Between all your favorite influencers, shows, movies, and celebs, inspiration for prom hairstyles cab be found anywhere. With so many options, it can almost seem too hard to find the right hairstyle. And, once you've found your dress or suit, picked out the perfect makeup, and even matched your nails to your look, that last detail can feel all the more burdensome. Do you try something totally new? Do you go with a classic look? Should you be totally daring and dye your hair the night before?
To help you get inspired and find a look that feels right, we've rounded up some of the most trendy hairstyles for prom from red carpets, fashion shows, and more. Remember each look can be adjusted and personalized to best fit your style and hair. If you decide to experiment and give a couple a try before prom night, ensure you're taking care of your scalp and hair with heat protectant, masks, and more! Or, head to the salon to let a professional take care of it. Just take these photos be with you to show your stylist as a reference.
Scroll on to see some unique but easy prom hairstyles for inspiration based on your hair length or preferred styles such as curls, braids, updos, and more. In this article, you'll find:
- Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair
- Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair
- Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair
- Prom Updos
- Prom Hair Half-Up Half-Down
- Braided Prom Hairstyles
Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair
A common misconception about formal hairstyles is that every strand has to be perfectly placed. But, a look like Sadie Sink's mermaid waves can take that pressure off for your prom night because they look just as chic slightly tousled. if you want to let loose on the dance floor, this might be the look for you. It's also pretty easy to achieve. You can use a waver or use your flat iron, going in back and forth motions, but be careful to not hit your face. Alternatively, you can use a curling iron and brush them out for softer curls that look almost like waves. For a heatless hairstyle, just braid your hair the night before, sleep with them, and keep them tied as you do your makeup and get dressed. Then, before you head out the door, take them out and give your hair a little shake, just like you're a mermaid that just got out the water. To ensure the waves hold, try some mousse.
If photos are your top priority on prom night, a voluminous look like Mckenna Grace's might just be the perfect option for you. And achieving the look doesn't have to be too hard. Part your hair to the side, even if just slightly. Opt for softer curls by either brushing them out or curling them manually with a flat iron. If you go with the former method, you can also gently tease the top of your hair by lifting up the top strands and brushing towards the scalp, but don't go overboard. Or, you can opt for some dry shampoo, texture spray, or other hair products for volume. Apply a little hair spray to hold it throughout the night.
Face framing layers don't have to take away from your hair length. You can opt for a few framing pieces that are about chin length for the same effect like Olivia Rodrigo. She might have worn this style for the red carpet, but this look is also perfect for prom since it will highlight your face and makeup. To make them pop, slightly curl the ends inwards so they fall by your chin.
This one may be a throwback, but it's never out of style! To achieve this look like Megan Thee Stallion, just go for a deep side part and big, bouncy curls. If you want to make the look authentic, you can even do it with hair rollers.
Zendaya has served so many unforgettable looks, but we're still hung up on this one. Her soft, slicked-back waves gave the illusion of wet strands for a trendy yet chic aesthetic that would be a statement for prom.
Embrace your thick voluminous curls at prom by wearing them out and embellishing them. Go for crystals like Aisha Dee or whatever your pins of choice may be.
Want to embrace your curls but make them a little different for a special night like prom? Just lightly brush them out for a totally bold and chic style that feels and looks effortless. Take some inspo from Chappell Roan.
The simplest way to tie a whole look together is with a bow — isn't that why we put them on presents? Like Sabrina Carpenter, pick a bow that matches your dress and tie it into your half-up, half-down look. Alternatively, if you're opting to just leave your hair down, you can just pin it to one side of your hair or put a couple all over.
If you think your outfits needs more glitz before you get to the glam, opt for an elegant headband. Choose one that matches your gown like Wonyoung, and decide if you want to do curly, wavy, or straight hair to go with it.
When we’re not singing “Pink Pony Club” at the top of our lungs, we’re adding every single Chappell Roan look to our inspo board. We’re particularly obsessed with this feathered, tulle headpiece that adds a dramatic look to any red carpet, whether it’s prom or the Grammys.
The infamous jellyfish haircut is back and better than ever thanks to Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and more. Go bold by adding microbangs, tiny fringe pieces, or blunt bobbed layers on top. It’s definitely a more daring look, but anyone can pull it off with enough confidence (and hairspray!).
A tried-and-true classic, you can’t go wrong with delicate waves on prom night. Not only are these pretty easy to DIY yourself, but they get better as the night goes on. The key to making them last all night long is applying a generous amount of curl-enhancing cream and gently scrunching your waves as you go.
