Beautiful Prom Hairstyles That’ll Steal the Show

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
Missy Sue Blog
Prom has come a long way since, say, the ruffled, puffy-sleeved affair that we—and Molly Ringwald—remember fondly. How could we forget the thick fragrance of Aqua Net combining with Drakkar Noir? From permed to feathered, what the prom hairstyles lacked in style they more than made up for in volume. We now accept it as our personal charge to make sure our loved ones don’t suffer from that forever-documented fate. These prom hair ideas give every young Southern lady what she needs to top off her gorgeous gown and matching corsage. With romantic braids, elegant updos, stylish ponytails, and cascading curls, these prom hairstyles go from taking pictures before the occasion all the way to taking the stage to accept the crown. Prom is a battlefield, let’s admit; but consider these cute prom hair ideas just a piece of the armor.
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Romantic Dutch Braid

The Beauty Department

This braid is nothing if not extremely photogenic for prom photos that will last forever. It’ll go with any style dress and stay in place all night. Get the tutorial here at The Beauty Department.

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Reverse Headband

The Beauty Department

This modern style gives an edgy finishing touch to any prom look. You can pair it with an airy romantic gown for some juxtaposition or with a sleek sheath gown for cohesion. Get the tutorial here at The Beauty Department.

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Side Braid for Short Hair

Lauren Conrad Blog

While this braid also works on long hair, we love it on a bob. You might not have quite as many options with short hair, but sometimes simple really is the best way to go for formal functions. It’s easy and low maintenance. Get the tutorial here from Lauren Conrad.

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Reverse Braided High Bun

Pinterest/Lulus

This simple topknot gets an instant dose of polish thanks to an upside-down Dutch braid. Get the tutorial here from Lulus.

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Rope Braid Half Up

Confessions of a Hairstylist

This half-up style is another great option for short and long-haired ladies alike. Rope braids come together from each side and form a single braid. Get the tutorial here at Confessions of a Hairstylist.

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Triple Braided Updo

Missy Sue Blog

An adorable combination of lace braids and French braids comes together to form this volume-packed low updo. This style will look amazing on long or thick hair. Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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Twisted Heart Half Up

Missy Sue Blog

Ramp up the romance with this heart-shaped hairstyle. It’s a little whimsical and a lot adorable! Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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Faux Lob

Pinterest/Kimberly Genevieve for Refinery29

For ladies with long, curly hair, this half lob lets you walk on the more tame side by pinning your locks into an elegant lob-length style. Letting the hair rest all on one side gives it a little old Hollywood glamour. Get the tutorial here at Refinery29.

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Voluminous Messy Bun

Bloglovin’

This style works the absolute best for long lobs or just below the shoulder hair. Leaving a few pieces out around the face makes it look effortless and chic. Get the tutorial here from Kassinka.

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Pull-Through Braid Ponytail

Bloglovin’

We love this style for medium length hair—it’s not too heavy and adds a bunch of volume. You can start with your natural hair too, making it quick and easy! Get the tutorial here from Kassinka.

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Twisted Crown Braid

Twist Me Pretty

This braid detail looks great on beachy flat-iron waves for a finishing touch that pulls it together. It looks natural and effortless. Get the tutorial here at Twist Me Pretty.

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Brigitte Bardot-Inspired Half Up

Lauren Conrad Blog

For the classic and preppy girl, this bow-topped half-up style looks sassy and feminine. You can wear this look without the bow or go with a skinnier ribbon to add a subtler pop of personality. Get the tutorial here from Lauren Conrad.

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Loose Side Braid

Hair Romance

We can’t get over the pop of color in this loose side braid, thanks to electric purple flowers. It’s the perfect spring touch for prom, which is, after all, a spring affair. A loose braid headband gives a romantic detail. Get the tutorial here at Hair Romance.

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Vintage Bob

Pinterest

This ultra-chic look takes us back to the 1920s when stylish bobs like these ruled supreme. This style works amazingly on tight curls. Simply pin one side of your part just at the top of the ear and allow the heavier parted side to show off your full volume.

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Chic Chignon

Pinterest/Twist Me Pretty

A classic chignon is perfectly put-together and elegant, a style fit for any gown. Get the tutorial here from Twist Me Pretty.

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Old Hollywood Curls

Pinterest

You can’t beat these glamorous curls, and we’d pretty much fall head over heels if you paired this style with a romantic white gown. (Just saying.) We know it can be scary to comb out fresh, time-intensive curls, but it’s worth it! Get the tutorial here at The Golden Girl.

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Double Twist Low Buns

Missy Sue Blog

This classic low updo will go with any gown or theme. It’s made even easier and reliable by styling with two separate low buns that won’t need a mass of pins! Get the tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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Double Crown Braids

Hair And Makeup By Steph

This style is another quick fix that looks great with loose, beachy curls. Two braids from each side of the face are pinned into the opposite side for a unified look.

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Twist Braid Updo

Hair Romance

This simple updo looks elegant and works great for medium length hair. All you need is a small clear elastic and a few bobby pins, and you’ll be set in no time! Get the tutorial here at Hair Romance

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Bouffant

Pinterest/Cosmopolitan

Go a little mod and a lot glam with this sleek version of a bouffant half-up style. This look works for any length and pumps up the volume in a simple way. Get the tutorial here from Cosmopolitan.

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Fishtail Bun

Hair And Makeup By Steph

A high bun always adds a little sass and style to any look, especially for an event such as prom. Dance the night away in this pretty fishtail-wrapped bun! Get the tutorial here at Hair and Makeup By Steph.

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Waterfall Braid Half Up

Pinterest/Kristina Gaspera

If you think baby’s breath goes a little too young or bridal, pick any small blooms you’d like to match your dress and corsage! A waterfall braid or half-up style lets you tuck pretty flowers throughout the look. Get a waterfall braid tutorial here at Missy Sue.

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Bobby Pin Details

Pinterest/Essence

Go fun and flirty by accessorizing your tight curls with creatively placed bobby pins. Create geometric designs or pick pretty pins to really grab attention!

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Hair Bow

Hair And Makeup By Steph

For the minimalist girl who wants a small, eye-catching detail to do the talking—this hair bow half-up style is perfect. Get the tutorial here at Hair and Makeup By Steph.

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Twisted Low Ponytail

Twist Me Pretty

This most simple pick is all about giving a little oomph to a low ponytail, while still letting the prom dress shine. It’s an understated, but chic look! Get the tutorial here at Twist Me Pretty.

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Messy Low Chignon

The Small Things Blog

This classic style can go a little more laidback when done in this manner. Texturizing powder and hairspray are two key ingredients in this look. Get the tutorial here at The Small Things.

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