20 Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Make You The Star of the Night

Prom night is approaching, and finding the perfect hairstyle can feel just as important as selecting your dream dress.

Whether you have long locks, a stylish bob, or something in between, the right hairstyle will elevate your entire look.

With countless options available, we’ve narrowed down the most glamorous and on-trend styles that will have all eyes on you.

These versatile hairstyles work for various hair textures and lengths, ensuring you’ll find something perfect for your special night.

Remember, the best prom hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable throughout the night of dancing and memories.

1: Classic Hollywood Waves

Channel your inner red carpet star with these timeless, glamorous waves. This hairstyle offers sophistication while remaining youthfully fresh.

The deep side part creates stunning dimension, while the waves frame your face beautifully. Use a wide-barrel curling iron for those perfect S-waves.

Finish with a strong-hold hairspray that won’t weigh your locks down but will keep your style intact all night long.

2: Sleek High Ponytail

For a modern, clean look that keeps hair off your face while dancing, try a sleek high ponytail. This versatile style works wonderfully with both straight and curly hair textures.

Secure your ponytail with a hidden elastic and wrap a strand of hair around the base to elevate the look instantly. Add some loose tendrils around your face for softness.

Consider adding extensions for extra length and volume if you want a truly dramatic statement ponytail.

3: Braided Crown Updo

This ethereal style gives major fairy-tale princess vibes while keeping your hair secure. The braided crown creates a natural “tiara” effect that perfectly complements any dress style.

Incorporate small flowers or rhinestone pins throughout the braid for a personalized touch. The style works particularly well for those with layers or shorter pieces.

This hairstyle offers staying power through hours of dancing while photographs beautifully from every angle.

4: Half-Up Twisted Style

Can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down? This elegant compromise gives you the best of both worlds with a twisted half-up style.

The twisted sections keep hair away from your face while allowing your length to shine. You can customize with straight, wavy, or curly ends.

This versatile style works wonderfully with hair accessories positioned at the meeting point of the twist for added sparkle.

5: Messy Low Bun

Achieve effortless glamour with a strategically “undone” low bun that sits at the nape of your neck. This relaxed style pairs beautifully with more elaborate dresses.

Pull out face-framing pieces to soften the look and create dimension. The deliberately tousled texture gives this classic style a modern, youthful update.

Secure with plenty of bobby pins in a matching hair color and finish with texturizing spray for that perfect “messy but intentional” look.

6: Sleek Bob with Statement Accessory

Short-haired beauties can make a major impact with a polished bob complemented by a stunning hair accessory.

The contrast between sleek hair and a decorative element creates visual interest.

Use a flat iron to create a glass-like finish, focusing on smoothing the ends. Apply shine serum for that enviable glossy effect.

Position your statement accessory—whether a jeweled clip or floral element—strategically to highlight your best features.

7: Voluminous Curly Updo

Embrace your natural curls with a spectacular updo that celebrates volume and texture. This style creates height while keeping your neck and shoulders bare.

Pin curls loosely to maintain their natural shape and bounce. Leave a few spirals free around your face for a soft, romantic effect.

This style particularly shines in photographs, creating a stunning silhouette that showcases your facial features.

8: Twisted Side Sweep

For an asymmetrical look that commands attention, sweep all your hair to one side with elegant twists. This dramatic style is surprisingly easy to create but looks intricate.

Secure the twists with decorative pins that complement your dress or other accessories. The side positioning creates a stunning profile view.

This style works beautifully with ombre or highlighted hair, as the sweeping motion showcases color dimension.

9: Braided Mohawk Style

Create edgy elegance with a series of braids positioned down the center of your head for a mohawk-inspired look. This unexpected style balances sophistication with boldness.

Keep the sides sleek and tight to create dramatic contrast with the textured braided section.

This style works with all hair types but creates particularly stunning dimension on naturally textured hair.

Finish with a light-hold spray that maintains the defined braids without stiffness.

10: Bubble Ponytail

Transform a simple ponytail into a statement style by creating segmented “bubbles” down the length.

This modern take on a classic offers movement and visual interest.

