27 prom hairstyles to try (for all hair lengths and types!) (2024)

Obviously, perfect prom hair is the goal of any attendee, especially as it’sone of the biggest events in the school year calendar. So we wouldn’t be at all surprised if youwere feeling the pressure of having to look your very best for the party. Of course, that means finding your dream dress, tracking down your Cinderella shoes and having the perfect hairstyleto top it all off.

And while we might not be of much help in dress, shoes and accessories department, we do happen to know a thing or two about hair. So whether you’re toying with the idea of romantic braids, an elaborate updo, or glamorous big, bouncy waves, we’ve got it all covered.

1. Bouffant bun with loose tendrils

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When looking for hairstyles for prom, you’ll find that many styles are just a revamped version of your everyday look.

Take this bouffant updo, try adding some height to your crown before styling in a bun, and don’t forget to leave some loose tendrils out at the front for a more romantic finish.

2. Wet-look prom hair

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Looking for a new way to style your hair for prom? Get the A-list look with swept-back strands.

Editor’s tip:To hold your swept back style in place, we suggest using a firm hold gel like theVO5 Mega Hold Gel Spray.

Use on towel-dried hair and using your finger or a comb, push your hair back. Finish with another spritz for extra hold.

3. Knotted half-up with waves

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Half-up, half-down hairstyles are a popular choice for prom hair and the appeal of this beautiful knotted style is undeniable.

4. Bouncy blowout hair for prom

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Give your hair the royal treatment with an extra bouncy blowout.

Editor’s tip: Make your blowout last with a volume boosting dry shampoo.

We love the for extending our hair wash days and for giving hair extra bounce.

5. Curly side ponytail

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Look prom ready by styling your curly hair in a side ponytail.

Finish your look with a sparkly set of statement earrings.

6. Slicked-back pony

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For the most elegant outcome, keep your ponytail low and make sure your hair is super sleek and shiny before sweeping it back and securing with a clear elastic.

7. Soft waves

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We know casual waves might sound to every day for a prom, but we promise this universally flattering hairstyle will be the envy of all your friends.

Editor’s tip: Give your tresses a mirror-like finish with . You’ll love the glossy, silky finish this spray will give your strands.

8. Defined curls

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Enhance your curl pattern by doing a twist out ahead of prom, that way your curls will be extra defined.

9. Long wavy ponytail

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With gorgeously long hair, you have plenty of options when it comes to hairstyles for prom.

Try curling your hair into beautiful waves and styling into a ponytail for a hairstyle that looks good from all angles.

10. Curly ponytail prom hair

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Do you need a prom hairstyle you can easily do on yourself? Then this Riri-approved hairstyle is the look for you.

Style tip: Hide your headband by wrapping a piece of hair around the band and securing with a bobby pin.

11. Half-up ponytail

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If Ariana Grande is your go-to for hair inspiration, then why not channel her signature half-up, half-down ponytail for prom?

Style tip: Add waves to give your style a more formal feel.

12. Slick side-parted bun

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Sometimes a simple switch of a hair parting can completely transform a look.

Which is why we suggest ditching a middle parting for a sharp side one for an easy prom hairstyle.

13. Short glamour waves

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Channel the silver screen with vintage ‘50s-inspired glamour waves.

Style tip: Accentuate the volume by wearing your hair in a side parting.

14. Half-up fishtail braid

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Adding fishtail braids to your prom hairstyle will give your style a boho vibe.

Style tip: Go the extra mile by adding delicate flowers like above.

15. Glamourous quiff hair for prom

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Prom hairstyles are not all about perfectly coiffed hairstyles. Adding a little edge to your look with a glamorous quiff can be the key to standing out.

16. Undone wavy updo

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Whether you have long or short hair, try adding soft waves and pinning your strands into an undone updo for an effortless finish.

17. Braid and bun

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Look good from all angles with an upside down braided bun.

Editor’s tip:Give your prom hairstyle extra hold with theVO5 Invisible Firm Hold Hairspray.

This ultra-fine fast drying spray offers frizz control, with humidity protection and UV filter.

18. Low braided bun with a tiara

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The best part of prom is the tiara of course! So, make sure you have a hairstyle fit for Prom Queen, like this low bun.

19.Half-up, half-down bouffant

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If your prom dress is vintage, why not find a hairstyleto match? This ’60s-inspired half-up, half-down bouffant will add a subtle retrotwist to your look, while still oozing contemporary glam. Win-win!

20. Side-swept curls

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If your hair is mid-length or long, and you don’t want anything too fussy,then elegant side-swept curls will make for the perfect prom hair choice.

21. Bright bob prom hairstyle

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Just because you’re sporting a short cropdoesn’t mean you can’t make an impact at prom. Rather than putting your hair up, why not consider injecting some pizzazz via temporary hair colourusing sprays, or chalks.

22.Braided crown

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Romantic and oh-so-pretty, a braided crown is a perfect look for prom. The good news? It works on all hair types and lengths, so whether you have coilynatural hairor even dead straight locks, you can pull this look off with success!

23. Donut bun

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The donut bunis a classically elegant prom hairstyle that’s guaranteed to look great and stay intact all eveninglong. What’s more, it’s incredibly easyto achieve, too.

