25 Perfectly Gorgeous Down Hairstyles for Prom 2025

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Do you enjoy wearing your hair down? There are plenty of glamorous and fun ways to style your hair down for any occasion, and prom is no exception! Take a hint from your face shape and dress style when searching for the ideal prom coif. Down hairstyles pair wonderfully with strapless dresses. If you choose an asymmetrical dress, let your hair fall down and sweep it to the opposite side to create balance in your look.

I hope one of these lovely down hairstyles for prom motivates you!

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#1: Soft Waves on Lengthy, Delicate Hair

Soft waves on lengthy, delicate hair are a simple and effective approach to enhance volume, body, and movement. Delicate hair is easy to style, but curls may unravel more quickly. To prevent this, utilize light products and keep in mind that less is more. Delicate hair is more susceptible to being weighed down by styling products, particularly heavy or wet ones. Opt for dry products such as volume powder or dry texture spray and minimize touching the curls, as the natural oils from the skin can diminish the products and weigh down the curls.

#2: Sleek Half Ponytail Featuring a Dramatic Side Part

For a chic and refined look, opt for a simple half up, half down style with a side bang left out. To achieve this look, begin by using a tail comb to form a dramatic side part. Next, gather the hair from the crown of the head. Leave out the last strands for face-framing pieces, and secure them with a hair tie. Utilize a flat iron to create sleek and shiny ends before ensuring that the ponytail is tight and secure. For added hold, I suggest applying hairspray to make sure the style lasts throughout the evening.

#3: Elegant Twisted Halo Braid for a Half-Down Style

Braids are a fantastic way to infuse charm and sophistication into a half-down style. This particular braid is straightforward to assemble as twists come together effortlessly. To create this lovely look, start by gathering your hair at the top of your head. Make two loose French braids. Secure them with small elastics and twist each braid into a rope. Please do this before wrapping it around itself & voila! Enhance texture and hold with a premium hairspray. Try Kérastase Laque Noire Finition Cheveux Longs Spray. It’s enriched with shine elements that will ensure you look flawless all night. Updo hairstyles can usually be mastered with some practice.

Elegant Prom Half Updo Down Style with Delicate Flowers for Medium Hair
Instagram @landj_hair

#4: Elegant Wavy Half Updo with Delicate Flowers

Prom is a wonderful opportunity to try out new hairstyles that showcase your personality and complement your outfit’s design. One fantastic choice for a formal look is a wavy half-up-half-down updo embellished with delicate flowers. This adaptable hairstyle pairs beautifully with any dress or outfit combination. Incorporating floral touches or accessories like a bow to these styled hairdos can further elevate their charm. The half-up-half-down style is the ideal formal updo that’ll stay in place throughout the night!

#5: Chic Twisted Bubble Braid Half Updo

If you adore a bohemian-inspired half updo, try incorporating a twisted bubble braid into your prom hairstyle for added flair. This look features a combination of classic braids and a bubble braid. Bubble braids are made by securing each hair section with an elastic band. Next, create a split in the hair to form a loop. The final touch involves twisting the ponytail through the loop. Continue this procedure down the hair strand. After forming each bubble, gently fluff it with your fingers and a texture spray. My top choice for texture spray is Balloon from R & Co.

Bouffant Hairstyle with Pearl Headband and Flowing Curls for Long Blonde Hair
Instagram @szabolizi_hair

#6: Bouffant Hairstyle with Pearl Headband and Flowing Curls

A bouffant hairstyle with a pearl headband and flowing curls is ideal for any prom. Choosing prom hairstyles worn down offers a touch of elegance and enduring style. This look can be created on any hair type. However, if your hair is finer, I suggest using clip-in hair extensions for added volume. Opt for tight curls with a loose structure to maintain an age-appropriate appearance.

Bubble Braids with Beach Waves for Long Hair Suitable for Women with Fine Hair
Instagram @theglowapp

#7: Bubble Braids with Beach Waves for the Middle Part

If you’re in search of an ideal prom hairstyle, consider small bubble braids combined with beach waves. You’ll achieve a trendy, “Euphoria” style vibe. To master the beach waves for this look, the ideal tool is the Amika High Tide Deep Waver. The consistent waves paired with the braids foster a playful, youthful appearance that is perfect for prom season.

