Side Updos and Downdos for Prom

Choosing the perfect prom hairstyle can be a daunting task, especially if you’re looking to try something a bit more unique than the typical styles. Side hairstyles are a great choice as they add elegance, draw attention to your face, and can suit almost any dress style. Below are 15 stunning side hairstyles for prom that will appeal to every taste, from romantic waves to chic updos. Let’s dive into these gorgeous looks and find the perfect one for your big night!

1. Winding Waves

Winding waves are a timeless and sophisticated option that never goes out of style. This look features gentle, cascading waves that sweep over one shoulder, highlighting your hair’s natural movement and texture.

How to Achieve It:

• Start by creating a deep side part.
• Use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves.
• Brush out the curls slightly for a softer, more relaxed appearance.
• Finish with a lightweight hairspray to keep the waves in place without weighing them down.

Features:

• Ideal for Long Hair: Best for those with medium to long hair lengths.
• Versatile: Can be accessorized with pins, flowers, or small jewels for an added touch of glamour.

Personal Experience:

I tried this look at a friend’s wedding and received so many compliments! The winding waves add a dreamy and ethereal quality to your look that’s perfect for formal occasions.

2. Cascading Curls

Cascading curls offer a more voluminous take on the traditional side hairstyle. This look focuses on enhancing the fullness of your curls as they flow over your shoulder in a beautifully defined manner.

How to Achieve It:

• Curl your hair in small sections using a narrow curling iron to create tight curls.
• Use a wide-tooth comb to gently separate the curls, adding volume.
• Pull all your hair to one side, securing it with bobby pins just behind your ear.

Tips:

• Use a Volumizing Mousse: Apply mousse to damp hair before styling to amplify your curls.
• Hair Clips: Consider adding a sparkling hair clip to keep everything in place.

Features:

• Perfect for Curly Hair Types: Enhances natural curl patterns.
• High Drama: Ideal for making a statement and turning heads.

3. Messy and Modern

The messy and modern style is all about controlled chaos. It’s perfect for those who want an edgy yet elegant look. This hairstyle involves loosely pinning back sections of hair, creating a disheveled but chic style.

How to Achieve It:

• Create loose waves using a medium-barrel curling iron.
• Backcomb the roots for added volume.
• Sweep the hair to one side and pin it, leaving some strands loose for a more relaxed look.

Features:

• Effortless Appeal: This style looks best when it’s slightly imperfect.
• Best for Medium to Long Hair: Adds texture and dimension.

Personal Experience:

This has become my go-to hairstyle for any event where I want to look trendy but not overdone. It’s easy to do and always makes me feel confident.

4. Knockout Knots

For a more intricate look, try a side hairstyle featuring multiple knots. This style is a creative way to pull your hair back while adding visual interest and sophistication.

How to Achieve It:

• Create small knots by twisting sections of hair.
• Secure each knot with a bobby pin, layering them over each other.
• Sweep the knots to one side and pin them near the nape of your neck.

Tips:

• Use a Strong-Hold Gel: This will keep the knots secure.
• Personalize It: You can incorporate tiny accessories into each knot for added flair.

Features:

• Intricate Design: Best for those who want a unique, standout look.
• Works with All Hair Lengths: Short, medium, or long hair can pull off this style.

5. Elegant from All Angles

This style focuses on creating a well-balanced look that appears beautiful from every angle. It’s perfect for prom photos, ensuring you look amazing no matter the camera angle.

How to Achieve It:

• Curl your hair in sections, sweeping it to one side.
• Use bobby pins to secure it behind your ear.
• Make sure to smooth the other side of your hair for a sleek contrast.

Features:

• Photo-Ready: Ideal for ensuring you look great in every prom picture.
• Balanced Look: Symmetrical and visually appealing.

Personal Experience:

This hairstyle is my favorite for formal events because it looks polished and stays in place all night!

6. Side Swept Curls and Draped Bangs

Add drama to your look by combining voluminous side-swept curls with draped bangs. The curls add volume, while the draped bangs soften the look.

How to Achieve It:

• Curl your hair and gather it to one side.
• Sweep your bangs to the side, blending them into the curls.
• Secure with bobby pins and add a mist of hairspray for hold.

Tips:

• Play with Bangs: You can choose blunt bangs, side-swept bangs, or no bangs, depending on your preference.
• Personal Experience: I love using a jeweled pin to secure the bangs—this creates a romantic look that’s timeless.

7. Looped Low Bun

A looped low bun is the epitome of elegance. This style gathers all your hair into a sophisticated low bun placed to one side, perfect for a classic look.

How to Achieve It:

• Create a deep side part.
• Pull your hair into a low ponytail, looping it around to form a bun.
• Pin in place and gently pull out a few tendrils for softness.

Features:

• Sophisticated and Mature: Ideal for those who want a more refined style.
• Perfect with Hair Accessories: Add a clip or comb for extra flair.

8. Textured Side Braid and Ponytail

Combine a braid with a side ponytail for a playful, textured look. This style is great for adding depth and interest without being overly formal.

How to Achieve It:

• French braid a section of hair starting from your hairline.
• Gather the braid and the rest of your hair into a low side ponytail.
• Curl the ends for added texture.

Features:

• Youthful Appeal: A fun and flirty style for a lively prom night.
• Adds Volume: Perfect for adding fullness to thinner hair.

9. Twisting Braided Updo

The twisting braided updo is a modern yet classic option that combines elements of braids and twists to create an intricate style. It’s perfect for those wanting a polished look that still feels unique.

