Braids, twists, updos and more! Get inspired for your next formal night by these 40 prom hairstyles with photos and step-by-step instructions.
Updo Prom Hairstyles
Prom season is here and what better way to get prepared than with 40 prom hairstyles? The possibilities are endless.
Grab some bobby pins, hairspray, and your favorite hair accessories and get ready to find an updo that works for you!
Prom Hairstyles For Short Hair
1. A soft updo for short hair that is easy to do and very elegant, from Twist Me Pretty.
2. Quick and easy bun for short hair, from Luxy Hair. She adds some extensions for fullness and I think it looks great!!
3. Quick Twist for Short Hair, from The Beauty Department. Who says you can’t do an updo with short hair? This is one of my favorite short prom hairstyles!
4. Braiding Short Hair, from The Beauty Department. Great tips on braiding even the shortest of locks.
5. Knotted Updo short hairstyle, from Twist Me Pretty. Another messy sophisticated look that is easy to do!
6. Knot Braid, from A Beautiful Mess. I love the bohemian look of this braid, but you could dress it up to be as elegant as you’d like it to be!
7. Double Up, from The Beauty Department. It is exactly what it looks like – 2 bobby pins or hair clips working together for a sophisticated look that is simple and stylish!
8. Half Up Twisted Bun, from the Beauty Department. The natural wave looks perfectly imperfect!
Prom Hair Ideas for Medium-Length Hair
9. Dutch Accent PonyTail, from Cute Girls Hairstyles. Create this look in only 3 minutes!
10. Triple Knot Accents, from Cute Girls Hairstyles. These knot accents are super easy to create, using a simple knot technique that anyone can do. This is a great hairstyle to pull back your bangs, too!
11. Fishtail Crown Braid, from Barefoot Blonde. I love the soft waves created with a curling wand on this hairstyle.
12. Easy, Messy, Beautiful Low Bun, from 100 Layer Cake. The texture on this one is perfections!
13. Cotton Candy Bun, from Missy Sue. The effect of cotton candy is created by back combing the bun immensely and then gently smoothing it back down while wrapping it to create the bun.
14. Twists to a Bun, from Missy Sue. This cute updo features two twists on each side that wrap around a donut style bun. It’s a really quick and easy way to dress up your everyday bun and can be done in a snap!
15. Sweetheart Twisted Updo, from Lulus. This darling up-do will put the finishing touch on your prom night look!
16. Three Braided Buns, from Twist Me Pretty. This sits right on the nape of the neck and looks both cute and glam!
17. Romantic Bun, from Hair Romance. Try this chic and simple romantic bun for curly hair, or get the look with your curling iron – it’s easier than you think!
18. Knotted Braid Updo, from Cute Girls Hairstyles. This is one of my favorite prom updos!
19. Fishtail Gibson, from Brit + Co. A great look for the girl who wants to add a classic touch to her modern ‘do for prom.
20. Pin Curl Chignon, from Brit + Co. This look is a way to have a creative, intricate design from behind, but a simple shape from the front.
Prom Hairstyles For Long Hair
21. The Twisted Bun, from Once Wed. This elegant and sweet hairstyle will make you look like a celebrity! Absolutely darling on any prom princess!
22. Bohemian Side Braid, from The Wonder Forest. One of those amazing retro styles that looks way more complicated than it actually is!
23. Celtic Heart Updo, from Twist Me Pretty. An easy version of a classic hairstyle, perfect for the big night!
24. Loose Braided Updo, from Green Wedding Shoes. This combo of loose curls + french braids is the perfect bohemian look!
25. Upside Down French Braid Bun, from The Merry Thought.
26. Elegant Updo, from Twist Me Pretty. This hairstyle is red carpet ready!
27. Bold Bubble Ponytail, from Luxyhair. Youthful and playful feel, yet still carries some elegance and sophistication.
28. Easy Bubble Ponytail, from Luxyhair. Simple, yet stylish!
29. Bohemian Twist, from Martha. Its twists and curls may look pro-level complicated, but this intricate updo is surprisingly simple to create.
30. Sleek Tuck, from Martha. Smooth and sophisticated, this easy-to-master hairstyle is just right for a warm-weather night.
31. Side Wrap Braid, from Makeup. This side wrap braid combines two of our favorite hair features in one — a Dutch braid and PLENTY of volume.
32. Simple Headscarf Roll, from Freckled Fox.
33. Laced Braid Updo, from Twist Me Pretty.
34. Braided Bun, from Twist Me Pretty.
35. High Bun Bow Accent, from Missy Sue. This is such a unique way to take your messy bun to the next level and it’s kind of hidden too until you take a closer look. I love that, a kind of peek-a-boo bow.
36. Fishtail Bun from Teen Vogue on Twist Me Pretty.
37. Game of Thrones Braids – because these braids will make anyone feel like a princess! – from LuLu’s
38. Low Chic Rolled Bun, from LuLu’s.
39. The Half and Half, from Martha.
40. Woven Faux Hawk, from Cute Girls Hairstyles.
Which of these updo hairstyles for prom did you like the most? Leave us a comment and let us know which prom hairstyle you chose!
Thanks for so many great hairstyles! It really made planning for prom so much easier!
You bet!
I love the bob with the halfsie hairstyle. I am in two minds whether to get extensions for my wedding or just embrace my lob. I just don’t feel as elegant with short hair, but when i see up dos like that It makes me feel like i can rock my natural hair.
You definitely can, go for it!