12 Fashionable Red Carpet Inspired Hairstyles to Elevate Your Glam Look

Amy M Clifton

Red carpet hairstyles define glamour and sophistication, showcasing flawless looks that turn heads under the spotlight.

From sleek Hollywood waves to elegant updos and effortlessly tousled curls, these styles exude timeless beauty and polished perfection.

Celebrities achieve these stunning looks with expert techniques and high-end products, but you don’t need a stylist to recreate that magic.

Whether preparing for a wedding, prom, or special event, these styles offer versatility and elegance suitable for various occasions.

With the right tools and a bit of practice, anyone can elevate their hair game and enjoy long-lasting, red carpet-worthy glamour.

1. Textured Wavy Ponytail

Textured Wavy Ponytail

Start by applying mousse to medium-length hair for volume and texture. Pull hair up at the crown, twist it, and curl the ends softly.

Create loose, rippling waves throughout for a textured look. Secure the ponytail tightly and smooth flyaways with a lightweight gel or serum.

Finish with flexible-hold hairspray to maintain shape without stiffness, ensuring a chic, effortless red carpet style.

2. Sleek Wrapped Low Bun

Sleek Wrapped Low Bun

Create a centre part up to the crown, then pull all hair back to the nape. Twist the hair firmly into a low bun, wrapping strands neatly for a smooth finish.

Add subtle highlights and apply light wax for shine. Use bobby pins to secure the bun and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the sleek style flawless throughout any formal event.

3. Half Up, Half Down With High Ponytail

Half Up, Half Down With High Ponytail

Start by smoothing the top half of the hair with a fine-tooth comb and gather it into a high ponytail at the crown. Secure it tightly with a hair tie to ensure a polished base.

Leave the remaining hair loose and curl the ends softly for volume and movement. Finish by applying a lightweight serum to tame flyaways and add shine, creating a glamorous, red carpet-ready look.

4. Side-Swept Wavy Hair

Side-Swept Wavy Hair

Create a deep side part and curl the hair using a large-barrel curling iron for loose, voluminous waves. Sweep all curls over one shoulder, securing with pins if needed.

Finish by spritzing a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain bounce and shine. This elegant look highlights subtle highlights and adds instant red carpet glamour.

5. Beehive High Pinup Ponytail Style

Beehive High Pinup Ponytail Style

Create volume by teasing hair at the crown to form a classic beehive shape. Secure the teased section with pins, then gather all hair into a high ponytail, smoothing sides for a polished finish. Wrap a hair strand around the elastic for a sleek look.

Finish with flexible-hold hairspray to maintain height and shine, perfect for a vintage-inspired red carpet glamour.

6. Sleek Midi Ponytail

Sleek Midi Ponytail

Smooth hair using a fine-tooth comb and gather it mid-height at the crown. Secure tightly with a hair tie for a polished base.

Apply a small amount of gel or serum to tame flyaways and add shine. This sleek midi ponytail instantly elevates any look, making it perfect for red carpet events or formal occasions.

7. Bouffant With Loose Lengths

Bouffant With Loose Lengths

Create volume by teasing the crown softly, then smooth over the top for a polished bouffant. Leave the lengths loose and natural, adding texturizing spray for subtle waves and movement.

Finish with a light shine serum to control frizz and enhance dimension, achieving a glamorous yet effortless red carpet look.

8. Half Up, Half Down With Floating Curls

Half Up, Half Down With Floating Curls

Create this glamorous look by curling loose sections of hair in opposite directions for natural movement. Gather the top half into a soft half ponytail at the crown, securing it with an elastic.

Allow the curls to “float” freely below, adding volume and bounce. Finish with a lightweight shine serum and flexible-hold hairspray for long-lasting polish.

9. Twisted Low Bun

Twisted Low Bun

Create a center part up to the crown and gather hair at the nape. Twist hair firmly into a sleek low bun, securing with bobby pins.

Add subtle highlights and apply wax for a shiny, polished finish. This style balances proportions and complements formal gowns, exuding classic sophistication perfect for red carpet elegance.

10. Side-Swept Hair Adorned With Braided Flowers

Create this elegant red carpet look by sweeping hair to one side and securing it with pins. Braid small sections along the hairline, weaving them into flower shapes for texture and charm.

Finish with a delicate hair brooch to enhance the style. Lightly mist with flexible-hold hairspray to maintain softness and hold throughout the event.

11. Glossy Finger Wave Hairstyle

Glossy Finger Wave Hairstyle

Craft sleek, glossy finger waves by applying a strong-hold gel to damp hair. Use a fine-tooth comb and fingers to shape deep, defined waves close to the scalp. Pin each wave down to set, then air dry or use a diffuser on low heat.

Finish with lightweight shine spray and flexible-hold hairspray for long-lasting, polished red carpet glamour.

12. Slicked Back Bun

Slicked Back Bun

The slicked back bun stands out as a timeless choice that blends sophistication with modern edge. Its polished finish and clean lines make it perfect for any occasion where elegance is key.

With the right technique and products, this hairstyle offers a sleek silhouette that complements a variety of looks, ensuring confidence and style.

Whether aiming for a minimalist vibe or pairing it with bold accessories, the slicked back bun remains a versatile option.

It’s a testament to how classic styles continue to inspire and influence contemporary fashion, proving that simplicity often makes the strongest statement.

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Amy M Clifton

My approach to hairstyling is deeply personalized. Before every session, I consider each client's lifestyle, skin tone, face, and body shape. Inspired by childhood memories of my mother leaving the salon glowing with confidence, I knew this was my calling. Now, I send my own clients out the door—feeling confident and looking fantastic. I'm located upstairs at Willow's Dream Salon, 210 Merrimon Ave, Asheville. Many clients call me afterward, thrilled by the compliments they receive—that’s the best endorsement! Specialties: Every guest receives a thoughtful consultation before we begin. LinkedIn

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