25 Stunning Prom Hairstyles That Will Make You the Star of the Night

Prom night is your moment to shine, and your hairstyle plays a major role in creating that perfect look.

Finding the right style that complements your dress, face shape, and personal style can transform your entire appearance.

With so many options available, you can choose something that feels authentically you—whether that’s glamorous Hollywood waves, an elegant updo, or something totally unexpected.

Ready to find your dream prom hairstyle? Here are 25 gorgeous options that will help you make a memorable entrance and feel confident all night long.

1: Classic Hollywood Waves

Channel your inner red-carpet star with these timeless, glamorous waves.

This hairstyle creates a soft, romantic look that works beautifully with virtually any dress style or neckline.

You’ll need a curling iron, strong-hold hairspray, and some patience to achieve these perfect S-shaped waves.

The result is worth it—your hair will catch the light beautifully in photos.

For best results, brush through the curls gently with a wide-tooth comb and set with a shine-enhancing hairspray.

2: Sleek High Ponytail

Make a bold statement with this simple yet striking style.

A high, sleek ponytail elongates your neck and creates a clean, modern silhouette that pairs perfectly with statement earrings.

The key to this look is achieving maximum smoothness. Use a straightening iron first, then gather your hair at the crown and secure with a covered elastic.

Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic for a polished finish. Add extra length with extensions if you want more drama.

3: Braided Crown Updo

Create a regal look with this romantic updo that works beautifully for all hair lengths.

The braided crown frames your face and provides a perfect foundation for accessories.

Start by creating a Dutch or French braid around your hairline, then pin the remaining hair into a loose bun or chignon at the back.

Pull out a few face-framing tendrils for softness.

This versatile style works with both traditional and modern dresses, making it a reliable choice for any prom theme.

4: Vintage Pin Curls

Go retro with this glamorous 1920s-inspired style. Pin curls create beautiful structure and movement that looks incredible in photographs.

This technique involves rolling small sections of hair and pinning them flat against your head.

Once set and released, they form perfect, bouncy curls with amazing staying power.

Add a decorative headband or jeweled pins to enhance the vintage vibe and complement your dress’s embellishments.

5: Half-Up Twisted Crown

Get the best of both worlds with this romantic style that keeps hair off your face while still showcasing your length.

The twisted crown creates beautiful dimension and texture.

Take two sections from your temples and twist them back, securing where they meet with decorative pins.

Leave the rest of your hair down in curls or waves for a soft, dreamy effect.

This versatile style works with all face shapes and complements both simple and elaborate dress designs.

6: Messy Low Bun

Embrace elegant imperfection with this deliberately undone style. The messy low bun offers sophisticated charm with a modern, relaxed vibe.

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a loose bun, securing with pins.

Then gently pull out pieces around the bun for that perfect “undone” look.

This style works beautifully with backless or detailed-back dresses, as it draws attention to your shoulders and back.

7: Sleek Side-Parted Bob

Short-haired ladies can make a major statement with this chic, sophisticated style. A sleek bob with a deep side part creates a modern, fashion-forward look.

Use a flat iron to achieve glass-like smoothness, then apply a shine serum for that perfect glossy finish.

Tuck one side behind your ear and secure with a decorative clip for asymmetrical interest.

This minimalist style pairs beautifully with architectural or modern dress designs and statement earrings.

8: Voluminous Topknot

Make a bold, confident statement with this high-impact style. A voluminous topknot draws attention upward and creates a statuesque silhouette.

Use a donut bun maker or tease your ponytail before wrapping it around itself to create maximum height and fullness.

Secure with plenty of pins and strong-hold hairspray.

This style works especially well with dresses that have simple necklines, as it creates a beautiful balance of drama between your hair and outfit.

9: Waterfall Braid with Curls

Create a romantic, fairy-tale look with this enchanting combination. The waterfall braid creates an intricate pattern while still showcasing your gorgeous curls.

Start the braid at one temple and work it around to the other side, letting strands “fall” through the braid as you go.

Curl all your hair beforehand for a cohesive look.

This ethereal style pairs perfectly with flowy, romantic dresses and nature-inspired accessories.

10: Slicked-Back Wet Look

Make a daring, high-fashion statement with this editorial-inspired style. The slicked-back wet look creates a sleek, modern silhouette that exudes confidence.

Apply a strong-hold gel or styling cream to damp hair, then comb it straight back from your forehead.

You can leave the lengths natural or create texture with your fingers.

This bold choice pairs beautifully with architectural, minimalist dresses and statement makeup.

11: Side-Swept Curls

Create a romantic, old-Hollywood vibe with this glamorous asymmetrical style. Side-swept curls bring all the drama to one shoulder for a show-stopping effect.

Establish a deep side part, then curl all your hair in the same direction.

Gently brush through the curls and sweep them over one shoulder, securing with hidden pins if needed.

This classic style pairs beautifully with one-shoulder or sweetheart neckline dresses and drop earrings.

12: Twisted Updo

Design an architectural masterpiece with this modern, structured style. A twisted updo creates beautiful lines and shapes that look incredible from every angle.

Create several twisted sections and pin them in an artistic arrangement at the back of your head.

The beauty of this style is that it doesn’t need to be perfectly symmetrical.

This sophisticated option works wonderfully with simple, elegant dresses that don’t compete with your intricate hairstyle.

