22 Party Hairstyles For Long Hair

Nothing can stop you from being the next event's showstopper with these elegant hairdos.

Reviewed by Jessica Noonan, Hairstylist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE
Edited by Asmita De, MA (English)
Fact-checked by Manjari Uppal, MSc  • 

It is tempting to tie your long hair up to avoid the pain of setting them, but the best party hairstyles for long hair need very little effort if you know how to do it right. It would not take much to become a pro, with some smart techniques and reliable styling tools. Expert hair stylist, Jessica Noonan, chips in, “If you want volume or extra staying power, set your, almost-dry hair in velcro rollers. Heat them with the dryer until they are 100% dry, spray the roots with some hairspray, and let the hair cool all the way down to room temperature before you take them out.”

From messy fishtails to razor-sharp high ponytails, you need the workings of your dryers, curling irons, hair creams, and serums to whip up these magical looks. We guarantee some snatched looks that will grab all the eyeballs of people wherever you go.

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • A hot towel treatment the night before the party is a must to nourish your hair.
  • To prevent your hairstyle from going wrong on D-day, practice the look at least two weeks prior. This way, you can make all the necessary arrangements beforehand to attain the desired look.
  • Carry accessories like bobby pins, headbands, and travel-sized hair products to the party because you never know when you will need them desperately.

With all the basics and preparatory steps out of the way, let’s dive into our catalog of 22 stunning party hairstyles for long hair.

1. Swept Back Hair

Swept-Back-Hair
Image: Shutterstock

Zendaya’s hair looks as carefree as it can and she looks extra chic rather than unkempt. The trick is to backcomb your hair at the top to give it that added lift. Gather the hair from the front hairline to the crown, leaving out the side. Hold up the hair and backcomb the underside from midway to your roots. Then place your hair down, spritz some hairspray, and comb it all neatly.

2. French Braid With Bangs

French-Braid-With-Bangs
Image: Shutterstock

Dakota proves that even a simple hairdo like French braid can glam you up when done and carried right. She looks absolutely stunning in this loose french braid with curtain bangs on both sides of her face and just a few loose strands over the ears. To achieve this look, separate your bangs and spritz a hairspray through your hair. If you don’t have silky straight hair, use a flat iron. With the rest of your hair make a loose french braid. Put a hair elastic just 2 inches above your ends and you’re ready to rock the party!

3. Wavy Chignon

Wavy chignon party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

Re-creating Kylie Minogue’s wavy chignon is much easier than it looks. Perfect for a cocktail party To recreate the hairstyle, first, blow-dry hair with a volumizing gel. Create a side part about two inches deep, tease the crown, and brush hair into a low ponytail using a boar-bristle brush. Once the ponytail is secured with elastic, separate it into three sections, gently back-comb each one. Wrap hair in a loose bun, roll it up toward the elastic and pin it into place. Set with hairspray.

protip_icon Did You Know?
The term Chignon, comes from the French phrase, chignou do cou, meaning the nape. A traditional French Chignon is meant to be a quick, twisted, and tucked-in bun at the nape.

4. Messy Fishtail

Messy fishtail party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

There’s nothing about Stewart’s ponytail we don’t like. It is fierce on the sides, messy on the top and textured all over. With this look, Kristen proves that a fishtail braid needn’t be super-sleek and shiny to look great. This braided hairstyle works well with wavy or curly hair, and you can recreate this look by French plaiting the hair until you reach your neck. Start a fishtail plait, and then secure with elastic. Gently pull the plait apart for a frizzy look allowing a few pieces of hair to fall around the front of your face. Finish with a texturizing spray.

5. Fringe And Curls

Fringe and curls party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

Lea Michele looked like an angel when she wore her brunette ombre long hair in this softly messy and choppy bangs look back in October 2012. The hairstyle frames the face in an extremely flattering way, and it is easy to create with almost any kind of hair, whether yours is fine and stick-straight or naturally wavy. This is one of the chicest party hairstyles for long hair.

6. Sleek Ponytail

Sleek ponytail party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

If you want a more glammed-up, sex kitten look, opt for Jessica Alba’s super-sleek, long ponytail. Replicate the look by parting hair to the side, with a paddle brush, then pull hair into a neat ponytail at the nape, making sure there is no volume at the crown at all and tie with elastic. Finish with a light hairspray to hold in place!

