The Most Stunning Prom Hairstyles for All Hair Types

Prom is one of the most exciting nights of your high school life. You want to remember this glamorous occasion with plenty of smiles, laughter, and of course an elegant ‘do. Will you go curly or straight? Up or down? Sleek or feminine? With seemingly endless styles to choose from, things can get a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, we have you covered with these stunning prom hairstyles that will steal the night.

Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair

Short Braids

Not only are braided hairstyles for short hair trending right now, but they are also so easy to maintain. A braid is always a good way to add dimension to your hair and keep it from looking plain. The fun and feminine style, which works best on loosely curled or waved locks, will absolutely have you standing out from the crowd.

Short Wavy Hair

Curls and waves are a fun way to create a sexy, feminine look with short hair. Perfect for formal events, this stunning style is low maintenance, effortless and will suit any dress. Be sure to finish with a touch of hairspray to keep the style in place all night long.

Short and Straight

You might think that having short hair is limiting in terms of styling, but having a bob or lob is a lot more versatile than you think. Short, straight hair lends itself perfectly to sleek and chic styles. Keep your ‘do from looking flat and dull with smoothing serum and hairspray.

Short Bangs

Short hair with bangs provides a striking look. Not only do bangs draw attention to your eyes, but they can accentuate your cheekbones as well. For prom, we recommend side swept bangs. They are a softer and girlier way to approach this trend.
 

Short Vintage Hairstyle

Planning on wearing a vintage dress to prom? Then you need a retro hairstyle to match! Gorgeous curls are a great option. The trick to pulling off this glamorous style is to pin back the sides and let a few curls hang loose.

Short Curly Mohawk

If you have naturally curly hair, make the most of it for your prom. A good way to do so is by showing off your natural texture with a stylish mohawk, projecting killer prom vibes! All it takes is a hairspray, setting gel, and more than a few bobby pins. What’s best is anyone can wear this style and make it look good!

Short Half Bouffant

Want a sixties-inspired style that still looks great today? A half bouffant ‘do is a fun and glamorous option for prom! To create this style, start by parting your hair into a deep side part. Then, to give your hair some volume, use a comb to tease the crown section. Next, backcomb your hair a couple of inches from the roots to the nape to get that beehive shape. To secure your bouffant, use several bobby pins. Finish by setting it with hairspray.

Short Pixie

You may be surprised by how many formal styles are available for girls with short hair. Gorgeous and classic — the short pixie hairstyle takes guts, but its definitely worth it. For an easy glam, try sleek waves or face-framing curls. Make sure to run your fingers gently through your curls to loosen them up a bit, and finish the look off with a little hairspray for hold.

Short Twisted Updo

Wearing your hair in a twisted updo is sure to turn heads! To get this look, part your hair as you usually would, and apply a texturising spray all over to provide hold. Take a small section of hair from your left ear, and twist it clockwise, collecting more hair as you go along. Finish twisting when you reach just over halfway across the back of your head. Secure the braid with a French pin. Repeat this process on the other side of your head, but this time twist it in an anti-clockwise direction. Again take a French pin to lock your hair in place and set the look with hairspray.

Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair

Medium Length Braids

When you see braids, they’re often quite long and big – not exactly mid-length friendly. But there are braids for all hair types and lengths, you just have to get a bit creative and maybe use a couple more bobby pins than your long-haired friends. For prom, we recommend a chic and cute waterfall braid. This braided hairstyle works well for medium-length hair. It is the perfect romantic hairstyle for a formal occasion—and believe it or not, it’s easy! A cascading waterfall braid with curls is easy to recreate and helps show off those locks in a whimsical, flirty way.

Medium Length Updo 

Look smart and sophisticated with a classic updo. Using bobby pins and a hair elastic, you can elevate your basic bun to a glamorous prom hairstyle for medium length hair.

Medium Length Half Up Half Down 

Show off your gorgeous face with a stunning half-up, half-down prom hairstyle. Created by knotting individual strands together, the end result looks stunning, and it’ll photograph well from all angles.

Medium Length Ponytail

For laid-back girls who want to make a statement, look no further than a ponytail hairstyle, its perfect for the prom. All you need is a comb, a few bobby pins and a hair elastic to make this look work for you.

Medium Length Bun

Simple and effortless, the bun is the perfect prom hairstyle for the girl on the go. To create this romantic look, start with loose curls then pin them up in a low bun for a casual yet sophisticated look. Don’t fret; this updo can survive even the most extreme prom emergency.

