Prom is a time when all young ladies want to look and feel amazing and it all begins with beautiful hair. There are many prom hairstyles for black girls to choose from that are edgy, classy or simple.
Whether you like up dos, braids, or styles with added color remember prom is a special time so make sure your hair rises to the occasion!
I hope that these prom hairstyle ideas will give you the inspiration you need to rock your hair for your special day. Remember, you can mix styles to achieve the look you are going for. The key is to wear what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.
This is a night to remember, try something unique, and allow your individualism to be expressed. Have a great time!
Protective Braided Updo
This is a cute updo style with braids.
How to Style:
- Flat twist, or cornrow hair from crown to center of head.
- Form ponytail.
- Shape ponytail into desired updo style
Recommended Products:
Try EcoStyler brand gel, spritz and edge control for a style that will look good all night.
Tip(s):
You can also achieve this ponytail style with weave.
Deep Part Waves
No need for an updo if you’re proud of your stunning hair when it’s let down. The wavy layers and deep side part all give it a voluminous and deep result.
Braided Updo
Q&A with style creator, Dionne Smith
Hairstylist / Director in London, UK
How would you describe this look?
It’s a twisted-puffs, elegant updo. What I like most about it is that I have taken our 2 strands twists, which most of us probably wore as a child growing up, and paired it with gorgeous puffs to create this elegant look. Plus paired with the ad hoc diamond partings.
Any advice for someone considering it?
The good thing about this look is it can be dressed up or down. It could easily be worn in the day and by the evening it could be dressed up with a gorgeous gown.
It’s one of those styles that would last a few days and looks great on most level 3 to 4 hair types. What’s great about it is it’s off the face, which shows off your beauty and will keep you cool if your out celebrating an occasion.
All you need to achieve this is, edge control, shine spray and Marley braid hair extension if you need to add length.
Full Sew-In with Body Curls
Q&A with style creator, Cheyenne Simmons
Master Cosmetologist / Stylist @ Lily International Salon in Atlanta, GA
How would you describe this look?
I would describe this look as a full sew-in with body curls. I love this look because it looks so natural.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is a great style for clients who want to protect their hair from overheating, but also want to add length, thickness. or color to their hair. It is also ideal for those who want to take a break from wearing their natural hair.
Make sure you choose commercial hair that matches your natural hair texture so that the finished look looks natural. Stay away from styling products such as oils, hairsprays, and serums. Styling products will weigh the commercial hair down and cause it to look oily.
A person with a very active lifestyle can easily pull this hair up into a twisted bun, a loose ponytail, one-side it, or wear with a suit every day. This look is very versatile for many lifestyles.
Naturalista Updo
Q&A with style creator, Haley Smith
Hairstylist / Extension Specialist @ Elle Style Studio in Richmond, VA
How would you describe this look?
I would describe this look as a “Naturalista Updo”. It is a very low maintenance but elegant style for a girl with natural hair.
It is also considered a protective style, which is my favorite thing about it. This low upkeep style is amazing because you are able to wear this look without damaging the hair while still feeling pretty.
Any advice for someone considering it?
My advice to anyone considering this look is to make sure the style is done on moisturized hair so when the look is taken out, your hair will still feel very amazing. I recommend doing the style on wet hair, using a moisturizing mousse or a curling cream.
This look is a great choice for anyone with a tight curl pattern because it will hold the twist very tightly and not loosen. This style is perfect for anyone who is sporty, active, and likes versatility because this style gives you multiple looks in one.
The top crown portion of the twists can be unraveled and worn as a free twist out, which will give you an updo with a look of loose curls at the top. Or, once you are ready to take the whole style out, all of the twists can be unraveled and worn as a twist out which gives your hair great texture and definition.
Adding oil or serum to your hands before touching the twists and curls will help retain great shine and leave your hair looking beautiful.
Simple & Distinguishable
Q&A with style creator, Katha Luna
Hairstylist / Make-up Artist @ Beauté Royale in Montreal, QC
How would you describe this look?
This is an easy and quick look to achieve because it is both simple and distinguishable. What I like the most about this look is that it preserves breaks, protects the brittle hair, and helps to regrow the hair.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I highly recommend the look to on-the-go clients because it is easy to maintain with simple products like olive oil, coconut oil, or gel.
Lemonade Braids
Q&A with style creator, Dayana
Hairstylist / Make-up Artist @ Rama Hair Salon in Brooklyn, NY
How would you describe this look?
This look is known as “lemonade braids“. These are freestyle cornrows that demand creativity and a lot of time. It’s a type of style that has been around for a while and the price varies based on the length and size a customer may want.
My favorite thing about these braids is the unique design. With this style, I have to make sure the pattern I am creating is neat and presentable. I love doing this style because clients are always satisfied with the designs I come up with. Even though it takes up to six to eight hours to get them done, it is worth the satisfaction!
The alignment of the braids, the gaps I create, the length of the braids and the finishing touches are all just amazing to me. I am exhausted after creating a look like this, but it is always worth the time and effort.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Protect these braids before going to bed. This step is very important to help maintain the style longer and keeps it neat for the next day. Secondly, moisturize your scalp because when these braids get old, they tend to lose their shine.
Any type of hair (natural or relaxed) can wear these braids, but I don’t recommend this style to anyone with short hair. Also, keep your edges safe by not keeping the braids in for way too long because they can be pulled along with the braids.
Perfectly Effortless Braids
Q&A with style creator, Mariam
Hairstylist / Manager @ Mariam & Teneke African Hair Braiding in Brooklyn, NY
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
The one word I can use to describe this style is effortless. If this style is braided the right way, it can frame any shape face perfectly.
