You have your dress, shoes, and accessories; now it’s time to decide how to style your hair! With long hair, there are countless gorgeous upstyles for you to consider, which can feel a bit daunting. Simplify your choice by selecting a style that complements not just your dress, personality, or theme, but also your facial features. Here are some fantastic prom updo ideas for long hair to inspire your look!
Elegant Low Wrapped Bun
An elegant low-wrapped bun is a perfect romantic style for pristine class and sophistication. When trying to create a low-wrapped bun, it’s good to keep in mind the bigger you want the bun, the longer or thicker you want your hair to be, so for long thick hair, this is an easy-to-achieve style. If you have thin or short hair, a graceful low bun can still be achieved but consider some extensions to help with density and fullness. When creating a smooth and very flawless-looking prom updo hairstyle, it’s important to use soft and workable products while making the style; then more firm-hold products to finish the style off.
Classic Elegance Meets Contemporary Style
This sleek and polished updo is a stunning example of hairstyling finesse. Prep your hair with Extra-Body Sculpting Foam by Paul Mitchell to boost volume. Medium to thick hair will work best for this look. This style will complement round, heart, and square face shapes.
Stunning Dark Copper Updo
This stunning dark copper updo is one of the finest ways to keep your hair up and out of your face while looking fabulous all night long. You won’t have to worry about how your hair appears in a picture or keep adjusting it. Try an updo to maintain a fuss-free hairstyle for a special occasion. Just remember a travel-size hairspray.
Elegantly Loose Updo
A loose updo, gently pinned in place, offers a soft and ethereal appearance to the wearer. To maintain a secure yet delicate style, consider using Paul Mitchell’s Hold Me Tight.
This hairstyle is versatile and complements various face shapes based on how the hair is styled across the forehead. For a longer face shape, covering more of the forehead will create a shorter look, while a wider face shape will benefit from just the right amount of coverage to achieve a more slender appearance.
Effortless Updo with Soft Waves
The right tools can achieve an effortless updo with soft waves at home. I suggest starting your hair prep with hot rollers for a more voluminous style. Though a curling iron can also be used, the style might not look as full. Start at the nape, grab a large section of hair, and secure it with bobby pins. Work through your hair, taking it section by section and repeating the same process. You’ll need to pin the ends up if you have very long hair to stop them from hanging down. For a final feminine touch, you can add a bow.
Simplistic Twists and Waves
Look stunning in updo hairstyles for prom with simplistic twists and waves. Soft tousled textures will add movement and dimension to your look. Apply a sea salt spray such as Oribe’s Beach Wave & Shine on your hair updos for long hair. To finish, add a texturizing product like Ouai’s Texturizing Hair Spray. It will create an effortless wave without a weighed-down effect. Tweezers can also enhance loosely defined curls in specific sections of the hair. Spritz on a strong-hold hairspray to keep your style looking fresh all night long. Try Sally Hershberger 24K Supreme Stylist Luminous Hairspray.
Elegant Low Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
If you’re in search of the ideal updo, a low bun with face-framing pieces is classy and feminine. It would be best if you prepared your locks to achieve a volumized updo. Use styling products to ensure your hairstyle remains intact throughout the evening. Consider mousse or hairspray. Allow some strands to fall around the forehead and nape area. This adds a lovely romantic flair. It will look sophisticated without entirely sacrificing its simplicity. Complete the look with hairspray for exceptional hold!
Side Dutch Braid Hairstyle
Incorporating an updo with braids is a fashionable and admired method to elevate your hairstyle. You’ll discover how easy it is to integrate a few plaits into your look with a side Dutch braid hairstyle.
Elevated Updo with Face-Framing Strands
Are you searching for an impressive, voluminous updo for prom? This elevated updo features strands cascading around your face. The combination of sleek, flowing texture by the face and soft curls reminiscent of Bardot at the back will undoubtedly make you the focal point of the evening.
Bohemian Updo with Relaxed Curls
Start with a bohemian updo with relaxed curls. Romantic boho updos are a wonderful idea for keeping hair off the face during a dance night. By curling all of the hair with a one-inch curling iron, you can create a full head of texture to work with. You can divide the hair into sections, focus on creating twists and pins, and add a side crown braid to give this style a boho vibe. Leaving some hair tendrils out is essential to add more texture to the style.
Elegant Twisted Updo
Experience a contemporary twist on classic updos for prom to enhance your enchanting prom night appearance. The elegant twisted updo is straightforward to master with practice and the appropriate product. Try Aveda’s Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray. To craft this hairstyle, split your hair into two sections and twist both in opposite directions. Continue until the ends are tucked under, forming pinwheel shapes. Fasten each section with bobby pins for extra hold before applying hairspray. Opt for a lighter hairspray for all-day control without being overpowering or sticky. This romantic style presents grace from every angle and is sure to captivate hearts!
Elegant High Bun with Accent Pieces
Consider an elegant high bun with accent pieces. When prom is just around the corner, updos serve as ideal styles for all-night wear. They usually endure dancing and photographs. Experiment with a high bun while letting tendrils fall loosely around the hairline. They don’t need to coordinate. Embrace the idea of sisters, not twins, when selecting pieces. A hint of ribbon will add a youthful touch to this refined style.
Elegant Brunette Updo
Consider this elegant brunette updo if you want to enhance your facial features. The thoughtfully arranged tendrils beautifully frame the face, and the delicate curls are perfect for any face shape and size.
