Top 20 Prom Hairstyles Ideas to Rock Your Big Night

Prom is the perfect occasion to show off your unique style, and what better way to do so than with the perfect hairstyle? From elegant updos to loose waves, your hair can transform your entire look. If you’re searching for ideas that will leave everyone in awe, check out these 20 stunning prom hairstyles that are sure to turn heads at your big night!

1. Loose Curls for a Glamorous Vibe

Loose curls are a timeless choice for prom, creating an effortlessly glamorous look. This hairstyle works well for all hair types, whether you have long or medium-length locks. Simply curl your hair with a large-barrel curling iron for soft, voluminous waves. The key is to keep it loose and natural for that effortless yet polished appearance. Pair this style with a deep side part for a dramatic flair or wear it with a middle part for a classic look.

Loose curls can be styled with a sparkly hair clip or delicate braids to add a bit of extra glamour. This hairstyle works especially well with prom dresses that have a little bit of shine, like sequins or satin, since the hair complements the glimmering effect. Whether you’re rocking a strapless dress or a dress with a plunging neckline, loose curls will enhance your features and create a soft yet sophisticated vibe.

2. Half Up Half Down Curly Hairstyle

The half up half down style is a fantastic choice for prom, especially if you want a balance between elegance and comfort. For this look, gather the top section of your hair and pin it back with a cute clip or a small braid. Let the rest of your hair flow freely in loose, soft curls. This style is great for those with long hair who want to keep their hair out of their face but still show off those gorgeous curls.

This hairstyle is perfect for prom dresses with intricate necklines, like halter tops or off-the-shoulder gowns. The soft curls add a romantic touch to the look, while the half-up style ensures that your hair stays in place all night long. It’s a timeless look that blends beauty and practicality, making it one of the best choices for your big night.

3. Braided Crown for an Elegant Touch

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, the braided crown hairstyle is a stunning and elegant choice for prom. This style features two braids that are woven across the top of the head, creating a crown-like effect. It works best for those with medium to long hair and adds a boho-chic vibe to any look. You can opt for a loose, romantic braid or a tighter, more polished one depending on your personal style.

Braided crowns are great for prom dresses with high collars or intricate backs since it keeps the focus on the dress while still giving you a regal hairstyle. Add some soft waves or curls to the loose strands for an extra feminine touch. This hairstyle will not only hold up well throughout the night but will also make you feel like royalty as you twirl on the dance floor.

4. Sleek Low Bun for a Sophisticated Look

For a refined and polished appearance, a sleek low bun is the way to go. This hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking to achieve a chic and sophisticated look. The low bun can be styled neatly at the nape of the neck, or you can add some volume for a slightly looser look. This hairstyle works wonderfully with more formal or minimalistic prom dresses, complementing the overall elegance of your outfit.

A low bun pairs beautifully with statement earrings or a delicate tiara, giving you a regal and refined appearance. It’s also a great option for those with long hair, as it allows you to show off your sleek, shiny locks while keeping everything neatly styled. Whether you choose to leave a few strands loose around your face or keep everything tightly pulled back, the sleek low bun will ensure you look polished all night.

5. Side Swept Waves for a Vintage Appeal

For those who love a bit of vintage glam, side-swept waves are a great way to channel Old Hollywood elegance at prom. This hairstyle involves creating large, soft waves and sweeping them to one side of your head, giving it a dramatic, elegant flair. The deep side part is key to this look, and you can pin back the waves slightly to keep them in place.

Side-swept waves are the perfect accompaniment to any vintage-inspired prom dress, especially those with a classic fit-and-flare silhouette. You can also pair it with a bold lip and statement earrings for that full retro vibe. This hairstyle is sophisticated, elegant, and timeless, making it one of the best options for a truly glamorous prom look.

6. Mermaid Waves for a Dreamy, Beachy Look

Mermaid waves are a great way to add a touch of magic to your prom look. This hairstyle creates soft, beachy waves that are perfect for a relaxed yet glamorous appearance. It’s best achieved with a curling iron or a flat iron for loose waves, and it works wonderfully for those with long hair. To make it even more dramatic, you can add some beachy texture spray for volume and a windswept effect.

This style pairs perfectly with a flowing mermaid-style prom dress or any gown with a soft, romantic feel. It’s great for a more laid-back prom vibe but still offers enough sophistication to make you stand out. Whether you’re at a glamorous gala or a fun beachside prom, mermaid waves will add that dreamy, ethereal touch to your look.

7. Elegant French Twist for Classic Beauty

For a truly classic and refined look, the French twist is a hairstyle that has stood the test of time. This sophisticated updo is perfect for prom, offering a sleek and polished appearance. To create a French twist, simply gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it upwards, and secure it with bobby pins. You can leave some face-framing pieces loose to soften the look or keep everything tightly rolled for a more formal vibe.

