As prom season approaches, it’s never too early to start planning your look. While choosing a stunning prom dress and elegant accessories is fun, finishing touches like your hairstyle and beauty details make the entire look complete.
Regardless of the style of dress you’ve chosen or the vibe you’re striving for, we’ve got you covered! Check out these gorgeous, quick, and easy prom hair ideas, including everything from sleek updos to loose easy waves!
Prom Updos
Forget worrying about adjusting your hair throughout the night—prom updos let you set it and forget it so you can focus on dancing and hanging out with your friends, instead!
Twisted Bun with Bow
This hairstyle transforms a childhood favorite—the hair bow—into a sophisticated accessory and adds volume to this twisted bun. An updo that’s easy to execute, this is one for the low-maintenance girlies. Get the Tutorial!
Low Updo With Headband
With a few strategically placed pins and a simple roll and twist, you’ve got an elegant prom low updo! Adding a cute headband will make you feel like the queen you are—you’re basically wearing a tiara, right? Get the Tutorial!
Pam Anderson-Inspired ’90s Updo
If you’re in love with the stunning piles of curls Pamela Anderson used to sport in the ‘90s, you’ll definitely fall in love with this updo! Feel red carpet—or prom—worthy in just a few quick steps, and channel your inner Pam. Get the Tutorial!
Messy Low Updo with Decorative Hair Pins
Ideal for special occasions and adorned with dreamy celestial hair pins, this updo is the perfect mix of elegance and effortlessness. Bonus: You can mix and match hair clips and pins from separate sets to create something extra personal. Get the Tutorial!
Glam High Bun
A sleek high bun adds instant volume to your hair and keeps it out of your face throughout the night’s activities. The key to nailing this prom look is having a mesh hair donut on hand. Get the Tutorial!
Naturally Curly Updo
This one’s for the naturally curly and coily hair babes! Let the natural pattern of your curls shine by loosely pulling your locks into a low bun, then adorn them with dream decorative hair pins. Get the Tutorial!
Simple Chignon
Want to keep it classic and simple for the big night? A low pony and a couple of twists are all you need to create this dreamy chignon hairstyle. Get the Tutorial!
Textured French Twist Updo
Go for a prom hairstyle that’s a modern take on a classic. By adding a bit of texture and keeping it looser, the Audrey Hepburn-worthy twist looks chic and elegant, just with a little extra sexy. Get the Tutorial!
Low Textured Bun (With a Twist!)
Low updos are classic and elegant—but that doesn’t have to mean boring. Adding a twisted rope braid to your bun hairstyle makes it fresh, fun, and prom-ready. Get the Tutorial!
Messy Low Updo with Tendrils
This spiraling updo is wound around itself to create a bundle of just barely controlled tendrils! Finish the look with a glitzy hair comb and be sure to pull out those face framers. Get the Tutorial!
Prom Ponytails
Classic and sassy, ponytails give you the glamor of an updo with the fun of being able to whip that pony around! Surprisingly versatile, you’ll never believe just how many ways there are to style a ponytail.
Retro High Ponytail
Barbiecore is so in right now, and if you’re going with an all-pink prom look, this hairstyle is the perfect way to finish your Barbie-inspired fit! A simple high pony with a sweeping side bang, we also love how practical this hairstyle is for a night of socializing and dancing. Get the Tutorial!
Low Twisted Ponytail
So much more stylish than a basic pony, this romantic twisted hairstyle is deceptively easy to do! Dreamy and soft, this low ponytail would look especially gorgeous with a backless dress to show off your locks. Get the Tutorial!
Party Ponytail With Hair Clips
Get playful with a dressed-up tousled ponytail for the big night. Bonus: This flirty, fun prom hair idea is also perfect for date nights, bachelorette parties, and more. Get the Tutorial!
High Voluminous Ponytail
If you’re interested in keeping your hair out of your face but high buns aren’t quite your style, try this flirty and light, stylish ponytail. High ponies are huge this year, and this look is perfect for pulling together a great prom look at the last minute! Get the Tutorial!
High ’90s Ponytail
The go-to hairstyle for ’90s babes is back, so get your supermodel on with a high pony. With a wrapped base, side part, and flipped-under ends, this throwback ‘do makes for a sleek and stunning prom hair idea. Get the Tutorial!
Rhinestone-Studded Slicked Back Ponytail
Simple and sleek, this prom hairstyle has lots of staying power to keep your hair in place while you dance the night away, plus rhinestone adornments to match the celebratory mood of the evening! One of our easiest prom hair ideas, you can get this ‘do done in just a few minutes. Get the Tutorial!
