25 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Every Hair Type (2024)

25 Stunning Prom Hairstyles for Every Hair Type (1)

When it comes to prom, they say finding the dress is the hardest part. And while that may be true, details like your hairstyle will make or break your entire ensemble. With a photo package on the line, picking the wrong 'do is one major don't. Lucky for you, we have the hairstyle inspiration you need to make that perfect gown look that much better. Besides, prom is one of those events in your life that you get one shot at—twice if you're lucky. Do yourself a favor and get it right while you can.

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The Back Braid

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Business in the front, party in the back—Millie Bobby Brown's hairstyle isn't your average topknot. Enlist the help of a friend to create three sections at the back of your head from the nape of the neck, to the crown of your head. French braid each section and secure with a mini elastic. Flip your head over and create a sleek ponytail and secure with a bungee. Wrap all remaining hair into a tight bun and spritz with hairspray.

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Exposed Bobby Pins

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We're so used to hiding bobby pins, but to the contrary, showing them off is actually much cooler. Grab a pack of colorful pieces that match your dress and accessorize your 'do in a way that shows them off. We love how Jourdan Dunn paired her set with a sleek braided bun.

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Bubble Ponytail

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You might've worn some variation of this style in your middle school days, but for some reason, a voluminous bubble pony feels much cooler today. Wear it like Kendall Jenner—low, with face-framing pieces, a center part and tons of texture—for an unexpected, and super chic approach to prom hair.

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Wavy Bob

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This wavy bob is making us want to commit to a short chop. To recreate Bella Hadid's waves at home, use a wand on two-inch sections of hair, curling hair away from the face. Create a side part and spritz dry shampoo or texturizing spray from roots to ends to give you extra lift throughout.

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Crown Braid

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If you're a pro at braiding, the crown braid is as simple as creating two side braids (pigtail style), wrapping both ends over the top of your head, and pinning in place. If you're not super comfortable with your plaiting skills, you can even find headbands that come pre-braided for you. If you'd rather not deal with it, call your stylist. Either way, a crown braid is a sure bet for prom.

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French Twist

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The French twist is the ultimate formal-night hairstyle. It goes with almost every dress style and boasts a certainje ne sais quoi. Wear it alone á la Zoe Kravitz or embellish with a pretty hair accessory.

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The Formal Topknot

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Who said you can't wear a topknot to prom? However, wearing it super sleek and high on the head like Rihanna makes for a much more formal look than the one you wear to wash your face. The trick is to get your hair really straight before styling. Blow-dry clean hair, then use a flat iron to get it pin straight. Secure tightly in a high ponytail before wrapping it in a bun and use bobby pins to hold it in place. Finally, use a hairspray-soaked toothbrush to smooth flyaways and lay your edges.

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'60s Waves

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This silky wave actually works best on second-day hair, so be sure not to wash it the morning of prom. Brush out yesterdays blowout and apply a hair oil to your ends for tons of shine. Use a 2-inch curling iron to curl sections of hair away from the face. Create a center part to the crown of your head and smooth sides behind the ears. With a teasing comb, add some volume at the crown for a '60s inspired bump. Brush out your style to soften the look. A pair of bobby pins on each side keep your style in place all night.

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Studio-54 Waves

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If we could only go back to our own prom, this is the style we'd go with. Zendaya's voluminous, brushed-out curls are giving us major disco vibes—and truly, we can't think of a better mood for which to enter your senior dance. Full disclosure: You'll need a major set of hot rollers to get this '70s-inspired look, so leave the legwork to your stylist.

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Retro Ponytail

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A retro-looking ponytail is just what you need to make a splash on your big night. When paired with a pink dress, the result is Barbie goes to prom in the best way. To recreate the look, start with a fresh blowout that focuses on flipping the ends outwards. Pull hair into a high and tight ponytail and smooth flyaways with a hairspray-soaked toothbrush. Lightly brush out your pony and spray your flipped-out ends with hairspray to hold that bend like Hailey Bieber's.

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The Side-Pony Braid Trio

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We're obsessed with this trio of waist-length braids worn by Yara Shahidi. To recreate the look, pull hair into a high ponytail and secure with a bungee. Teaser: You're going to need extensions for hair this long, and now's a good time to add them. Create three separate braids and secure ends with a small elastic. Top the look off with a shiny barrette.