This hairstyle pairs beautifully with any formal prom dress, especially those with intricate backs or detailed necklines. It’s the ideal choice for anyone looking for a timeless, elegant hairstyle that will never go out of style. Whether you’re attending a black-tie event or a more relaxed prom, the French twist will elevate your look to perfection.

8. Prom Hairstyles for Strapless Dresses

If you’re wearing a strapless prom dress, you’ll want a hairstyle that complements the neckline and adds balance to your look. For a sophisticated style, try soft, romantic waves or a chic updo. A low chignon or a messy bun is an excellent option, as it draws attention to the dress while keeping the look elegant. For a more edgy vibe, try a sleek ponytail with a little volume at the crown to give your prom style a modern twist.

Loose curls or a half-up half-down hairstyle are also great choices for strapless dresses, as they help soften the look and create balance. Keep the accessories minimal with this hairstyle, letting your hair shine as the focal point of your outfit. Whether you opt for something polished or laid-back, these styles will ensure that your strapless dress is complemented perfectly.

9. Loose Prom Hairstyles for a Natural Look

If you’re not into fancy updos or voluminous curls, loose prom hairstyles offer a laid-back yet stunning look for your big night. A simple, polished look with natural waves or straight hair can be just as striking as any updo. To add volume and texture, you can use a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse to create soft waves that give your hair that effortless, chic vibe.

This natural look is particularly ideal for anyone wearing a simple or minimalist prom dress. It’s perfect for those who want to keep things understated yet still want to make a statement with their hair. You can also add subtle accessories like a flower crown or sparkly clips for a touch of glam. Loose prom hairstyles give off a free-spirited vibe that’s both fresh and elegant.

10. Long Prom Hairstyles Down for a Fairytale Look

Long hair down for prom is a classic and glamorous look that never goes out of style. With this hairstyle, you can wear your hair sleek and straight, or you can add loose curls for volume and movement. The beauty of long hair down is that it gives you so many options for customization—whether you add a hair accessory or a small braid, the possibilities are endless.

This hairstyle pairs beautifully with a flowy, floor-length gown, especially when you’re looking for that fairytale princess vibe. For a more dramatic effect, you can add a shimmering hairpin or a crown to complete the look. Long, flowing hair at prom creates an ethereal and captivating look, and with the right styling, it’s sure to make heads turn all night long.

11. Loose Waves with Curtain Bangs for a Trendy Look

Curtain bangs are a huge trend right now, and they make a fantastic addition to any prom hairstyle. This trendy cut frames your face beautifully and adds a modern twist to classic prom hairstyles. Pair it with loose waves for a more relaxed, bohemian vibe, or keep it sleek and smooth for a chic and polished look. Curtain bangs work wonderfully with both long and medium hair lengths, and they can be styled in a way that’s flattering to most face shapes.

This style works great with dresses that have a low back or a deep neckline since the bangs keep the focus on your face. Whether you’re aiming for a modern or vintage-inspired look, curtain bangs will give you the perfect balance of style and sophistication. This is one of the most current and trendy prom hairstyles that will have everyone talking!

12. Pageant-Inspired Curly Hairstyles

If you’re looking for a dramatic and glamorous hairstyle, a pageant-inspired curly look could be the perfect fit for your prom. This style features voluminous, bouncy curls that are both elegant and full of personality. To achieve this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create defined curls and then tease the roots for added volume. Finish with a generous amount of hairspray to keep everything in place throughout the night.

Pageant-inspired curls are ideal for anyone wearing a full-length, ballgown-style prom dress. The volume and structure of the curls complement the grandeur of the dress, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting a bold, attention-grabbing style. Adding a tiara or hair accessories can further elevate this look, giving you that royal, pageant queen vibe.

13. Half Up Half Down with Curls for a Romantic Look

A half up half down hairstyle with curls is an incredibly romantic and timeless choice for prom. This style combines the elegance of an updo with the softness of flowing curls, creating the perfect balance between the two. To create this look, curl the bottom half of your hair in soft waves and gather the top section into a delicate twist or braid. Secure it with pins or a decorative clip for an extra touch of glam.

This hairstyle is ideal for dresses with a sweetheart neckline or low back, as it highlights the beauty of the dress while still giving you a soft and feminine look. It’s romantic, charming, and works for any prom theme, whether you’re going for vintage glam or modern chic.

14. Glamorous High Ponytail for a Sleek Look

If you want to keep your hair off your neck but still want a show-stopping style, a high ponytail is a fantastic option for prom. The key to this hairstyle is to create volume at the crown for a sleek and chic effect. You can add curls or waves to the ponytail to give it a little extra bounce, or you can keep it straight for a polished and modern vibe.