Next read:Want to learn how to style your hair like this at home? Just follow our step-by-step guidehere!

24.Half-up, half-down hair bow

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An ultra-cool twist on the hun, the half-up, half-down hair bow will give your prom dress a feminine, yet edgy look. Plus, it works on all hair types, from box braids to super straight locks,too!

Editor’s tip: If you have fine tresses, just remember to spritz some before styling to add grip (AKA making it easier to style).

25.Classic French braid

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If you plan to dancethe night away at your prom, keeping your hair off your face is a must! And this classic, yet totally on-trend hairstyle will allow you to do just that.

Perfect for girls with luscious long locks, the French braid is simple yet highly effective!

26. Elegantvintage waves

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To inject a generous dose of OldHollywood glamour into your look, precision’20s-inspired finger waves, styled into a beautiful updo,are absolutely perfect – ensuring that you’ll look sleek, sophisticated and ultra stylish forthe entire night.

27.Messychignon

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The chignon is a fail-safechoice for prom, and this slightly tousled and textured version makes it instantly modern. This look is by far one of our favourite prom hair looks, andjust proves that sometimes you just can’t beat a good old classic!

27 prom hairstyles to try (for all hair lengths and types!) (2024)

FAQs

What hairstyle to wear to prom? ›

You can never go wrong with a straight hairstyle. It's a low-maintenance hairstyle that looks sleek and sophisticated. This hairstyle is sure to hold up through all the dancing you'll be doing on prom night! Incorporating a braid into any natural hairstyle is the perfect way to add an interesting element.

How to do prom hair yourself? ›

Half up, half down

Add a volumising mousse to give your hair some body and movement before roughly blow-drying. Then simply pull hair into a half ponytail, spray a little Volume Lift Hairspray into roots, and massage in for volume. For a short bob updo, you might need a smaller pony for a more balanced look.

Is prom hair up or down? ›

If your gown has a low back, or a simple high back, wearing your hair down is a great choice! High and low backs are great because you can really go either way with your hair. Wearing it down will just add a little more detail to an otherwise simple back, plus who doesn't love showing off their locks?!

How can I look prettiest at prom? ›

We all feel stressed getting ready for any big occasion, so take care of a few things early and prep a week ahead of time.
  1. Get glowing skin. ...
  2. Whiten your smile. ...
  3. Clean up your brows. ...
  4. Hydrate your hair. ...
  5. Use a good deodorant or antiperspirant product. ...
  6. Add a pop of color to the eyes. ...
  7. Change up your hair.
Apr 17, 2014

How to look flawless at prom? ›

Prom Makeup Look #1: Natural Prom Makeup
  1. Prep your skin with primer. ...
  2. Apply foundation and concealer. ...
  3. Add a flush of color with blush. ...
  4. Use powder to mattify shine. ...
  5. Define your brows. ...
  6. Give eyes a dose of shimmer. ...
  7. Layer lip liner and lipstick. ...
  8. Lock everything in with setting spray.
May 4, 2022

What is the number 1 hairstyle? ›

What Are the Numbers in Haircuts? If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch.

Which hairstyle suits everyone? ›

Short hair tends to suit all face shapes, although each face shape has things to consider when going short. Round faces, for example, can look rounder with the wrong short cut, but some short haircuts can look simply amazing.

Do you wear a bra to prom? ›

Almost always, prom dresses have some intricate cut. Whether it's a backless style, an off the shoulder style, a halter neck, completely strapless, or a deep V, these dresses will require a specialty bra.

What is not appropriate for prom? ›

o Prom attire should reflect more a formal family occasion (like a wedding) rather than a night on the town or at a dance club. o Dresses that are too revealing, are skin tight or form-fitting, expose midriffs or cleavage, or are too short in length are not appropriate.

How to choose a prom hairstyle? ›

Backless dresses or those with intricate backside designs will look elegant with an updo to showcase the details. Gowns with sweetheart necklines or without straps will benefit from the romantic touch of loose curls or half-up, half-down styles. High-neck or halter dresses will look sensational with a sleek bun.

Should I wear my hair up or down for a formal event? ›

While your dress doesn't have to dictate how you wear your hair, it's still a good check point if you're on the fence. Dresses with high necklines tend to be more formal, so an up-do would be the most appropriate. Plus, an up-do will prevent any hair from getting caught on the dress—a double win!

What is acceptable to wear to prom? ›

Formal prom attire may be classified as a dress, tuxedo, dress suit, including a tie or bow tie, a dress shirt, which may include a vest or cumme*rbund, and dress shoes. Dresses may be strapless (if they fit properly) or include spaghetti straps. Dresses may be backless, as long as they are not cut below the naval.

What do most girls wear to prom? ›

For women, this usually entails wearing a long or short evening gown, co*cktail outfit, or even a jumpsuit with elegant accessories like statement jewelry and high heels.

Should you do hair or makeup first for prom? ›

I suggest getting your makeup done after your hair and nails. This way, you're arriving looking your freshest, leaving more time to enjoy the festivities before you'll have to 'blot' and touch-up. You also won't have to worry about your nails drying or your makeup smudging while you're getting your hair done.

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