18 Cute and Easy Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair

We love prom season! And while we all want a head-turning hairstyle to team with our outfit, no one wants to spend hours on end trying to recreate intricate prom looks (especially if you’re so last minute, like us). The solution? To take a look at these easy prom hairstyles instead.

Ahead, we’ve found you 18 impressive, beginner-friendly prom hairstyles that will help you steal the mane spotlight.

1. Low braided bun

Get ahead of the game with this lush ‘do. Credit: Hariono Halim

Looking for easy prom hairstyles that’ll help you rule the dance floor? Look no further than this lovely, low braided bun hairstyle.

2. Low braided bun with a tiara

Time to get in on the tiara hair trend. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

The best part? You can take your look to the next level with the addition of a tiara hair accessory.

Editor’s tip: To complete this dazzling look (or any other of the easy prom hairstyles mentioned in this article), we suggest you try the VO5 Tame & Shine Spray.

Featuring a light, non-sticky formula, this nifty product will help keep flyaways at bay and boost shine.

3. Sock bun

Everyone needs to try a sock bun! Credit: Verity Jane Smith

You don’t need to be a braid pro to rock this sophisticated sock bun! To see how it’s done, follow our simple tutorial.

4. Polished prom hair

Such a pretty option for sleek hair lovers.

Getting your straight hair prom-ready is easier than you think. Just run your favourite straighteners over your tresses, making sure to flip your ends for an ultra-glam finish.

Up next: How to get super sleek strands.

5. Wet-look hair

Wear this red carpet hairstyle with a suit. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

It doesn’t get more red carpet-worthy than this beauty’s wet-look hairstyle. Smooth straightened strands back with hair gel to achieve this edgy, Ariel-approved prom hairstyle.

6. Snake braid

While it looks super intricate, it actually isn’t! Credit: Verity Jane Smith

More than a prom go-to, this pretty snake braid is just what you need to stylishly keep your hair off your face. The best part? We’ve got a video tutorial that will show you how to get it.

7. Unicorn braid + ponytail

Unicorns do exist.

Even if you’re pressed for time, you can still give your pony a quick prom update with this trick: create a central parting braid (AKA unicorn braid).

8. Bubble ponytail

We can’t think of one good reason not to try this. Credit: Hariono HalimCosy and hippie approved. Credit: Instagram.com/hairbyataylor

Find it difficult to braid? Showcase your long locks with this beautiful bubble ponytail, instead. To spruce it up, simply wrap ribbon around your bubbles — et voilà!

9. Curly side ponytail

We’re styling this pretty ponytail with a white dress and earrings. Credit: Verity Jane Smit

Simple, sweet, and totally prom-ready, this curly ponytail checks all our boxes. How about you?

Editor’s tip: To give your curls a glossy finish, apply a few drops of the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil through your locks.

10. Side-swept waves

You can pull off this cult look, too. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

You can never go wrong with a classic (like this sultry, side-swept waves hairstyle, for instance). It’lll make you feel like a silver screen siren and won’t take more than an hour to achieve.

Up next: How to get Hollywood waves at home.

11. Beach waves

Swap your go-to for these romantic waves. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Not a vintage kind of girl? You can still get in on the wave action for prom with this romantic, beach waves style.

12. Floral waves

Floral hair accessories are still going strong. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Sometimes, the simplest hair accessories can be the most striking. A red rose (or any other blooms) will instantly boost your waves without any effort.

13. Cheater’s finger waves

Time to find those missing bobby pins! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Looking for easy prom hairstyles for curly, short hair? It’ time to find your lost bobby pins, because you’re going to totally slay this modern finger waves hairstyle.

All you need to do is use your bobby pins to help you create and secure your wave in place.

14. Half-up, half-down braids

This is an easy hairstyle win. Credit: Verity Janse Smith

It’s a simple style, but if you want to take your half-up hairstyle to prom queen-worthy heights, you should try incorporating some braids.

15. Half-up, half down fishtail braid

This is how to make an unforgettable entrance. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Whether you style your mane into a half-up crown braid or fishtail braids; you’ll look flawless. Anyone else getting major mane envy?

Editor’s tip: Easy prom hairstyles like this one, require a hairspray to keep them in place. And guess what? Bed Head Rockaholic Groupie Hard Hold Hairspray is all you need to keep your strands under control, so you can focus your efforts on dancing.

16. Twisted half-up, half down knot

Can’t braid? Try this! Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Aren’t half-up, half-down hairstyles the best? We love the way this beauty has styled her tousled hair into a low, twisted half-up, half-down knot.

This style can be created without heat and is perfect to wear with second-day waves.

17. Bow hairstyle

Turn your hair into a work of art with this ‘do. Credit: Hariono Halim

Hair accessories are pretty statement-making on their own, but when you fashion your hair into a half-up bow hairstyle, you’ll make your mane look like a work of art.

18. Half-up, half-down ponytail

When a ponytail and half-up look meet, this is what happens. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

What better way to make an entrance than with this Zendaya-approved hairstyle? This is the perfect hairstyle to pair with a set of swanky earrings.

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