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Romantic Pixi

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If you're sporting a short pixie cut, texture is the name of the game. Rough dry hair with your fingers from side to side, then apply a lightweight pomade to create a moveable hold. Embellish with a shiny headband or barrettes for a touch of sparkle.

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1950s Edge

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For the rockabilly and retro-inspired set, the obvious go-to style would be pin curls or victory rolls. And although we love a 1950s twist, this modern version worn by Rooney Mara still feels retro but screams prom-queen glam. These blunt baby bangs look uber cool contrasted by the sleek ponytail. To recreate the look, pull hair into a straight-back pony and roll ends inward to create a tunnel. Pin in place and cover in a hairnet the same color as your ends.

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Old-Hollywood Waves

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Don't let anyone tell you old-Hollywood waves only work on long hair. Lily Collins' collar-bone grazing locks look gorgeous in this vintage style. On clean, blowdried hair, install rollers throughout your hair, rolling inward toward your face. Let them set while you do your makeup. When you're ready, remove the rollers, create a side part, and brush through hair to create a cohesive wave. Set with hairspray and tuck sides behind your ears.

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Double Chignon

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Hailee Steinfeld's double bun look is classic and feminine with a bit of a twist. If we had to guess, only the top bun is made of her natural hair (something tells us the second bun is made with the help of a hairpiece). If you're looking to recreate this 'do, consult with your stylist and bring some extra hair with you just in case.

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Curly Bun

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If you have naturally curly hair, this one will be a breeze for you. If you're not blessed with spiral tendrils, fear not—that's why curling irons were invented. Pull hair into a high ponytail as tightly as possible. Using a 3/4 inch curler, create tons of bouncy spirals. Twist hair into a half bun, leaving the ends out, and secure with bobby pins. Evenly distribute curls all round the sides of your bun, and you have yourself a supermodel-approved style.

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The Braid Corset

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You can wear a dress with a built-in corset, or you can wear one in your hair à la Gaga. Create (or have a friend create) two fishtail braids that join together in the middle. Using a bobby pin at the end, weave cord or ribbon through the plaits in a shoelace pattern. Tuck the edges under your braid or tie a bow at the end. Extra credit for metallic cord or ribbon that matches your dress.

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Textured Ponytail

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Zendaya is the ultimate hair chameleon but this textured ponytail lives high on our list of hair inspo. Similar to her '70s-inspired waves, this look takes time, countless rollers, tons of texture spray, and a plan (unless you're blessed with a natural texture this good). Consider getting your hands on extensions and calling your stylist for this one.

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Messy Updo

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Kendall Jenner's messy updo proves prom hair doesn't have to be sleek to look polished. We love this loose bun with face-framing pieces she wears on the red carpet. Another style that works best on second-day hair,

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Textured Updo

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We envy the texture of a tight spiral curl. Go ahead, show it off. Yara Shahidi's updo with tons of face-framing tendrils is just the look you need to get noticed on your big night.

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Braid Bun

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There's something about this braided bun on Jennifer Lopez that looks so regal. If that's the look you're going for, you might want to seek professional help and lots of human hair extensions. A glam squad and extensions? There's nothing more regal than that. But it's prom—we say it's worth it.

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The Wet Look

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The wet look is so modern and edgy—definitely, cooler than the look we wore to our proms. To get the look for yourself, mix a little hair gel and shine cream between your hands and smooth through damp hair from front to back. Create a side part, comb it in place, and finish by smoothing out the comb lines with your fingers. Just skip setting products like hairspray or mousse to avoid a crunchy feel.

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Slicked Back

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We couldn't decide whether we liked the deep side part or this slicked-back version of wet hair. Our advice: Do a practice run of each with your makeup and dress on.

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The Faux Cut

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And finally, the coolest way to wear the wet look is none other than this pulled-back look that mimics a short haircut. The result is an illusion (without the commitment).

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Mermaid Braid

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Never underestimate the power of a single side French braid with face-framing tendrils. It's easy to create—and a messy hand just adds to the romance. For a waist-length style, weave in hair extensions in your color.

The Dos and Don't of Having Professional Makeup Done

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert in prom hairstyles, I can provide you with information related to all the concepts used in this article. I have a deep understanding of different hairstyles, techniques, and trends, and can offer guidance on how to achieve the perfect prom look.

Hairstyle Inspiration for Prom

The article discusses various hairstyle options for prom, highlighting different celebrities and their unique looks. Here are the concepts covered in the article:

1. The Back Braid: This hairstyle involves creating three sections at the back of the head and French braiding each section. The braids are then secured with mini elastics, and the remaining hair is wrapped into a tight bun.