A high ponytail works beautifully with prom dresses that have a fitted silhouette or a high neckline, as it draws attention to your face and keeps the look sleek and refined. Adding a ribbon or hair accessory to the ponytail will enhance the overall style, giving you a fresh and youthful appearance that’s sure to turn heads.

15. Formal Long Curly Hairstyles for a Classic Look

For those who love long hair but want something more formal, a long curly hairstyle is an ideal choice. This hairstyle allows you to embrace your natural curls or add them with a curling iron to create soft, flowing waves. The key to a formal look is to add volume and texture, which can be achieved by using a texturizing spray or mousse. For an extra touch of elegance, you can add a decorative hairpin or clips to hold some curls back from your face.

This formal curly hairstyle works beautifully with any gown, particularly ones that are floor-length or have an elegant silhouette. It’s perfect for those looking for a timeless look with a modern twist. Whether you choose a side part or a middle part, long, curly hair at prom will give you that full, romantic, and glamorous look.

16. Updo Hairstyles for Long Hair Prom

When it comes to prom updos, long hair offers a world of possibilities. From intricate braids to elegant twists, updo hairstyles can transform your look into something truly spectacular. A braided crown or a soft chignon can be the perfect choice for those with long hair who want to keep things elegant and chic. The beauty of an updo is that it allows you to show off your neckline and the back of your prom dress.

An updo also works wonderfully for those with curly or textured hair, as it can add volume and structure. If you want to make your updo extra special, incorporate some rhinestone clips or a tiara to give it a royal touch. No matter the style, updos are perfect for showcasing your long locks in a refined and fashionable way.

17. Easy Half Up Half Down Hair for Curly Hairstyles

If you’re looking for an easy and cute hairstyle for prom, the half-up half-down curly look is the perfect choice. This style works especially well for those with natural curls, as it combines the best of both worlds: volume and elegance. Start by curling the bottom half of your hair and gather the top section into a small ponytail or twist, securing it with pins. The result is a style that is both playful and sophisticated.

This hairstyle works well with any type of prom dress, from A-line to mermaid cuts, and it adds a youthful and fun vibe to your look. It’s ideal for those who want something simple yet stylish, without too much fuss. The half-up half-down with curls is a fantastic choice for those who want to rock prom with ease and flair.

18. Gala Hairstyles for Long Hair

For a gala or an elegant prom, long hair offers endless opportunities for glamorous hairstyles. A sleek and straight look with a middle part can be stunningly sophisticated, or you can opt for waves or curls to add volume and texture. Adding accessories like a sparkling comb or vintage-style hairpin can elevate the look even further, giving you a regal appearance.

Long hair is also perfect for updos, such as a chic bun or an elegant chignon, which allow you to display your dress’s back or neckline. If you want a more dramatic effect, try soft, cascading waves or braids mixed with curls. Gala hairstyles for long hair can be as versatile as your imagination, offering a variety of options that will ensure you look your best.

19. Formal Hairstyles for Long Hair Down

For those looking to showcase their long locks, formal hairstyles that keep your hair down can offer the perfect balance of elegance and ease. A sleek, straight look with a deep side part is ideal for a more polished appearance. If you prefer volume, loose waves or soft curls will add texture and movement. Adding some statement accessories, such as a decorative comb or clip, will complete the look.

This hairstyle works beautifully with prom dresses that have intricate designs on the back or a deep V-neckline, allowing your hair to complement the dress without overwhelming it. Whether you keep it simple or add a bit of glam, long hair down is an excellent option for those who want to look effortlessly chic on their big night.

20. Fancy Long Hairstyles for Prom

If you want a truly extravagant look for prom, fancy long hairstyles are the way to go. A dramatic updo, such as a voluminous high bun or a stylish French twist, is perfect for anyone wanting to show off their prom dress and add an air of sophistication. Long hair also gives you the option to go for soft, cascading waves or even elegant ringlets, which can be dressed up with accessories like pearls or rhinestone pins.

Fancy long hairstyles work well with formal or ballgown-style dresses, particularly those with intricate details such as sequins, beading, or lace. Whether you opt for a more classic look or something modern and chic, fancy long hairstyles for prom are all about making a statement while exuding confidence and grace. Add some finishing touches with hair jewelry to create a stunning, show-stopping effect.

Final Thoughts

Your prom night is one of the most memorable events of your high school experience, and your hairstyle is a crucial part of making it unforgettable. Whether you go for soft curls, a sleek updo, or something more dramatic like a braided crown or pageant curls, these 20 prom hairstyle ideas offer a wide variety of looks for every personality and dress style. The key is to choose a hairstyle that not only complements your dress but also makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories or different textures to make your prom look truly unique. From loose waves to intricate updos, there’s a hairstyle for every prom queen-to-be. So, get ready to rock your big night with a hairstyle that will leave everyone in awe!