Selecting a hairstyle that is best for prom is as important as looking for a dress. A timeless example of a great hairstyle is a half up, half down accent ponytail. This type of hairstyle looks classic and elegant, and would even more gorgeous and sophisticated with some soft curls. For prom, this type of hairstyle would help complete your look because it keeps hair out of your face, while some of your hair is allowed to flow freely. Additionally, the half up, half down accent ponytail allows for many hair accessories and soft curls to enhance the look with even more options. This look is super versatile and allows for you to be your best self for the evening.
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is easily one of the most underrated look by customers. However, I love seeing customers change their mind instantly as I grab the top section of their hair. One of my clients from last spring comes to mind. She was pretty quiet throughout the appointment, but after some persuasion I got her to do a half up. Her mom didn’t like the idea, claiming it was too ‘informal’ for the occasion. When I turned the chair to face the mirror, this girl started crying. That’s the power of a good half-up style. It offers a nice structure as you still have the freedom to have your hair down and flowing. It is also great for pictures and is very dance friendly. The customizability is also a huge plus! You can add in braids, curls, and fun accessories, plus you can always do Old Hollywood Waves. With this style, it is best to avoid pictures as there are other styles that look bad for photos. No matter what hair type or length you have, it will always look good. It’s all about personalizing the look for your hair, so don’t be afraid to skip the reference picture and instead go for something more aspirational.
#1: Bohemian Twisted Crown with Soft Waves
The addition of the crown braid makes this style stand out from the other half up half down waves hairstyles. There is a bohemian vibe here that is nice because it is not going full hippie which a lot of people tend to do. The waves are perfectly loose and messy, and will move with you as you walk. If your curls typically fall out by the end of the night, consider putting a texturizing spray in your hair before curling. This will give the curls more grip to help them hold throughout the night.
#2: Soft Defined Curls with a Delicate Accent
I don’t mean this rudely, but this style looks like it took zero effort. Not in a bad way though, I love how defined the curls are but how soft they look. I can imagine them shattering if someone touched the curls but that seems a bit unlikely. The little accessory at the gathering point really elevates the whole look but doesn’t compete with anything else you’re wearing. I think the style would be best suited for someone whose hair holds curl well on its own because I can’t imagine how frustrating it would be to work against your natural texture all night.
#3 Textured Waves with a Touch of Sparkle
Waves often look very good, especially when they look soft enough to look natural, but also look finished enough to look unfinished if they did not have waves. The length also helps them form without the hair getting crowded at the shoulders. If you have a dress that is busy at the neckline then this is the style that will go with it really well as it won’t compete. The accessory is small and well placed, and that makes a difference more than people think.
#4: Retro-Inspired Lush Waves
I love the retro vibe! It’s nice to see a look that isn’t just about the beachy look, I feel like it has more of a perspective. It’s volumized but not too over the top which shows that the artist actually understood the difference between big and just too much hair. If this is the level of wave definition you’re going for, a 1.25 inch curling iron and some patience will definitely do the trick. Don’t rush the cool downs; that’s how you achieve that hold.
#5: Twisted Bun with Cascading Waves
That little twisted bun is cuter than most prom updos. It adds a nice detail that won’t overpower fine hair and the waves coming out of it look and feel great. If your hair is thinner this is a good choice because the bun gives the appearance of more density on top while the waves do their thing underneath. Overall the look feels youthful which is the prom’s ideal target.
#6: Romantic Twisted Crown with Flowing Curls
The crown’s twisting detail is doing a lot of the work here and the romantic touch of the curls underneath is soft enough to not go into pageant territory. This is the kind of hairstyle I would suggest for someone who wants the style to be special but not overly styled. The length obviously helps, but I have done versions of this on hair that has just hit past the collarbone and it has still worked. Keep those ends healthy right up to prom because dry ends will undercut the whole effect more than anything else.
