Prom night is the perfect time to showcase a stunning hairstyle that complements your dress and makes you feel glamorous. Whether you prefer sleek buns, intricate braids, or voluminous curls, these 20 striking prom hairstyles will elevate your look and ensure you feel confident on your special night.
Striking Prom Hairstyles
Whether your style is classic, trendy, or bold, these prom hairstyles offer something for everyone. From textured updos to voluminous curls and sophisticated braids, these 20 options will make sure your hair is the highlight of the night.
1. Half Up Half Down Prom Hairstyle with Twists
The half up, half down style is a classic for prom. Adding twists gives it a modern touch, creating dimension and elegance while allowing you to show off both length and volume.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Medium to long hair, oval or heart-shaped faces.
- How to Style: Twist two small sections from the front and pin them at the back, leaving the rest of the hair down in soft waves.
- Extra Tip: Add a decorative clip or barrette where the twists meet for extra glam.
2. Braided Bun with Face Framing Tendrils
A braided bun with face-framing tendrils offers a soft and romantic prom look. The braid adds texture, while the tendrils gently frame the face for a delicate, feminine finish.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Medium to thick hair.
- How to Style: Braid the hair and wrap it into a bun, leaving a few tendrils loose in the front to soften the look.
- Extra Tip: Curl the tendrils with a curling wand for added texture.
3. Low Messy Bun
The low messy bun is an effortless yet elegant prom hairstyle. It adds volume and texture, making it perfect for those who want a laid-back look with a touch of sophistication.
Tips:
- Ideal for: All hair types, round faces.
- How to Style: Pull the hair into a low bun at the nape of the neck, leaving a few pieces loose for a relaxed vibe.
- Extra Tip: Use a texturizing spray to enhance the messy look.
4. Soft Braid with Real Flowers
Incorporating real flowers into a soft braid adds a romantic, natural element to your prom hairstyle. The flowers enhance the braid and create a dreamy, ethereal look.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long hair, all face shapes.
- How to Style: Create a loose braid and tuck in small flowers throughout the length for a whimsical effect.
- Extra Tip: Choose flowers that complement your dress for a cohesive look.
5. Crown Braid Prom Hairstyle
A crown braid wraps around your head like a halo, creating a regal, elegant style that’s perfect for prom. This hairstyle keeps the hair out of your face while making a statement.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long or thick hair.
- How to Style: Braid your hair along the crown and pin it in place, ensuring the braid sits like a headband.
- Extra Tip: Tuck in small pearls or flower pins for extra elegance.
6. Full Glam Brunette Bun
A full glam brunette bun is sleek and polished, making it ideal for those who want a more sophisticated look. This bun is sleek, shiny, and full of volume, perfect for adding height and elegance.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Thick hair, oval faces.
- How to Style: Smooth the hair into a high bun and use a shine spray for a glossy finish.
- Extra Tip: Secure the bun with pins and use hairspray to keep flyaways at bay.
7. Messy Bun with Two Fishtail Braids
A messy bun combined with two fishtail braids is a modern and textured prom hairstyle. The braids add intricacy to the look, while the messy bun keeps it casual and cool.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Medium to long hair, oval faces.
- How to Style: Create two fishtail braids on either side of your head and gather the rest of your hair into a messy bun.
- Extra Tip: Pancake the braids to give them more volume and texture.
8. Tousled Fishtail Braid Duo
The tousled fishtail braid duo offers a playful, bohemian vibe for prom. The double braids create texture and movement while keeping the hair off your face.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long hair, heart-shaped faces.
- How to Style: Create two loose fishtail braids and gently tug at the sides to create a tousled, voluminous effect.
- Extra Tip: Add small flowers or glitter for a festival-inspired look.
9. Textured High Bun with Loose Curls
A textured high bun with loose curls creates a balance between elegance and playfulness. The loose curls add softness, while the high bun adds height and drama.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Thick hair, round faces.
- How to Style: Pull your hair into a high bun, leaving a few curls loose around your face and at the nape of your neck.
- Extra Tip: Use a curling wand to define the loose curls for a polished finish.
10. Low Ponytail Hairstyle for Prom
A low ponytail is a chic and simple prom hairstyle that exudes elegance. It works well with sleek, straight hair or soft waves, and can be dressed up with accessories.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Straight or wavy hair.
- How to Style: Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, and wrap a section of hair around the elastic for a polished look.
