A formal event calls for elegant hair. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair need to be beautiful, secure, and able to handle your density. Thick hair is a blessing, but it can also be heavy and hard to pin. The right formal style works with your thickness instead of fighting it. Medium length hair (shoulder length) is perfect for formal events – long enough for updos, short enough to manage.
What makes a great formal style for thick hair is structure and security. You need strong pins, good products, and a style that distributes weight evenly. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair should avoid styles that pull at your scalp. Braids, twists, and low buns work beautifully. Half-up styles keep some length down while getting hair off your face.
The 11 styles below range from elegant updos to romantic half-up looks. Some use braids to control thickness. Others use twists and buns. All are designed for thick, medium length hair. Let us explore these formal-ready styles.
11 Formal Hairstyles for Medium Length Thick Hair
1. Low Braided Bun
Create a low ponytail at your nape. Braid the ponytail. Wrap the braid into a bun. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a low braided bun are elegant and secure. The braid controls thick hair. The bun stays in place all night.
2. Twisted Crown Updo
Create two twists from your temples to the back of your head, forming a crown. Pin the ends under. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a twisted crown are regal and timeless. The twists keep hair off your face.
3. Half-Up Braided Style
Take two sections from your temples. Braid each section. Pin them together at your crown. Leave the rest of your hair down in soft curls. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a half-up braid are romantic and elegant.
4. French Twist (Short Version)
Gather your hair to one side at your nape. Fold it upward and inward. Pin along the fold. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a French twist are sophisticated and classic. The twist works on medium length thick hair.
5. Dutch Braid Updo
Create two Dutch braids starting at your hairline and going back. Gather the braids and remaining hair into a low bun. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with Dutch braids and a bun are intricate and secure.
6. Side-Swept Curly Pony
Gather your hair to one side at your shoulder. Secure with a decorative elastic. Curl the ends. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a side-swept pony are romantic and asymmetrical. The side placement is flattering in photos.
7. Textured Low Bun
Gather your hair at your nape. Twist it into a low bun. Pull out small pieces for texture. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a textured low bun are elegant and soft. The texture keeps the bun from looking too severe.
8. Braided Headband
Create a Dutch braid along your hairline from ear to ear, like a headband. Tuck the end under. Leave the rest of your hair down in soft curls. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a braided headband are boho and romantic.
9. Low Ponytail with Ribbon Wrap
Gather your hair into a low ponytail. Wrap a ribbon or decorative scarf around the elastic. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a ribbon wrap are simple but elegant. The ribbon adds a pop of color or sparkle.
10. Curly Half-Up with Pearl Pins
Gather the top half of your hair into a half-up style. Secure with pearl pins or decorative clips. Leave the rest in loose curls. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with pearl pins are elegant and timeless.
11. Accessorized Simple Bun
Gather your hair into a low or mid bun. Add a statement hair accessory – jeweled clip, floral pins, or decorative comb. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with an accessory draw attention to the bun. The accessory does the heavy lifting.
More Info: Making Formal Styles Stay on Thick Hair
Products for hold are essential. Use a strong-hold gel or mousse on damp hair before styling. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair need grip to stay in place. Finish with strong-hold hairspray. Thick hair is heavy and needs extra hold.
Pin technique matters. Use bobby pins that match your hair color. Cross two pins in an X for secure hold. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair need more pins than you think. Insert pins at an angle, not straight in.
Practice before the event. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair often take 2-3 tries to perfect. Practice a few days ahead. Have a backup style ready. Bring extra pins and hairspray for touch-ups.
What to tell your stylist: I have thick, medium length hair. I need a formal style that will stay all night. I want [an updo/half-up/braided style]. Please use strong products and enough pins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my thick hair from falling out of a formal updo? Use strong-hold products and cross your bobby pins. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair need extra pins. Have a friend check the back.
What is the easiest formal style for thick hair? A low bun or a side-swept pony. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a low bun or pony take 10 minutes and stay secure.
Can I do my own formal hair with thick hair? Yes – with practice. Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair like low buns, half-up styles, and side ponies are achievable at home.
Final Thoughts
Formal hairstyles for medium length thick hair are elegant, secure, and designed to handle your density. From braided buns to twisted crowns to side-swept ponies, there is a style for every formal event. The key is strong products, enough pins, and practice. Find a style from this list. Practice it. Then enjoy your event without worrying about your hair.
Leave a Reply