7. Side-Swept

Side-swept long hairstyle for a party
Image: Getty

For that absolute diva look, try recreating Rita Ora’s alluring hairstyle. Blow-dry hair in sections, then curl it around a large brush. Create a deep side part. Then, using a curling iron, curl two-inch sections of hair away from the face. Use fingers to break up the curls, and then hairspray the final style to lock it into place.

8. Long Wavy Hairstyle

Long wavy hairstyle for a party
Image: Getty

Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester’s outfit, simple hairstyle and flawless makeup are the type of glamor and glitz that parties are all about. Blow-dry hair with head upside-down to create big-bodied volume like Leighton’s, then use a curling tong to create loose, rolling waves. Just be sure to twist the tool outwards, which lets the hair open up your face.


protip_icon Quick Tip
Loose long wavy hair looks insanely gorgeous when it has balayage highlights. You would be an immediate stunner at parties with this style and coloring technique combination.

9. Bouffant Ponytail

Bouffant ponytail party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

Is there anything sexier than that bouffant ponytail, especially when paired with a smoky eye? Paris Hilton has worn her ponytail like this multiple times, emphasizing her already-enviable bone structure. To achieve this look, all you have to do is pull back a top section of hair from your crown and backcomb using a soft teasing comb. Brush your hair back to cover the teased sections and create that bouffant. Secure your hair into a ponytail and spritz a bit of hairspray to keep your hair from unraveling.

10. Waterfall Braid

Waterfall braid party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

If your party agenda calls for a fierce and flirty look, then Nina Dobrev’s waterfall braids along with teased waves are perfect for the occasion. To get this look, take the top section of hair and weave a crown around your head. Then, drop pieces all the way around to create the waterfall effect. Perfect, isn’t it?

11. Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

Kim Kardashian upped the style ante with this sexy side-swept curls look. This dramatic hairstyle is sure to turn heads, and it’s stylish and chic. To duplicate it for a party, create a deep side part and use a wide-barrel curling wand to add volume just around the face. Leave curled pieces intact for a glamorous look like Kim’s.

12. Top Knot

Top knot party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

Actress Lauren Conrad’s sleek topknot is gorgeous for a more formal occasion—not to mention the ideal style to show off a pair of statement earrings or neckpiece. While hair is damp, spray a light hairspray to hold. After blowing it dry, part hair in the center and smooth it into a high ponytail. Coil the ponytail into a top knot by winding hair into a perfectly round shape. Secure with bobby pins and finish with hairspray.

13. Braided Bun

Braided bun party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

Attempt this look if you have long and thick tresses and are in a mood to try something out of the box. You might need the help of a stylist to get an immaculate finish. Neat sections of hair from the sides are pulled out and intertwined with a braid on either side. These are then pulled back gently and tied at the back in the form of a bun.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You may combine the braided bun with a top knot for an elegant party hairdo. Use a hair donut over your high ponytail to form your bun and braid the rest of your hair and wrap around it.

14. Messy Hair

Messy hair party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

For a quick fix party hairstyle, give those shoulder length tresses some curls, brush them out and lightly mess them with your fingers. For a windswept look of the hair in front, use a roller brush on a section of hair and give it an outward motion. Apply some hairspray at the end to hold it all in place.

15. Retro High Bun

Retro high bun party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

As the name suggests, this style needs hair to be teased at the crown to give it a high bun look. Lightly brush the hair to get a volumized effect. Now gently brush the top locks of the hair to one side and clip them behind the ears. This can make for a great Indian party hairstyle for long hair with just the addition of some accessories like flowers. The perfect look for a retro-themed party!

16. Frizzy Curls And Waves

Frizzy curls and waves party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

If you are somebody who has struggled with frizzy hair all her life, here is some good news. They can be styled effectively to create a rocking hairstyle for a party. This is the kind of look that you would want to team with a simple outfit as this voluminous hairstyle tends to be the focal point. Flatten the hair to the scalp at the crown and gradually increase the volume as you move down towards the shoulders. Freeze the look by using a hair spray.

17. Messy Bangs And Tidy Braid

Messy bangs and tidy braid party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

A braided look is suitable for women across all age groups. This is an interesting look which is a combination of tousled hair at the top followed by a neatly tied braid. This look can be changed to suit the occasion, be it formal or semi-formal, by simply replacing the ruffled top look with a tidy one.

18. Neat And Curly

Neat and curly hairdo party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

This is a versatile hairstyle which is suited for hair of all textures.  Brush back a section of the hair at the center of the head and pin it at the crown for a slightly elevated look. Twist the rest of the hair into loose curls and frame them around the face for a soft, romantic look. This is a great look to sport for a wedding.

