Do you love wearing your hair down? There are tons of glamorous and fun ways to wear your hair down for any occasion, and prom is no exception! Take a cue from your face shape and dress style when looking for the perfect prom coif. Down hairstyles complement strapless dresses best. If you opt for an asymmetrical dress, wear your hair all down and swept to the opposite side to balance your look.
I hope one of these beautiful down hairstyles for prom inspires you!
#1: Wavy Half-Up Half-Down Style
Go for a romantic, wavy hairstyle that will take your prom look to the next level. Try out this half-up, half-down style. Your hair is parted and loosely pinned back at either side of your head. At the same time, front strands are left hanging freely around the face. To create loose hairstyles with tousled waves, use a large curling wand. Or use heated rollers and scrunch gently from mid-length to ends. This will help define the texture in your hair and give it plenty of movement – perfect for dancing at prom! Finish off with some light hairspray like Oribe’s Texture Spray for hold.
#2: Boho Twist Half-Updo
Try a boho twist half-updo if you like wearing your hair half up and half down. To make this hairstyle suitable for prom, twist hair from both sides of the head towards the center. This will add an elegant flair to an otherwise everyday look.
#3: Easy Half-Up Short Hair
A braided effect is a good way to style your half-up short hair. It shows your locks and gives the hairstyle a firm base. Braids can add a distinct look to any medium to short hairstyle. You can try different types of braids. Dutch braids are seen as more playful and youthful, while a traditional French braid gives a more classic style.
#4: Twisted Bubble Braid Half Updo
If a bohemian-style half updo is your preference, consider a prom hairdo with the addition of a twisted bubble braid for interest. This hairstyle involves accents of traditional braids and a bubble braid. Bubble braids can be achieved by securing each section of hair with an elastic band. Then, create a split in the hair to form a loop. The final step involves twisting the pony through the loop. Repeat this process along the hair strand. After creating each bubble, gently fluff it using your fingers and a texture spray. My favorite texture spray is Balloon from R & Co.
#5: Side-Parted Long Brunette Waves
Brunette hair with a side part offers a timeless, elegant look with added volume and texture. Soft waves fall down to the shoulders and frame the face delicately. To style, use a large wand to create big waves in the hair and use your favorite texture or light hold hairspray to keep it all in place.
#6: Voluminous Long Waves for Black Women
Voluminous long waves are a stunning choice for black women. This glamorous style comes off as almost effortless but still looks luxurious enough to rock alongside your prom dress.
#7: Double Twist Half-Down Style with Curled Ends
This easy, prom half-up style is versatile. You can create it at home or with your stylist. It depends on your preference for curling, twisting, and pinning your hair. Begin by taking the bottom section of your hair and curling the ends with your curling iron of choice. Large curling irons give you loose waves, while small curling irons create tight ringlets. The top section on the sides of your temples will be used for twisting and pinning. By creating two double twists on each side, then crisscrossing them at the back of your head (occipital area), and securing them with bobby pins, you’ll achieve a textured half-up style.
#8: Mid-Length Waves with Framing Pieces
Style your hair in medium-length waves and add framing pieces. The simplicity of this style is beautiful and easy to achieve. You’ll want to dry your hair smoothly and spray each section with a light hair spray as you curl with a 3/4-inch curling iron. Be sure to take small sections. Apply more hairspray and then comb lightly. Pin back the sides beyond your ears. You’ll love the princess-style finish.
#9: Sleek Prom Style with Wavy Ends
If you’re looking for a sleek hairstyle, try a vintage wavy look with soft ends. It’s crucial to use the correct tools and iron size to attain vintage waves. A curling iron with a diameter of 1.25 inches is ideal for achieving soft, sleek waves. Curl all the hair in one direction first. Let it cool before you gently brush out the curls. Handle the hair with care when brushing out the curls to form waves. This method will allow the curls to form a soft, vintage wavy pattern.
#10: Wavy Half Updo with Mini Flowers
Prom is a great occasion to experiment with new hairstyles that suit you and complement your outfit’s aesthetics. One excellent option for a formal hairstyle is a wavy half-up-half-down updo adorned with mini flowers. This versatile hairstyle matches any dress or outfit combination. Adding floral elements or items like a bow to these stylized hairdos can further enhance their appeal. The half-up-half-down style is the perfect formal updo that’ll last all night!
#11: Soft Waves and Blonde Highlights
Bright blonde highlights and soft waves in your hair can be a beautiful way to enhance your prom style. Get a traditional hairstyle with a trendy touch! Maintain the area near your face with vibrant highlights to add depth and texture to your hairstyle. The depth and texture from highlights indulge curls or waves more effectively. Finally, wavy hair can emphasize the choice and display of your hair color.
#12: Sleek Half Ponytail with a Deep Side Part
For a popular elegant, classy look, get a simple half up, half down with a side bang left out. To help you create this look, start by using a tail comb to create a deep side part. Then, gather the hair from the top of the head. Leave out the final strands of face-framing pieces, and secure them with a hair tie. Use a flat iron to create smooth and glossy ends before ensuring that the ponytail is tight and secure. For extra hold, I recommend using hairspray to ensure the style holds all night.
#13: Romantic Half Down with Curls and Rope Braids
For a special event and a down ‘do with a boho style, try a Dutch braided crown with waterfall curls. To get the look, begin by curling the top half of your hair and tying the bottom half in two rope braids. Use a heat-protectant product on your hair before curling for the best result. Then use hairspray to hold the curls in place. To ensure the rope braids last, use a clear elastic band and tie it tightly at the ends. To complete the look, accessorize with a headband or bobby pins.