Half-Down Center-Part Hairstyle with Face-Framing Curls for Prom
Instagram @danii_novelli

#8: Half-Down Center-Part Hairstyle with Face-Framing Curls

Add a touch of elegance to half-up, half-down prom hairstyles for your memorable evening. 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 added 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!

Charming Half Down with Curls and Braided Ropes for Your Special Day
Instagram @made.by.babs

#9: Charming Half Down with Curls and Braided Ropes

For a memorable occasion and a down ‘do with a bohemian flair, experiment with a Dutch braided crown paired with flowing curls. To achieve the style, start by curling the top half of your hair and securing the lower half in two rope braids. Make sure to apply a heat-protectant product on your hair prior to curling for optimal results. Follow up with hairspray to maintain the curls. To make sure the rope braids are durable, utilize a clear elastic band and fasten it snugly at the ends. For the finishing touch, enhance your look with a stylish headband or some bobby pins.

Gentle Waves and Light Blonde Highlights Perfect for Prom Down Style
Instagram @the.beauty.bar.ny

#10: Gentle Waves and Light Blonde Highlights

Bright light blonde highlights and gentle waves in your hair can be a stunning way to elevate your prom look. Achieve a classic hairstyle with a modern flair! Enhance the area around your face with luminous highlights to introduce depth and texture to your hairstyle. The dimension and texture from highlights enhance curls or waves more effectively. Ultimately, wavy hair can highlight the selection and display of your hair color.

#11: Elegant Prom Look with Soft Waves

If you’re searching for a polished hairstyle, consider a retro wavy appearance with gentle ends. It’s essential to utilize the right tools and iron size to achieve retro waves. A curling iron with a diameter of 1.25 inches is perfect for creating soft, polished waves. Curl all the hair in one direction initially. Allow it to cool before you carefully brush out the curls. Handle the hair delicately when brushing out the curls to form waves. This technique will enable the curls to develop a gentle, retro wavy design.

Luxurious Long Down-Style Waves for Black Women at Prom
Instagram @thatdeuce

#12: Luxurious Long Waves for Black Women

Luxurious long waves present a breathtaking option for black women. This elegant hairstyle seems nearly effortless while providing a lavish touch to complement your prom attire.

Delicate Teased Look with Long Gentle Waves Parted in the Middle Prom Down Hair
Instagram @josiewheeler.mua

#13: Delicate Teased Look with Long Gentle Waves

Achieve a stunning delicate teased look with long gentle waves parted in the center for prom night. To create this effect, begin by using a curling iron to curl the lengths of your hair. Once the curls have set, gently tease the top section of your hair with a teasing brush. Conclude by parting your hair in the center and softly brushing out the curls with your fingertips. For extra volume and hold, apply a light spritz of hairspray. Consider AIIR’s Flexible Hold Aiir Spray. This will assist in maintaining your style throughout the day.

Elegant Prom Wavy Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyle
Instagram @kellyhorthair

#14: Romantic Wavy Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyle

Embrace a charming, wavy hairstyle that will elevate your prom appearance. Opt for this half-up, half-down design. Your hair is divided and gently secured at both sides of your head. Meanwhile, front strands cascade freely around your face. To achieve loose hairstyles with soft waves, utilize a large curling wand. Alternatively, try heated rollers and gently scrunch from mid-length to ends. This technique will enhance the texture of your hair and provide ample movement – ideal for dancing the night away! Complete the look with a light hairspray such as Oribe’s Texture Spray for lasting hold.

Half-Down Double Twist Style with Curled Ends for Medium Hair
Instagram @pianfrisyyri

#15: Half-Down Double Twist Style with Curled Ends

This effortless half-up prom style offers versatility. You can achieve it at home or with your hairstylist. It depends on your choice for curling, twisting, and pinning your hair. Begin by taking the lower section of your hair and curling the ends using your preferred curling iron. Larger curling irons create loose waves, while smaller ones produce tight ringlets. The top section at the sides of your temples will be reserved for twisting and pinning. By making two double twists on each side and then crisscrossing them at the back of your head (occipital area), and securing with bobby pins, you’ll create a beautifully textured half-up style.

