Prom is undeniably one of the most unforgettable events in a high school girl’s life. The dress, the shoes, the date, and of course the hair must be just right! Why not save a little money and style your hair yourself? Here are a few easy prom hairstyles that are straightforward to achieve yet offer considerable style and elegance. A fantastic hairstyle can serve as the ideal finishing touch to the entire prom package!
Hopefully, these styles will provide you with an abundance of prom hair ideas. Whether you go for a timeless classic look or something a bit more trendy and modern, your hairstyle can perfectly complement a beautiful dress and striking accessories. And hopefully, you’ve come to understand that just because it appears elaborate doesn’t mean it needs to take hours to create. Here’s to a prom where you attract every eye in the room!
#1: Effortless Low Bun Hairstyle with Subtle Face Framing
An effortless low bun is a classic hairstyle with subtle face framing that beautifully enhances the overall appearance. Low buns embody simple, stunning elegance and are celebrated for their touch of romantic softness. To ideally frame the face, ensure to pull strands that fall where you desire them, but won’t obstruct your view or need to be constantly brushed away, as that could disrupt the curls and detract from the effect. A laid-back low bun represents effortless elegance, implying it doesn’t have to appear perfect and polished.
#2: Relaxed Waves
Quick and effortless! Scrunch your hair for some playful waves, then take a few sections and braid them for an adorable prom hairstyle that’s simple to create!
#3: Effortless Loose Bun
Less is more when you style your hair in a simple yet chic knot like this that’s perfect for medium to long hair. Leave some wavy pieces in front for a truly romantic prom touch.
#4: Classic Dutch Braid
This style is truly straightforward yet fit for royalty! Craft a simple braid to serve as a headband, twist those front sections for a playful vibe, and gather them into a lovely tousled bun at the back.
#5: Casual Bun
Do you appreciate a relaxed and slightly tousled textured bun updo for prom? Then this one’s definitely for you!
#6: Twisted Bun Style
I always enjoy braids that transition into buns. Because it’s on both sides of your head, I called it a Double Dutch braided updo. I love that the braid acts as the focal point of your hair on both sides and becomes more understated from the back. For me, braids and blondes are the ideal combination, or darker hair with some color variation like a balayage. It’s all about depth and highlights. For this, I suggest using a texture spray to achieve a more bohemian vibe in your hair. My ultimate favorite one is Alterna Haircare’s Caviar Perfect Texture Spray.
#7: Elegant & Adaptable
Q&A with style creator, Anessa Espana-Reid
Owner / Stylist @ Elevate Salon in Griffin, GA
How would you describe this look?
This effortless prom style is both elegant and adaptable. The smooth, shiny curls are set and brushed out so they are soft and bouncy.
From glam to natural and boho to classic, one of the best things about this style is that it works for so many different personalities. You just can’t go wrong with beautiful curls cascading softly around your face!
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is easiest to achieve with thicker hair for easy volume and fullness. If you’re working with fine hair, using volumizing products like a root lifter and dry shampoo will help to plump the hair and give longer lasting results.
One question I always ask is what the neckline of the dress looks like. You want the focal point to be your face. As a general rule of thumb, if the dress is strapless or shows a lot of skin, you would want to wear your hair all down or half up half down. A dress with a high neckline or longer sleeves would call for hair to be swept up to make sure your face is not overwhelmed by too much going on.
However, to me hair is art, so it’s also fun to break the rules!
#8: Chic Bobby Pins
Q&A with stylist, Kellie Williamson
Master Stylist @ La Bella Hair Salon in Newton, MA
How would you characterize this look?
I was excited to try a hairstyle with bobby pins as an accent instead of trying to hide them. I was inspired by @maggiemh on Instagram.
Any tips for someone considering it?
This style is best if you have long hair past your shoulders. If a client is considering this look, definitely Google images to find ideas of what you want and show your stylist.
#9: Effortless Ponytail Style
This is an effortlessly chic look. It’s essentially a ponytail but with a few subtle modifications that can elevate it for special occasions. What I appreciate most about it is that this ponytail allows you to “be yourself” and not feel like you’re imitating someone else. It’s youthful, charming, slightly enchanting, and suitable for various events.
This style suits many individuals, although it is particularly flattering for those with longer hair to avoid needing extensions. Given that it’s a favored choice for summer or warm days, it’s essential to use a heat protectant before styling your waves or straightening. Not only does it shield your hair, but it also contributes to the longevity of the style. I opted for Sleek Mystique by Catwalk TIGI. This look is fairly easy to achieve. If you tend to lean towards a more formal style, you can forgo the loose bangs and opt for a sleek ponytail. For those who embrace a more relaxed vibe or even have curly hair for prom, it appears even more stunning with voluminous waves.