#7: Beachy Twist Detail at the Crown
If you want a look that is a little bit more relaxed, this style is the perfect mixture between dressed up and casual. The crown twist looks secure, but it doesn’t look too tight and the waves look laid back. The look is great if you have hair around shoulder length because you get movement from the hair in the front, but you don’t have all the hair that will weigh the curl out. For fine hair, this is one of the best options on the list as it will work with your texture instead of against it.
#8: Glossy Textured Waves Pulled Back
I believe that the gloss treatment or possibly a hydrating mask is still working on the hair and is a big part of the shine and gloss. The bright reflection off the hair and waves define the hair and make the waves look more expensive. The texture looks thick, but not crunchy. The top is also slicked back and smooth which takes some effort, especially if there is any frizz. But that effort is worth it. This is one of those looks where the hair speaks for itself.
#9: Curly Elegance with a Floral Touch
This floral accessory works well with these curls since they are not competing with the flower. I notice a lot of people adding flowers or other clips to busy styles and it just becomes noise, but this does a nice job of being balanced. The twist at the crown gives it structure which is nice, and the curls below are loose and pretty. This look is a great option for those who want a focal point in the hairstyle rather than all of it blending together.
#10: Full Glamorous Waves with Volume
Unlike most styles this one really works. The way volume is created helps prevent the overly teased look that can make styles look dated. Quite frankly, a considerable amount of hair density is necessary to pull this off. If you have thick hair and have been looking for a style that truly utilizes all of your hair instead of thinning it, now is your chance.
#11: Boho Braid Detail with Natural Waves
The single braid that goes through the half-up style looks much more personal than fussy. The waves look natural which would suit a garden party or a beach ceremony as well as a prom. I prefer the braid being neither too tight nor too intricate as with a half-up style too much complicated braiding can go into the realm of showing a technique rather than simply wearing a hairstyle. Just a light mousse would keep the waves, but not stiff.
#12: Soft Face-Framing Waves
A fantastic example of elegant simplicity can be found in this half up half down style. Gentle waves in the hair with a clean pull back and a few strands left out to frame the face. No need for any accessories, braids, twists, or any of that. For anyone that needs their hair out of their face, but still loves how it looks down, this is the style I would recommend. It just is.
#13: Warm-Toned Waves with Highlights
This color adds so much to the style! Each wave looks so dimensional because of the highlights. When most people think about their prom hair, they don’t consider that the color and style need to compliment each other. The waves look so full and bouncy and not over curled so they will probably last all night. If you are planning on getting highlights for prom, make sure you do it at least two weeks before so the tone can settle.
#14: Voluminous Bouncy Curls
This is classic glamour with large bouncy curls, a smooth crown, and real volume. The transition from the smooth top section to the curls is very seamless, which indicates nice sectioning. I will say this: if your hair is fine, this particular look is going to be a struggle. With enough product and a set of hot rollers, you might be able to achieve it, but the hold may not last as long as you would like. Although this may take a lot of work for fine hair, it will be practically effortless for thick and coarse hair.
#15: Twisted Crown with Long Flowing Curls
The crown twists are good, and I like that they won’t be pulling on the hairline, which is a common mistake I see. Below the twists, the curls have nice length to them, and they fall nicely rather than in an unnatural, styled way. I would recommend a texturizing spray to prevent the crown area from getting flat as the night goes on, especially considering you may get oily at the roots.
#16: Braided Half Up with Soft Waves
The video shows intricate and careful braiding without being too complex, which is a surprisingly difficult balance to achieve. The braids accentuate the natural wave of the hair, which seems to be effortlessly brushed and appears manageable regardless of hair type. Overall, the style evokes a soft and warm feeling — perhaps thanks to the hair color, but also likely due to the styling. The style also seems adaptable, as it should be suitable for brunch the following day if you happen to get a good night’s sleep.