13: Bubble Ponytail

Put a playful spin on the classic ponytail with this eye-catching technique.

The bubble ponytail creates beautiful texture and dimension without requiring complex braiding skills.

Create a high ponytail, then place hair elastics down the length of it at equal intervals.

Gently pull the hair between each elastic outward to create the “bubble” effect.

This fun, youthful style pairs beautifully with modern, fashion-forward dresses and minimalist jewelry.

14: Braided Halo Updo

Channel ethereal goddess vibes with this wraparound style. The braided halo creates a beautiful frame for your face and provides a perfect base for accessories.

Create a Dutch braid that circles your entire head, then tuck any remaining length underneath and secure with pins.

Pull the braid slightly looser for a softer, more romantic effect.

This timeless style works with bohemian, romantic dresses and pairs beautifully with floral accessories.

15: Sleek Low Knot

Embrace minimalist elegance with this sophisticated, architectural style. The sleek low knot creates a clean silhouette that looks incredibly polished.

Slick your hair back into a low ponytail, then twist it into a tight knot at the nape of your neck.

Secure with pins and finish with a strong-hold hairspray for lasting smoothness.

This refined style works beautifully with high-necked or detailed dresses and allows your outfit and accessories to take center stage.

16: Textured Pixie

Short-haired beauties can create major impact with this edgy, confidence-boosting style. A textured pixie offers playful movement and modern coolness.

Use a texturizing paste or wax to create piece-y definition throughout your cut. For extra drama, try a bold side sweep or add temporary color for a unique twist.

This bold choice pairs wonderfully with both ultra-feminine and more structured dress styles, creating an interesting contrast.

17: Cascading Side Braid

Create romantic drama with this flowing, dimensional style. The cascading side braid combines the structure of a braid with the softness of loose hair.

Start with a French or Dutch braid at one temple, working your way down and around to drape over one shoulder. Pull the braid looser for a soft, romantic effect.

This versatile style works with most dress necklines and complements both classic and bohemian prom themes.

18: Twisted Side Chignon

Give the classic chignon a modern update with this asymmetrical approach. The twisted side chignon creates beautiful lines and an interesting silhouette.

Gather all your hair to one side at the nape of your neck, then twist it into a low bun. Secure with pins and gently loosen sections for a softer effect.

This elegant style showcases earrings beautifully and works especially well with off-shoulder or asymmetrical dresses.

19: Brushed-Out Curls

Embrace maximum volume with this dramatic, show-stopping style. Brushed-out curls create a beautiful cloud-like effect that frames your face gorgeously.

Create tight curls all over, let them cool completely, then gently brush through with a wide-tooth comb or soft brush.

Shape the resulting volume with your fingers and plenty of hairspray.

This bold choice pairs beautifully with simple, streamlined dresses that balance the hair’s dramatic volume.

20: Twisted Rope Updo

Create architectural interest with this unique, texture-rich style. The twisted rope updo offers beautiful dimension and a distinctive silhouette.

Create several two-strand twists, then arrange them in a circular pattern at the back of your head, securing with pins.

The result looks complex but requires minimal advanced skills.

This eye-catching style works wonderfully with simple dresses and allows your intricate hairstyle to be the focal point.

21: Embellished Waves

Elevate simple waves with strategic embellishments for a look that’s both classic and special. Adorned waves offer endless customization possibilities.

Create loose waves throughout your hair, then add decorative pins, small fresh flowers, or a jeweled headband that complements your dress.

Placement can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

This versatile style works with virtually any dress style and can be customized to match your overall prom theme.

22: Double Dutch Braids Into Bun

Combine sporty elements with elegant styling for this unique, structured look. This combination style offers beautiful texture and a secure updo that will last all night.

Create two Dutch braids from your hairline to the nape of your neck, then gather the remaining hair with the braid ends into a low bun.

Secure with pins and hairspray.

This interesting style works particularly well with high-necked or halter dresses and statement earrings.

23: Smooth Vintage Waves

Channel 1940s glamour with these structured, glossy waves. Vintage waves create a timeless, sophisticated look that photographs beautifully.

Create deep S-waves with a flat iron or vintage wave technique, then set with strong-hold hairspray.

Keep the style close to the head for authentic vintage appeal.

This classic choice pairs wonderfully with vintage-inspired dresses and pearl or crystal accessories.

24: Knotted Half-Updo

Create interesting texture with this modern, intricate style. The knotted half-updo offers beautiful dimension without requiring complex braiding skills.

Take small sections from each temple and tie them in a simple knot at the back of your crown.

Repeat with additional sections, creating a knotted pattern while leaving the rest of your hair down.

This contemporary style works beautifully with bohemian or modern dress styles and allows for movement as you dance.

25: Twisted Bun Mohawk

Make a bold, fashion-forward statement with this unexpected style. The twisted bun mohawk creates a striking silhouette that’s sure to turn heads.

Create several small buns in a line down the center of your head, from crown to nape. Smooth the sides for contrast or keep them textured for a softer look.

This daring choice pairs wonderfully with minimalist, architectural dresses and allows your unique personal style to shine through.

Conclusion

With these 25 gorgeous prom hairstyles, you’re ready to find the perfect match for your dress, personality, and overall prom vision.

Remember to schedule a trial run with your stylist to ensure your chosen look works beautifully on your big night.