Prom night is one of the most anticipated moments of your high school experience — a magical evening filled with memories, laughter, and of course, stunning style. While your outfit might take center stage, your hairstyle can be the finishing touch that pulls the whole look together.
Are you dreaming of something elegant and timeless, or are you aiming for a bold and trendy vibe? Whether you have long locks, a medium-length mane, or a chic short cut, there’s a perfect prom hairstyle waiting for you. And don’t worry — you don’t need to be a pro stylist to pull it off. We’ve rounded up 25+ prom hairstyle ideas for 2025, featuring everything from easy updos to natural curls, tailored for every hair type and personal style.
In this guide, you’ll find styles that match your vibe and enhance your dress. With 2025 trends leaning toward natural textures, subtle glam, and statement accessories, you’ll find inspiration to confidently walk into prom with hair that wows.
Let’s explore the best prom hairstyles for long hair, short cuts, curly textures, and everything in between — so you can shine bright on your big night!
Table of Contents
- 💁♀️ Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair
- 💇♀️ Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair
- 💫 Prom Updos for a Polished Look
- 💖 Pretty Prom Hairstyles
- ✂️ Short Hair Prom Hairstyles
- 🌸 Easy Prom Hairstyles You Can DIY
- ✨ Medium Length Hair Prom Hairstyles
- 💁 Curly Hair / Natural Curls Prom Hairstyles
- 🧡 Short Prom Hairstyles (Repeat-focused on ultra-short styles)
- 🎓 Formal Hairstyles for Prom
- 💁♀️ Hairstyles for Long Hair (Additions)
- 🌀 Updo Prom Hairstyles
- 💫 Bun Hairstyles for Prom
- 💖 Pretty Hairstyles for Prom
- ✨ Easy Hairstyles for Prom
- 🌙 Prom Night Ready Hairstyles
- 💡 Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyles for Prom
- 🌺 Braided Prom Hairstyles
- 💃 Curly Hairstyles for Prom
- Conclusion
💁♀️ Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair
1. Romantic Loose Waves
Flowing, loose waves are a classic prom favorite. They add a soft, romantic feel and pair perfectly with off-shoulder or sweetheart neckline dresses. Use a wide-barrel curling iron for effortless texture and volume.
2. Twisted Half-Up Style
Perfect for adding elegance while keeping some length down. Twist small sections of hair from both sides and pin them at the back. It’s simple, graceful, and looks great with hair accessories.
3. Braided Crown
Wrap a loose braid around your head like a crown for a fairy-tale-inspired look. It’s dreamy, ideal for boho dresses, and works well with both straight and wavy textures.
4. Sleek High Ponytail
This style is bold and polished. It adds height and drama to your overall look while keeping hair off your face — perfect for a clean, modern aesthetic.
5. Low Hollywood Waves
Channel Old Hollywood glam with sculpted, side-parted waves. It’s timeless and stunning, especially with a glittery dress or red lip combo.
💇♀️ Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair
6. Textured Lob with Sparkly Clips
The lob (long bob) is super trendy right now. Add texture using a curling wand and finish with sparkly pins or clips for a flirty, polished look.
7. Braided Bun
Gather your hair into a low bun and wrap a braid around it. It’s elegant but not overdone — ideal if you want a classy and secure updo.
8. Loose Side Braid
A side braid with gentle volume adds effortless charm. Pull out a few front strands for a softer look and pair it with subtle makeup for a fresh vibe.
9. Soft Curls with a Deep Side Part
A deep side part adds drama, while soft curls keep it youthful. This is great if you want a balance between formal and relaxed.
10. Twisted Crown with Waves
Create twists on each side and pin them back to form a soft crown. It’s an easy way to elevate medium-length hair with romantic flair.
💫 Prom Updos for a Polished Look
11. Classic Chignon
This timeless updo sits low at the nape of your neck and pairs beautifully with elegant gowns. Add pearl pins for extra glam.
12. Messy Bun with Tendrils
A slightly undone bun with soft face-framing tendrils gives a chic yet relaxed look. It’s Instagram-worthy and perfect for a modern prom queen.
13. French Twist
A refined, vintage-inspired choice that works best with sleek textures. Pair it with a backless dress to show off your neckline.