Medium-Length Down Waves with Framing Strands for Prom
Instagram @beautybydevonn

#16: Medium-Length Waves with Framing Strands

Style your hair in medium-length waves and add framing strands. The elegance 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 look.

#17: Chic Boho Twist Half-Updo

Consider trying a chic boho twist half-updo if you prefer a hairstyle that combines both half up and half down. To adapt this look for prom, twist sections of hair from each side of the head toward the center. This approach will bring an elegant touch to a seemingly ordinary hairstyle.

#18: Effortless Half-Up Short Hair

A braided effect is a great way to style your half-up short hair. It showcases your locks and provides the hairstyle a solid foundation. Braids can introduce a unique flair to any medium to short hairstyle. You can experiment with various types of braids. Dutch braids are often perceived as more playful and youthful, while a classic French braid offers a more timeless style.

Elegant Middle-Parted Curls Adorned with a Tiara Down Hairdo for Prom
Instagram @veronicavisage

#19: Elegant Middle-Parted Curls Adorned with a Tiara

Opt for your formal hairstyles worn down to achieve a romantic and captivating look. Nothing surpasses this timeless style of elegant middle-parted curls paired with a stunning tiara. Begin by curling your hair away from the face using a 1-inch barrel curling iron. Allowing the curls to cool before pinning and styling ensures a long-lasting effect. Complete the look with hairspray for an all-night hold.

#20: Stylish Rooted Blonde Waves with a Classic Middle Part

Instead of an all-up style, try stylish rooted blonde waves 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.

Braided Half Down Cascades for Prom Night
Instagram @veronicavisage

#21: Braided Half-Up Cascade Styles

A braided half-up cascade is a beautiful blend of whimsical and romantic for prom night. Whether you are aiming to frame your face with playful, flirty tendrils or prefer something a bit more polished, this prom hairstyle is among the top choices. The intricate strands can be enhanced with beads or small flowers for added elegance. When donning this style, ensure your curls remain light and bouncy. Build volume at the crown of your head before securing the ends with ponytail holders or bobby pins. Use a lightweight hairspray like Aveda’s Air Control Hairspray for a lasting hold without any stiffness.

Effortless Half Up Style for Prom
Instagram @jess_w_hair

#22: Effortless Half Up Style

Choose a half updo that beautifully frames your face with soft curls at the ends. This look is perfect if you’re aiming to keep your hair down while ensuring it stays clear of your face!

Long Brunette Waves with a Side Part
Instagram @glambysanela

#23: Long Brunette Waves with a Side Part

Brunette locks styled with a side part provide a classic, sophisticated appearance with enhanced volume and texture. Gentle waves cascade to the shoulders, delicately framing the face. For styling, employ a large curling wand to form big waves and apply your preferred texture or light hold hairspray to ensure everything stays in place.

Flowing Twists and Curls on Downed Long Hair for Prom Night
Instagram @4c.hair_

#24: Flowing Twists and Curls for Long Hair

Prepare for a spectacular evening by crafting flowing twists and curls with your long hair. If you aim to leave a lasting impression on that memorable night, these graceful waves will do the job! Begin by using a curl-enhancing product to maintain your style throughout the night. For enhanced effect, incorporate some texture spray into the layers. Alternatively, consider sleek accessories like clip-in feathers or metallic pins for extra shine. Enjoy experimenting with various styles you can achieve.

#25: Chic Mini Braided Half-Ponytail with Luscious Waves

Transform a simple style into something stunningly fashionable. Attempt this delightfully simple mini braided half ponytail. Begin by styling beautiful waves to add dimension. Next, take a two-inch section from the top center of your head, stopping just before the crown. Use this section to create a Dutch braid, which is similar to a French braid but sits proudly on top of the hair. Secure it with a ponytail holder, wrapping a strand of hair around the elastic to conceal it. Be sure to fasten it with a bobby pin for security. Curls and braids make for an exquisite blend, and you’ll want to keep this look intact all day! Complete the style with a light hairspray such as Aveda’s Air Control Hair Spray, providing hold without any stiffness or tackiness. This versatile hairspray can be layered for additional control.