You finally have your dress, your shoes, your accessories and your make up all planned out, now you need just one more thing to be prom-ready — your hair! Here are seriously cute prom hairstyles to help you decide on your ‘do for this awesome event. Know that you are beautiful regardless of what hair, make up and dress you choose. Make sure to have fun at your prom and create beautiful memories with friends to look back on. Now go and dance the night away in one of these cute updo’s, down do’s, half up do’s, braids and more!
Low Messy Bouffant with Face-Framing Bangs
Try a low messy bouffant with face-framing bangs to give an easy, lived-in elegance to your prom style. Messy bouffants are a great way to give an ‘up-do’ effect on short hair while still feeling loose and simple. Face-framing bangs allow for a softer look and a beautiful eye-guiding transition from your makeup look to the hairstyle. Loose waves are perfect for framing the face because they are known for their romantic elegance. To achieve these simple loose face-framing bangs, use low heat and light products and curl away from the face. Comb through curls until they are in the ideal position, then add your products for touchable hold and avoid touching it after.
Sweet Side Braid
A charming pleated accent would complement a long honey blonde hair for a dainty look.
Elegant Updo for Long Hair
Champagne-colored locks will surely sparkle brighter than the prom queen’s crown with this romantic textured upstyle.
Lovely Braided Updo
This straight platinum blonde hair looks really magnificent paired with a fishtail twisted low bun. Great look for any big and romantic special occasion!
Modern French Braids
A seriously stunning up-style, this braided and twisted messy bun is ideal for hair with ombre colors, as it results to a super dimensional and eye-pleasing work of art!
Gorgeous Lob with Flowers
Balance your very modern tousled shoulder-length hair with a pretty floral accessory! Let your hair down freely with this super easy style.
The Cutest Chignon
Keep things on the chic side with this totally elegant and sleek low twisted bun. It’s neat and allows you to put more attention on your face for your make-up and accessories.
Dutch Braid
A vintage braiding on the side, winding back into an undone bun in the back with curls! A look that has been a staple for prom queens!
Waterfall Braid
Q&A with style creator, Natalie Zaher
Stylist @ White Pavo Beauty in Winnenden, Germany
How would you describe this look?
This waterfall weave is a look that is casual, chic, and modern. It is always an eye-catcher and something special. The waves integrate fabulously into the weave. It’s a very playful romantic hairstyle.
Any advice for someone considering it?
We recommend this hairstyle for brides to the registry office. It is also ideal for maids who like to wear semi-open. This type of braid is suitable for any hair length, as the thickness of the hair does not matter because you can create wonderful volume by pulling up the braid and by the waves.
So that the hairstyle holds well, we recommend in the lengths and before the hair blow dry to incorporate some hair foam.
The look is perfect for any woman in search of a playful, relaxed look.
Simple Twisted Half Up Half Down
Q&A with style creator, Ellie Ferrari
Wedding & Occasion Hair Specialist @ The Updo Girl in Exeter, Devon
How would you describe this look?
I love this half-up style as it suits all hair lengths and thickness. It is ideal for those who don’t want to commit to a full updo but want a bit of detail in their style.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is great for those whose hair holds a curl. I would not advise a down do if this is the case as you want to look fabulous right until the end!
Fun Fishtail Braid
Q&A with style creator, Elizabeth Paredes
Beauty Blogger / YouTuber in Oklahoma, USA
How would you describe this look?
This braid is modern and edgy yet feminine. Hair type should be medium to long, straight hair. My product recommendation is the Aveda hairspray.
What I like most about this braid is that it has 4 identical sides.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This hairstyle is amazing for anyone wanting to make a statement or to stand out in a crowd. In my opinion, this hairstyle’s personality is powerful and flirtatious.
High Contrast Peach Balayage
Q&A with style creator, Nia Ramirez
Hairdresser @ Boccoli Hair Salon in Vancouver, BC
How would you describe this look?
I would describe this look as a high contrast peach balayage! My favorite thing about this look is that even though it is high contrast, the colors still blend nicely together.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I think with all fashion colors, the client should be aware of the maintenance. They fade quickly and to keep the vibrancy, the color needs to be touched up quite frequently. Washing the hair in cooler water and using professional products will help retain color.
My recommended products for someone with this type of color would be the Celeb Luxury Viral shampoos (they deposit color while shampooing) and also the Kérastase Reflection line (helps aid in keeping vibrancy and intensity in colored hair).