Loose Prom Hairstyles
Let your hair down—literally—with these stunning loose hairstyles for prom! Subtle yet elegant, we especially love adding fun accessories to these looks for prom.
Simple Hair Pearls
Prom is the perfect occasion for wearing pearls if you want to go for a romantic, elegant look. Easy, fun, and gorgeous, this floating-effect hairstyle leaves a lasting impression. Get the Tutorial!
Old Hollywood Waves
If you’re looking for a retro hairstyle that won’t make you cringe years down the line? Fall in love with timeless but oh-so-classic old Hollywood curls! Loose beachy waves are pinned back with a pretty pearl hairpin that will have you feeling like a vintage Hollywood starlet. Get the Tutorial!
Throwback 90’s Blowout
You don’t need to go to a dry bar or a professional hairstylist to achieve this chic and dramatic 90s blowout! Save your pennies and create this supermodel-inspired hairstyle at home using just a few simple tools. Get the Tutorial!
Easy Flat Iron Waves
Not one for the ultra-formal updo look? Go for loose, beachy waves that look totally effortless and undone in the best way. Try them with a middle part, a side part, or a deep side part with serious volume and ’90s vibes. Get the Tutorial!
Loose Waves With a Floral Headband
Prom hair that looks festive but isn’t overly complicated? Yes, please. An easy headband hairstyle is simple to achieve and totally party-ready. Get the Tutorial!
Loose Curls With a Statement Hair Clip
Love wearing your hair down? Let your strands flow and make a major statement with an oversized embellished hair clip for a simple style that has major impact. Get the Tutorial!
Side Part with Stacked Pins
For a simple, sleek prom hair idea, just tuck your tresses behind one ear and add pretty hair pins. The side part will highlight your features and a stack of spaced gold bobby pins will add some shimmer to your strands. Get the Tutorial!
Half-Up Half-Down Prom Hairstyles
Let your hair down without letting it into your eyes! These half-up hairstyles are practical but still glamorous, and a fun way to do something a little different for prom night.
Criss-Cross Half-Up Hair
Minimalist and modern, this stunning half-up hairstyle is the perfect way to leave your hair down and flowing while also keeping it neatly out of your face on the dance floor! Get the Tutorial!
Half-Up Hairstyle for Curls
Let your curls live in all their glory with this half-up hairstyle! Keep your hair from getting in your face with this simple trick, and create a gorgeous face-framing silhouette. Get the Tutorial!
Whimsical Headband Braid
Live your fairy princess fantasy with this stunning, stay-all-night hairstyle! Surprisingly easy to pull together, this look feels all-natural with a touch of glam. Get the tutorial!
Boho Half-Up Hairstyle
Boho babe alert! A half-up, half-down hairstyle with a peek-a-boo braid will keep your tresses under control–but still flowing and effortless-looking. Get the Tutorial!
Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle
If an ultra-formal updo feels too fussy for you, try a half-up, half-down hairstyle with a slightly undone look. As far as prom hair ideas go, this one is special occasion-worthy and relaxed at the same time. Sounds good to us! Get the Tutorial!
Half-Up Braided Hair
Get your ethereal goddess on! Two simple side twists form an elegant crown that pairs perfectly with soft curls. Get the Tutorial!
Which of these prom hair ideas is your fave? Remember to show us your prom hairstyles onInstagramorTikTok @lulus–and shop gorgeous dresses and more for the big night in our Prom Shop!
This post was originally published in May 2017 and has been updated with new content.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information on prom hairstyles. Prom is a special occasion where many people put effort into their appearance, including their hairstyle. In this article, various prom hairstyles are discussed, including prom updos, prom ponytails, loose prom hairstyles, and half-up half-down prom hairstyles. Let's dive into the details!
Prom Updos:
Prom updos are a popular choice for those who want an elegant and sophisticated look that will last throughout the night. Here are some prom updo ideas mentioned in the article:
- Twisted Bun with Bow: This hairstyle incorporates a twisted bun with a hair bow, adding volume and a touch of sophistication to the look.
- Low Updo With Headband: This elegant prom updo involves strategically placed pins, a simple roll, and a twist. Adding a headband can make you feel like a queen.
- Pam Anderson-Inspired '90s Updo: This updo is inspired by the piles of curls Pamela Anderson used to sport in the '90s. It's a quick and easy way to achieve a red carpet-worthy look.
- Messy Low Updo with Decorative Hair Pins: This updo combines elegance and effortlessness. It can be adorned with dreamy celestial hair pins for a personal touch.
- Glam High Bun: A sleek high bun adds instant volume to your hair and keeps it out of your face throughout the night's activities. Using a mesh hair donut can help achieve this look.