2. Exposed Bobby Pins: Instead of hiding bobby pins, this trend encourages showing them off as an accessory. Colorful bobby pins can be used to enhance a sleek braided bun or any other hairstyle.

3. Bubble Ponytail: This style involves creating a low ponytail with face-framing pieces and adding volume to the ponytail to create a bubble effect.

4. Wavy Bob: To achieve this look, hair is curled away from the face using a curling wand. A side part is created, and dry shampoo or texturizing spray is applied for added lift.

5. Crown Braid: This hairstyle requires braiding two side braids and wrapping them over the top of the head. It can be done with natural braids or with pre-braided headbands.

6. French Twist: The French twist is a classic formal hairstyle that can be worn with various dress styles. It involves twisting the hair and pinning it in place, optionally adding a hair accessory.

7. The Formal Topknot: This style is a sleek and high topknot that is more formal than a casual topknot. The hair is straightened, secured in a high ponytail, and wrapped into a bun.

8. '60s Waves: This hairstyle is inspired by the waves popular in the 1960s. Hair is curled away from the face using a curling iron, and volume is added at the crown for a retro-inspired look.

9. Studio-54 Waves: This look is inspired by the disco era and features voluminous, brushed-out curls. It requires hot rollers and creates a glamorous and retro vibe.

10. Retro Ponytail: A retro-looking ponytail is paired with a pink dress for a Barbie-inspired look. The ends of the hair are flipped outwards, and the ponytail is secured high and tight.

11. The Side-Pony Braid Trio: This hairstyle involves creating three waist-length braids and securing them in a high ponytail. Extensions can be used to achieve the desired length.

12. Romantic Pixie: This style is for those with short pixie cuts and requires adding texture with a lightweight pomade. Shiny headbands or barrettes can be used as accessories.

13. 1950s Edge: This hairstyle combines blunt baby bangs with a sleek ponytail. The hair is pulled back into a ponytail and rolled inward to create a tunnel. A hairnet can be used to cover the ponytail.

14. Old-Hollywood Waves: This vintage-inspired style is not limited to long hair and looks great on collar-bone grazing locks. Hair is set in rollers, brushed out, and styled with a side part.

15. Double Chignon: This classic and feminine look features two buns, with the top bun likely made with the help of a hairpiece. It's a glamorous style that may require professional assistance.

16. Curly Bun: This hairstyle is perfect for those with naturally curly hair or those who use curling irons. Hair is pulled into a high ponytail, curled, twisted into a bun, and secured with bobby pins.

17. The Braid Corset: Inspired by a corset, this style involves creating fishtail braids that join in the middle and weaving cord or ribbon through them. The ends can be tucked or tied with a bow.

18. Textured Ponytail: This textured ponytail requires extensive styling with rollers, texture spray, and possibly extensions. It's a glamorous look that may require professional assistance.

19. Messy Updo: Kendall Jenner's messy updo showcases that prom hair doesn't have to be sleek to look polished. It's a loose bun with face-framing pieces that works best on second-day hair.

20. Textured Updo: Yara Shahidi's updo features tight spiral curls and face-framing tendrils. It's a textured and eye-catching style that can be achieved with extensions.

21. Braid Bun: This regal-looking style worn by Jennifer Lopez involves creating a braided bun. It may require professional assistance and human hair extensions for added fullness.

22. The Wet Look: This modern and edgy style involves using hair gel and shine cream to create a wet appearance. A side part is created, and the hair is smoothed using fingers.

23. Slicked Back: This alternative to the wet look involves slicking back the hair for a polished appearance. It can be done with a deep side part or a center part.

24. The Faux Cut: This pulled-back look creates the illusion of a short haircut without actually cutting the hair. It's a trendy and edgy style that can be achieved with the wet look.

25. Mermaid Braid: This simple yet romantic style features a single side French braid with face-framing tendrils. It's a versatile and charming option that can be achieved with extensions.

The Dos and Don'ts of Having Professional Makeup Done

The article also briefly mentions the dos and don'ts of having professional makeup done. While the details of this section are not provided, it likely covers tips on preparing for professional makeup, communicating your preferences to the makeup artist, and ensuring the final look aligns with your desired style.

I hope this summary provides you with a comprehensive overview of the concepts discussed in the article. If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!