your elegant look? Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or special event, the right hairstyle can make all the difference. From timeless updos to glamorous curls, we’ve rounded up 20 stunning styles that will make you feel like a star. Keep reading to find your perfect match!
Modern Masculinity: Sleek Man Bun and Textured Beard
A sophisticated yet effortlessly stylish look featuring a well-groomed man bun paired with a precisely trimmed full beard. The dark, thick hair is slicked back smoothly, emphasizing the natural shine and texture before being secured in a relaxed, low knot at the nape of the neck. This hairstyle creates a balance between rugged masculinity and contemporary sophistication. The fade along the sides gradually blends into the beard, which is sharply contoured to enhance the jawline.
The outfit complements this aesthetic with a fine-knit textured sweater in a muted gray hue. The close-fitting crew neck enhances a structured, masculine silhouette, making it an ideal choice for casual yet refined everyday wear. The sweater’s material adds depth to the overall look, harmonizing with the dark hair and beard for a cohesive and modern appearance.
Modern Samurai Aesthetic with a Half-Up Bun
A striking fusion of elegance and rugged masculinity, this look is defined by long, jet-black hair styled into a half-up bun. The loose strands frame a strong, angular face with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline, emphasizing a deep, intense gaze. The full yet neatly trimmed mustache and goatee add to the traditional aesthetic while keeping it modern and refined.
The outfit continues the samurai-inspired theme, featuring a black textured kimono-style jacket with a subtle woven pattern, exuding understated luxury and heritage influence. The dark palette enhances the contrast between the smooth skin and hair, making the entire look feel both timeless and powerful.
Rugged Viking Elegance with Flowing Locks
A striking combination of raw masculinity and refined styling, this look features long, wavy hair in a half-up, half-down hairstyle. The hair cascades in voluminous, natural curls, with the top section neatly pulled back and secured, emphasizing facial structure and highlighting strong cheekbones. His thick, full beard is immaculately groomed, lending a bold, Viking-inspired aesthetic that enhances the rugged appeal.
The dark brown hair contrasts beautifully with a sun-kissed complexion, adding depth and warmth to the look. He is dressed in a minimalist black T-shirt that allows the natural texture of his hair and beard to take center stage. A silver cross pendant necklace adds a touch of understated elegance, complementing the warrior-like style with a hint of spiritual sophistication. The overall look is a perfect fusion of modern bohemian ruggedness and classic masculinity—ideal for those who appreciate balance between raw power and intentional grooming.
Modern Masculine Elegance: Voluminous Waves and Structured Beard
A striking hairstyle that embodies both rugged masculinity and effortless elegance. The long, voluminous wavy hair cascades in a mix of golden blonde and ashy lowlights, creating depth and texture. The loose but controlled waves add a touch of natural movement, enhancing the strong jawline and high cheekbones. The hair is parted asymmetrically, allowing for a dramatic sweeping effect that accentuates piercing light blue eyes.
Complementing the hairstyle, the well-groomed short beard adds a structured contrast to the flowing locks. The beard is neatly trimmed, following the natural contours of the face, reinforcing a bold yet refined look. The skin is smooth and luminous, highlighting a healthy, flawless complexion.
Effortless Masculinity with Wavy Hair and Sharp Beard
A natural and refined look that blends rugged charm with polished elegance. The medium-length wavy hairstyle is styled in a controlled yet voluminous manner, accentuating the thick, glossy texture of dark brown hair. The natural waves frame the face, complementing strong, well-defined cheekbones and a masculine jawline.
The facial hair—a well-trimmed short beard and mustache—adds a layer of sophistication, perfectly sculpted to highlight the contours of the face. The beard has a neat structure that enhances the jawline, while the mustache smoothly connects for a seamless, sharp finish.
The piercing blue eyes stand out strikingly against the darker hair and tan complexion, creating an intriguing contrast. The outfit complements this balanced aesthetic: a deep navy-blue suit jacket with a slight satin sheen, worn over a dark shirt unbuttoned at the collar for a relaxed yet confident appeal. A thin silver chain necklace peeks subtly from beneath, adding a touch of modern minimalism without overpowering the overall look.
Effortless Masculine Curls with a Natural Edge
Thick, voluminous curls define this effortlessly stylish look, embracing a raw and natural aesthetic. The hair, a rich chocolate brown with subtle sun-kissed highlights, cascades in soft ringlets around the face, adding depth and movement. The slightly messy texture enhances the effortless, carefree vibe while maintaining a refined balance.
The face is framed harmoniously, highlighting striking green eyes with flecks of hazel that bring an intense and captivating gaze. Freckles scattered across the high cheekbones and nose add a touch of youthful charm, while the sharp, arched eyebrows provide structure and contrast against the softness of the curls. A hint of stubble along the jawline enhances the masculine appeal, grounding the look with a rugged, undone finish.
Timeless Man Bun with an Edge
A sleek yet effortlessly stylish man bun takes center stage in this monochrome portrait. The long, thick hair is pulled back into a high, voluminous bun, with a few loose strands adding a touch of organic movement. The contrast between the tightly secured bun and the relaxed wisps around the crown contributes to a sense of effortless sophistication.
The facial hair is well-groomed, featuring a neatly trimmed beard and mustache, enhancing the strong jawline and facial structure. A septum piercing adds a subtle rebellious edge, blending modern masculinity with bohemian elegance.
