Collage of elegant prom hair ideas by All Things Hair

33 Prom Hair Ideas You’ll Love in 2020

Make your prom a night to remember and get inspired with these stunning prom hairstyles.

We know that prom hair is almost as important as the outfit you decide to wear to the dance. As it’s the biggest event in your school calendar, you’re probably looking for stylish and easy ways to wear your hair and you’re in luck as we’ve shortlisted the most versatile homecoming and prom hair ideas for all hair lengths and types.

From red carpet-inspired waves to chic updos and beautiful braids, the prettiest prom hairstyles for your big night are just a scroll away.

Old Hollywood Waves

Blonde woman with mid-length old Hollywood waves
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Prom season is here which can only mean one thing: old Hollywood waves. With an exaggerated side parting and deep waves, you’ll exude film star vibes.

TRESemme Ultimate Hold Hairspray

Editor’s tip: To give your glamorous Hollywood waves a luxe, glossy shine, set them in place with the TRESemmé Ultimate Shine Hold Hairspray.

Chignon

Woman with red hair in a twisted low chignon
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Looking for an updo? Look no further than the classic chignon to give your look an air of elegance.

French Twist

Angelina Jolie with a French twist updo
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

No vintage-inspired prom look is complete without a retro hairstyle to match and this French twist ticks all the boxes.

Crown Braid

Blonde woman with a crown braid hairstyle with floral hair accessories
Credit: Rupert Laycock

This romantic, floral crown braid will ensure everyone knows who the real prom queen is (hint: it’s you!).

Editor’s tip: Worried your braids won’t last the whole night? Give your hair more grip by applying some dry shampoo, like the Love Beauty And Planet Volume & Bounty Dry Shampoo before styling to give your braids more holding power.

Curly Ponytail

Brunette woman with a twisted curly ponytail
Credit: Rupert Laycock

If overly fussy, traditional prom looks aren’t your style, this swishy curly ponytail is a more low-key alternative.

French Braid Updo

Brunette woman with a French braided updo
Credit: Verity Jane Smith

This beautiful French braided bun is the look to try if you’re a fan of elegant updos.

Half-up Half-down Prom Hair

Blonde woman with a wavy half-up half-down ponytail
Credit: Rupert Laycock

A half-up ponytail is a prom hair staple for a reason. To glam up this simple style, pair with curled lengths for extra style points.

Curly Prom Hair

Brunette woman with big curls
Credit: Rupert Laycock

There’s no better time than prom to pull out all the stops with big, voluminous curls.

Prom Hair Down

Lauren Conrad with golden blonde ombre wavy hair with star hair clips
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Add some prom night glitz to beachy waves with some sparkling star hair accessories.

Short Prom Hair

Woman with a sleek blonde pixie cut with pearl hair clips
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Feel like your hair is too short to do anything with? Fear not! This feminine side-swept pixie is a great choice for shorter hair.

Half-up Prom Hair

Blonde woman with wavy hair in a plaited half-up half-down
Credit: Verity Jane Smith

This ethereal braided half-updo works on a variety of different lengths and will make you feel like a real-life Disney princess.

Braided Prom Hair

Woman with dark blonde hair in an upside down braid bun
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Add a touch of high-fashion to your prom night look with this runway-inspired upside-down braid.

Prom Hair Clips

Blonde woman with sleek wavy hair with a pearl hair clip
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Soft waves and a pearl hair clip make this an utterly dreamy prom hairstyle.

Straight Prom Hair

Zendaya with long straight dark red hair
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

If your dress is a showstopper, you might prefer to keep your hair simple with 90s style poker-straight strands.

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray Front of bottle

Editor’s tip: If you’re using straighteners, remember to protect your strands from the heat with a heat defence spray like the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray. Not only does it offer protection up to 230 degrees, but the the keratin and marula oil-enriched formula also helps to keep your hair frizz-free and photo-ready.

Long Prom Hair

Madison Beer with long half up half down hair
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Make the most of your long lengths with this half-up bouffant, perfect for showing off your Rapunzel locks.

