Prom night is all about feeling your absolute best, and the right hairstyle can make all the difference. Whether you’re going for an elegant updo, soft waves, or something bold and trendy, your hairstyle needs to complement your dress, hold up all night, and work with your hair type. The key? Choosing a style that not only looks stunning in photos but also lasts through dancing, humidity, and whatever the night brings.
One thing most people forget is how important prep is—using the right products, securing your style with the right pins, and knowing how to refresh it if needed can make or break your look. If you’re still searching for the perfect prom hairstyle, I’ve got you covered with styles that are gorgeous, practical, and easy to recreate. Keep scrolling to find the one that’s just right for you!
#1 Braided Updo for Prom
A braided updo is the perfect mix of structure and softness for prom, combining detailed braid work with a voluminous, textured bun. This style is fantastic for medium to thick hair that holds braids well, and works especially nicely on square or oval face shapes. Finer hair may need teasing at the crown to create extra lift and fullness.
#2 Half Up Half Down with Soft Curls for Long Hair
This half up half down style is all about romance, combining loose curls with a subtle twist detail and a crystal clip for sparkle. Ideal for long hair with natural wave or curl, this style gives plenty of movement while keeping hair out of the face. Just watch for heavy accessories weighing down finer strands.
#3 Straight and Sleek with a Middle Part
If you love sleek, polished styles, this straight and shiny look with a sharp middle part is a standout for prom. It’s best for naturally straight or relaxed hair and works well with medium to thick densities. Keep in mind that a good heat protectant and shine serum are must-haves to avoid frizz and flyaways throughout the night.
#4 Short and Tousled for a Chic Prom Look
This short, tousled bob is perfect if you’re after a relaxed yet chic prom style. The loose, textured waves add movement and body, making this great for fine to medium hair. Pairing it with a delicate hair accessory takes the look up a notch, though shorter cuts like this may need extra texturizing spray to keep that piecey finish all night.
#5 Fluffy Curly Ponytail for a Fun Prom Look
This fluffy curly ponytail is all about volume and bounce, with spiral curls and soft tendrils falling around the face. It’s ideal for naturally curly hair types or those using a curling wand on medium-density hair. Be aware though—this look thrives on hydration, so using a curl cream is key to avoid frizz.
#6 Soft Waves with a Deep Side Part
This bob-length cut styled with soft waves and a deep side part brings subtle volume and a modern edge to shorter prom hair. Perfect for fine to medium hair textures, this style holds best with a lightweight mousse. It flatters oval and round faces by opening up the cheekbones and adding movement.
#7 Classic Chignon for a Formal Prom Night
A classic chignon is the go-to for formal events, and this version is all about sleek lines and a tucked-under finish. It’s best suited for medium to thick straight hair and looks especially polished on round and square face shapes. The only downside? You’ll want extra pins and hold spray to keep it perfect all night.
#8 Braided Ponytail for a Unique Prom Hairstyle
This unique braided ponytail combines sleek crown braids with full, loose waves for a look that’s equal parts fun and formal. Best for thick, long hair that can handle the weight of the braid and the ponytail without flattening out. A strong styling cream helps keep flyaways under control for a clean finish.
#9 Textured Low Bun for a Modern Prom Look
This textured low bun is modern and effortless with its loose, airy twists and delicate face-framing layers. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this bun gives volume without feeling heavy. However, finer hair may need a volume powder at the roots and a few extra pins to keep everything secure for a full night of dancing.
#10 Side Swept Waves for an Effortless Glam Look
These side swept waves bring effortless glam with their smooth, defined curves and a subtle shine. This style works best on medium to thick hair with natural density to hold the shape, and it beautifully frames oval and heart-shaped faces. Just be sure to use a strong-hold hairspray to keep the waves intact through the night, especially if you plan to dance.
