23 Top Winter Hairstyles for 2024-2025: Easy and Elegant Styles for Formal Events and Dances

As the winter season of 2024-2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time to refresh your hair routine with simple yet chic hairstyles that can carry you through both everyday events and special occasions like formal dance gatherings. From sleek ponytails to elegant braids, there are countless styles that work well with winter outfits, coats, and accessories. This guide covers 23 easy-to-achieve winter hairstyles that will make you look polished and on-trend for any occasion, be it a casual day out or a glamorous formal dance.

Whether you’re looking for a hairstyle that’s quick to pull together or one that adds elegance to your look, these winter styles are versatile, easy to maintain, and perfect for the cold weather. Let’s explore these winter hairstyle ideas for 2024-2025, along with tips on how to care for and style your hair during the chilly months.

Sleek Low Ponytail 2024 2025

The sleek low ponytail is a timeless classic that exudes elegance and simplicity. This hairstyle involves pulling the hair back into a smooth ponytail at the nape of the neck, creating a polished and sophisticated look. It’s ideal for formal dance events or a professional setting. Best suited for individuals with straight or slightly wavy hair, the sleek low ponytail can work well for all face shapes. It’s also perfect for showcasing earrings or statement necklaces.

To maintain a smooth finish, apply a smoothing serum such as Moroccanoil Treatment to prevent frizz. Use a fine-tooth comb to keep the hair flat, and secure with a clear elastic for a clean look. A light mist of shine spray, like Redken Shine Flash, can be added for a glossy finish.

Textured Messy Bun 2024 2025

The textured messy bun is an effortless yet stylish look, perfect for both casual days and formal dance events. The bun is created by loosely gathering the hair at the crown or nape of the neck, allowing strands to fall naturally for a carefree finish. This hairstyle suits most hair types and can be tailored to look voluminous or sleek depending on your preference.

For a voluminous messy bun, use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add body and grip. This will also help the bun stay in place without appearing too polished. A few loose tendrils around the face will enhance the relaxed vibe.

Double Dutch Braids 2024 2025

Double Dutch braids are a fun and youthful hairstyle that can easily transition from day to night, making them ideal for a formal dance or casual outing. The braids are created by weaving the hair under rather than over, which gives them a raised, bold appearance. This look works well for those with medium to long hair and adds a touch of structure to your winter style.

For a neat finish, use a styling gel like Kenra Styling Gel to tame flyaways, and finish with a lightweight hairspray for hold. You can also pancake the braids by gently pulling them apart to create a fuller, more voluminous look.

Half-Up, Half-Down with Waves 2024 2025

The half-up, half-down hairstyle with waves is a versatile and romantic choice, perfect for winter parties or formal dance events. This style keeps hair out of your face while still allowing you to showcase soft waves or curls. It’s ideal for those with medium to long hair, especially if you want to add volume and texture.

To achieve this look, curl the bottom half of your hair with a curling iron like the GHD Curve Soft Curl Iron. Finish with a volumizing mousse like Bumble and Bumble Thickening Mousse for a fuller look, and pin back the top section of your hair with a jeweled clip for added glamour.

Classic French Twist 2024 2025

The French twist is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, making it a go-to choice for formal dance events and winter weddings. This updo involves twisting the hair and securing it at the back of the head, creating a sleek, polished look. It’s especially flattering for those with straight or fine hair, but can be adapted for various hair types.

For a smooth finish, use a styling cream like Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1. Secure the twist with bobby pins, and finish with a medium-hold hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the night.

Braided Headband 2024 2025

The braided headband is a playful yet elegant hairstyle that frames the face beautifully, making it ideal for winter dance events or formal occasions. This style involves braiding a section of your hair across the crown, mimicking a headband, while the rest of the hair is left loose or styled in soft waves. It’s a versatile look that suits medium to long hair lengths and adds a touch of whimsy to your appearance.

To create a smooth braid, use a leave-in conditioner like Ouai Leave-In Conditioner to prevent flyaways and frizz. Finish the look with a light hairspray for hold, like the L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray, and add a few hairpins for extra security.

Loose Beachy Waves 2024 2025

Loose beachy waves are a carefree yet stylish option for those looking to maintain a relaxed vibe at a winter dance or event. These soft waves mimic the natural movement of hair after a day at the beach, providing a casual elegance. This style works best for those with medium to long hair and adds volume and texture to finer hair types.

To achieve loose waves, use a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray on damp hair, and scrunch it while air-drying or using a diffuser. Finish with a lightweight finishing spray to maintain the waves without weighing them down.

Low Chignon with Side Part 2024 2025

A low chignon with a side part is a refined and sophisticated hairstyle perfect for formal dance events or winter weddings. The chignon sits low at the nape of the neck, while the deep side part adds a touch of asymmetry, giving the look a modern twist. This style works best for those with medium to long hair and can be adapted for straight or slightly wavy textures.

For smooth and polished results, apply a smoothing balm like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum before styling. Secure the chignon with bobby pins, and finish with a high-shine hairspray like Kenra Shine Spray for a glossy look.

High Sleek Bun 2024 2025

A high sleek bun is a bold, polished hairstyle that works perfectly for formal dance events and other high-profile occasions. The hair is slicked back and twisted into a tight bun on the crown of the head, creating a sharp and modern silhouette. This look suits those with medium to long hair, particularly those with straight textures.

To achieve a flawless finish, apply a strong-hold gel like Eco Style Gel to tame flyaways and give the hair a sleek appearance. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the hair into place before twisting it into the bun. Finish with a high-hold hairspray like TRESemmé TRES Two Freeze Hold.

Winter Hat-Ready Loose Waves 2024 2025

Winter hat-ready loose waves are a practical yet stylish option for those cold days when you still want to look polished beneath a beanie or fedora. The key is creating loose waves that maintain their shape even after taking off your winter hat, which makes this hairstyle ideal for casual outings or a laid-back winter dance.

To keep your waves intact, use a curl-enhancing cream like DevaCurl SuperCream and lightly mist with a flexible-hold hairspray like Paul Mitchell Soft Spray. Avoid over-styling, as you want the waves to look soft and natural.

Faux Bob Hairstyle 2024 2025

The faux bob is a fun, transformative hairstyle that allows you to experiment with shorter hair without the commitment. This style involves pinning the ends of the hair under, creating the illusion of a chic bob. It’s an excellent choice for formal dance events where you want to switch up your look. It works best for those with medium to long hair.

To create a voluminous faux bob, use a volumizing spray like Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast before curling the hair slightly for texture. Secure the ends with bobby pins, and finish with a medium-hold hairspray.

Side Swept Curls 2024 2025

Side-swept curls are a glamorous and romantic hairstyle that is perfect for formal dance events and winter galas. This look involves creating voluminous curls and sweeping them to one side, creating a dramatic yet elegant effect. It suits those with medium to long hair, especially if you’re looking for a red-carpet-worthy style.

To keep the curls defined and bouncy, use a curling iron with a large barrel and finish with a shine-enhancing spray like R+Co Trophy Shine + Texture Spray. Secure the curls to one side with a jeweled hairpin for added glamour.