Taylor Swift served just the right amount of drama by curling her bangs with hair rollers. It's also a great hack for prom photos.
Take a hack from Olivia Dean and make sure your picturesque curls get the attention they deserve by putting them front and center like faux bangs.
Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair
We know middle parts are a go-to these days, but a special occasion like prom might be the perfect opportunity to experiment with a side part. It's the perfect way to bring some volume to the look, so you can ensure your photos don't fall flat. If you like this style on Gigi Hadid, opt to flick the ends out and curl your side bangs too.
Take some inspo from Tyla and rock a blunt bob partially braided. It's a great way to add dimension to your look and keep it in place while you dance.
You don't have to have long hair for Old Hollywood curls and Raye proved it. She went with a deep side part and curled her ultra short bob inwards towards her face for her retro glam look.
You may know Aimee Lou Wood for her blond wavy hair on The White Lotus, but we're still a bit obsessed with her shaggy long bob in the cutest caramel color. She styled the cut with super loose curls for an effortless chic look that would be perfect for prom.
If you can't decide until the last minute (no shame, we've all been there), one thing you can plan out is barrettes. Hair pins can elevate any look whether you go for curls, waves, or straight strands like Yoona. You can keep it simple like the singer-actor, or you could always go for a pearl option, a bedazzled set, or a geometric style. This is also one of the easier prom hairstyles out there if you're looking for something that's not super difficult to do!
Sometimes we need a little spring to our step to make our look feel all the more glamorous. To get a little extra pep in your step during prom, try a bob with bouncy curls like Laura Harrier's. Plus, the middle part is on trend!
If you're looking for something subtle and easy, the flicked bob is perfect for prom. You can recreate Sarah Hyland's look or Billie Eilish's if you have longer hair. Just curl your flat iron upwards!
If you're looking for a classic chic look. Coco Jones has you covered. Looking angelic, she gave us the perfect prom hair inspo at the Teen Vogue New Hollywood party. To recreate her look for yourself, use a tail comb to make a straight part down the middle of your hair and flat iron your hair, subtly curling inwards on each side.
Short, straight hair can have plenty of volume, as proven by Rachel Zegler. If you want this look, part the front of your hair down the middle and leave the back going straight down, giving the illusion of a bumped up look. You can also slightly curl the ends or your hair outwards.
Lupita Nyong’o never misses. This look from the BAFTA 2025 red carpet was absolutely killer paired with a classic red lip. She even added a little hair gloss (specifically Olaplex’s Bonding Oil) to give her hair the perfect amount of shine all night long.
Willow Smith gave us hair envy with her voluminous afro that was parted straight down the middle. If you’re DIYing this look at home, we recommend you add bonding oil and leave-in moisturizer to keep your curls soft and frizz-free throughout the night.
Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair
If you're looking for a special way to style your short hair from prom, finger waves might be the way to go. A style like Zendaya's would be a glamorous look for prom night.
Kristen Stewart has worn a plethora of short hairstyles, but this one in particular just fits the cool girl vibe so well. If that's your aesthetic too, just use a texturizing spray on your strands and opt for a more casual, natural part instead of a super straight line.
Mullets and wolf cuts are everywhere, so why not prom? Perhaps you'll be inspired Úrsula Corberó if you're still on the fence.
If you'll be wearing neutral tones to prom, you can give your look a pop of color with your hair. We're still not over Brianne Tju's red hair after she showed us her GRWM for SXSW. And if you're not ready to make the commitment to a new hair color, you can try a semi-permanent one.
If you're looking for an edgy but chic hairstyle for prom, consider blunt bangs like Alexa Demie's. The trend is perfect for those looking for a sleek look that they can maintain even after prom.
With its elegant feel, a chic, slicked back hairstyle is perfect for a formal occasion like prom. Plus, if you need some extra bling you can add some glitter to your hair like Florence Pugh.
Take a page out of Cynthia Erivo’s glamorous playbook and rock a fresh shave to prom. We’d recommend even adding a bit of body glitter to up the ante.
Prom Updos
For a fun take on prom hairstyles, opt for space buns. Leave some face-framing layers out like Jayme Lawson to level up the look.
To get the best of both worlds, let a few stray curly strands fall from your updo like Odessa A'zion. It's also a great way to show off your earrings!
For a posh look, consider a low bun tied with a bow for prom. Ariana Grande did the hairstyle with slicked back strands.