#10: Elegant Low Ponytail with Framing Strands
An elegant low ponytail adorned with strands of hair around the face can be transformed for any occasion. By wrapping some hair around the base and adding a few strands around the face, you can elevate a standard ponytail to something remarkable.
#11: Effortlessly Bohemian Elegance
Insights from style creator, Allison Moerke
Owner @ Shearsordye LLC in Chandler, AZ
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This look is effortlessly romantic and bohemian elegance. My favorite thing about it is the pulled apart braid that gives her a polished look without being over done.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
Use a good working hairspray such as Outer Space and a frizz fighting spray like Foil from R+Co. Curl hair with a big iron (1 1/2-inch barrel) and clip the curls when done. Spray everything with hairspray again to make sure it last s all night.
Have fun with this look and don’t overthink it!
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look works best for clients with medium to long, wavy hair that’s on the thick side and holds a loose curl. It can work on any face shape. This style is perfect for the girl who wants to embrace a new version of herself on prom night!
#12: Elegant Updo with Soft Curls
Infuse your warm brown locks with vibrant blonde highlights that beautifully complement a delicately crafted curly updo.
#13: Elegant Fishtail Braid
Choose a whimsical fishtail braid for your special occasion. The most enchanting aspect of this style is how beautifully it highlights the length of her hair while emanating a relaxed, effortless charm.
#14: Chic Braided Updo
Secure your beautiful and textured waves into a relaxed bun highlighted by a lovely side braid. This effortless prom hairstyle is ideal for the laid-back, carefree ladies and pairs wonderfully with lace-y dresses.
#15: Braided Half-Up with Loose Waves
Try this braided half-up look with loose waves to channel your inner mermaid. This wavy hairstyle with added volume looks fabulous on blondes and redheads.
#16: Easy Overlap Half-Updo with Gentle Curls
An easy overlap half-updo with gentle curls is a simple updo to try at home or in the salon. This style is ideal for prom or any other memorable occasion. The overlap half-updo, being soft and romantic, looks beautiful when embellished with crystal hair accessories or flowers.
#17: Voluminous Half Up Half Down
This hairstyle is my favorite choice for a half up half down prom look. Full, voluminous waves have become incredibly popular in the bridal and prom scene recently. For those desiring to wear their hair down while achieving a more polished appearance, this is the ideal choice. It’s casual yet sophisticated, all while remaining contemporary and fashionable with current styles. You can incorporate braids or opt for an elegant twist as demonstrated here.
When creating a style like this, it’s best to have hair that extends beyond your shoulders and has a thicker or coarser texture. If your hair is finer or softer, consider adding extensions to enhance the style’s hold. I’m a huge fan of Luxy extensions and recommend them to all of my brides aiming to elevate their look.
#18: Timeless & Graceful
I would describe this easy prom look as timeless and graceful. It’s a basic chignon which can be so versatile and, in my opinion, looks good on everyone. If you like low maintenance hair, this is the perfect look for you. The hair is pulled up off your neck and face, and everything is tucked away neatly so you don’t have to worry about hair coming out or falling flat. This updo can be done with or without curling the hair first.
My favorite way to style this look is with some teased volume at the crown and the front twisted or swept back into the knot. You can decide if you want hairline pieces framing the face, and then add a good layer of hairspray to finish. You could also add a braid, as shown in the picture above.
#19: Charming Ponytail Updo
Q&A with style creator, Candace Foley
Senior Stylist @ Simonson’s Salon and Spa in Plymouth, MN
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
I would call this a really charming ponytail updo with a nod to the braid trend that’s been going on for a while now. My favorite thing about this look is that it has a classic feel while still remaining youthful!
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
I recommend setting the hair in curls first. The curls will give you volume and longevity to the style. I like to use Keratin Complex Flex Flow working spray on each section as I curl. Backcomb and pin the height you would like for the crown.
For my fine-haired clients, I will also use Unite Texturiza spray for added volume and hold. Section the hair at the ears, clipping the front out of the way. Then just pin crisscross sections down the back until you reach the desired placement of your ponytail and secure with your binder. Wrap the front sections around the pony to hide your pins and give a finished look, and you’re done!