#11 Twisted Half Up Half Down for a Romantic Touch
A twisted half up half down style creates a soft, romantic feel while keeping some length flowing. This look is especially flattering on mid-length hair with natural waves and medium density. If you’re worried about the twists staying secure, using small clear elastics or hidden pins works like a charm. It’s a lovely choice for anyone wanting that effortless, feminine finish.
#12 Bubble Ponytail for a Trendy Prom Look
The bubble ponytail is a super fun and trendy choice for prom, especially if you love a modern, edgy look. This style shines on long, straight hair with medium density to keep the “bubbles” full and even. If your hair is finer, adding texture spray before securing the sections helps give it some grip and fullness.
#13 Hollywood Waves for a Red Carpet-Worthy Style
Smooth, defined Hollywood waves are always a showstopper for prom, bringing that red carpet drama. This style works best on long, thick hair that can hold a curl, though finer hair can achieve it with a strong setting spray and curl prep. Just plan on extra time with the curling iron and a wide-tooth comb to brush out the waves to perfection.
#14 Messy Updo with Soft Tendrils
For anyone who loves a relaxed, lived-in updo, this messy bun with cascading tendrils is a go-to prom option. It works especially well on thick, shoulder-length hair that holds texture, but finer hair might need a teasing comb to build volume. The best part? It’s forgiving, so a little frizz or flyaway only adds to the charm.
#15 Braided Crown for a Boho Chic Prom Look
A braided crown instantly gives off a soft, boho feel, especially when paired with loose tendrils to frame the face. This style works beautifully on medium to thick hair with natural texture, but finer hair might need volumizing powder to keep the braids full. It’s a great option for heart and oval face shapes looking for a more laid-back prom style with plenty of charm.
#16 Voluminous Curls for a Glamorous Prom Vibe
Bouncy, defined curls pulled into a high ponytail make a bold prom statement. Best for thick, curly hair types needing little extra volume support. Just note, high ponies can create scalp tension over time—so keep that in mind if you’re dancing all night.
#17 Elegant Low Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
Low buns like this one are excellent for formal nights when you want a style that stays put. With subtle face-framing strands and a soft twist, this look works well for medium-density hair. The trick is securing with hidden pins and using a light-hold hairspray to maintain movement without stiffness.
#18 Sleek High Ponytail for a Chic Prom Style
A high ponytail never goes out of style, and adding pearl embellishments gives it just the right touch of glam. This style is perfect for medium to long hair, especially with finer strands needing a lift. The downside? You’ll want strong root support with volumizing mousse to keep the height all night.
#19 Half Up Half Down with Loose Waves
This soft half up half down style features textured waves and a stunning pearl accent for a bit of sparkle. It’s especially flattering on shoulder-length hair with medium to thick density. Perfect if you want to show off a soft wave pattern while keeping hair off your face. Just know, the weight of accessories like pearls may pull down finer hair.
#20 LuxeCascade Waves
LuxeCascade waves are all about bold definition, with flawless S-curls and a high-gloss finish that scream Old Hollywood glam. Perfect for medium to thick hair that holds shape well, this style accentuates sharp jawlines and works wonders on longer lengths. Keep in mind, the key to this look is precision, so setting each curl and brushing out carefully is crucial to avoid losing that sculpted effect.
#21 RadianceRoll Updo
RadianceRoll is a total showstopper, combining structured victory rolls with a sleek low bun for a true vintage moment. This style thrives on medium to thick hair with natural volume, and it’s a perfect fit for square and oval faces needing height on top. Be prepared—it takes precision rolling and lots of strong-hold spray to keep these coils perfectly in place through all your prom night photos.
#22 Romantic Curls for a Classic Prom Look
Soft, voluminous curls paired with a delicate floral clip give this medium-length style a truly classic prom feel. Ideal for medium-density hair with natural wave, this look frames the face gently without adding too much weight. It works beautifully for teens or young adults wanting an effortless, traditional finish. Just keep in mind, finer hair may need extra hold from a setting spray to last the night.
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