27 prom hairstyles to try (for all hair lengths and types!)

Obviously, perfect prom hair is the goal of any attendee, especially as it’s one of the biggest events in the school year calendar. So we wouldn’t be at all surprised if you were feeling the pressure of having to look your very best for the party. Of course, that means finding your dream dress, tracking down your Cinderella shoes and having the perfect hairstyle to top it all off.

And while we might not be of much help in dress, shoes and accessories department, we do happen to know a thing or two about hair. So whether you’re toying with the idea of romantic braids, an elaborate updo, or glamorous big, bouncy waves, we’ve got it all covered.

1. Bouffant bun with loose tendrils

Reach new heights with a bouffant bun updo. Credit: Rupert Laycock

When looking for hairstyles for prom, you’ll find that many styles are just a revamped version of your everyday look.

Take this bouffant updo, try adding some height to your crown before styling in a bun, and don’t forget to leave some loose tendrils out at the front for a more romantic finish.

2. Wet-look prom hair

Get the red carpet look with a wet-look hairstyle. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Looking for a new way to style your hair for prom? Get the A-list look with swept-back strands.

Editor’s tip: To hold your swept back style in place, we suggest using a firm hold gel like the VO5 Mega Hold Gel Spray.

Use on towel-dried hair and using your finger or a comb, push your hair back. Finish with another spritz for extra hold.

3. Knotted half-up with waves

Because who doesn’t love a half-up, half-down hairstyle for prom? Credit: Verity Jane Smith Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Half-up, half-down hairstyles are a popular choice for prom hair and the appeal of this beautiful knotted style is undeniable.

4. Bouncy blowout hair for prom

Go big or go home. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Give your hair the royal treatment with an extra bouncy blowout.

Editor’s tip: Make your blowout last with a volume boosting dry shampoo.

We love the Love Beauty And Planet Volume & Bounty Dry Shampoo for extending our hair wash days and for giving hair extra bounce.

5. Curly side ponytail

This curly updo is great for those looking for cute prom hairstyles. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Look prom ready by styling your curly hair in a side ponytail.

Finish your look with a sparkly set of statement earrings.

6. Slicked-back pony

Is this slicked-back pony your prom hairstyle? Credit: indigitalimages.com

For the most elegant outcome, keep your ponytail low and make sure your hair is super sleek and shiny before sweeping it back and securing with a clear elastic.

7. Soft waves

Take your mane game up a level for prom. Credit: indigitalimages.com

We know casual waves might sound to every day for a prom, but we promise this universally flattering hairstyle will be the envy of all your friends.

Editor’s tip: Give your tresses a mirror-like finish with VO5 Tame & Shine Spray. You’ll love the glossy, silky finish this spray will give your strands.

8. Defined curls

Let your curls do the talking.

Enhance your curl pattern by doing a twist out ahead of prom, that way your curls will be extra defined.

9. Long wavy ponytail

Show off long hair with a wavy ponytail. Credit: Rupert Laycock

With gorgeously long hair, you have plenty of options when it comes to hairstyles for prom.

Try curling your hair into beautiful waves and styling into a ponytail for a hairstyle that looks good from all angles.

10. Curly ponytail prom hair

Make your curls pop with a high ponytail. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Do you need a prom hairstyle you can easily do on yourself? Then this Riri-approved hairstyle is the look for you.

Style tip: Hide your headband by wrapping a piece of hair around the band and securing with a bobby pin.

11. Half-up ponytail

Get the best of both worlds with a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Credit: Rupert Laycock

If Ariana Grande is your go-to for hair inspiration, then why not channel her signature half-up, half-down ponytail for prom?

Style tip: Add waves to give your style a more formal feel.

12. Slick side-parted bun

Which side will you choose? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Sometimes a simple switch of a hair parting can completely transform a look.

Which is why we suggest ditching a middle parting for a sharp side one for an easy prom hairstyle.

13. Short glamour waves

Prom is the perfect excuse to wear a vintage hairstyle.

Channel the silver screen with vintage ‘50s-inspired glamour waves.

Style tip: Accentuate the volume by wearing your hair in a side parting.

14. Half-up fishtail braid

Calling all boho babes! Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Adding fishtail braids to your prom hairstyle will give your style a boho vibe.

Style tip: Go the extra mile by adding delicate flowers like above.

15. Glamourous quiff hair for prom

Why fit in when you can stand out. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Prom hairstyles are not all about perfectly coiffed hairstyles. Adding a little edge to your look with a glamorous quiff can be the key to standing out.

16. Undone wavy updo

Undone but perfectly put together. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Whether you have long or short hair, try adding soft waves and pinning your strands into an undone updo for an effortless finish.

17. Braid and bun

Not your usual bun updo. Credit: Rupert Laycock

Look good from all angles with an upside down braided bun.

Editor’s tip: Give your prom hairstyle extra hold with the VO5 Invisible Firm Hold Hairspray.

This ultra-fine fast drying spray offers frizz control, with humidity protection and UV filter.

18. Low braided bun with a tiara

For the prom queens. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

The best part of prom is the tiara of course! So, make sure you have a hairstyle fit for Prom Queen, like this low bun.

19. Half-up, half-down bouffant

Match a vintage dress with a vintage hairstyle.

If your prom dress is vintage, why not find a hairstyle to match? This ’60s-inspired half-up, half-down bouffant will add a subtle retro twist to your look, while still oozing contemporary glam. Win-win!

20. Side-swept curls

Side-swept curls will give you a classic look. Credit: indigitalimages.com

If your hair is mid-length or long, and you don’t want anything too fussy, then elegant side-swept curls will make for the perfect prom hair choice.

21. Bright bob prom hairstyle

Add some colour to a bob haircut. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Just because you’re sporting a short crop doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact at prom. Rather than putting your hair up, why not consider injecting some pizzazz via temporary hair colour using sprays, or chalks.

22. Braided crown

Braided crown hairstyles are great for all hair types. Credit: Dvora

Romantic and oh-so-pretty, a braided crown is a perfect look for prom. The good news? It works on all hair types and lengths, so whether you have coily natural hair or even dead straight locks, you can pull this look off with success!

23. Donut bun

Use a donut to get the perfect bun for prom.

The donut bun is a classically elegant prom hairstyle that’s guaranteed to look great and stay intact all evening long. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to achieve, too.

Next read: Want to learn how to style your hair like this at home? Just follow our step-by-step guide here!

24. Half-up, half-down hair bow

Half-up, half-down bow hair

An ultra-cool twist on the hun, the half-up, half-down hair bow will give your prom dress a feminine, yet edgy look. Plus, it works on all hair types, from box braids to super straight locks, too!

Editor’s tip: If you have fine tresses, just remember to spritz some TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray before styling to add grip (AKA making it easier to style).

25. Classic French braid

Braided styles can be dressed up for prom.

If you plan to dance the night away at your prom, keeping your hair off your face is a must! And this classic, yet totally on-trend hairstyle will allow you to do just that.

Perfect for girls with luscious long locks, the French braid is simple yet highly effective!

26. Elegant vintage waves

The effort is worth the reward.

To inject a generous dose of Old Hollywood glamour into your look, precision ’20s-inspired finger waves, styled into a beautiful updo, are absolutely perfect – ensuring that you’ll look sleek, sophisticated and ultra stylish for the entire night.

27. Messy chignon

The chignon is a fail-safe choice for prom, and this slightly tousled and textured version makes it instantly modern.

The chignon is a fail-safe choice for prom, and this slightly tousled and textured version makes it instantly modern. This look is by far one of our favourite prom hair looks, and just proves that sometimes you just can’t beat a good old classic!