Secure thin clear elastics every few inches down your ponytail, then gently pull each section apart to create the bubble effect.

Add sparkly accessories between sections for extra glamour.

This style photographs beautifully and maintains its structure throughout an evening of dancing.

11: Vintage Pin Curls

Channel retro glamour with structured pin curls that evoke classic Hollywood. This timeless style creates a sophisticated silhouette that complements vintage-inspired dresses.

Focus the tighter curls around your face to highlight your features. The defined curls create beautiful shadow and light patterns in photographs.

Use setting spray before and after styling to ensure your curls maintain their structured shape all night.

12: Waterfall Braid with Curls

Combine the elegance of a waterfall braid with the romance of loose curls for a hairstyle that offers the perfect balance of structure and softness.

The horizontal braid creates a beautiful frame while the cascading curls add movement and dimension. This style works particularly well on medium to long hair.

Incorporate tiny fresh flowers or small crystal pins throughout the braid for personalized embellishment.

13: Slicked-Back with Volume

Create dramatic contrast with hair that’s sleek at the crown but transitions to volume at the back. This modern style feels fresh and fashion-forward.

Use a fine-tooth comb and strong gel for the sleek front section. The juxtaposition of textures creates visual interest from every angle.

This style particularly complements dresses with interesting necklines or structural elements.

14: Twisted Rope Updo

Elevate your prom look with intertwined rope twists secured into an elegant updo. This architectural style creates beautiful linear patterns.

The structured twists create clean lines that complement both minimal and ornate dress styles. Leave a few strands loose around your face to maintain softness.

This style offers excellent staying power and looks increasingly beautiful as the night progresses, even if a few pieces come loose.

15: Side-Swept Cascading Curls

Create romantic drama with voluminous curls swept elegantly to one side. This classic prom style frames your face beautifully while keeping hair off your shoulders.

Use different barrel sizes when curling to create natural-looking dimension. Secure the swept side with hidden pins placed strategically to maintain the silhouette.

This versatile style complements virtually all dress necklines and facial shapes.

16: Fishtail Crown Braid

Elevate a standard crown braid by using the more intricate fishtail technique. This detailed style creates beautiful texture that circles your head like a natural tiara.

The tiny sections in a fishtail braid catch the light beautifully, especially with highlighted or dimensional hair color. Pull the braid slightly looser after completing for a more relaxed, modern feel.

Secure with matching pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray that won’t diminish the braid’s intricate texture.

17: Double-Twisted Chignon

Create sophistication with a low chignon anchored by two twisted sections from each side. This balanced style offers symmetry and elegance.

The twisted sections add interesting texture while the smooth chignon provides a clean finish.

Position at the nape of your neck for a timeless silhouette.

This versatile style complements both modern and classic dress designs equally well.

18: Textured Pixie with Accessories

Short-haired beauties can create a standout prom look by adding texture and accessories to a pixie cut.

The contrast between short hair and elegant accessories creates a striking balance.

Use texturizing paste to create piece-y definition and movement. Position a delicate hairband, pins, or jeweled clips strategically to elevate the look.

This low-maintenance style stays perfect all night with minimal touch-ups required.

19: Half-Up Top Knot with Curls

Combine trending street style with prom elegance by pairing a small top knot with cascading curls.

This modern style feels fresh while remaining appropriate for formal events.

Secure the top section in a small, neat bun positioned high on your head. The contrast between the structured knot and loose curls creates beautiful dimension.

This style particularly flatters round face shapes by creating the illusion of length.

20: Sculpted Low Ponytail

Reimagine the simple ponytail as a sculptural element positioned low at the nape of your neck. This minimalist style offers surprising sophistication.

Wrap hair around the elastic and secure with hidden pins for a seamless finish.

Add subtle waves or keep completely straight depending on your dress style.

This understated look pairs beautifully with statement earrings or elaborate necklines that deserve to be the focal point.

Conclusion

Whatever style you choose, remember that confidence is your best accessory.

Select a hairstyle that makes you feel amazing, works with your natural texture, and lets your personality shine through on your special night.