Whimsically Soft
Q&A with style creator, Lindsey Durante
Stylist @ Hair Machine Salon in Rockville Centre, NY
How would you describe this look?
I would describe this look as a whimsically soft yet tousled upstyle. My favorite thing about this look is that it’s a fun “best of both worlds” look because it’s styled with a little messy “sass”.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is perfect for a client who craves an effortless yet sexy look that can be dressed either up or down.
This style works for all hair types and lengths. For thicker hair types, I recommend braiding the lower section of hair from the occipital bone to the nape (width-wise) and pinning it to the nape to use as a base.
My recommended products for this look are It’s A 10 Miracle Shine Spray and Goldwell StyleSign Curly Twist Twist Around Curl Styling Spray. It’s a great look for any occasion!
Elegant Curls
Q&A with style creator, Brianna
Hairstylist / Cosmetologist in Birmingham, AL
How would you describe this look?
I would describe this style as an elegant, chic and voluminous look! This style is a great option for a wedding, prom, or ball.
My favorite thing about this look is all of the curls. From the pin curls to the voluminous curls and the small detailed curls throughout this look, I love them all!
Any advice for someone considering it?
Rock this style and rock it well. This style can be worn more than one day with the use of Beyond the Zone humidity blocking spray and holding spray.
This hairstyle goes well with a v-neck, halter, spaghetti strap, wedding, or ball dress!
Loosely Braided
Q&A with style creator, Rachel Biestman
Event Hair and Make-up Specialist @ Maq and Mane in Augusta, GA
How would you describe this look?
This look is just so versatile. It is an excellent option for second-day hair, but by adding some volume at the crown and face-framing tendrils, you are ready for prom or even a beach wedding!
Any advice for someone considering it?
If you are considering this style for a formal event, know that looser styles can evolve throughout the evening as opposed to staying secure like a proper updo. Evolution into a sultry style is great, but evolving completely is something you can avoid by hiring a stylist with an excellent reputation.
Consider this style if you want to take your own braiding skills to the next level. You can accomplish this look yourself, but I recommend purchasing a hinged mirror for your bathroom vanity. Seeing the front an back of your hair as you style will change your life. And most hinged mirrors come with the added benefit of a magnifying mirror on the flip side, so your winged liner game will be stronger than ever!
Boho Mermaid
Q&A with style creator, Courtney Pittman
Hairstylist / Make-up Artist @ BLEU a Blowdry Bar in New Orleans, LA
How would you describe this look?
I would describe this look as a boho mermaid goes to prom. This look is good for someone who wants a nice style without looking too formal.
The braided rose half up gives the style a little something extra.
Any advice for someone considering it?
To create this style, I used the BioIonic 1-inch Style Winder, Amika UnDone Texture Spray, Living Proof Humidity Shield, and Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray.
Any hair type can work for this look, but I would recommend shoulder length or longer hair.
The waves can be beachy or glam, depending on your preference. To achieve the “roses”, make ponytails at half up level, twist the hair to the ends, pull the twist apart for texture, then wrap it around itself.
Creatively Crimped Updo
Q&A with style creator, Oxana
Hairstylist / Apprentice @ Cole Street Salon in Birmingham, MI
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This textured updo is so elegant and unique!
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
You have to use small crimper iron and works through all hair to prep it for the updo. This technique gives nice texture and volume to the hair.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This style is good for thin, medium length hair. You can create this updo for special occasions or fun night out.
Simple Boho Style
Q&A with style creator, Jane April
Licensed Hair & Makeup Artist @ MANE Salon in Upland, CA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look as a simple boho hairstyle. It is simple and natural look and the braided crown is my favorite part.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
I recommend a medium hold hairspray for the finishing touch. As a tip for longer lasting curls, I like to pin the curls after curling, spray, let them set/dry, and then release them.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look to ladies with medium to thick hair. It just gives it such a full look, and more hair is needed to make the braid look nice and thick.
This style is also ideal for ladies who like things natural because the look isn’t too bold for their comfort zone.
Simple Top Braid
Q&A with style creator, Jennifer Pero
Stylist @ Salon Diva in Valparaiso, IN
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look as a simple top braid. I love how effortless this was, but also that it’s not the same style everyone has.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
I used Unite Glossing Spray for the curls and Unite Second Day Finishing Cream on the braid for no fuzziness.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I recommend this look for the client who doesn’t want a full on updo, but wants the top back and out of their face.