Medium Length Curly Hair

A classic, feminine look for the prom, a curly style on medium hair never goes astray. A fun and effortless hairstyle for the carefree girls out there, this ‘do lets you show your true wild personality in a style that will look stunning on any gown you wear. To achieve this look, first prep the hair with dry shampoo for lift at the roots. Then, curl the hair with a curling iron, spraying each section with hairspray for hold.

Medium Length Straight Hair

Get admired for your stunningly straight hair by opting for a simple prom-night hairstyle. Start with applying a heat protector and blow-drying the hair, then use a flat iron to get super-smooth. Follow with a shine serum, focusing on the ends of the hair. What’s best is this style is easily doable, even for girls without stick-straight hair.

Medium Length Bangs

Blunt, choppy, fringed or side swept, we love the look of bangs. They can completely transform a hairstyle without even cutting the rest of your locks. It’s a fun way to change up your look and make your eyes pop. For prom, try putting your hair up in an elegant updo and let those bangs fall free.

Medium Length Vintage Hairstyle

A timeless classic, soft vintage curls never go out of style. They can be easily dressed down for a more casual undone look or dressed up for a more formal style. For this look, invest in a good curling iron and sea salt spray. You will want to curl larger sections of your hair for a softer appearance. Of course, always allow your curls to cool down before running your hands through your hair. Finish with a sea salt spray to give your hair a little texture. This will help to achieve a longer lasting style.

Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair

Long Braids

Braids give any hairstyle a romantic, feminine feeling. They’re perfect for a special occasion when you don’t want to spend a lot of money on having your hair styled. And, a braided hairstyle is easy enough that you can do it yourself! With regular three-strand braids, fishtail braids, French braids, Dutch braids, and every variation you can think of in between, you can create true work of art with your long tresses. All you need is a bit of creativity and some styling ideas. And the beauty of a well-done braid lies in the fact that it keeps your hair from flying in all directions and can be paired with any outfit.

Long Updo

A romantic updo is pretty easy to create but it is sure to impress your classmates. Having your hair up, will show off your beautiful dress as well as making you feel confident. Braids and twists are vital to achieving this look. Remember, there is no particular design to follow, make yours unique!

Long Half Up Half Down

If you want to keep your hair down, but you are worried about it being in the way all night, why not try a half up, half down style. This ‘do is both elegant and easy to create. Start by shampooing the hair, then blow dry it. Next, style with a large round brush and finish with a curling iron to complete the look.

Long Ponytail

If you’re not keen on wearing a traditional updo for prom, consider styling your hair in a glamorous ponytail. Add curls to a standard high pony and you will instantly feel the glam and look amazing. This is simple and easy to create. You can either curl your hair before you put it up or if you have naturally curly hair then you won’t have to curl your hair at all!

Long Side Part

Not into fussy hairstyles? Consider opting for a laid-back look instead. A simple side-part can inject all the glamour you need into your long locks for the night.

Long Bun

You can still get a salon quality updo at home, without spending money. A classy low bun is one of the easiest styles you can do yourself. Put your hair up into the nape of your neck and secure with pins. Leave some pieces out around the face for a softer, more elegant look.

Long Curls

If your hair is naturally curly, make the most of it for your prom. A great way to do so is with loose, side-swept curls. One of the most classic prom hairdos to date, this style is simple and universally flattering. Side-swept curls are perfect for the no-fuss girl who just wants an effortless yet glamorous look.

Long Straight Hair

Wearing you long hair straight and sleek is sure to turn heads, especially if it’s full of volume and shine. You can also add a sharp side part or a simple braid to make the style even more eye-catching and bold.

Long Hair with Bangs

Never underestimate the power of a face-framing fringe, especially on long locks. A smooth, straight fringe adds sophistication to long, textured locks. This style is a terrific choice for a formal occasion like prom.

Long Easy Hairstyle for Prom

After a fuss-free hairstyle for prom? Why not try relaxed waves? Beach and boho babes alike both love this style, and it’s easy to see why. This stunning ‘do is low maintenance and will go with absolutely any dress. It is a great option for laid-back girls who want that classic ‘woke up like this’ look. For this stunning style, all you need is a blow dryer, some tousling hair products and an appropriately sized curling iron.