Whether it’s arriving with natural curls or adding a few spirals with a curling iron, curls are bound to be one of the most popular styles at prom this year. Curls on prom night are a guaranteed way to attract attention when you enter the room.
Many naturally curly girls view prom as a unique opportunity to straighten those waves, but remember there are plenty of inventive ideas to embrace your naturally curly hair!
Explore all of these trendy & beautiful ideas for curly prom hairstyles!
Elegant Chignon with Defined Curls
Consider trying a high chignon with defined curls for a stunning appearance. Having visible bouncy curls will contribute to creating volume. At the same time, the delicate face-framing tendrils will infuse softness into your look. The secret to making this hairstyle come alive is to use strong-holding products. Beadhead Masterpiece Shiny Hairspray With Extra Strong Hold is one of the best options to keep the curls secured in place. This style will definitely be a favorite at the prom!
Elegant Long Curly Hairstyle
A stunning option for memorable events is an elegant long, curly half-up hairstyle. Create your look with a few face-framing sections of hair. These pieces should help give your style a harmonious feel. Here’s a tip to enhance the appearance of your curls: divide your ponytail into two sections. Leave the bottom half as it is to give the ponytail a more elongated look.
Curly Faux Hawk Updo with Delicate Braids
This stunning curly faux hawk updo is a distinctive yet classy choice for prom. It’s ideal for medium to long hair length. It features tight curls and gentle braid accents to create softness. When styling this look, be sure to take small sections of hair while braiding. This will help to keep the braids tight and close to the scalp. Use ample TRESemmé Thermal Creations Leave-In Heat Tamer to maintain your curls throughout the night. This provides protection from heat-styling tools while ensuring long-lasting hold.
Medium Curled Hairstyle with Center Part
A medium-curled hairstyle with a center part is ideal for any elegant event. Start by dividing your hair down the middle and blow-drying it for a sleek finish. Next, use a 3/4-inch curling iron to create the curls. To help the curls hold better, apply a light hairspray before curling each section. Avoid combing through them. Make a second application of hairspray to maintain the curls and boost their bounce.
Curly Beauty with Braids
This hairstyle is effortless and natural. It would be best if you had medium to thick hair to wear this style. The products I used were dry shampoo and a thermal protectant hairspray. Easy-going, simple, organically beautiful, formal curly hairstyles like this are my favorite because the clients that request this typically embody all of those characteristics.
Framing the Face: A Curly Updo with a Middle Part
Create a unique look with a middle part that frames your face coupled with an elegant curly updo. Begin by applying a moisturizing product to your hair for added shine and curl definition. Next, establish two middle parts, starting at the crown and another a bit lower at the back. Twist each section into defined curls before pinning them at the top of your head. Use bobby pins to secure the curls at various angles. Complete the style with a light spray of hairspray for durability. We recommend Kérastase Laque Noire Hairspray. Ensure that some curls remain on display around your face for a beautifully soft finish.
Half Braided Headband Accompanied by Loose Curls
Consider trying a half braided headband paired with loose curls for your upcoming formal occasion. This delightful style is relatively simple to create. First, dry your hair and curl each section using the right iron size. I suggest using a 3/4-inch iron and misting each section of your hair with hairspray to guarantee the curls last. Next, take the strand of hair in front of your ear, braid it toward the back, and then secure it with a hairpin. To give the braid a fuller appearance, gently tug at each section. Finally, add a charming barrette to your hair as a finishing touch.
Elegant Blonde Updo with Framing Curls
Try an elegant blonde updo with framing curls. Achieving this glamorous style is easy and perfect for curly hair. To style, you need a texture spray, like Bumble and Bumble’s Texture Hair (Un) Dressing Creme, and bobby pins. Use the product throughout damp hair before blow drying with a diffuser attachment. Twist small sections of hair into place as desired and secure with bobby pins. Finish with hairspray for an extra helping of hold!
Elegant Half-Up Prom Look with Long, Lush Curly Twists
Try an elegant half-up style with long, lush curly twists to shine at prom. Spritz some Redken Guts Volume Spray Foam on wet hair, then scrunch the curls while drying the hair. Section some hair from the sides and twist the hair. Once you have the twists in place, secure the twists with bobby pins. Continue to do this technique on both sides of the head while maintaining the volume on top. Finish with some hairspray, and you’ll be ready to hit the dance floor!
Medium Curly Look Enhanced with Pearls
A medium curly look enhanced with pearls is an elegant hairstyle for special events. Consider trying this technique if your hair is of short to medium length. You’ll want your hair to be curly, using a curling iron or embracing your natural curls, allowing them to cascade over your shoulder. Next, gather the hair around your temples, twist it back, and secure it with bobby pins. Finally, add some embellishments above these twisted sections. This style can also be adapted for your daily routine, providing a refreshing change.
Stylish Curly Half-Updo Featuring a Wrapped Braid
A stylish curly half-updo featuring a wrapped braid is a fantastic and unique way to style mid-length hair. You’ll look feminine and delicate in this lovely style. First, diffuse your natural wave or use an iron to produce curls. Once your curls are in place, braid each side, leaving the top section out. Wrap the braids around your head to form a crown. And tuck the top section under for a beautiful hairstyle that will make a boho statement. Use bobby pins and hairspray to secure your stunning shape.
