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 is the easiest hair for prom? ›

If you're short on getting-ready time, then a bun is a super quick and easy option. You don't even need to wash your hair beforehand, as second-day hair can give your style more texture.

What hair should I wear for prom? ›

For gowns that are strapless, simple in style or that are spaghetti straps, wearing your hair down is a great option. Loose curls are always a great starting point. From there, you can decide between a half-up, half-down look, maybe a braid to keep the front pieces in place, there are really so many choices!

What is the most simple hairstyle? ›

Knotted Ponytail

Pull hair into a ponytail, then twist the base a couple of times as if you're going to twist it into a bun. Pull the ends through the middle of the bun and secure it for a knotted ponytail with a twirled base with loose, free-flowing ends. Done and done.

How much does a prom hairdo cost? ›

Generally speaking, prom hairstyles cost from $30 to $100. The best way to determine how much you're likely to spend on prom hair, call your salon of choice and ask! Makeup costs can vary as well, but you're unlikely to spend over $60 for a simple application.

What hairstyle requires no styling? ›

According to Medchill, embracing your natural texture with a curly or wavy, textured pixie cut is a great haircut that requires little to no styling.

Can you wear your hair straight 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 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

Should my hair be up or down for prom? ›

"If it's off the shoulder, a sweetheart cut or strapless, wearing your hair down would look the best," said Lathan. "For those that have a lot going on along the neckline or have a lot of jewelry, try an updo.

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?!

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.

What hairstyle looks younger? ›

Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.

Who should pay for prom? ›

The person who asks someone to prom is responsible for paying for the night's expenses, traditionally. However, it is more common now for couples to share the costs of the evening, as proms can be very expensive.

Why is prom so expensive? ›

The prices of preparing and day of prom can be expensive because there are various costs that go into the preparation. The tickets are $45, a dress or tuxedo can range from $100-300. If you go out to dinner it is about $40 and if you don't have shoes it can be another $20-50.

Is $500 a lot for a prom dress? ›

Average Prom Dress Costs

Dresses with more material included in them, such as ball gowns with full skirts, may be more expensive than other styles of dresses due to the extra material used in creation. On average, you can expect to spend between $100 and $500 on a prom dress.

How long does prom hair usually take? ›

A: Hair styling usually takes around 30-45 minutes for heat styling only (waves, curls, smooth styles) and 1-1.5 hours for an updo style. Note: Hair styling appointments may not be available on certain prom dates due to high numbers of requests for makeup application appointments.

What hair is the hardest to style? ›

Coarse hair is thicker and has a larger diameter than other hair types, making it more difficult to style and prone to frizz. It can also be more resistant to chemical treatments like coloring or relaxing. Coarse hair refers to a hair type that is thick, rough, and often feels wiry or frizzy.

Should I get my hair done the day before prom? ›

By getting them done a day before, Hadley also says you'll be able to ensure they're fully dry—and it will also give you the opportunity to redo them if they weren't your thing to begin with. To make them last, be mindful of how you go about doing your household chores.

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