19. Victory Rolls With Braid

Victory rolls with braid party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

This is a daring party hairstyle for long hair which requires the stylized touch of a professional hair stylist to do it justice, be it the top bouffant victory roll with streaks or the multi-sectioned braids following it.

20. Extravagant Party Updo

Extravagant party updo party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

You will need the help of a stylist for this party updo for long hair. Sections of hair from near the ears and the nape of the neck are braided and tied together. The hair from the front is swept back to form a series of interlocking coils.

21. Straight and Sleek

Straight and sleek hairdo party hairstyle for long hair
Image: Getty

This sleek and shiny hairstyle with flat ironed front bangs can instantly give you a killer look for a party. It is sophisticated and trendy, and is sure to make heads turn wherever you go.

22. Twisted Chignon

Twisted chignon hairstyle
Image: IStock

The twisted chignon is an elegant and versatile hairstyle that takes the classic low-slung bun and elevates it with a few twirls. Section the hair into three parts: front right and left side, and one in the back. Use an elastic to tie the lower end of the back section. Create a low bun at the nape of your neck by rolling up the low ponytail and secure it in place with bobby pins. Twist the right and left front sections away from the face and wrap it around the chignon to give it a rounder shape. Finish off with hairspray to set the style in place. This classic hairdo has a sophisticated charm that works for any formal occasion. You can accessorize this hairstyle with pins or flowers for added flair.

Lastly, Jessica Noonan, a professional hair stylist, has some great advice for anyone looking to add life and bounce to their hair. She advises, “If you want volume or extra staying power, set your almost-dry hair in velcro rollers. Heat them with the dryer until they are 100% dry, spray the roots with some hairspray, and let the hair cool all the way down to room temperature before you take them out. Style as desired. There are so many great tutorials online for styling, and you can probably find a creator that has similar hair to walk you through it if you’re stuck.”

Infographic: Top 5 Party Hairstyles For Long Hair

Some of us love long hair, but it’s a pain to style it in any other way apart from a ponytail or bun. Styling long locks for parties and formal gatherings can be quite a hassle. If you are someone who struggles with this, we have got you covered. Check out the infographic below for some stunning and super-easy party hairstyles to style your flowing locks flawlessly.

top 5 party hairstyles for long hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

You can feel confident about your looks when you pair your outfit well with your hairstyle. From fishtails to ponytails, there are many party hairstyles for long hair. Learn some useful styling rules that will give you that magical party vibe. Wavy chignon, messy fishtail, fringe and curls, sleek ponytail, and side-swept are some party hairstyles for long hair. These hairstyles are easy yet gorgeous and can completely transform your look. Try out these new hairdos to add some glamour to your long, beautiful hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some party hairstyles for long hair that are appropriate for formal events?

From fishtails to ponytails, there are many elegant and formal hairstyles perfect for long hair. Styles like the wavy chignon, sleek ponytail, bouffant ponytail, top knot and cinnamon bun are some of the most appropriate hairstyles that you can wear for formal occasions and parties.

What are some party hairstyles for long hair that are suitable for different hair textures and types?

Versatile and easy to create styles with long hair include fringe and curls, long wavy hairstyles, neat and curly, and messy hair that are guranteed to steal the show at parties. The best part is these hairstyles are suitable for different hair textures and types.

What’s the fastest way to blow out long hair?

Blow dry your damp hair until it is almost dry. Then, using sectioning pins, divide your hair into four sections: two for the back and two for the front. Each section should be blow-dried using a round brush. This is one of the quickest blowout methods.

What’s an easy updo for long hair that I could wear to a nighttime event?

If you have long hair, simple updos like a slicked-back bun, voluminous side bun, triple twist, french bun, or croissant bun are ideal for evening events.

What’s the easiest casual hairstyle for long hair?

Some of the most laid-back long hairstyles include a high ponytail, a loose side braid, and a French braid.

How do I make my party hairstyle for long hair last all night?

For updos, secured bobby pins and hairspray are necessary to make your hairstyle last long.

Key Takeaways

  • Hair styling tools such as a curler, straightener, and blow dryer can be used to create numerous party hairstyles.
  • Use a hot towel treatment one night before the main event to nourish your tresses and prevent heat damage.
  • There are countless party hairdos you can experiment with such as swept back hair, a bouffant ponytail, the top-knot, and a braided bun.
party hairstyles for long hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn 4 simple and quick open hairstyles perfect for any party in this video! Style your hair in minutes and look fabulous!

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