Prom has a way of sneaking up—one minute it’s months away, the next you’re figuring out shoes, makeup, and of course, your hair. There’s a lot of pressure to get everything just right, but the best hairstyles are the ones that feel like you—just a bit more dressed up.
This list of 21 prom hairstyles covers a mix of looks: polished, undone, glam, and easygoing. Some are sleek and sculpted, others are full of texture and movement. No matter your vibe, there’s something here that works with your outfit, not against it—and helps you feel like the best version of yourself when it really counts.
Classic Chignon
Timeless and sophisticated, the classic chignon never goes out of style. Picture Audrey Hepburn walking down the red carpet with her hair perfectly pinned into this elegant updo. The beauty of a chignon lies in its simplicity and grace.
This hairstyle frames the face beautifully while keeping the hair neatly tucked away, ensuring you remain the epitome of class throughout the night. Whether adorned with jeweled pins or left plain, a chignon is versatile enough to accompany any gown or dress style, making it a favorite for prom-goers worldwide.
Bohemian Braids
Unleash your inner free spirit with bohemian braids that exude charm and whimsy. Imagine walking through a field of wildflowers, the breeze gently caressing intricately woven braids that fall effortlessly over your shoulders.
This style embraces individuality and creativity, allowing you to personalize your look with beads, flowers, or ribbons. The relaxed yet intentional design of bohemian braids complements both modern and vintage-inspired dresses, ensuring a seamless blend with your overall ensemble. Perfect for those wanting to make a statement with their unique sense of style.
Glamorous Hollywood Waves
Channel old Hollywood glamour with luxurious waves that cascade like a waterfall. Think of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic style, where each curl is meticulously sculpted to perfection.
Hollywood waves bring a touch of elegance and allure, drawing attention to your features while adding volume and movement to your hair. Ideal for those wanting to exude sophistication and charm, these waves pair beautifully with both modern and retro prom dresses. Add a red lip to complete the classic Hollywood look, and prepare to turn heads at every corner.
Romantic Half-Up Twist
Capture the essence of romance with a half-up twist that combines elegance with a touch of whimsy. Imagine a fairytale princess attending the ball, her hair softly twisted and pinned to create a delicate balance between formal and playful.
This style is perfect for those who want to showcase the beauty of their locks while maintaining a polished appearance. Adorn with pearls or small flower pins for added charm. The half-up twist complements various dress styles, making it a versatile option for your special night.
Sleek Ponytail
For a modern and chic look, the sleek ponytail is the go-to hairstyle. Imagine strutting down the runway, your hair pulled back into a straight and shiny ponytail that glistens under the lights.
This style is perfect for those seeking a minimalistic yet striking appearance. It highlights facial features and pairs well with bold makeup looks. Whether high or low, a sleek ponytail can be enhanced with hair accessories or left simple for a sophisticated finish. Its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of prom outfits.
Vintage Victory Rolls
Step back in time to the 1940s with vintage victory rolls that stand as a testament to style and creativity. Picture Rosie the Riveter, her hair rolled into dynamic curls that make a bold statement.
Victory rolls are perfect for those who love retro fashion and want to pay homage to a bygone era. The design is intricate yet achievable, offering the perfect blend of vintage allure and modern flair. Pair with a classic red lip and winged eyeliner to complete the look. It’s a choice that’s sure to capture attention and admiration.
Effortless Beach Waves
Embrace a laid-back vibe with effortless beach waves that evoke the feeling of sun-kissed days by the sea. Imagine strolling along the shoreline, your hair tousled by the salty breeze, creating a natural wave pattern.
These waves offer a relaxed yet stylish look that’s perfect for those who prefer a more casual elegance. Ideal for outdoor or beach-themed proms, this hairstyle pairs beautifully with flowing dresses and natural makeup. It’s a versatile option that exudes a carefree spirit while maintaining a touch of sophistication.
Elegant French Twist
For those seeking a truly refined look, the elegant French twist is the epitome of grace and style. Imagine attending a royal ball, your hair expertly rolled and tucked into this timeless updo.
The French twist is renowned for its ability to transform any appearance into one of sophistication and class. It’s a versatile choice that can be adorned with decorative pins or kept simple for a sleek finish. Whether paired with a classic gown or a modern dress, the French twist is a reliable choice for any prom-goer looking to shine.
Playful Space Buns
Inject a dose of fun and playfulness into your prom look with quirky space buns. Imagine attending a vibrant music festival, your hair styled into two symmetrical buns that bounce with every step.
This hairstyle exudes energy and creativity, making it perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd. Space buns can be accessorized with glitter or hair jewels to enhance their whimsical nature. They pair well with both modern and eclectic prom dresses, offering a unique twist on traditional styles. It’s a bold choice for the adventurous at heart.
Graceful Waterfall Braid
Capture the essence of elegance and flow with a graceful waterfall braid. Picture a gentle stream cascading over rocks, each strand of hair woven intricately to create a harmonious pattern.
The waterfall braid is perfect for those who want to add a touch of romance to their look without sacrificing sophistication. It’s a versatile style that can be combined with curls or left straight, adapting to various dress styles and themes. With its intricate design, the waterfall braid is sure to draw admiration and enhance your prom night presence.
