Winter formal season calls for elegance and sophistication, and your hairstyle plays a crucial role in completing your look. Braids offer a versatile and stylish option, allowing you to create a range of looks from romantic and whimsical to sleek and modern. This year, winter formal hairstyles are embracing texture, intricate details, and a touch of individuality. Whether you prefer a classic updo or a flowing cascade, incorporating braids into your hairstyle is a surefire way to make a statement. Let’s explore some stunning winter formal braid hairstyles that are trending in both the US and EU.
Classic French Braid Updo
A timeless choice, the French braid updo offers a sophisticated and polished look. This year, elevate the classic style by incorporating volume at the crown. Tease the hair lightly before braiding for a touch of modern texture. For a romantic touch, pull out a few face-framing tendrils and curl them softly. Consider adding delicate hair accessories like pearl pins or crystal combs for a touch of sparkle. This style works beautifully with various hair colors, but rich jewel tones like ruby red or emerald green will truly make it pop.
Side Swept Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid adds a touch of bohemian charm to any formal look. This winter, opt for a side-swept fishtail braid for a romantic and effortless vibe. Incorporate smaller braids within the main fishtail for added visual interest. This style is particularly stunning on long hair, allowing the intricate braid pattern to truly shine. Consider adding metallic hair cuffs or ribbons in colors like silver or rose gold to complement the braid. This style is trending in both the US and EU, especially paired with flowy gowns in pastel shades or deep jewel tones.
Halo Braid with Embellishments
The halo braid is a regal and ethereal hairstyle perfect for winter formal. This season, add a modern twist by incorporating metallic beads or floral accents throughout the braid. For a more dramatic look, try a double halo braid. This style works best with medium to long hair and can be adapted to suit various hair textures. Soft, romantic colors like blush pink or lavender blonde pair beautifully with this hairstyle, adding to its dreamy quality. This style is particularly popular in the EU, where romantic and whimsical hairstyles are highly sought after.
Dutch Braid Crown with Loose Waves
Combine the structured elegance of a Dutch braid with the soft romance of loose waves for a captivating winter formal hairstyle. Create a crown braid around the head, leaving the remaining hair to cascade in soft waves. This style adds volume and dimension, making it perfect for those with finer hair. Consider balayage highlights in warm tones like caramel or honey blonde to enhance the dimension of the waves. This hairstyle is a favorite in the US, reflecting the trend of blending classic and modern elements.
Waterfall Braid with Curled Ends
The waterfall braid is a delicate and romantic hairstyle that adds a touch of whimsy to any formal look. This winter, enhance the waterfall braid by curling the ends for a more polished and sophisticated finish. Incorporate small flowers or sparkling hairpins for added elegance. This style works beautifully with pastel hair colors like lavender or baby pink, reflecting the current pastel trend in both the US and EU.
Pull-Through Braid Ponytail
The pull-through braid ponytail is a chic and modern hairstyle that is perfect for winter formal. This braid creates a voluminous and textured ponytail that is both stylish and easy to achieve. Incorporate metallic thread or ribbons into the braid for added sparkle. This hairstyle works well with various hair lengths and textures, and can be dressed up or down with accessories. Deep burgundy or smoky gray hair colors complement this style perfectly, reflecting the trend towards bolder hair colors in the US.
Milkmaid Braid with Baby’s Breath
Embrace a romantic and ethereal look with the milkmaid braid adorned with delicate baby’s breath flowers. This classic hairstyle is given a modern update with the addition of textured braids and loose tendrils. This style is perfect for those with medium to long hair and complements flowy, bohemian-inspired gowns. Soft pastel hair colors or natural blondes and brunettes work beautifully with this style, emphasizing its delicate charm. This look is trending in both the US and EU, especially for outdoor winter formals.
Braided Half-Updo with Volume
A braided half-updo is a versatile and elegant choice for winter formal. This season, add volume to the crown for a modern touch. Incorporate a fishtail braid or a Dutch braid into the half-updo for added texture. This style works well with various hair lengths and textures and can be customized with accessories like hairpins or a decorative comb. Warm honey blonde or rich chocolate brown hair colors complement this style beautifully.
Side Braid with Low Bun
Combine a delicate side braid with a low, textured bun for a sophisticated and romantic winter formal hairstyle. Incorporate a French braid or a Dutch braid into the side section and gather the remaining hair into a loose bun at the nape of the neck. Adorn the bun with delicate hairpins or flowers for added elegance. This style is particularly popular in the EU, where understated elegance is highly valued. Ash blonde or cool brunette hair colors work beautifully with this style.
