Prom is one of the biggest nights of the year, and finding a cute prom hairstyle that suits both your hair length and texture and perfectly complements your outfit is no mean feat. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Whether you’re after easy prom hairstyles to create at home or want prom hair hairstyles to show your stylist, we break down 12 standout ideas that are comfortable and long-lasting. Plus, we share quick inspo and tips on accessories to really elevate your look.
Short Prom Hairstyles That Make a Statement
Whether you’re rocking a bob, a lob, or a relaxed shaggy cut, these prom hairstyles for short hair are guaranteed to turn some heads.
Half-Up Bob With Floral Accents
Step 1: Section the Crown
Cute and fun, half-up, half-down prom hairstyles are a classic for a reason. To create the look, section off the top third of your hair from behind your ears to the crown. Pull it back neatly, either with your fingers for a relaxed look or a comb for a smooth finish.
Step 2: Secure Gently
Next, use a small hair tie to secure the hair in place.
Top tip: For added volume, gently tease your hair before tying it.
Step 3: Add Floral Clips
Now for the fun bit! Place small floral accents or decorative snap clips along the secured section to add some flair. Silver clips are great for a starry night theme, while gold or red pair perfectly with a Hollywood glamor vibe.
Deep Side-Part With Snap Clip Detail
Step 1: Create a Dramatic Side Part
Use a comb to create a clean, sharp part. It’s up to you how deep you go, but anywhere between the arch and the edge of your eyebrow will create that dramatic flare.
Step 2: Smooth the surface
To really make that deep part stand out, use a flat iron to smooth your hair and give your prom hairstyle a polished finish.
Step 3: Tuck & Clip
Finally, tuck the smaller side behind your ear and secure it with a statement snap clip. You could even add a pair of drop earrings to elevate the look.
Shoulder Length Prom Hairstyles
If you plan on dancing the night away and want to keep your hair out of your face, then look no further than these hairstyles for prom for shoulder-length hair.
Twisted Front Pull-Back
Step 1: Curl for Volume
If you’re blessed with natural curls, you can skip this part of the prom hairstyle tutorial. Otherwise, use a curling iron to add loose curls throughout your hair for added volume and texture.
Step 2: Twist the Front Sections
Next, take a small section from each side of your face at your temples, and twist them toward the back of your head.
Step 3: Secure at the Crown
Finally, clip the two twists together with a tiny hair clip. You can then pull out a few face-framing strands for a more relaxed vibe.
Sleek Bun With Side-Swept Front Pieces
Step 1: Create a Clean Side Part
Start by creating a defined side part, aligning it with the top of your eyebrow arch. Then, separate the front sections of your hair from the front of your ear.
Step 2: Secure the Bun
Gather the rest of your hair into a high or mid-height ponytail and secure it with a strong hair tie.
Step 3: Smooth the Base
Use a smoothing product and a boar bristle brush to sleek down the top and sides for that clean, sculpted finish.
Step 4: Sweep the Front Pieces
Take the front sections you left out and softly pull them across your forehead toward the opposite side. Tuck one side behind the ear or secure discreetly with a bobby pin to finish off this hairstyle for prom.
Prom Hairstyles for Medium to Long Hair
If your goal is maximum glamor for minimal effort, you’ll love this messy high bun or low updo. Both of these prom hairstyles for medium to long hair work really well with off-the-shoulder dresses, too.
Messy High Bun With Beaded Accents
Step 1: Create a Bun
Using your fingers, gently scrape your hair back into a high ponytail that sits on your crown. Next, twist the ponytail tightly, wrap it into a bun, and use a TELETIES large hair tie to secure it.
Step 2: Secure & Decorate
Carefully pin the bun into place so it’s dancefloor-ready. Then, add beaded clips and tiny claw clips throughout for a playful touch.
Low Updo With Floral Detail
Step 1: Gather at the Nape
Use a boar bristle brush to gently pull your hair into a low ponytail (because a classy updo deserves a smooth finish), then secure with a silk scrunchie for long-lasting, gentle hold.
Step 2: Twist Loosely
Next, turn that ponytail into a bun by gently twisting your hair, then wrapping it around itself. Secure with a hair tie.
Step 3: Add Decorative Clips
Place floral hair clips and pins along one side of your head to finish this romantic prom hairstyle. Extra props for matching the flowers to your date’s tie!
Curly Prom Hairstyles That Highlight Texture
Here are a couple of our favorite hairstyles for prom with curls that really let your natural texture shine.
Front Row Mini Braids With Natural Curls
Step 1: Create Your Base
Start with dry hair styled the way you plan to wear it. This part is totally up to you: You can wear it fully down, gather it into a low ponytail, or pull it into a bun.
Top tip: If you’re wearing it down, take a moment to define your natural curls first, so the finished look feels effortless and textured.
Step 2: Section the Temple Pieces
Using a comb or your fingers, separate a thin section of hair at each temple, right along your hairline. Keep the sections small so the braids feel delicate and intentionally placed.
Step 3: Braid the Front Sections
Create a classic three-strand braid with each temple section, braiding straight down from the hairline. Just remember, you want the tension to feel comfortable and sit softly. If it’s pulling against your scalp, we recommend starting again. You don’t want a headache by 9 pm!