Loose Fishtail Bun
Q&A with style creator, Kenzie McFarland
Hairstylist @ Owatc Salon in Ogden, UT
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look as half up half down loose fishtail bun. My favorite thing about this look is the fact that it was so easy to do, but it looks intricate and like you put in a lot of effort to create it.
This look is also really versatile. It can be worn everywhere from work or school to a formal dance.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
Teasing, teasing and more teasing! The two keys to creating this look are adding volume at the crown and using a pancaking technique (where you pull sections of the braid out) to make it look bigger and fuller. This same bun could be done with any braid, however I prefer the fishtail with this look.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
I would definitely recommend this hairstyle for a client who is going to a formal dance and wants a cute half up half down look. I love this look because anyone can do it!
Curled Bun with Braided Detail
Q&A with style creator, Ash Wilson
Owner / Head Trainer @ Built4Beauty in Townsville, QLD
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
Go for an elegant curled bun updo with braided detail for your prom night.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
I started out with giving her hair extra body by backcombing sections. I recommend a detangling brush to bring the hair over the backcombing and make it look neat. As this is an updo, there are no curl holding products necessary, just ensure hairspray is used.
When bringing the bun back, leave out two sections in the front that are identical and set them aside. Once the hair is up, curl and pin as needed. When doing the braid, pull it apart to make it look fuller and thicker. Once that’s done, tuck it into the bun to hide the ends.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Most face shapes will suit this look, however you may have to play around with where the part sits on the face and how tight you pull the hair. This client had very thick hair which was perfect. It can be done with thin hair, although I think a hair piece or extensions would be necessary to create big, luscious curls.
My client was on her way to a formal, but this style would suit any occasion, especially gala events or weddings.
Classic Soft Curls
Q&A with style creator, Sarah Speropoulos
Hairdresser / Makeup Artist @ Fusion Hair Artistry in Liverpool, NSW
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
To most of my clients, I would describe this look as classic soft curls.
This is a very classy but simple hairstyle. It can be done for a nice dinner, for a wedding, or even a nice day out. It isn’t a hairstyle you can only have on a big occasion, and that would be my favorite thing about this look.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
Curl all the hair in one direction with a ghd. Use some small sections and some bigger to give you that variation of curl. Once all the hair is curled, let it cool down for a few minutes. Once the hair is cooled down, use your fingers to softly run through the hair, starting from one side and going across. This will give you the classic soft curls. Finish off with a light spray.
Prep the hair with Kerastase V.I.P Volume In powder and use a drop of Kerastase Elixur Ultime Beautifying Oil when running your fingers through the curls.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Personally, I find this look works the best on medium to thick hair. Age does not matter, but I find that clients that do get this look are typically between 16 and 40 years old. This look works well on all face shapes.
Romantic Braid
Q&A with style creator, Lindsey Durante
Stylist @ Hair Machine Salon in Rockville Centre, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would describe this look as tousled and romantic. My favorite thing about this style is that it plays as a double look. It is down, but still swept up into a ponytail, which is perfect for prom..
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
One tip to make this look secure is to braid the section of hair from the occipital bone to the nape. Make sure the braid is gently pulled to create a wider braid which will be the foundation to pin the curls into.
I recommend Goldwell Style Sign Perfect Hold Big Finish Volume Hairspray. It is great for a strong yet flexible hold while enhancing the fullness of the look.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look is great for clients with all face shapes. It is best for clients with medium to long hair and medium to thick density.
Worry-Free Upstyle
Q&A with style creator, Katie Mcvicker
Lounge Artisan @ Blo Out Lounge and Colour Bar in Hamilton Township, NJ
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This side style is romantic, soft, and perfect for any prom or wedding! I love how the style accentuates the dimension in her blonde and gives my guest a worry-free upstyle that she can wear to dance her night away.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
I used Bumble & bumble’s Thickening Spray and Dryspun spray to achieve this look. I used the Thickening Spray around her hairline and on any cowlicks to make sure I had control of every section’s direction and placement.
Trusting in your curling iron is the best tip I could ever give. Curl the hair with the volume and direction for that section you want to achieve right from the start! Dryspun is a great texturizing spray that I used at the root of the hair to create a base throughout the style. I also used it on the mids to ends to be able to gently pull apart each curl to achieve softness to the overall style.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This style would be best for medium to thick hair. This guest actually has finer hair but we added in some clip-in extensions to create the fullness through the back and side of the upstyle.