Charming Side Bun
Exude charm and elegance with a side bun that captures attention with its subtle sophistication. Imagine attending a lavish ball, your hair elegantly swept to one side and pinned into a neat bun.
The side bun offers a modern twist on a classic updo, allowing for creativity with accessories like hairpins or flowers. It’s a versatile choice that complements various necklines and dress styles, ensuring a harmonious look. Whether you opt for a sleek or textured finish, the side bun promises a polished yet approachable appearance.
Funky Mohawk Braids
Make a bold statement with funky mohawk braids that exude confidence and edge. Picture a rock star stepping onto the stage, her hair styled into intricate braids that form a striking mohawk pattern.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to showcase their individuality and fearless attitude. It’s a daring choice that pairs well with both contemporary and edgy prom dresses. Mohawk braids offer endless opportunities for personalization, allowing you to experiment with colors and accessories to make the style uniquely yours.
Sophisticated Updo with a Twist
Achieve a sophisticated look with an updo that features a unique twist. Imagine attending a gala, your hair expertly styled into an intricate updo that combines classic elements with a modern flair.
This style offers a polished and refined appearance, perfect for those who appreciate elegance. The twist adds an element of surprise, enhancing the overall design. It’s a versatile choice that can be tailored to suit any dress style, ensuring a seamless blend with your prom outfit. Add some sparkle or pearls for extra charm and sophistication.
Modern Top Knot
Embrace simplicity with a modern top knot that offers a chic and contemporary look. Imagine attending a fashion-forward event, your hair styled into a sleek top knot that draws attention to your poise and presence.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who appreciate minimalism and elegance. It’s a practical choice that keeps hair out of the face while offering a stylish and polished appearance. Whether paired with bold makeup or understated elegance, the top knot complements a wide range of prom outfits, making it a versatile and timeless choice.
Retro Beehive
Travel back to the 1960s with a retro beehive hairstyle that exudes vintage charm. Picture Audrey Hepburn or Brigitte Bardot, their hair teasingly piled high into a voluminous beehive.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who love retro fashion and want to make a bold statement. The beehive offers a striking silhouette that pairs well with both vintage and contemporary prom dresses. Add a headband or a silk scarf for extra flair. It’s a choice that combines nostalgia with modern style, ensuring an unforgettable prom night.
Chic Ballerina Bun
Exude grace and poise with a chic ballerina bun that embodies elegance and simplicity. Imagine a prima ballerina taking center stage, her hair perfectly sculpted into a neat and polished bun.
This hairstyle is ideal for those who appreciate timeless beauty and sophistication. It’s a versatile choice that complements a variety of dress styles, from classic to contemporary. The ballerina bun can be adorned with delicate hairpins or left simple for a clean finish. It’s a reliable option for a refined and graceful prom appearance.
Whimsical Floral Crown
Embrace nature’s beauty with a whimsical floral crown that evokes a sense of enchantment. Imagine a woodland fairy, her hair adorned with delicate flowers that form a captivating crown.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to add a touch of magic and romance to their prom look. The floral crown can be customized with your favorite blooms, allowing for a unique and personal expression. It pairs beautifully with bohemian and vintage-inspired dresses, offering a charming and ethereal appearance. It’s a choice that celebrates individuality and natural beauty.
Edgy Undercut
Stand out with an edgy undercut that showcases your adventurous spirit. Picture a trendsetter, her hair artfully shaved on one side to reveal a striking undercut.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to break away from tradition and embrace a bold look. It’s a daring choice that pairs well with contemporary and avant-garde prom dresses. The undercut offers endless opportunities for creativity, whether you choose to highlight it with color or texture. It’s a statement-making style that reflects confidence and individuality.
Grecian Goddess Braids
Channel the allure of ancient Greece with Grecian goddess braids that exude timeless elegance. Imagine a Greek goddess, her hair intricately braided and adorned with golden accents.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to capture the essence of grace and beauty. The braids can be styled in various patterns, offering versatility and creativity. They pair beautifully with flowing gowns and embellished dresses, creating a harmonious and ethereal look. It’s a choice that celebrates history and elegance, ensuring a captivating prom presence.
Messy Bun with a Twist
Achieve a relaxed yet stylish appearance with a messy bun that features a unique twist. Imagine a carefree spirit, her hair effortlessly styled into a bun that balances elegance with informality.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back and approachable look. The twist adds a touch of creativity, making it suitable for various prom themes and styles. It’s a versatile option that pairs well with both casual and formal dresses, allowing for personalization with accessories like ribbons or clips.
Elegant Fishtail Braid
Showcase your style with an elegant fishtail braid that intertwines intricacy with simplicity. Picture a mermaid emerging from the water, her hair seamlessly woven into a fishtail pattern.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to add texture and detail to their prom look. The fishtail braid offers a unique and eye-catching design that pairs well with both modern and classic dresses. It’s a versatile choice that can be adorned with small jewels or flowers, enhancing its beauty and elegance. It’s a timeless option for a memorable prom night.