40 Elegant Medium Hairstyles for Ball Gowns and Evening Dresses

Finding the perfect hairstyle to complement your ball gown or evening dress can truly elevate your entire look. Medium length hairstyles offer the ideal balance between versatility and elegance, giving you plenty of options to suit any formal occasion.

Whether you prefer soft waves, intricate braids, or sleek updos, these styles can enhance your natural beauty while harmonizing perfectly with your outfit. At Hairstyle Inspirations, we’ve curated 40 stunning medium hairstyles that are designed to make you shine at every event, ensuring you feel confident and glamorous from the moment you walk in.

1. Classic Hollywood Waves

Soft, voluminous waves inspired by old Hollywood glamour add timeless sophistication to any ball gown. This style frames your face beautifully and pairs perfectly with off-shoulder and strapless dresses. It’s elegant yet effortless, creating a graceful look that moves with you as you dance the night away.

2. Low Chignon Bun

A low chignon bun at the nape of your neck offers a sleek and refined silhouette. This style keeps hair tidy while maintaining a romantic vibe. Adding delicate hair accessories or a side part can enhance the elegance, making it a perfect match for formal evening dresses.

3. Half-Up Twisted Crown

This half-up hairstyle twists hair into a crown-like shape around the head, leaving the rest flowing. It’s a great way to keep hair off your face while still showing off length and volume. This look strikes the perfect balance between regal and relaxed for a ball.

4. Messy Romantic Updo

A slightly undone, textured updo exudes romance and charm. Loose tendrils soften the face and add femininity, while the messy finish creates an effortless, natural vibe. This style pairs beautifully with lace or tulle gowns, enhancing the ethereal feel of your ensemble.

5. Sleek Straight with Middle Part

For a modern and minimalist look, opt for sleek, straight hair parted down the middle. This style complements gowns with clean lines or bold silhouettes by adding sophistication without distraction. The shine and smoothness of straight hair bring a polished, high-fashion touch to your look.

6. Side-Swept Curls

Curls swept to one side add asymmetry and glamour, perfect for highlighting statement earrings or a detailed neckline. This style offers volume and softness, working especially well with one-shoulder or strapless ball gowns. It’s a classic choice that feels both dramatic and elegant.

7. Braided Halo

A braided halo wraps around your head like a crown, offering a fairy-tale feel. This hairstyle combines structure with softness and is great for showcasing intricate beadwork or embroidery on your dress. It’s romantic, regal, and uniquely beautiful for formal occasions.

8. Voluminous Blowout

A voluminous blowout with body and bounce exudes confidence and old-school glam. This style enhances natural texture and looks stunning paired with strapless or sweetheart neckline gowns. It’s simple yet striking, giving you that red-carpet-ready glow for your evening event.

9. Twisted Low Ponytail

A low ponytail with elegant twists or wraps adds sophistication to a typically casual look. This hairstyle keeps hair controlled but still stylish, perfect for highlighting your dress’s neckline or back details. It’s an easy way to feel polished without the heaviness of an updo.

10. Side Braid with Loose Waves

A loose side braid combined with soft waves offers a boho-chic twist on formal hair. It’s ideal if you want a playful yet elegant look that pairs well with flowy or lace gowns. The braid adds texture while waves keep the style soft and feminine.

11. Elegant French Twist

The classic French twist never goes out of style for formal occasions. This sleek, vertical twist elongates the neck and draws attention to your face and shoulders. Perfect for structured or minimalist ball gowns, it exudes grace and sophistication in every movement.

12. Curly Bob with Volume

Medium-length curly hair styled into a voluminous bob creates a youthful, lively look. This hairstyle is full of personality and works great with dresses featuring bold colors or patterns. The curls add dimension and a touch of vintage flair, enhancing your overall elegance.

13. Floral Accented Updo

Incorporating fresh or faux flowers into a medium updo adds a romantic, whimsical element. It pairs beautifully with floral or pastel gowns, perfect for spring or summer balls. The flowers soften the hairstyle and create a unique, personalized touch to your formal look.

14. Slicked-Back Look

For a bold, fashion-forward style, try slicked-back hair with a wet-look finish. This edgy approach contrasts beautifully with soft ball gowns, creating a striking balance between modern and classic. It’s perfect if you want to make a memorable statement at your event.

15. Braided Bun

A braided bun combines the elegance of a bun with intricate braid details for a textured, polished finish. This hairstyle keeps hair neatly in place while offering visual interest, ideal for elaborate gowns or high necklines. It’s a sophisticated look that’s both practical and stunning.

16. Loose Waves with Middle Part

Soft, loose waves parted in the middle create a natural, romantic style. This versatile look suits almost any gown, enhancing your features without overpowering your outfit. The gentle waves add body and movement, making you look effortlessly elegant as you enjoy your evening.

17. Half-Up Fishtail Braid

A fishtail braid in the half-up section adds an intricate, delicate detail to your hairstyle. This look is both trendy and timeless, offering texture and sophistication. It works well with gowns that have simple silhouettes, adding a unique touch to your formal ensemble.

18. Textured Ponytail with Volume

A mid-height ponytail with textured waves and volume at the crown feels youthful and chic. It balances casual and formal vibes, making it a great choice for dresses with bold necklines or dramatic backs. This hairstyle is easy to recreate yet looks effortlessly elegant.

19. Side Part with Loose Curls

A deep side part paired with loose curls adds old-world charm and femininity. This style highlights one side of the face and works beautifully with vintage-inspired or lace ball gowns. It’s classic and flattering, making it a timeless choice for elegant events.

20. Romantic Twisted Updo

Twisting sections of hair into a soft updo creates a romantic and delicate look. This style is perfect for showcasing earrings or necklaces, adding sophistication to any gown. It works well with medium-length hair, allowing for volume and texture without being too heavy.