14. Braided Updo
Add braids into your bun or twist for a romantic, detailed touch. It looks intricate but can be achieved with basic braiding skills.
15. Low Bun with Side Swept Bangs
Smooth bangs swept to the side with a low bun is a sweet and elegant look — especially great for those with layers or bangs.
💖 Pretty Prom Hairstyles
16. Bubble Ponytail
A fun, whimsical style created by tying elastic bands down a ponytail and teasing each section. It’s playful and stands out with minimal effort.
17. Ribbon Braided Hair
Incorporate a satin ribbon into your braid for a unique, princess-inspired look. It’s girly, festive, and can match your dress color.
18. Waterfall Braid
Let waves cascade while a waterfall braid gently weaves across your hair. It’s soft, elegant, and very Pinterest-worthy.
19. Side Swept Glam Curls
Part your hair deeply and curl it all in one direction, pinning it to one side. This creates a red-carpet-ready finish.
20. Twisted Side Ponytail
Perfect if you want something secure yet stylish. Twist small sections before tying your ponytail low and to the side.
✂️ Short Hair Prom Hairstyles
21. Faux Hawk
Add volume to the center and pin the sides to create a fierce faux hawk. This edgy look works beautifully with pixie cuts or short bobs.
22. Finger Waves
Inspired by the ‘20s, finger waves give short hair a sculpted, high-fashion twist. It’s elegant and works especially well with vintage dresses.
23. Mini Top Knot
Pull the top half of your hair into a mini knot for a playful and polished look. Add volume or texture to the rest for contrast.
24. Side Part with Soft Curls
Curls on short hair create instant volume and glam. A defined side part adds structure to this sweet style.
25. Curled Bob with Accessories
Add soft waves to your bob and pin back one side with a sparkling clip or hair comb. It’s classic, chic, and super photogenic.
🌸 Easy Prom Hairstyles You Can DIY
26. Simple Half-Up with Clip
Pull the top half of your hair back and secure with a glam barrette. It’s quick, elegant, and adds flair in seconds.
27. Headband Braid
Use a braid as a faux headband across your hairline. It looks detailed but is surprisingly easy with a little practice.
28. High Messy Bun
Gather your hair into a messy top knot for an effortless look. Use a scrunchie or satin ribbon for a playful touch.
29. Slicked Back Hair
A little gel goes a long way. Slick your hair back for a runway-ready, wet-look vibe that screams confidence.
✨ Medium Length Hair Prom Hairstyles
30. Curled Ends with Volume
Add large curls just to the ends of your hair and tease the crown for volume. It’s a subtle but classy look.
31. Boho Braided Crown
Wrap a braid around your head for a whimsical feel. Works great with floral or flowy dresses.
32. Soft Waves with Side Clip
Soft, beachy waves paired with a crystal side clip create a youthful and elegant prom vibe.
33. Half-Up Twist
Twist two sections from each side and clip them at the back. Add volume on top for a little drama.
💁 Curly Hair / Natural Curls Prom Hairstyles
34. Defined Ringlets with Volume
Embrace your natural curls by defining them with a curl cream or mousse. This voluminous look is bold and beautiful.
35. Puff Updo
Gather your curls into a high puff or bun for an eye-catching, natural glam moment.
36. Curly Half-Up with Bangs
Let your curls run wild while pinning the top half back. Add some curly bangs in front for a youthful, playful look.
37. Space Buns
Add a funky twist with two space buns on top. This style is super fun and lets your personality shine.
🧡 Short Prom Hairstyles (Repeat-focused on ultra-short styles)
38. Pixie with Hair Jewelry
A sleek pixie gets prom-ready with hair jewelry or decorative clips. Simple but striking.
39. Spiked Texture with Shine
Add texture and shine with pomade for a sharp, edgy look that stands out.
40. Side Combed Pixie
Comb your pixie to the side and secure with a sleek finish — great for modern and minimal prom outfits.
🎓 Formal Hairstyles for Prom
41. Elegant Twisted Chignon
This formal favorite is all about sophistication. The hair is smoothly twisted into a low chignon at the nape of your neck, giving a clean and polished look. Pair with statement earrings and a floor-length gown for maximum impact.