Editor’s tip: TIGI Bed Head Oh Bee Hive! Dry Shampoo is a must for recreating this sixties-inspired style. Simply spray into your roots before backcombing for Bardot-worthy volume.

Prom Hair Bun

Blonde woman with her hair in a bun
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Teasing your roots for extra lift and curling loose strands around your face will give a regular bun a prom-worthy upgrade.

Black Girl Prom Hair

Woman with natural hair in braids
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Make your hair your best accessory by adding flowers to a braided updo.

Crystal Hair Pins For Prom

Long brown wavy hair with crystal hair clips
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Shine bright with the help of crystal hairpins. Use them to secure your hair away from your face.

Ponytail Prom Hair

Brunette with looped ponytail
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Transform a simple ponytail into something more prom friendly with this looped updo.

Prom Hair For Medium Length Hair

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley with blonde hair in sleek low bun
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

What’s better than a Rosie Huntington-Whiteley approved updo? Nothing that’s what. Wear your medium length tresses in a sleek wrapped bun for an A-list glamour prom hairstyle.

Editor’s tip: Give our updo 24-hour hold and a slick wet look finish with the VO5 Wet Look Styling Gel.

Prom Hair For Thin Hair

Kate Bosworth blonde hair in bun with ribbon
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

If you don’t want fine or thin hair running your night, try a polished ballerina bun like Kate Bosworth. By adding a delicate strip of ribbon you’ll give your tresses a more formal finish.

Prom Hair Plait

Brunette with milkmaid braid hair
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Don’t overlook the styling possibilities of a plait hairstyle for prom. Try this whimsical milkmaid braid for a stylish boho look.

Prom Hair With Bobby Pins

Woman with long brown hair and bobby pins
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Bobby pins have come a long way and can now be used to dress up even the most casual of hairstyles.

Loose Curls

Jessica Biel with loose curly ombre hair
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Big and bouncy curls are always a popular choice when it comes to prom hairstyles. So, if you have shoulder-length hair or longer, give this a try.

Waterfall Braid

Balayage brown wavy hair with waterfall braid
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Waterfall braids are a great alternative to traditional plaits and look amazing when teamed with loose curls.

Red Carpet-inspired Hair

Kate Upton with blonde swept back hair
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Wet look swept back hair is the red carpet look to be spotted wearing at prom. Whether you have short or long hair, channel your inner celebrity with this easy prom hairstyle.

Side Part Prom Hair

Woman with long straight brown hair in side parting
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Devoted to your middle parting? Give your hair the easiest makeover for prom by switching your parting to the side.

Loose Waves

Blonde woman with long loose waves
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Carefree and casual loose waves are perfect for girls who don’t like to do too much with their hair but still wants to look put together

Dutch Braid

Dutch braid on long brown hair
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Get the Pinterest look with this statement Dutch braid. Don’t forget to pancake your braid for a fuller and thicker appearance.

Editor’s tip: Make styling your hair easy with the TONI&GUY Flexible Hold Braid Balm. Apply to damp or dry hair before styling or use on the go to rework and uphold your look.

French Braid

French braid on long brown hair
Credit: Rupert Laycock

If you need a prom hairstyle that’ll last the night and give you beautiful heatless curls the next morning, look no further than this French braid updo.

Side Braid

Side braid on shoulder length brown hair
Credit: Rupert Laycock

A headband twist with a side plait is a perfect way to wear your tresses for prom – especially if you’re growing out bangs.

Loose Braid

Elizabeth Olsen with loose blonde braid
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Keep things casual with a loose side braid. Pull out a few strands for an effortless finish.

Fishtail Braid

Fishtail braid on long brown hair
Credit: Rupert Laycock

Elevate your fishtail braid by using a statement clip to secure the ends.

 

Next read:

66 Plaited Hair Ideas For All Lengths

41 Easy Hairstyles You Can Do In Minutes

71 Beautiful Braids for Black Women in 2019

 

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