Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (2024)

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (1)

Looking flawless for prom is an absolute must. You have to pick the best dress or prom suit that nails your personal style, a makeup look that'll make your date swoon, and ofc, a glam hairdo. When it comes to prom hairstyles, there's something for every hair length, type, and texture. Short curly hair can be accented with adorable clips or headbands, while vintage updos serve as a clutch look for love curly locks. You can even add dazzling barrettes for a little extra bling if you want to elevate go-to prom hairstyles like ponytails and buns.

The best prom hairstyles are super easy to style, too. You can use everyday clothing items like leggings to transform straight strands into voluminous heatless curls overnight. Or if it's a sophisticated vibe that you're looking to serve, a ballet core-inspired top knot is a classic. Just be sure to grab your fave brush and hairspray to banish flyaways.

Get ready to find the perfect prom hairstyle. It just may anchor your entire aethetic. Oh, and if you're still hunting for the perfect prom look, check out these stylish steals under $100.

1

Slicked- Back Bob with Tucked Ends

Emma McIntyre//Getty Images

So, you're wearing a suit to prom and can't figure out what to do with your hair. Zendaya is all the inspo you need because this slicked-back faux bob with tucked ends serves a major look.

2

Gatsby Wave Updo

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (3)

Say hello to the Roaring Twenties with textured. pin-tucked waves and curls. Just like The Great Gatsby, this updo is a classic.

3

Cornrows with Distressed Wool

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (4)

Serve major goth vibes by intertwining distressed wool into cornrows.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Faux Wet Hair

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (5)

If your outfit is already extra AF, opt for a sleek and chic 'do. Slick down flyaways to ensure this pop punk-inspired look doesn't budge.

5

Sleek Half Up, Half Down

You can't ever go wrong with a half-up hairstyle. If you'd like to add a little extra drama, toss in a few clip-in extensions for volume and length.

6

Pearl Accented French Braid Ponytail

Valentina Frugiuele//Getty Images

This show-stopping look is a hybrid of several styles that reign supreme during prom season. Does it get any better than a ponytail meets French braid, braided bun, and pearl accented 'do? We think not.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Messy Fishtail Ponytail

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (8)

Can we get a little commotion for the back of this hairstyle? Complement a messy look with a fishtail braid ponytail.

8

Cropped Cut

Mike Marsland//Getty Images

This one is for the besties with short hair who want to let their prom 'fit and jewelry stand out the most. A cropped haircut keeps hair out of your face, and the style is so minimal that it gives you room to go bigger with accessories.

9

Pretty Waves

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (10)

When it doubt, wave it out. Soft, subtle waves are a minimalist's dream.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Bubble Ponytail

Y2K trends are making a massive comeback. Use vibrant colored string to transport your ponytail to the early 2000s.

11

High Ponytail with Flipped Ends and Slicked Bangs

Jerritt Clark//Getty Images

Stand out in a room full of updos with this throwback look.

12

Bombshell Curls

Amy Sussman//Getty Images

If old Hollywood glam is the look you're going for, bombshell curls are a must. Layering helps the soft tendrils frame the face and highlight your prom makeup look.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Glitter Ponytails

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (14)

Prom, but make it Euphoria. Chunky hair glitter is the perfect prop to highlight your look.

14

Braided Ponytail

Matt Winkelmeyer//Getty Images

No matter if you're rocking straight strands or protective styles like knotless braids and goddess locs, you can elevate your 'do by simply adding a braid.

15

Flower Crown

Tristan Fewings//Getty Images

Let your fave hair accessory have its moment with this simple and chic updo.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Disco Curls

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (17)

Transform into a 1970's era diva with gravity-defying curls. There's no such thing as too much when you're rocking this look, so feel free to go all out with your makeup and accessories, too.

17

Low Bun with Curtain Bangs

Rodin Eckenroth//Getty Images

Calling all Wednesday Addams stans. If you're ready to put a unique spin on the hit Netflix character, opt for curtain bangs and a low bun like Jenna Ortega.

18

Sparkly Pins

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (19)

Let your hair accessories do all the talking this prom. Dazzling hair pins and clips can turn the most minimal hairstyle into full glam.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Mermaid Braid Crown and Bangs

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (20)

If you want to look like you came straight out of a fairytale go for brow-shielding bangs and a low mermaid braid crown. Don't forget to pull out tendrils by your ear for an added whimsical touch.

20

Messy Space Buns

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (21)

Deliver an effortless slay with laidback messy buns.

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (22)

Jasmine Washington

Assistant Editor

Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.

Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Elevate Your Whole Entire Look (2024)

FAQs

What hairstyle is good for prom? ›

Short curly hair can be accented with adorable clips or headbands, while vintage updos serve as a clutch look for love curly locks. You can even add dazzling barrettes for a little extra bling if you want to elevate go-to prom hairstyles like ponytails and buns. The best prom hairstyles are super easy to style, too.