I usually refresh the curls with an iron and then finish with Kevin Murphy Session Spray to hold.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This look is great for medium length hair and is perfect for almost any face shape!
#20: Delicate & Charming Bun
I would describe this look as delicate and charming. My favorite thing about this look is its versatility for any lovely occasion. Whether it’s prom, a wedding, or a festive work gathering, this updo shines! Proper hair prep is vital in achieving this look. Prior to styling this updo, I curled all of the hair using a 1-inch curling iron, ensuring all the hair curled away from the face. I created volume at the crown by utilizing Powder Play and backcombing after application. To enhance texture, I applied Dry Texture spray by Kenra. I finished off the look with an Extra Hold Hairspray by Kenra.
This look can be achieved with shoulder-length hair or longer. Keep in mind that the shorter the hair, the more compact your bun will be. This style is most effective with medium to thick hair. To achieve an even softer appearance, you might pull out a few strands to frame the face and add curls.
#21: Elevated High Ponytail Updo
Q&A with the talented creator, Candice Marie
Owner @ Southern Belle Hair and Makeup Studio in Covington, LA
How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?
This is a half up half down upstyle. The ponytail is high on the crown of the head and the crown was teased to add volume. The rest of the hair was left down and curled with a 1-inch barrel curling iron.
What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?
I created this look with Kenra Thermal Hairspray to prep the hair. I then sprayed each section with Kenra Design Spray to set the curls. I added some dry shampoo at the crown for texture and volume. I finished off the look with a little Kenra Shine Spray.
What type of client would you recommend this look for?
This style is perfect for any party or special occasion. It’s great for homecoming, prom or bridesmaids, and it is also flattering on most face shapes.
#22: Half Updo with Gentle Waves
Q&A with stylist, Cristina Whelan
Hairstylist @ Headmasters in Hawk Green, UK
How would you characterize this look?
I would characterize this look as a relaxed yet elegant half updo for prom with gentle waves.
I love that from the front it looks natural with not too much fuss going on, but from the back, it’s softly pinned to create a waterfall of gentle waves. It’s a look that suits any occasion without it being too neat or too perfect.
Any advice for someone thinking about it?
This hairstyle is super easy to create with longer hair, although it is definitely possible to create on shorter hair as well. I prefer to do this style on hair that isn’t freshly washed because it tends to stay better.
Part the hair right down the middle, then take medium-sized sections and curl the hair so it’s going away from the face on both sides. Once you’ve curled it all, run a brush through to create the gentle waves. I would use a large paddle brush with a little serum to smooth out any flyaway hairs, then lightly spray with a medium hold hairspray.
Everyone’s face is different and some people like a lot of hair down around the face and others don’t. It all depends on your preference. Create a little backcombing, then loosely pin hair back from the sides, leaving it in your natural parting to create that relaxed look. It’s as simple as that!
I would say this look is great for proms, weddings, job interviews, or pretty much any occasion! It’s an all-around effortless look. If you’re the type of person who likes a more relaxed (but still glamorous) updo, then this is the one for you.
#23: Effortlessly Chic
I would describe this easy prom updo for long hair as effortlessly chic. These loose, undone updos for long hair are the latest trend for this upcoming prom season. This style is amazing and my go-to updo because it is easy, quick, and so much fun to create. It is a very versatile look that complements any dress!
I advise setting up a trial with your stylist before your big day to ensure your stylist has the ability to achieve this look with your hair type. This style is perfect for ladies who have medium to long-length hair with a fine to medium density. It may be more difficult to recreate this updo on someone with super short hair or someone with thick/coarse hair. Your trial will allow your stylist to personalize the style to your hair type.
#24: Waves of Textured Lilac
Interview with style creator, Chloe
Salon Manager @ Blow Your Top Hair Designers in Christies Beach, SA
How would you characterize this look and what do you love most about it?
These are textured waves. I appreciate how the dimension of the color is highlighted by the waves, as well as the lovely lilac hue to the overall shade.
What suggestions or products do you offer to replicate this look?
To achieve this style, apply mousse to prepare damp hair, dry it, and then curl with a hair straightener. To complete, use a texture spray/powder to help break up the curls, then use hairspray.
What type of client would you suggest this look for?
I suggest this look for someone who desires a quick, effortless style that appears natural. Most hair types would be suited for this style, depending on their hair length.
#25: Simplistic Romantic Low Updo
This uncomplicated and graceful bun accommodates any face shape or body type. If you prefer to have some hair framing your face, you can leave a few strands loose.
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