- Extra Tip: Use a shine serum to give the ponytail a sleek, glossy finish.
11. Prom Hairstyle for Short Hair
Short hair can be styled for prom with chic accessories and volume. Whether it’s a sleek pixie or a tousled bob, you can elevate short hair with pins, clips, or curls.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Pixie or bob cuts.
- How to Style: Add volume to the crown with a texturizing spray and pin back sections with decorative clips.
- Extra Tip: Use a flat iron to add waves or smooth out for a sleek look.
12. Low Twisted Bun
The low twisted bun is an elegant and refined look for prom. The twists add texture and dimension, making the bun look more intricate than a simple low updo.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Medium to long hair, oval faces.
- How to Style: Create twists on either side of your head and gather them into a low bun at the nape.
- Extra Tip: Add pearl or crystal pins to give the style a glamorous touch.
13. Big and Beautiful Curly Hair
If you have naturally curly hair, let your curls take center stage on prom night! Big, voluminous curls are perfect for creating a dramatic, show-stopping look.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Naturally curly or wavy hair.
- How to Style: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance your natural curls, and a diffuser to add volume.
- Extra Tip: Fluff out your curls with your fingers for extra volume and texture.
14. Sophisticated High Ponytail for Prom
A high ponytail with volume and sleekness gives a glamorous, red-carpet-ready vibe. It’s a great way to showcase your facial features while keeping your look clean and stylish.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long hair, oval or heart-shaped faces.
- How to Style: Smooth your hair back into a high ponytail, and use a flat iron or curling wand to style the ponytail as sleek or voluminous as you like.
- Extra Tip: Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic for a polished finish.
15. DNA Rope Braid with a Bow
The DNA rope braid is a unique twist on the traditional braid, perfect for adding a quirky, fun element to your prom look. The bow adds a playful, feminine touch.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long hair, all face shapes.
- How to Style: Twist two sections of hair into a DNA rope braid and secure with a cute bow at the end.
- Extra Tip: Use a ribbon that matches your dress for a cohesive look.
16. Half Up Style with Loose Curls and Fishtail Braids
This half-up style combines loose curls with intricate fishtail braids for a romantic, boho-inspired look. The braids add detail, while the loose curls keep the look soft and flowy.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Medium to long hair.
- How to Style: Create loose curls throughout your hair, then braid small sections into fishtails and pin them at the back.
- Extra Tip: Add a floral accessory for a whimsical touch.
17. Voluminous Braided Ponytail
A voluminous braided ponytail is perfect for those who want a bold, statement-making hairstyle. The added volume and braid detail make this look stand out, giving you an edgy yet elegant style for prom.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long, thick hair.
- How to Style: Tease the hair at the crown for volume, then braid the ponytail loosely to maintain fullness.
- Extra Tip: Pancake the braid by pulling the strands slightly apart to give the braid more volume.
18. High Ponytail with an Inverted French Braid
An inverted French braid leading into a high ponytail is both elegant and intricate. The braid adds texture and detail to the sleekness of the ponytail, creating a standout look for prom.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Long, thick hair, oval faces.
- How to Style: Create an inverted French braid from the nape of your neck up to the crown, and gather the rest into a high ponytail.
- Extra Tip: Curl the ponytail for added volume and flair.
19. Braided Bun with Twists
Combining twists and braids in a bun gives a modern, intricate updo that’s perfect for prom. The mix of textures adds dimension, while the bun keeps the look polished.
Tips:
- Ideal for: Medium to long hair, heart-shaped faces.
- How to Style: Twist and braid small sections of your hair and pin them into a low bun at the nape of your neck.
- Extra Tip: Use decorative pins to add sparkle to the style.
20. High Messy Bun with Wavy Wispy Bits
A high messy bun with wavy, wispy bits is an effortlessly chic look that’s perfect for a fun, relaxed prom vibe. The bun keeps the style simple, while the wavy wisps add texture and softness.
Tips:
- Ideal for: All hair types, oval faces.
- How to Style: Pull your hair into a high bun and leave a few pieces loose for a carefree, romantic feel.
- Extra Tip: Use a curling iron to wave the loose pieces for a more polished finish.
Conclusion
No matter your hair length or type, these 20 striking prom hairstyles will help you feel confident and beautiful on your big night. From intricate braids to classic updos and romantic curls, there’s a look here to suit every style and personality!