- Naturally Curly Updo: This updo is specifically designed for those with naturally curly or coily hair. It allows the natural pattern of the curls to shine and can be adorned with decorative hair pins.
- Simple Chignon: For those who prefer a classic and simple look, a low ponytail with a couple of twists can create a dreamy chignon hairstyle.
- Textured French Twist Updo: This prom hairstyle is a modern take on a classic. By adding texture and keeping it looser, the French twist looks chic and elegant.
- Low Textured Bun (With a Twist!): Adding a twisted rope braid to a low bun hairstyle can make it fresh, fun, and prom-ready.
- Messy Low Updo with Tendrils: This spiraling updo creates a bundle of controlled tendrils. It can be finished with a glitzy hair comb and face-framing tendrils.
Prom Ponytails:
Ponytails are a versatile and sassy option for prom hairstyles. They offer the glamour of an updo while allowing you to whip your ponytail around. Here are some prom ponytail ideas mentioned in the article:
- Retro High Ponytail: This hairstyle is inspired by the '90s and is perfect for a Barbie-inspired look. It features a high ponytail with a sweeping side bang.
- Low Twisted Ponytail: This romantic twisted hairstyle is more stylish than a basic ponytail. It can be achieved with ease and looks gorgeous with a backless dress.
- Party Ponytail With Hair Clips: This tousled ponytail is playful and fun, making it suitable for the big night. It can also be worn for date nights and other occasions.
- High Voluminous Ponytail: This flirty and light ponytail keeps your hair out of your face while adding volume. It's a great last-minute prom hairstyle.
- High '90s Ponytail: The go-to hairstyle for '90s babes is back. This throwback hairstyle features a high ponytail with a wrapped base, side part, and flipped-under ends.
- Rhinestone-Studded Slicked Back Ponytail: This simple and sleek prom hairstyle keeps your hair in place while adding rhinestone adornments for a celebratory mood.
Loose Prom Hairstyles:
If you prefer to let your hair down for prom, there are stunning loose hairstyles to consider. These hairstyles are subtle yet elegant and can be enhanced with fun accessories. Here are some loose prom hairstyle ideas mentioned in the article:
- Simple Hair Pearls: This hairstyle incorporates pearls for a romantic and elegant look. It's easy to achieve and leaves a lasting impression.
- Old Hollywood Waves: For a timeless and classic look, old Hollywood curls are a great choice. Loose beachy waves can be pinned back with a pretty pearl hairpin.
- Throwback '90s Blowout: Achieve a chic and dramatic '90s blowout at home using simple tools. This hairstyle is inspired by supermodels and adds a touch of glamour.
- Easy Flat Iron Waves: If you prefer a more effortless and undone look, loose beachy waves created with a flat iron are a great option. They can be styled with different parts for various vibes.
- Loose Waves With a Floral Headband: This festive and simple headband hairstyle is perfect for prom. It's easy to achieve and adds a touch of party-ready flair.
- Loose Curls With a Statement Hair Clip: Let your hair flow and make a statement with an oversized embellished hair clip. This simple style has a major impact.
- Side Part with Stacked Pins: For a sleek and modern prom hairstyle, tuck your hair behind one ear and add pretty hair pins. The side part highlights your features, and the gold bobby pins add shimmer.
Half-Up Half-Down Prom Hairstyles:
Half-up half-down hairstyles are a popular choice for prom as they allow you to let your hair down while keeping it out of your eyes. Here are some half-up half-down prom hairstyle ideas mentioned in the article:
- Criss-Cross Half-Up Hair: This minimalist and modern hairstyle keeps your hair down and flowing while neatly keeping it out of your face on the dance floor.
- Half-Up Hairstyle for Curls: This hairstyle allows your curls to shine while keeping your hair away from your face. It creates a gorgeous face-framing silhouette.
- Whimsical Headband Braid: This stunning hairstyle gives a fairy princess vibe. It's surprisingly easy to achieve and combines a natural look with a touch of glam.
- Boho Half-Up Hairstyle: For a boho-inspired look, a half-up, half-down hairstyle with a peek-a-boo braid is a great choice. It keeps your hair under control while maintaining an effortless appearance.
- Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle: If an ultra-formal updo feels too fussy, a slightly undone half-up, half-down hairstyle can be a special occasion-worthy and relaxed alternative.
- Half-Up Braided Hair: This ethereal hairstyle features two simple side twists that form an elegant crown, perfect for pairing with soft curls.
These are just some of the prom hairstyle ideas mentioned in the article. Remember to choose a hairstyle that complements your dress, personal style, and comfort level. Feel free to experiment and add your own unique touches to create a memorable prom look!
