With the end of second semester comes finals, summer, and of course, spring formals. Whether you’ve had your outfit picked out two months ago or haven’t even kind of started thinking about what you’ll be wearing this formal season, we’ve got at least one part of your look covered. Inspired by looks from celebs we love, here are six formal hairstyles that are super easy to recreate and perfect for dancing the night away.
Inspired by Mandy Moore: The Classic Curl
What You’ll Need: Drybar The 3-Day Bender Digital Curling Iron ($145), Gisou by Negin Mirsalehi Honey-Infused Hair Oil ($88)
We’re obsessed with these face-framing swoops, and thankfully, recreating this look is actually super simple. Begin with wet hair, and part it on the side you want it; then dry with a blowdryer. After that, take 1” sections of hair and wrap them around the curler away from your face. Repeat until you’ve curled your hair all the way around your head. Once you’ve finished, rub a dime-sized drop of hair oil into your hands and work it through your hair to give it a more relaxed curl and extra shine.
Inspired by Yara Shahidi: The Sleek Ponytail
What You’ll Need: Form Multitask Leave-In Lotion ($32), Hot Tools Soft Grip Boar Brush ($15), Kitsch Brown Bobby Pin Set ($4)
This slicked back pony is perfect for girls with curls. Pairing it with simpler outfits will make it the focal point of your look, like it absolutely deserves. To recreate this, start by working the leave-in lotion into wet hair. Then using a boar brush (or whatever brush works best for your hair type) slick back the top of your hair until just under your ear. Secure with an elastic, and spray the front part of your hair with hairspray to keep it in place.
Inspired by Margot Robbie: The Slick Back
What You’ll Need: Christophe Robin Intense Regenerating Balm With Rare Prickly Pear Oil ($38-$60), Christophe Robin Regenerating Plant Oil with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil ($58), Fromm Diane Wide Tooth Shampoo Comb ($2)
If you’re looking for an unexpected look that’s still sophisticated, make this your go-to. Start by working regenerating balm through your hair, and then follow with prickly pear oil to give it shine. Next, use a wide tooth comb and your hands to pull your hair back and get your desired placement and look.
Inspired by Lupita Nyong'o: The Natural Updo
What You’ll Need: Diane Curved Jumbo Bobby Pins ($4), Shea Moisture Curl Custard, Got2b Edge Control
We especially love this style paired with a strapless dress to show off those shoulders. After brushing out your locks and working in the curl custard, smooth up the sides of your hair up toward the top to get that volume look. Then, use your jumbo bobby pins to secure and the gel to make sure those sides are as sleek as can be.
Inspired by Shay Mitchell: The Soft Waves
What You’ll Need: Ouai Wave Spray ($26), Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray ($26), Revlon Wide Tooth Comb, Sephora Collection Tidy Detangling Comb ($6)
Whether you have long hair, short hair, or any length in between, this style works for it all. Having body and texture is important for making this look a reality, so after showering, use both the wave spray and texturizing spray from Ouai, and then blow dry with a diffuser. Using your curling iron (or straightener), create an S-wave by going down your sectioned hair, alternating the direction of your curls each time. Then, run a wide tooth comb through to break up the waves for a more natural finish.
Inspired by Nina Dobrev: The Half Pin Back
What You’ll Need: L’Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray ($15), Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand for Loose Curls ($23), Goody Collection Bobby Pin ($4)
Want a super easy way to upgrade basic curls? Pin your hair back on one side. To recreate the look, start by dividing your hair into several one to two inch sections, and curl each one away from your face. Softly brush it out once you’ve curled it all, and then part it down the middle. Pull the front part of one side back above your ear and secure with a bobby pin. Finish with hairspray to lock it in place.
What hairstyle do you think you’ll be wearing this formal season? Let us know in the comments below!
Feature image by @radredemption.