42. Slicked Low Ponytail with Side Part
A sleek, straight ponytail with a deep side part exudes red carpet elegance. This minimalist style lets your dress and makeup shine while giving off boss-level confidence.
43. French Roll with Hair Accessories
A French roll is a timeless formal style. Add pearl or crystal pins to elevate the look for prom night perfection — ideal for strapless or high-neck dresses.
💁♀️ Hairstyles for Long Hair (Additions)
44. Boho Waves with Braided Accents
Long, loose waves get a prom upgrade with a couple of mini braids woven in on the sides. This style gives off ethereal energy and is perfect for outdoor or garden-themed proms.
45. Slick High Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
Pull your long hair into a high ballerina-style bun and leave a few curled strands in the front. It’s both classy and flirty — perfect for a polished prom look.
🌀 Updo Prom Hairstyles
46. Twisted Top Knot Updo
This modern twist on a classic bun involves twisting sections of hair into a high knot with volume and texture. It’s trendy, neat, and keeps your hair out of the way while dancing the night away.
47. Double Bun Updo
Why settle for one when you can have two? This edgy and cute style features two buns at the crown of your head — bold, playful, and ideal if you want to stand out.
💫 Bun Hairstyles for Prom
48. Messy Bun with a Scarf
Give your prom bun a boho twist by tying a silk scarf around it. This look is casual-chic and works well for artsy or whimsical prom aesthetics.
49. Braided Low Bun
Weave a braid through your hair before wrapping it into a low bun. This combo adds texture and charm, making it a go-to option for romantic prom themes.
💖 Pretty Hairstyles for Prom
50. Side Pony with Waves
Soft curls gathered into a side ponytail create a dreamy, romantic feel. Add a floral clip or jeweled accessory for that extra “wow” factor.
51. Butterfly Clip Waves
Loose waves scattered with small butterfly clips are youthful, trendy, and oh-so-Instagrammable. It’s a playful look that brings Y2K vibes to your prom night.
✨ Easy Hairstyles for Prom
52. Loose Braided Headband
Braid a small section of your hair and pin it across your head like a headband. It’s a 5-minute style that adds elegance with minimal effort.
53. High Puff Ponytail
Gather your curls or waves into a high ponytail and fluff it out for a voluminous, no-fuss style. Add some glitter spray for an instant party-ready glow.
🌙 Prom Night Ready Hairstyles
54. Side Swept Curls with Glam Clips
Big, soft curls swept to one side give a sultry and sophisticated look. Add a set of rhinestone hair clips for ultimate evening glam.
55. Wet Look Waves
Use a strong-hold gel to sculpt your waves for a sleek, glossy finish. It’s daring, fashion-forward, and absolutely prom night worthy.
💡 Half-Up Half-Down Hairstyles for Prom
56. Braided Half-Up Crown
Braid two small sections from each side and pin them at the back for a pretty crown effect. Leave the rest of your hair in waves or curls for a whimsical prom style.
57. Twisted Half-Up Ponytail
Twist each side of your hair toward the back and tie them together to form a half-up ponytail. It’s easy, polished, and leaves room for added accessories.
🌺 Braided Prom Hairstyles
58. Fishtail Side Braid
The fishtail braid is detailed and dramatic — perfect for prom. Sweep it over one shoulder and gently pull it apart for a voluminous finish.
59. Crown Braid with Curls
Wrap a thick braid around the crown of your head, then let the rest of your hair fall into soft curls. Add fresh flowers or pins for extra charm.
💃 Curly Hairstyles for Prom
60. Curly Ponytail with Volume
Gather your natural curls into a high or mid ponytail and fluff out the ends. It’s bold, beautiful, and celebrates your natural texture.
61. Side Parted Defined Curls
Define your curls using a curl cream and part your hair to one side. Use a pretty clip to pin one side back for a neat, prom-ready finish.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to prom hair — and that’s what makes it so fun! Whether you’re into glam curls, sleek buns, soft waves, or edgy short styles, your hair should reflect your personality and complete your prom night vision. With these 25+ prom hairstyle ideas for 2025, you’ve got inspiration no matter your hair type, texture, or length.
So, go ahead and screenshot your faves, test a few styles, and get ready to turn heads on prom night!