Step 4: Secure the Ends
Finally, secure each braid with a tiny hair tie that blends into your hair color for a seamless prom hairstyle.
Step 5: Adjust & Style
Now you can get creative! If you’re wearing your hair down, let the braids fall naturally into the rest of your hair. For a bun or ponytail, you can either leave the braids out to frame your face or pull them back and secure them for a more polished, put-together look.
Low Braided pony
Step 1: Define Your Curls
For this look, start with fully dry, defined curls. You want them looking natural and bouncy. If needed, refresh your texture with a lightweight curl cream to add softness and control frizz.
Step 2: Gather Your Hair at the Nape
Loosely gather your curls into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Keep the crown relaxed and avoid brushing your hair too tightly to preserve your natural volume.
Step 3: Create a Loose Braid
Divide the ponytail into three sections and braid loosely down the length. Don’t worry about making it too perfect. Just let the curls naturally separate and blend into the braid. It’ll totally add to that effortless look.
Step 4: Soften & Shape
Secure the end with a small tie, then gently pull at sections of the braid to make it appear fuller and more romantic. Finish by pulling out a few curly tendrils to fall around and frame your face.
Top tip: For an extra glamorous finish, why not add beads to your braids in three easy steps?
Straight Prom Hairstyles With a Sleek Finish
If it’s sophisticated elegance you’re after, try these sleek prom hair hairstyles. They work particularly well with a halter or high-neck dress, too.
Slicked-Back Curled Ponytail
Step 1: Smooth the Top
Brush your hair straight back with a TELETIES hair brush to create a sleek base.
Step 2: Secure the Ponytail
Gather your hair at mid-height and secure it using a classic hair tie for a firm, long-lasting hold.
Step 3: Curl the Ends
Use the curling tool of your choice (both a curling and straightening iron work here) to add soft curls to the ponytail. Trust us, the contrast between the sleek top and curled ends will give this hairstyle for prom so much dimension and movement.
Textured Low Bun With Soft Twists
Step 1: Part in the Middle
Create a clean middle part using a comb that evenly separates the right and left sides of your hair across your entire head. You want the base to look clean and straight for a finished look that feels intentional and balanced.
Step 2: Twist Side Sections
Take both the left and right sides and gently twist them toward the back of your head.
Step 3: Secure Into a Low Bun
Gather your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck and hold it comfortably in place with a scrunchie or hair tie.
Simple & Easy Prom Hairstyles That Still Feel Special
Sometimes, easy prom hairstyles are also the most impactful. Why not opt for soft, loose curls or a half-up, half-down slick back for a timeless look?
Soft Loose Curls
Step 1: Curl Large Sections
Don’t you just love hairstyles for prom that you can prep ahead of time? To create this look, use a heatless overnight method to create large, bouncy curls while you sleep.
Don’t worry, though, you can also create this look on the day of your prom, using a wide-barrel curling iron to add soft curls throughout your hair.
Step 2: Brush Through Gently
To help blend the curls into a soft wave, reach for a soft detangler brush and gently comb your hair.
Step 3: Add Product
Finish with a light hair spray or mousse to help the curls hold their shape all night.
Half-Up Slickback
Step 1: Section & Gather
Take the top half of your hair from temple to temple and gently gather it back toward the crown. Make sure you keep the surface smooth as you gather for the perfect polished base.
Step 2: Smooth the Top Section
Use a brush and a small amount of styling gel or cream to slick back just the top section. This gives the look a clean and polished finish, while letting your natural texture flow freely.
Step 3: Secure Comfortably
Secure the half-up section with a scrunchie, hair tie, or hair clip. Choose something that offers a soft yet long-lasting hold so the style won’t crease or pull and will look just as good at the end of the night as at the start.
Finding the right prom hairstyle for you
Our final PSA: The best prom hairstyles are the ones that make you feel amazing! Don’t overthink it. If you love the look, own it with confidence.
Shop TELETIES Hair Accessories to bring your cute prom hairstyles to life.
FAQs About Prom & Prom Hairstyles
What is prom?
A prom (short for promenade, FYI) is a formal dance for either junior or senior high school students at the end of the school year. Think of it as a fancy celebration, complete with a theme, music, decorations, elegant gowns, and, of course, memorable prom hairstyles.
How do you choose a hairstyle for prom?
Your chosen prom hairstyle should work with your hair type and texture, and complement your dress.
Try soft, loose hairstyles for curly prom looks if you have longer hair—plus, they go great with a strapless dress or sweetheart neckline. A deep side-part perfectly complements an asymmetrical or one-shoulder dress, while a sleek bun works for longer hair and/or a halter or high-neck dress. Alternatively, half-up, half-down prom hairstyles are perfect for all hair lengths and work great with an off-the-shoulder design.
Should I wash my hair the day of prom?
It really depends on your chosen prom hairstyle and hair type. If you’re creating an elegant slick back, bun, or braids, wash your hair the day before prom so the natural oils in your hair offer better texture and grip. If you have quite oily tresses, though, and want a big blowout or soft, subtle waves, then wash your hair the morning of your prom, which can help you create beautiful prom hairstyles for long hair.