Elegant Crown Braid Updo for Prom
Do you have an upcoming event and wish to make a statement? Incorporate a charming crown braid into your prom updo hairstyles. It’s perfect for your lovely long hair. Ensure you style it away from your face to beautifully frame it. Prior to braiding, apply a sea salt spray like Ouai’s Wave Spray ($26). This adds extra texture and volume while offering a hint of hold. Next, create two French braids that begin near your temples. Weave them back towards each other until they converge below the nape of your neck. Secure both ends with hair ties and tuck the tails into one another. Repeat this process until they blend together seamlessly around the circumference of your head. Complete the look with some shine oil through the loose strands. Verb Ghost Oil provides softness and movement without any residue. Give it a try along with hairspray for lasting hold throughout the evening!
Pull-Through Braid Hairstyle
A pull-through braid is an excellent choice for long hair. This style keeps your hair elevated and tidy, minimizing strain on your scalp.
Elegant Low Jumbo Bun with Butterfly Hair Accessories
This hairstyle features a low and voluminous bun adorned with butterfly clips. If you’re skilled at handling your hair, you can achieve this look at home without a professional. Start by creating a low bun, dividing your hair into sections and deciding on its placement. Form twists on the sides of your hair, keeping them separate from the bun and securing these last. Once your low bun is twisted, fasten it with bobby pins. Then, twist the side sections of your hair, wrap them around the bun, and pin them in place. Finish the look with butterfly clips for an added touch of charm and playfulness.
Elegant Braided Crown with Soft Wavy Strands
A prom style, one of the most captivating looks for long hair updos, is a braided crown. Incorporate the crown with soft wavy strands for a stunning hairstyle. This updo not only appears gorgeous but is remarkably practical. It’s the perfect blend of classic sophistication and contemporary style. To enhance this look, you may fashion two dutch side braids on either side. Gently pull out and backcomb the ends to create more volume at the crown area for added dimension. Form a fishtail braid with the remaining hair down your middle part. Do this before securing it into a bun shape at the nape of your neck. This will serve as the main foundational structure for your ‘do. Once it’s fastened, you can apply styling foam or mousse from Fudge Urban. Distribute it through the locks. Then use three fingers to gently brush each strand downwards as far away from the roots as possible.
Chic Updo Featuring Soft Waves
If you’re searching for an elegant updo choice to showcase on a memorable evening, consider the chic updo featuring soft waves. This stylish prom look will ensure you shine without being excessively flamboyant. To achieve this style, begin by curling your hair with a large-barrelled wand or curling iron. Next, brush through your curls to gently relax them. Gather all your hair to one side of your head and form it into a bun at the base of your neck. Finally, pull a few delicate face-framing strands away from your design. Then loosely wave them using a flat iron set on low heat. You can apply hairspray as needed to keep each strand in place.
Chic Low Bun for Straight Hair
This chic low bun is stunning for long straight hair that’s sure to turn heads. You’ll first want to start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Then use a good heat protectant before creating smooth natural looking waves when your locks are curled and bouncy, and prep your hair to secure the bun. Take your ends and pull them back into a ponytail, securing the base at the nape of the neck. Then twist until a tight and secure bun is created. Secure base with bobby pins and smooth with Bed Head by TIGI Matte Separation Workable Wax. Voila, the perfect low updo, is ready for any special occasion!
Chic Low Overlap Bun
A chic low overlap bun is a beautiful choice for prom, as well as for everyday occasions! If you’re looking for a quick boost of confidence, this is the style to consider.
Elegant Long Face Frame with a Voluminous Hair Bun
If you’re a young woman eager to make a statement on your prom night, consider the stunning combination of a long face frame and a voluminous hair bun! This chic hairstyle elevates any formal dress. Its classic princess allure and tiara make it an ideal choice. Utilizing styling products like Batiste Dry Shampoo Clay Mousse can help achieve that enchanting appearance. It provides excellent hold for even the longest evenings, whether you’re dancing or posing for pictures. This remarkable product enhances volume and thickness, giving you a luxurious bun.
Gorgeous Twisted Ponytail
Choose a gorgeous twisted ponytail for an elegant prom updo. To create this style, begin by curling hair gently for texture. Once curls have cooled, spritz with hairspray to smooth and add hold. Gather locks into a low pony at the nape of the neck and secure with an elastic band. Lightly twist the length from mid-shaft to ends. Then wrap around the base until coiled tight and finish the look off with bobby pins for extra hold. Use Schwarzkopf Osis+ Freeze Finish Volume Hairspray. It will give you an extra boost of volume and shine that will last all night!
Casual Low Bun with a Fishtail Braid
This eye-catching prom updo is sure to make you shine! Try the casual low bun with a fishtail braid, ideal for highlighting your long locks. To achieve this dreamy look, lightly curl your strands until they are tousled and voluminous. Gather them into a relaxed knot at the nape of your neck and secure them using multiple bobby pins or U-pins. Once that’s done, integrate a delicate fishtail braid from one side up toward the base of your bun. Pin it securely as you go along. Finish with Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray. It will guarantee a lasting effect throughout the evening for breathtaking results!
Elegant Overlap Prom Updo
When preparing for prom, your hairstyle becomes key once you’ve selected the perfect dress. This look employs a technique that fuses braiding and twisting. It involves overlapping sections, twisting them, and securing them in place. If you’re adept at braiding, you can achieve this style at home or with assistance from a friend. If you’re not, seek out a stylist experienced with braiding techniques in advance. Not every stylist enjoys working with them, so it’s vital to convey this.
Effortlessly Chic Blonde Updo
Add effortless chic blonde updo details to your hair. Try to smooth your hair before doing an updo, either with a blow dryer or a hot set. Next, put your nape hair in a low ponytail, wrap the ends around it, and pin it securely. Work on each small section of hair by twisting it, then pin it to the ponytail to make it pretty. You can leave some ends out for a messy vibe.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.