A high ponytail can be practical and chic look for prom, especially if you have a night full of dancing ahead. We're still not over Halle Bailey's elegant updo for the Met Gala and think it would double as a perfect prom hairstyle too.
A simple and easy look for prom is a low ponytail. You can give it a regal feel like Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran by leaving a few framing pieces out and accessorizing with a statement earring.
We still think about Rosé's ponytail at the Met Gala. It's effortless, cool, and easy, making it the perfect prom look, especially if you're opting for statement jewelry like the BLACKPINK singer.
If you're looking to do an updo but don't want to compromise volume, take some notes from Becky G. She gave her hair a subtle bump and made her ponytail wavy.
When you're tying your hair up, try leaving out a few pieces for a face framing effect like Chloe Bailey's. It's the perfect way to showcase your prom makeup.
Take some notes from Jordyn Woods and add an extra element to your slicked back bun with spit curls. This style is popular in Black and Hispanic cultures, with stars like Estrellita Castro and Josephine Baker inspiring many.
Black Panther star Letitia Wright rocked cornrows on the BAFTA 2025 red carpet. She took this classic hairstyle one step further by tying the ends of her braids into a tight bun and pinning it towards the nape of her neck. It’s a sleek and oh, so chic option for prom.
Miley Cyrus paired chunky highlights with a purposefully messy updo a la your favorite ’90s pop stars. To achieve this choppy look you need to embrace your bangs, break out your straightener, and be okay with imperfection.
Anya Taylor Joy brought mid-century glamour to the SNL 50 concert with her twisted curly updo. She innovated on this classic look by adding a partial middle part and thick framing pieces pinned to the side of her head and two wisps of hair let loose on either side. It screams Old Hollywood chic without trying too hard.
Selena Gomez is the queen of a stylish updo and, this year, we’re particularly obsessed with her side swept bangs with a delicate curl on the end. It’s the perfect prom look, especially if you’re trying to show off a statement necklace in your pictures.
For another fresh take on prom hairstyles, pig tails can be a fun way to experiment. Add bows like Jenny Park to make them feel more fancy.
Half-Up, Half-Down Prom Hair
If you want a classic and chic look, Emma Watson's hairstyle is perfect for prom. She opted to do a wavy style for a half-up, half-down look tied with a bow and parted her curtain bangs for a fun look with many elements that are still timeless and elegant.
Maude Apatow's hair reminds us of picturesque prom scenes from our favorite 2000s movies. What better way to channel the Y2K trend than a hairstyle for prom? Complete the look with some butterfly clips.
Feeling torn between a doing a bun or keeping your hair down? You can have the best of both worlds. Just do a small top knot and leave the rest of your hair down with a few pieces framing your face like Danna Paola.
If you're looking for a more classic half-up, half-down look, channel Normani. Her look included a high half ponytail with curled ends and a few strands elegantly placed to the side.
This iconic hairstyle from Zendaya still lives in our heads rent-free. To recreate it, just pin a few pieces on each side of your hair back with a draping effect.
Loosely tying the front of the hair back like Leah Sava Jeffries adds an elegant touch to your look for an extra detail, and opting to do it in four pieces with two on each side just makes the hairstlye look more intricate.
If you want to add some more accessories to your prom look, try a half-up, half-down hairstyle held up by pins like Sydney Sweeney's.
You can still join in on the fun with short hair! Just take Hunter Schafer for example. She wore a half-up, half-down look with her bob for the Euphoria season two premiere and you can wear one to prom too! Just opt for a thinner hair tie or smaller clips!
Braided Prom Hairstyles
Percy Jackson star Leah Jeffries loves herself a protective hairstyle, namely boho braids. They're a very popular braided alternative when wanting to spice up your regular box braids. They also can be worn in several different updos, like the headband braid as well.
No headband? No problem. BLACKPINK's Jennie showed us the cutest braid doubling as a headband at Paris Fashion Week. It's so dreamlike, it would be perfect for prom.
This look by Yara Shahidi is a perfect way to make a classic look trendy and formal for prom. Just don't forget hair ties!
A crown braid is a go-to for special events for a reason! You can DIY them at home and they are pretty convenient for keeping your hair out of your face. Plus, they have an elegant yet whimsical look to them! Take some inspo from Naomi Campbell's timeless look.
Braids can be a fun detail that add to your whole look. So, a side braid like Storm Reid's is the perfect way to showcase your braid as part of your outfit.