How to Achieve It:

• Start by parting your hair to one side.
• Create two or three small braids on the side with less hair, working them towards the nape of your neck.
• Twist the braids together with the loose hair from the other side, forming an updo just above your shoulder.
• Secure with pins and add a decorative comb for a finishing touch.

Features:

• Great for Highlighting Color: Perfect if you have balayage or highlighted hair, as the twists and braids showcase the different tones.
• Works Well with Medium to Long Hair: This style’s complexity comes out best with longer lengths.

Tips:

• Add Texture: Use a texturizing spray before starting the braids for added grip and volume.
• Personal Experience: I’ve found that combining both tight and loose braids gives a more dynamic look, adding visual interest from all angles.

10. Twisted Hairstyle Over One Shoulder

For a soft and romantic look, try a twisted hairstyle that gathers all your hair over one shoulder. This style gives the impression of effortless elegance, perfect for any prom theme.

How to Achieve It:

• Create loose curls throughout your hair.
• Starting at the front, twist small sections of hair back and pin them as you work your way to the nape.
• Gather the twisted sections and the remaining hair over one shoulder and secure them with a pretty hair tie or jeweled barrette.

Features:

• Simple Yet Elegant: This style appears intricate but is surprisingly easy to achieve.
• Soft and Romantic: Ideal for romantic-themed proms or garden settings.

Personal Experience:

This is one of my go-to styles for special occasions. It feels put-together without being overly structured, making it ideal if you want a softer, more natural look.

11. Twisted Low Bun for Prom

A twisted low bun on the side is the perfect balance of casual and elegant. The twisted elements add texture and volume, while the low bun provides a classic base for the style.

How to Achieve It:

• Part your hair to one side and create two loose twists from the front of your hairline.
• Bring these twists back to a low side ponytail, just below your ear.
• Wrap the ponytail around itself, forming a bun, and secure it with bobby pins.

Features:

• Low and Refined: Sits at the nape of your neck for a delicate look.
• Suits All Face Shapes: The twists add dimension and draw attention to your facial features.

Tips:

• Add a Veil or Floral Comb: Perfect for more formal proms or paired with a gown.
• Personal Experience: I like to tug slightly at the twists after pinning them for a fuller appearance.

12. Braided and Twisted Off-Center Updo

If you can’t decide between a braid or a twist, why not have both? This off-center updo combines braids and twists in an asymmetrical fashion, giving you a fun and flirty prom look.

How to Achieve It:

• Create a small side braid starting from your part and secure it just behind your ear.
• On the opposite side, twist a small section of hair back.
• Gather the braid, twist, and remaining hair into a low off-center bun.

Features:

• Unique and Playful: Asymmetry adds a youthful, playful vibe.
• Great for Shorter Hair: Works well even if your hair is shoulder-length.

Tips:

• Use Different Braid Styles: Mix a French braid with a rope braid for a more complex look.
• Personal Experience: I love this style because it’s versatile—you can easily switch it up with just a few tweaks.

13. Side Swept Brunette Waves

Brunettes can make a bold statement with side-swept waves that highlight their rich hair color. This style is classic and effortless, letting your hair’s natural beauty take center stage.

How to Achieve It:

• Use a curling iron to create soft waves.
• Part your hair to one side, sweeping all the curls over your shoulder.
• Secure with a decorative hairpin just behind your ear.

Features:

• Subtle Yet Eye-Catching: Focuses on enhancing your natural hair texture and color.
• Works with All Hair Lengths: Can be adapted for short, medium, or long hair.

Tips:

• Use Shine Serum: Brunettes can benefit from a high-shine serum to make the color pop.
• Personal Experience: I’ve found that side-swept waves look particularly stunning with off-the-shoulder dresses.

14. Double Crown Braid Hairstyle

A double crown braid hairstyle is regal and elegant, perfect if you want a fairy-tale look for prom. This style involves creating two parallel braids along the hairline, which then blend into loose waves on one side.

How to Achieve It:

• Part your hair down the middle.
• Create two braids on each side, starting just above your ear and working your way back.
• Pin the braids into place, then curl the remaining hair and sweep it to one side.

Features:

• Majestic and Feminine: Gives a princess-like vibe.
• Enhances Hair Accessories: Perfect for adding flowers or jeweled pins.

Tips:

• Use Smaller Sections for the Braids: This will make the braids more intricate.
• Personal Experience: I wore this style to a formal and paired it with a floral hairpin—it felt magical!

15. Princess-like Side Downdo

For a look fit for royalty, opt for a princess-like side downdo. This style features voluminous curls pinned to one side, creating a glamorous and sophisticated effect.

How to Achieve It:

• Curl your hair in large sections.
• Tease the crown area for extra height.
• Sweep the hair to one side and pin it near the nape, letting the curls cascade over your shoulder.

Features:

• High-Volume and Elegant: The voluminous curls give a regal feel.
• Best with Long Hair: Ideal for showing off length and thickness.

Tips:

• Add a Tiara or Headband: For a truly royal look, incorporate a tiara or delicate headband.
• Personal Experience: This style works beautifully for proms with a fairytale theme—it’s pure elegance!

Final Thoughts

Side hairstyles are versatile and stunning, adding just the right amount of glamour to your prom look. From winding waves to princess-like side downdos, these styles can be tailored to suit any hair type, length, or personal taste. Choose the one that makes you feel the most confident and radiant, and you’re sure to have a memorable night!