21. Braided Headband with Loose Hair

Create a braided headband using front sections of your hair while leaving the rest down in soft waves. This hairstyle combines bohemian charm with elegance, ideal for outdoor or garden-themed balls. It adds a whimsical yet polished detail that complements flowing dresses beautifully.

22. Slick Low Bun

A low bun with a slick, smooth finish offers a minimalist yet chic look. It’s perfect for highlighting statement accessories or a dress’s neckline. This style is both timeless and practical, keeping hair out of the way while maintaining an air of elegance and sophistication.

23. Side-Swept Braided Bun

Combining a side braid into a low bun creates an intricate yet elegant hairstyle. It’s a great way to add detail and texture to a formal look, especially for dresses with delicate back or shoulder embellishments. This style is perfect for medium length hair that needs a polished finish.

24. Tousled Waves with Volume

Effortless-looking tousled waves with natural volume bring a relaxed yet glamorous vibe. This style is ideal for adding softness to structured gowns or balancing the formality of a ball. It’s a beautiful way to show off medium-length hair’s natural texture while looking polished.

25. Half-Up Braided Crown

A braided crown in the half-up style offers a regal and feminine look. This hairstyle works beautifully with romantic gowns and adds a touch of whimsy. It’s perfect if you want to combine structure with softness, keeping hair out of your face while showing off lovely length.

26. Classic Side Bun

A sleek side bun adds vintage elegance and sophistication to your ball gown ensemble. This style pairs wonderfully with off-shoulder or asymmetrical dresses, drawing attention to your neckline and earrings. The side placement adds interest and uniqueness to a traditional updo.

27. Voluminous Top Knot

A voluminous top knot gathers medium hair into a chic, elevated style. It elongates the neck and adds height, complementing gowns with plunging necklines or dramatic sleeves. This bold yet elegant hairstyle makes a statement without overpowering your overall look.

28. Loose French Braid

A loose, textured French braid down the back is perfect for medium length hair. It offers a casual elegance that pairs well with flowing or boho-inspired gowns. The braid keeps hair controlled while adding romantic detail, creating a look that’s both effortless and refined.

29. Textured Low Ponytail with Accessories

A textured low ponytail enhanced with elegant hairpins or ribbons can turn a simple style into a glamorous statement. It’s perfect for showcasing your gown’s back or neckline and adds a personalized touch. This hairstyle combines ease and sophistication beautifully.

30. Curly Half-Up Bun

The half-up bun with curls left cascading creates a playful yet formal look. It’s perfect for medium hair wanting volume and texture, offering the best of both worlds. This style pairs beautifully with strapless or sweetheart necklines, adding a youthful, fresh vibe.

31. Twisted Side Sweep

Twisting hair and sweeping it to one side adds romantic asymmetry. This style works well with medium length hair and is great for showcasing statement earrings or shoulder details. It’s elegant, understated, and perfect for enhancing your natural features with a formal touch.

32. Braided Low Ponytail

Incorporating a braid into a low ponytail adds texture and complexity to a classic style. This hairstyle is ideal for medium length hair, combining neatness with intricate detail. It complements gowns with elaborate backs or necklines, ensuring your hair looks just as refined as your dress.

33. Loose Curls with Hair Accessories

Soft curls paired with delicate hair accessories like pins or combs add a touch of sparkle and glamour. This versatile look enhances medium length hair’s natural beauty and works perfectly with almost any ball gown. Accessories personalize the style, making it uniquely yours for the evening.

34. Side Parted Slick Hair

A deep side part with slicked-back hair creates a dramatic and polished look. It’s perfect for modern gowns with sharp lines or bold colors, adding a sleek contrast. This style accentuates cheekbones and jawline, giving you a striking and elegant appearance.

35. Half-Up Bouffant

Adding volume at the crown with a half-up bouffant brings retro glamour to medium length hair. This style works beautifully with classic ball gowns and vintage-inspired looks. It adds height and sophistication while keeping hair partially down for softness and movement.

36. French Braid Updo

Transform medium hair into a sophisticated updo using French braids. This style is intricate yet neat, perfect for formal events where you want your hairstyle to shine as much as your gown. It keeps hair secure and adds beautiful detail throughout the look.

37. Soft Waves with Center Part

Soft waves parted in the center offer an understated, elegant style that works with virtually any ball gown. This look enhances your natural texture, creating effortless beauty without overwhelming your dress. It’s timeless and flattering, perfect for medium length hair.

38. Twisted Low Bun with Side Part

A side-parted twisted low bun is chic and refined, perfect for highlighting your neckline or jewelry. This hairstyle balances simplicity and elegance, making it suitable for a variety of dress styles. It’s a graceful choice for medium hair that needs a polished finish.

39. Braided Side Crown

Creating a braid that wraps around one side of your head like a crown adds regal charm and interest. This style pairs beautifully with romantic or embellished gowns, adding texture and detail to your overall look. It’s a unique way to showcase medium length hair elegantly.

40. Loose Half-Up with Volume

A loose half-up hairstyle with added volume at the crown creates a balanced and flattering silhouette. This style combines the sophistication of an updo with the softness of flowing hair. It’s ideal for medium length hair and complements nearly every formal gown beautifully.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hairstyle for your ball gown or evening dress doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With so many elegant medium length hairstyles to explore, you can find a look that reflects your personal style and complements your dress effortlessly. From timeless classics to modern twists, these options from Hairstyle Inspirations will inspire you to create a breathtaking appearance that turns heads and leaves a lasting impression. Embrace the elegance of medium hairstyles and make your next special occasion truly unforgettable.