The classic red carpet hairstyles you need to bookmark

A braid is such a versatile hairstyle; even if you have short hair, you can weave one into your look for an intricate detail. We love Lucy Hale’s tousled texture for a romantic twist.

Who: Lucy Hale
When: 12 May 2016
Where: NYLON and BBCGeneration’s Annual Young Hollywood May Issue Event

For wow factor when you don’t have a lot of length to work with, take your cues from Zendaya and try vintage finger waves. Note: A good strong-hold hair gel is a must.

Who: Zendaya
When: 20 December 2017
Where: The Greatest Showman Australian Premiere

Emma Watson’s classic red carpet hairstyle is a timeless look that will give your short hair a glamorous update. Even with a shorter hair length you can still show off a little curl through the ends. Brush the hair back away from your face to let your features shine. Want to amp up this look? Just add a red lip.

Who: Emma Watson
When: 2 May 2016
Where: ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology’ Met Gala

You don’t always need an elaborate updo to impress. A tousled hairstyle isn’t just for lobs and long hair - Scarlett’s soft kinks and swept-back hair looks just at home on a red carpet as it would down by the beach. The trick is volume and freshly-cleaned hair.

Who: Scarlett Johansson
When: 17 September 2018
Where: 70th Emmy Awards

When you’re lacking the length for a structured updo, twist pieces and pin them up for a makeshift upstyle. Top tips: Embrace your hair’s natural texture and fingercomb it back to maintain volume at the roots; and if you can, secure in a low ponytail (it will be easier to work with).

Who: Naomi Watts
When: 24 February 2013
Where: 85th Annual Academy Awards

We’ll let you in on a secret: When your hair is smooth and shiny, it’s guaranteed to look elegant. This high ponytail and edgy plait are the perfect combination for adding wow factor to your special-occasion hairstyle.

Who: Heidi Klum
When: 8 January 2014
Where: The 40th Annual People’s Choice Awards

The Kardashian-Jenners know how to do a sky-high sleek ponytail like no one else (except for maybe Ariana Grande!). This one on Kendall Jenner is a lesson in ‘less is more’. Healthy hair, pulled back high and tight. Done deal.

Who: Kendall Jenner
When: 2 May 2016
Where:  ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology’ Met Gala

We love rocking this hairstyle on our days off, but for special occasions, take your cues from the red carpet and opt for a super sleek and smooth style like Kate Bosworth. The best news? No hairdressing experience required! 

Who: Kate Bosworth
When: 30 October 2017
Where: ‘The Long Road Home’ Premiere

If you have medium-length hair and can’t get it up into a high topknot or ballerina bun at your crown, try this in-between updo. It has the smooth elegance of a chignon, with a modern oversized bun.

Who: Doutzen Kroes
When: 19 May 2011
Where: amFAR Gala at the 64th Cannes International Film Festival

We have never seen a simple low ponytail look so expensive! Jessica Alba’s centre part, shiny sleek strands pulled into a ponytail at the nape of her neck, with plenty of luxurious volume added through the ends, is the easiest way to make a statement at your own red carpet event.

Who: Jessica Alba
When: 10 November 2018
Where: 2018 Baby2Baby Gala

Elegant with not a hair out of place, the ballerina bun is soft, feminine and the ideal complement to an intricate neckline.

Who: Penelope Cruz
When: 2 March 2014
Where: 86th Annual Academy Awards

Reminiscent of one of Hollywood’s original beauty icons, Veronica Lake, vintage waves look beautiful, no matter your hair length. To get the look, curl your hair using a large barrel curling tong. Once each section has cooled, brush them out gently for a soft wave.

Who: Elsa Hosk
When: 24 May 2017
Where: ‘The Beguiled’ Red Carpet Arrivals at the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival

If you don’t want to fuss around with a tricky updo, nothing beats a beautiful blow-dry. As you dry, twist the brush from the med-lengths to the ends for that gentle wave. Spritz with a shine spray for a glossy sheen, and smooth an anti-frizz serum over the top for a flawless finish.

Who: Gigi Hadid
When: 6 September 2018
Where: Daily Front Row's 2018 Fashion Media Awards

Not to be confused with your messy weekend signature, we’re talking topknot updos that are smooth with a voluminous bun at the top of the head. If you want to soften the look, a couple of tendrils falling above the ears will do the trick.

Who: Taylor Hill
When: 6 September 2018
Where: Daily Front Row's 2018 Fashion Media Awards

Remember the French twist? It’s still a classic. However, for a modern take à la Rita Ora, curl your hair first and let a few wispy pieces fall loose around the face to nail that ‘undone’ finish. If you’d rather a smooth finish, check out Rita Ora’s beehive hairstyle.

Who: Rita Ora
When: 24 February 2019
Where: 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Short on time but still want to up your hair game? Try these quick yet glamorous red carpet hairstyles.

Which one of these hairstyles is your favourite? Do you have a go-to classic hairstyle you turn to for special occasions? Share with us in the comments below.

Image credits: Getty