My favorite thing about this hairstyle is that everyone and anyone can wear it. It does not matter what age you are, what texture hair you have, or your profession. Anyone can rock this style while looking elegant, but not boring.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
The tools needed to create this hairstyle are a comb, elastic band, any type of hair grease, any type of edge control, Kenekalon hair, and someone with hair.
Any type of hair texture can do this style. It does not matter if your hair is short or long, as long as it is catchable.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
Anyone from a 5 year old to a 50 year old can wear this style and still look appropriate and exciting. As long as your hair can be braided, this style is for you.
Daring, Flirty and Feminine
Q&A with style creator, Raina Berkley
Hairstylist in Miami, FL
How would you describe this look?
If I had to choose three adjectives that come to mind when creating this style I would say daring, flirty and feminine. My favorite thing about this style has to be the lightly layered fringe
Any advice for someone considering it?
In order to recreate/maintain this style ,I would suggest the use of a lightweight oil to provide shine and a product with medium hold to provide a longer staying power.
I recommend this look for the slightly edgy woman with at least 30 minutes a day to dedicate to refreshing/styling her hair. In my opinion, this style best suits women with a oval head shape.
Oversized Bun Updo
This one’s a totally elegant look that proves natural hair can be tamed to look put-together. Finish with a crystal piece for added grace.
Gorgeous Naturally Curly Down Hairstyle
Save your time styling your hair with this glamorous curly high ponytail. You deserve to feel free and feel extra on your special night.
Sleek Side Part Bob
Look chic and fashionable with this straight and glossy caramel brown hair. Simple yet sophisticated!
Fancy Side Braids Updo
Cornrows and flowers are the perfect combo to produce a real sophisticated updo. Flaunt your natural hair confidently in a soft, romantic look like hers!
Long Curls with a Middle Part
Ideal for short and round faces, these center-parted strands look neat and fabulous especially on lengthy waves! It’s fresh, elegant, and a real easy-to-do hairstyle!
Cute Crochet Updo
This formal, soft spring look’s the ideal style to go for if you wanna put attention and brighten your face. It’s neat and polished and really an eye-catcher!
Cute Natural Mohawk
This cute style features a curly mohawk and side cornrows.
How to Style:
- Braid her from one side to center of your head.
- Create mohawk by using a curling wand.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits almond and heart face shapes.
Tip(s):
Try incorporating extensions for a fuller look.
Soft n’ Pretty Curls
This style features and all over curly look on short to medium length hair.
How to Style:
- After blow drying hair apply heat protectant.
- Take small sections of hair and wrap around curling wand.
Recommended Products:
Use a heat protectant to minimize heat damage and apply a curling hold product for lasting curls.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits round face shapes.
Tip(s):
This look can also be achieved with rollers.
Diva Wave
Beautiful waves adorn this long style for a prom diva look.
How to Style:
- Flat iron hair straight.
- Seperate hair into small sections.
- Use a barrel curling tool to set curls one section at a time.
Recommended Products:
Use a holding spray to keep your curls looking fresh.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits all face shapes.
Tip(s):
You long look can also be achieved with extensions.
Side Swept Bangs
This simple and elegant bob style will make you the most sophisticated girl at the prom!
How to Style:
- Flat iron hair straight.
- Use flat iron to create layers.
Recommended Products:
Use holding spray and heat protectant for a picture perfect do.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits all face shapes.
Tip(s):
You can also achieve this style with extensions.
Lovely Dawn
A sweet updo featuring a long side bang and flower accessory.
How to Style:
- Flat iron hair.
- Separate bands and give a slight curl with flat iron
- Mold hair into ponytail using spritz.
Recommended Products:
or extensions.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits all face shapes.
Tip(s):
If you don’t have enough length for this style you can add extensions.
Ombre Queen
The ombre look is really in this season, and is a great spring prom look.
How to Style:
- Add color to the ends of the hair. .
- Create curls with a simple heat tool such as a curling iron, flat iron, or wand curl.
Recommended Products:
Use heat protectant and edge control for a beautiful look.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits all face shapes.
Tip(s):
For a healthier option, use a natural hair dye.
Lady Bug Bun
Elegant buns and swoops are a timeless prom look.
How to Style:
- Flat iron hair.
- Manipulate hair in place for the bun.
- Allow a little hair to hang down for the bang.
Recommended Products:
Try EcoStyler brand gel, spritz and edge control for a style that will look good all night.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits oval and round face shapes.
Goddess Beehive
This half up and half down with hump is a prom classic that any young lady can effortlessly rock!
How to Style:
- Flat iron hair.
- Use a “bump it” hair tool or back comb hair to achieve the hump look.
- Curl the back of the head for the goddess curls
Recommended Products:
Use heat protectant for thermal protection.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits oval face shapes.
Tip(s):
Use the “bump it” styling tool for the perfect hump.
Glamorous Comb Over
This do features a combover with lush curls.
How to Style:
- Flat iron hair.
- Simply smooth the hair to one side
- a curl.
- Use bobby pins in the back to secure hair to one side.
Recommended Products:
Use heat protectant for thermal protection.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits oval face shapes.
Tip(s):
Use the “bump it” styling tool for the perfect hump.
Poetic Justice Braids
Long braids are super popular now and make an edgy statement for prom.
How to Style:
- Cornrow hair one one side.
- Part hair into sections.
- Add extensions and braid.
Recommended Products:
This style can be kept neat with edge control.
Best Face Shape:
This style suits all face shapes.
Tip(s):
This style is done best by a professional braider.