Raw Masculinity with Luxurious Long Hair and a Full Beard
A striking combination of rugged masculinity and refined style. The long, thick waves cascade past the shoulders, naturally voluminous with a rich brown hue and subtle highlights that catch the light. The hair is parted to the side, adding a controlled structure to the wild elegance. Complementing the flowing locks is a full, dense beard, showcasing precise grooming that enhances the square jawline and balances the overall look.
Timeless Elegance with Long, Sleek Hair and Subtle Beard
A sophisticated and bold look featuring long, straight, and silky hair with a natural shine. The dark brown hair is parted in the middle, framing the face symmetrically and emphasizing strong facial features. The texture appears smooth and well-maintained, with ends slightly layered for movement and depth.
Complementing the hairstyle is a light, well-groomed beard with a defined shape, adding a touch of masculinity while maintaining a clean and natural appearance. The mustache connects subtly to the beard, creating a harmonious and elegant facial contour.
Effortless Rock-Inspired Long Hair with Subtle Facial Hair
A striking, effortlessly stylish long hairstyle with a natural, tousled texture. The deep black hair transitions into soft waves, creating movement and volume. The layered cut frames the face perfectly, elongating the jawline and adding a slightly rebellious, rock-inspired edge. Strands fall freely around the face, producing an intentionally undone but well-groomed look.
The facial hair is minimal, consisting of a light mustache and a short, sparse beard along the jawline and chin, giving a rugged yet sophisticated charm. The natural beard contrasts with the smooth, warm-toned skin, enhancing the masculine aesthetic.
Edgy Platinum Blonde Shag with a Sharp Black Blazer
A striking modern hairstyle featuring a platinum blonde shag cut with textured, choppy layers that add movement and volume. The hair is slightly tousled, enhancing a casual yet effortlessly stylish look. The bright platinum color contrasts beautifully with piercing blue eyes, creating an enigmatic and icy aesthetic. The face is complemented by light stubble that adds a rugged, masculine touch without overpowering the softness of the hairstyle.
The outfit is a sleek black blazer, worn without a shirt underneath, exposing the collarbones and lending a subtly daring, high-fashion appeal. The monochrome contrast between the icy platinum blonde hair and the deep black of the blazer gives a classic, yet ultra-modern style with a rockstar edge. Perfect for those who want a bold, avant-garde statement look that exudes confidence and sophistication.
Effortlessly Stylish Medium-Length Layered Cut
A voluminous and flowing medium-length hairstyle that exudes effortless charm and natural movement. The hair is textured with soft layers, giving it a slightly tousled yet polished look. A deep side part creates asymmetry, enhancing the face’s strong bone structure. The dark brown hair has a subtle shine, amplifying its healthy appearance.
The style works perfectly with this individual’s smooth complexion and well-defined jawline, subtly complemented by light stubble that adds a touch of masculinity. The overgrown fringe gracefully frames one eye, resulting in a mysterious yet approachable aesthetic.
Refined Masculinity: The Perfect Man Bun and Groomed Beard
A sophisticated and effortlessly stylish look featuring a neatly tied man bun that balances the raw appeal of long hair with structured elegance. The hair is thick, naturally wavy, and pulled back without excess tightness, allowing for a slightly relaxed yet purposeful aesthetic. A well-maintained, medium-thickness beard frames the strong jawline, enhancing the structured features of the face.
Dark, expressive eyes add depth to the intense gaze, while bold, angular eyebrows provide a striking frame. The skin appears smooth, bringing out a natural contrast against the deep hair tones. Accessories play a vital role in complementing the look—edgy, mismatched earrings (one with a cross pendant) add a rebellious yet artistic vibe. A sleek metallic cuff on the wrist introduces subtle elegance without overpowering the ensemble.
Urban Bohemian Elegance with Flowing Locks
A striking expression of free-spirited style, this look features an effortlessly chic combination of flowing, golden-brown hair and a vintage-inspired outfit. The hair cascades past the shoulders in natural waves, with subtle variations in tone that catch the urban light, evoking a dynamic yet refined aesthetic. The length and texture create a bold statement, enhancing the facial structure with a raw and untamed charm.
The outfit is composed of a classic corduroy trench coat in warm beige, adding a timeless, slightly worn feel that blends seamlessly with the cityscape. Layered underneath is a heather gray crew-neck t-shirt with raw edges and distressed detailing, contributing to the rugged, street-inspired appeal. The look is completed with dark, slim-fit trousers, balancing the loose cuts above with a sharper, more structured silhouette below.
Modern Masculinity with Effortless Elegance
A refined yet relaxed look that embodies confidence and sophistication. The medium-length, wavy hair is styled with a natural part, flowing effortlessly around the face, enhancing the strong jawline and high cheekbones. The light brown hair, with soft golden highlights, adds depth and texture, creating a sun-kissed effect. Complementing this, the well-groomed beard is neatly trimmed to define the features while maintaining a rugged, masculine appeal. The mustache, slightly fuller, seamlessly blends into the beard, adding harmony to the facial structure.
This look perfectly balances rugged masculinity with refined elegance, making it ideal for both casual and formal settings, where sophistication meets modern-day rebellion.
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