Bohemian Braid Crown with Flowers
Embrace your inner flower child with a bohemian braid crown adorned with fresh flowers. Create a loose and textured braid around the head, incorporating small wildflowers or greenery for a whimsical touch. This style works best with long, flowing hair and complements bohemian-inspired gowns. Natural hair colors with subtle highlights enhance the natural beauty of this style. This look is particularly popular in the US, reflecting the ongoing trend of bohemian fashion.
Double Dutch Braid Pigtails
For a playful and youthful look, try double Dutch braid pigtails. Elevate the classic pigtails by incorporating colorful ribbons or beads into the braids. This style works best with long hair and can be customized with accessories to match your outfit. Bright and bold hair colors like vibrant pink or electric blue complement this playful style. This trend is emerging in both the US and EU, especially among younger attendees of winter formals.
Reverse French Braid with Glittery Accessories
A reverse French braid adds a unique and modern twist to the classic braid. Enhance the braid with glittery hairspray or incorporate sparkling hair accessories for a glamorous touch. This style works well with various hair lengths and textures and can be customized to suit your personal style. Dark and dramatic hair colors like raven black or deep plum create a stunning contrast with the glitter, making this style ideal for a sophisticated winter formal look. This style is gaining popularity in the US, driven by the trend for bold and glamorous hairstyles.
Rope Braid Updo with Pearl Accents
The rope braid offers a unique texture and visual interest to any hairstyle. Create an updo by twisting two sections of hair together and securing them with pins. Incorporate pearl hairpins or a pearl headband for a touch of classic elegance. This style is perfect for those with medium to long hair and complements sophisticated gowns. Soft blonde or brunette hair colors work beautifully with this style, allowing the pearl accents to shine. This look is particularly popular in the EU, where classic and timeless hairstyles are highly valued.
Five-Strand Braid with Metallic Thread
The five-strand braid is a complex and intricate braid that adds a touch of sophistication to any hairstyle. Incorporate metallic thread or ribbon into the braid for added sparkle and dimension. This style works best with long hair and complements formal gowns with intricate details. Rich jewel tones or dark hair colors create a stunning backdrop for the metallic accents. This style is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, driven by the trend for intricate and detailed hairstyles.
Ladder Braid with Ribbon
The ladder braid is a unique and visually stunning braid that creates a cascading effect. Incorporate a contrasting ribbon into the braid for added color and dimension. This style works best with long hair and complements bohemian or romantic gowns. Pastel hair colors or natural hair colors with subtle highlights enhance the beauty of this braid. This style is particularly popular in the EU, where romantic and whimsical hairstyles are highly sought after.
Fishbone Braid Headband
Create a delicate and romantic headband using a fishbone braid. This style adds a touch of bohemian charm to any formal look. Incorporate small flowers or sparkling hairpins for added elegance. This style works beautifully with long, flowing hair and complements pastel or neutral-colored gowns. This look is trending in both the US and EU, especially for outdoor winter formals.
Braided Bun with Jeweled Hair Comb
A braided bun is a classic and elegant hairstyle for winter formal. Elevate the bun by incorporating a French braid or a Dutch braid into the style. Adorn the bun with a jeweled hair comb for a touch of sparkle and glamour. This style works well with various hair lengths and textures and complements sophisticated gowns. Deep jewel tones or dark hair colors create a stunning backdrop for the jeweled hair comb. This look is a timeless classic that remains popular in both the US and EU.
Chunky Braid with Face-Framing Tendrils
A chunky braid adds a bold and modern touch to any hairstyle. Create a single chunky braid down the back or incorporate multiple chunky braids for a more intricate look. Leave out a few face-framing tendrils and curl them softly for a romantic touch. This style works well with various hair lengths and textures and complements both casual and formal attire. Balayage highlights in warm tones enhance the dimension of the braid. This style is trending in the US, reflecting the popularity of bold and textured hairstyles.
Twisted Rope Braid Crown with Glitter
Create a crown using twisted rope braids and add a touch of sparkle with glitter hairspray or glitter gel. This style is perfect for those who want a glamorous and eye-catching look. This hairstyle works best with medium to long hair and complements formal gowns with intricate details. Dark hair colors create a stunning backdrop for the glitter, making this style ideal for a sophisticated winter formal look. This style is gaining popularity in both the US and EU, driven by the trend for glamorous and sparkling hairstyles.
Asymmetrical Braided Updo with Flowers
An asymmetrical braided updo is a modern and stylish choice for winter formal. Incorporate various braiding techniques and create a unique and unbalanced look. Adorn the updo with fresh flowers or delicate hairpins for a touch of romance. This style works best with medium to long hair and complements gowns with unique and asymmetrical designs. Pastel hair colors or natural hair colors with subtle highlights enhance the beauty of this updo. This style is particularly popular in the EU, where unique and artistic hairstyles are highly valued.