#14: Rooted Blonde Hair with Classic Middle Part Waves
Instead of an all-up style, try rooted blonde hair with a classic middle part and wavy texture. It will add a modern touch to a traditional look. To get the perfect waves, use a curling iron. Wrap large sections around the barrel to create a loose-flowing wave. Keep the ends straight if you like a more beachy look. To hold your style and add shine, use a lightweight hairspray. Try TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Shine Hairspray. It’ll provide a flexible hold and help protect your hair from humidity. For an extra boost of shine, use a serum or oil to finish.
#15: Soft Teased Style and Long Subtle Waves
Go for a beautiful soft teased style with long subtle waves parted in the middle on prom night. To create this look, start using a curling iron to curl the length of your hair. After the curls have cooled, use a teasing brush to tease the top of your hair gently. Finish by parting your hair down the middle and gently brush out the curls with your fingers. For added volume and hold, use a spritz of lightweight hairspray. Try AIIR’s Flexible Hold Aiir Spray. This will help keep your style in place all day.
#16: Middle Part Bubble Braids with Beach Waves
If you’re looking for the perfect style for your prom, try small bubble braids with beach waves. You’ll create a “Euphoria” style look. When perfecting the beach waves for the look, the perfect tool is the Amika High Tide Deep Waver. The uniform waves with the braids create a fun, young look that is perfect for the prom season.
#17: Bouffant with Pearl Headband and Loose Curls
A bouffant with a pearl headband and loose curls is perfect for any prom. Wearing prom hairstyles down is more elegant and long-lasting. Any hair can achieve this style. But if you have finer hair, I recommend clip-in hair extensions for added density. Ask for tight curls with a loose structure to keep the style age-appropriate.
#18: Braided Half Down Cascades
A braided half-down cascade is a perfect combo of whimsical and romantic for prom night. Whether you are looking to frame your face with fun, flirty tendrils. Or, if you want something a little more pulled together, this prom hair-down style is one of the best options. The delicate strands can be accessorized with beads or even small flowers. When wearing this look, keep your curls from getting too weighed down. Create volume in the crown of your head before tucking away ends into ponytail holders or bobby pins. Apply lightweight hairspray like Aveda’s Air Control Hairspray. It’s for a lasting hold without any stiffness.
#19: Curled Middle-Parted Hair with a Tiara
Wear your formal hairstyles down and go for a romantic yet alluring style. Nothing tops this classic look of curled middle-parted hair with a gleaming tiara. Start by curling your locks away from the face with a 1-inch barrel curling iron. Letting the curls cool before pinning and styling for a long-lasting style would be best. Finish the look with hairspray for a hold that lasts all night.
#20: Center Part Half-Down Style with Face-Framing Curls
Add a touch of charm to half-up, half-down prom hairstyles for your special night. Start by parting your hair down the center. Use a one-inch curling iron or wand to curl the hair in alternating directions. You need to curl your hair away from your face for your curls to look natural. Tease your hair with a back-combing technique for extra volume. Then, pull back each side into a low ponytail and secure it with elastic. Pull a few pieces out of the front so they frame your face. You won’t need to do much to keep this style in place while you dance the night away other than using hairspray. Try TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hair Spray Extend Hold Level 4. It’s for an all-day, flawless style that does not fly away!
#21: Cascading Twists and Curls on Long Hair
Get ready for a grand entrance by creating cascading twists and curls with your long hair. If you want to make an impression on that special night, these feminine waves will do the trick! Start using a curl-enhancing product to help hold your style in place all evening. For maximum impact, add some texture spray throughout the layers. Or, try sleek accessories like clip-in feathers or metallic pins for added sparkle. Have fun playing around with different looks you can pull off.
#22: Twisted Halo Braid for Half-Down Do
Braids are the perfect way to add magic and elegance to a half-down look. This specific braid is easy to put together as twists put it together. To achieve this cute style, start by gathering your hair at the crown of your head. Create two loose French braids. Secure them with tiny elastics and twist each braid into a rope. Please do this before looping it around itself & voila! Bolster texture and hold in place with high-quality hairspray. Try Kérastase Laque Noire Finition Cheveux Longs Spray. It’s infused with shine elements that will keep you looking picture-perfect all night. Updo hairstyles are usually easy to achieve with practice.
#23: Mini Braided Half-Ponytail and Voluminous Waves
Elevate a basic hairstyle to something ultra-chic. Try this incredibly easy mini braided half ponytail. Start by creating voluminous waves to create depth. Then take a two-inch section down the middle of your head that stops right before the crown. Use this section to make a Dutch braid. This is like a French braid but sits on top of the hair. Tie it off in a pony, wrapping a piece of hair from the pony around the elastic to hide it. Make sure to secure it with a bobby pin. Curls and braids are the perfect chic combination, and you’ll want to ensure this look lasts you all day! Finish with a light hairspray like Aveda’s Air Control Hair Spray. It’s for added hold without stiffness or stickiness. This hairspray can be layered for extra control.
#24: Half Up and Simple
Opt for a half updo that creates a great face frame with loose curls at the ends. This is an excellent option if you want to wear your hair down but have it out of your face too!
#25: Loose Waves on Long, Fine Hair
Loose waves on long, fine hair are an easy and effective way to add volume, body, and movement. Fine hair is easy to style, but curls tend to fall out faster. To avoid this, use light products and remember, less is more. Fine hair is more easily weighed down by hair products, especially heavy or wet products. Try to use dry products like volume powder or dry texture spray and avoid touching the curls as much as possible, as the natural oils in the skin will break down the products and weigh down the curls.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.