#17: Loose Beach Waves with a Romantic Twist
The relaxed and gentle wave texture is laid back, but the definition still lets it be interpreted as purposeful. The soft romantic twist at the crown adds some shape but steers clear of the seriousness of a complete updo. This is especially ideal for hair with natural waves because you are not building something from nothing – you are improving what is already there. If your hair is incredibly straight, be ready to put in some effort to get those waves going.
#18: Braided Crown with Cascading Curls
The braids on the crown of the head creates a nice frame for the rest of the hair to fall from, and the curls underneath are just structured enough to feel polished as opposed to relaxed. The highlights add a bit of depth and make the curls more dynamic than they would be if they were a single tone. This type of style means that the braid will most likely loosen as the night goes on, so its a good idea to have a couple of well placed bobby pins to tuck under.
#19: Low Bun with Cascading Soft Waves
I think the little bun in the back is really creative! It gives the style some balance and elevates the half up style without being too tricky. The waves under the bun look soft and natural. The caramel and chestnut colors in the hair warm everything up beautifully and once it’s done, this is the style that doesn’t require too much attention and that is super helpful on a night when you have other things to think about.
#20: Crimson Curls with a Braided Accent
I love how phenomenal the color is! The brilliant shades of crimson in the hair give a liveliness that few colors can match. The braid adds some texture without taking away from the color. This works excellently as an accent for those with natural or dyed red hair. The curls are very bouncy, indicating that they were set well, and cooled before being pulled apart. If you are planning to wear a red color for prom, you will need to discuss it with your colorist way before the event because getting a crimson shade like this is not something you can do on the same day.
#21: Voluminous Defined Curls with Elegant Twists
The definition of the curls here is beautiful. Each curl is distinct without looking separated or crunchy, and that balance is skill. The twists that pull the hair back frame the face nicely and keep the focus on those curls rather than competing with them. For thick, wavy hair, this is a style that allows the natural texture to do most of the talking, and you’re just refining what you already have. For a flexible hold look use hairspray, which will keep everything in place without the helmet look.
#22: Twisted Bun with Flowing Polished Waves
What I enjoy about this look is the playfulness of it. The bun at the top is a fun addition, and the waves look healthy, which gives the whole style a polished finish. This look works best with straight hair that has been curled. The natural weight of the hair helps support the bun while the waves fall nicely. If your hair is slippery and does not hold a bun well, put some dry shampoo in the top section before twisting to give the hair something to grab onto.
#23: Sleek Pulled-Back Waves
What stands out in this design is the sleek shape of the top part. It looks modern and has a clean gentle wave styling underneath the top part, which is more of a softer look than a harsher one. The look is very photogenic as the combination of the soft lengths and polished top part creates a striking visual. Also, this is one of the simpler half-up styles that is easy to sleep in since the top part doesn’t create any frizz like curls or twists do. If you want a classy style that doesn’t require a lot of thought to do, this is a perfect option.
#24: Romantic Loose Curls with a Back Twist
The way the back part is twisted helps to hold structure so that the hair can fall over it naturally without it looking messy. It’s for someone who wants to have their hair down, but needs the peace of mind of having it all pulled back. This style has a lovely flow which is what you want for dancing.
#25: Knotted Bun with Layered Curls
The soft knot at the crown is a little bit more modern and editorial than a classic twist or braid. The curls are layered to build more flattering volume and avoid looking heavy at the bottom. If your hair is fine, this is a great option because knotted buns add more fullness at the crown where finer hair tends to fall flat and the layered curls will help give the illusion of more hair, off along the ends, which is great.
#26: Polished Soft Waves with a Sleek Crown
I’m really impressed by the clean and elegant look this design has. It definitely doesn’t overdo it. The top part adds to the romantic appeal of the wave pattern and blends nicely with the flowing waves below. I’d put this on someone who prefers her hair to sit back and not compete with her outfit. I love the boldness in the simplicity of this design. The most simple designs seem to get the most compliments because they let your face and dress do the talking.
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