Chic Bob with Textured Curls and Tiny Braids
A stylish layered bob with textured curls and tiny braids is an excellent way to showcase your thick hair. To style, you should use a curl-enhancing product to emphasize your unique natural waves. Or use a curling iron to achieve curls. Once you have completed this, you can apply a few tiny-braiding techniques to craft the desired look for your hair. Be sure to select a product that provides a long-lasting hold for a voluminous and elegant appearance. Consider using a mousse paired with a generous amount of hairspray.
Charming Half Updo with Gentle Curls
A charming half updo with gentle curls is a lovely way to enhance your hairstyle, especially if you prefer a more effortless look. If possible, try to utilize your natural curl pattern. You can achieve this by drying your hair softly and then using an iron that is 3/4-inch thick. Next, take a small section of hair at the temple, twist this section, and secure it at the back of your head. Continue this technique across the top of your head to the opposite side. Encourage the hair ends to tuck under and secure them with pins to get the look you desire. Hairstyles that are suitable for formal occasions are not difficult to create.
Elegant Curly Copper Low Bun with Pearls
For your prom look, consider an elegant curly copper low bun adorned with pearls. It’s a refined style that is ideal for any special occasion. Start by curling your hair into tight ringlets or using your natural waves to achieve the desired appearance. Then, gather your hair into a low ponytail with a hair tie. Twist your hair with the ends tucked into the bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Add pearl ornamentation in a crown shape for a stunning and regal touch.
Twist Half-Updo for Bronde Ombre Locks
A twist half-updo is a fantastic option to showcase your bronde ombré hair color. The lighter strands of your hair will stand out beautifully at the back of your head. The style might seem complicated, but it’s fairly easy to do. Curl each small section with a 3/4 inch iron, spraying hairspray as you go. Twist a strand of hair backward from the temple area and secure it with a bobby pin in the center. Do the same for the other side. That completes your look.
Beautiful Curly Updo Featuring Curtain Bangs
A curly updo with curtain bangs is an ideal choice for women with naturally curly hair to highlight their texture without overwhelming it. Often, women with natural curls possess significant volume, so a refined updo enables facial features to take center stage. By embracing natural texture and styling curtain bangs, a gentle face-framing effect is nonetheless created while illuminating the face and giving it prominence. Utilizing natural curls for volume rather than fighting against them leads to less heat damage and a more enduring hairstyle. Employ moisturizing hair products to prevent frizz when crafting formal hairstyles for curly locks.
Chic Curly Faux Bob with Headband
A stylish curly faux bob adorned with a beaded headband makes for an effortless party look. You can opt for coiled ringlets or soft waves to enhance the fullness of your faux bob. Make sure to utilize a strong holding hairspray. Consider Kevin Murphy Session Strong Hold Finishing Hairspray to ensure your prom style stays intact while you enjoy the festivities. Adding some colorful, glittery clips can also provide an extra touch of sparkle.
Inverted Curly Half Updo
The ideal prom hairstyle is a curly half updo style. Not only is this half updo chic, but it will also help keep the curls out of your face while dancing. Start with a volumizing product, like a mousse, to add some texture. Then, use a wide-toothed comb to separate your curls. Pull the top half of your hair back and secure it with an elastic band. Finally, lightly separate the curls and use some hairspray to keep your look in place.
Curly Textured Updo
This is a lovely textured updo. It is one of my favorite formal styles! What I appreciate about this look is that it enhances the natural beauty of curly hair, working with the texture to create a stunning effect. It can also be achieved on straight hair by creating a natural-looking s-wave for texture using a wand or curling iron. You really can’t go wrong with this style. It always looks polished and well executed, so it’s always a win! Ponytails and buns disturb the natural flow of curls and waves and would work against this look.
Apply a curl product after cleansing and either air-dry or gently diffuse with a blow dryer. My favorite curl-enhancing product is Bouncy & Tender by L’Oreal Professionnel. It’s part cream and part gel, giving textured hair a perfect combo for frizz-free definition. My go-to hairspray for any updo is Extreme Lacquer, also by L’Oreal Professionnel. It allows me to freely shape the hair by hand and then use pins to lock it into place. The hold never lets me down, and I feel confident that my style will make it through an eventful night! Every curl has its personality, so give it some love and let it lead the way!
Chic Kinky Bun Updo with Flattering Curls
A chic kinky bun updo with flattering curls and a hair wrap is a distinctive and feminine look that’s ideal for prom. Start by using your natural wave or curling your hair with a small iron and gathering it into a high bun. Wrap a lovely hairpiece around the bun to secure it and add a touch of elegance. Leave out some face-framing curls, and you’ll have a style that enhances your features. To ensure your hair stays in place all night, use a light-hold hairspray to complete the look.
Stylish Medium-Length Curls with Twin French Braids
Defined curls can be an excellent option for showcasing your natural texture. Additionally, it’s an ideal prom hairstyle for curly hair. To achieve this look, begin with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Next, apply a product like a curl-defining cream to damp hair. Braid each side of your hair into twin french braids. To complete your style, consider using a hairspray or texturizing spray. I recommend opting for a light-hold hairspray so the curls retain their natural movement.
Elegant Voluminous Updo for Curly Hair
Consider an elegant voluminous updo for curly hair as your next dressy hairstyle. To achieve the regal updo, start by diffusing your curls with a volume-enhancing product. Secure the hair above the nape with bobby pins, doing this in sections around the head. Add volume by letting the hair on the sides of your face remain full. If needed, use an iron to soften the curls and enhance your look with soft tendrils around the face.
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