How should I wear my hair for prom? ›

Factor in the vibe of your gown when planning your prom hair. For example: If you're wearing a flowy boho gown, try a messier, undone 'do. If your prom dress is sleek and fitted, consider a slick ponytail. If you're wearing your hair down, try a deep side part for an elegant evening-ready look.

What hairstyle goes with black prom dress? ›

You can opt for a sleek bun or a more relaxed and romantic updo with loose curls.

How much are prom hairstyles? ›

Generally speaking, prom hairstyles cost from $30 to $100. The best way to determine how much you're likely to spend on prom hair, call your salon of choice and ask! Makeup costs can vary as well, but you're unlikely to spend over $60 for a simple application.

How can I look prettiest at prom? ›

We all feel stressed getting ready for any big occasion, so take care of a few things early and prep a week ahead of time.
  1. Get glowing skin. ...
  2. Whiten your smile. ...
  3. Clean up your brows. ...
  4. Hydrate your hair. ...
  5. Use a good deodorant or antiperspirant product. ...
  6. Add a pop of color to the eyes. ...
  7. Change up your hair.
Apr 17, 2014

What is the easiest hair for prom? ›

Half up, half down

One of the most easy to do hairstyles for a party or formal event, this look works with short bobs or long flowing locks and keeps it from getting into your face. Add a volumising mousse to give your hair some body and movement before roughly blow-drying.

Is prom hair up or down? ›

"Usually a lot of people wear their hair down, but lately I've been seeing tons of updos because of the dress styles that are popular now," said Lathan. Of course, many factors play a part in the decision of whether to wear hair up or down during prom.

How do you stand out at prom? ›

Here are some tips for finding the perfect unique prom dress:
  1. Look for interesting fabrics. One way to make your prom dress stand out is to choose a dress made from an unusual fabric. ...
  2. Go for an unusual style (i.e. unique characteristics) ...
  3. Consider asymmetrical necklines. ...
  4. Wear an iridescent prom dress.

Do you wear a bra to prom? ›

Almost always, prom dresses have some intricate cut. Whether it's a backless style, an off the shoulder style, a halter neck, completely strapless, or a deep V, these dresses will require a specialty bra.

What color prom dress for darker skin? ›

Choose bold colours if you have a dark skin tone.

Bold and bright colors will really pop and complement your skin tone. Try jewel tones, such as turquoise, and emerald green. Pastels are another good choice and will make you stand out in a crowd. Avoid black and other deep tones.

Should you wear your hair up or down with a formal dress? ›

While your dress doesn't have to dictate how you wear your hair, it's still a good check point if you're on the fence. Dresses with high necklines tend to be more formal, so an up-do would be the most appropriate. Plus, an up-do will prevent any hair from getting caught on the dress—a double win!

Can you wear braids to prom? ›

A braid makes a simple look more exciting and perfect for prom night! Pull your hair out of your face extra high, creating an elegant look. You will be floating gracefully through the night with this ballet bun hairstyle. Try out some of these hairstyles for yourself, or try them on friends!

Is $500 a lot for a prom dress? ›

Average Prom Dress Costs

Dresses with more material included in them, such as ball gowns with full skirts, may be more expensive than other styles of dresses due to the extra material used in creation. On average, you can expect to spend between $100 and $500 on a prom dress.

How long does prom hair usually take? ›

A: Hair styling usually takes around 30-45 minutes for heat styling only (waves, curls, smooth styles) and 1-1.5 hours for an updo style. Note: Hair styling appointments may not be available on certain prom dates due to high numbers of requests for makeup application appointments.

Should my hair be up or down for prom? ›

"If it's off the shoulder, a sweetheart cut or strapless, wearing your hair down would look the best," said Lathan. "For those that have a lot going on along the neckline or have a lot of jewelry, try an updo.

Should I wear my hair down for prom? ›

If you have a high-neck dress, one-shoulder dress, open-back dress, or a dress with unique details on the shoulders or back that you want to showcase, you might want to wear your hair up with a smooth twist, a low or high bun, an elaborate cluster of curls, or even a side-sweeping style with cascading curls.

How do I look good on prom day? ›

The morning of prom, let the prepping begin! Wake up early to shower, shave, and prep your skin ahead of your appointments. Steer clear of any hair or skin treatments the few days before to avoid any build up or flare-ups. Stay hydrated for glowing skin and plenty of energy to hit the dance floor.

Can you wear your hair straight to prom? ›

You can never go wrong with a straight hairstyle. It's a low-maintenance hairstyle that looks sleek and sophisticated. This hairstyle is sure to hold up through all the dancing you'll be doing on prom night! Incorporating a braid into any natural hairstyle is the perfect way to add an interesting element.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 5464

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.