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First comes the perfect prom-posal. Then comes the gorgeous prom dress. All that’s left after that is nailing down the perfect prom beauty look, including a beautiful prom hairstyle! From updos and chignons to super-sleek tresses and Old Hollywood beachy waves, it can get pretty tricky to narrow down your choices and select a single prom hairstyle to rock. To help you make up your mind, below you’ll find 25 prom hairstyles for short, medium, and long hair, along with the products—like hair spray—needed to create each look.
Short-haired ladies often feel like they can’t get away with super-voluminous, ultra-trendy looks due to, well, not having enough hair. Here’s the thing, though: When it comes to achieving the perfect prom hairstyle on short hair, it’s all about the technique. Below you’ll find seven foolproof prom hairstyles for short hair.
Seeking an edgy hairstyle to wear to prom? Look no further! Not only is a faux mohawk hairstyle on trend, but it can also give your prom beauty look the perfect combination of glamorous and rocker chic vibes.
Get the look:
For a step-by-step tutorial, head on over to our article, How to Rock a Faux Hawk Hairstyle.
Updos are great and all but after a while, they can get pretty boring. That doesn’t apply to this triple stacked hairstyle, though! With three buns delicately spun and stacked on top of each other, you’ll be able to make a major hair statement while still getting your hair out of your face.
Before your hair fully dries, spritz it with a wave spray, like the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray.
Once your hair has fully dried, split it into three sections, one right on top of the next.
Smooth the top section of hair back and twist it into a miniature bun. Create buns with the bottom two sections, securing each with an elastic and bobby pins.
Spray your style with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray to add both shine and hold for a prom hairstyle that will stay in place as you dance the night away.
When you have shorter strands that don’t fit into an updo, it can be a serious challenge to get your hair out of your face—a necessity when you’re planning to dance up a storm—but we have a solution: a swept back hairstyle.
Ready to style your ‘do? Here’s How to Get a Short Swept Back Hairstyle.
Think you can’t sport an intricate, braided updo if you have short hair? Think again! This detailed style will give your prom beauty look a majorly romantic aura.
Follow the step-by-step tutorial in our article, How to Do a Braided Updo for Short Hair.
Don’t have short strands but want to rock a short ‘do for prom? No problem! You know what they say: fake it till you make it! A faux lob hairstyle will let you try out short hair for the night without making a big commitment.
Read our article, How to Wear a Faux Lob Hairstyle, to learn how to create this short prom hairstyle.
Flashback to the ‘60s, anyone? This textured, half-up look is gorgeous when paired with just about any dress you can imagine.
Use a rat tail comb to split your hair into a half-up ponytail.
Spritz on a texturizing spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Air-Blown Texture Mist, to help add some texture and grip to your tresses.
Using your rat tail comb, backcomb the underside of the top section of your hair.
Next, smooth a boar bristle brush over the top side of this section of hair, pushing it back, then pin it in place. If you want your look to have more height, stick the tail end of your comb into your beehive and gently tug upward for added lift.
Use the L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold to set your style.
A sassy, shiny, side-parted bob is perfect for a classy prom look. Plus, this sleek hairstyle is totally on trend!
Wash your hair with a frizz-fighting shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz Defy Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz Defy Conditioner.
When hair is still wet, apply a quarter-sized amount of sculpting hair gel, such as the L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Style Gel.
This prom hairstyle is all about sleekness, so grab a fine-tooth comb and smooth everything straight back with a gentle tuck behind your ears.
A few spritzes of your favorite strong hold hair spray should do the trick.
With a bit more hair to work with, you can create stunning braids, twists, and turns. Check out the seven tutorials below to start planning your prettiest prom hair yet.
Curls are a classic hairstyle for prom. Tight, spiral curls are especially fun for the big dance since they'll bounce with your every move throughout the night!
Yes, you can turn your straight strands into pretty spirals! Here’s How to Get Spiral Curls.
Give your updo an upgrade with this intricate braided look.
Gather the top layer of your hair into a small ponytail and secure with a clear mini elastic.
Braid the tail of your half-up pony and tie it off with another clear mini elastic.
Using the hair that isn’t in your pony, split it into three even sections.
Weave each of those sections into a traditional three-strand braid and use a clear mini elastics to tie each braid off.
Take each of your four braids (the three you just created and the one that’s part of your pony) and wrap them around the base of your half-up pony. Pin them in place with plenty of bobby pins and you’re finished!
Your hairstyle doesn’t need to be the statement of your prom look. To let your makeup and dress be the star of your look, try slicking your locks into a sleek, classic ballerina bun. This hairstyle is perfect for all the perfectionists out there!
Everyone can do this one! Here’s How to Create a Super Slick Ballerina Bun.
Love the idea of an updo but don’t think a ballerina bun is for you? Consider styling your locks into a brun. What’s a brun, you ask? This braid-meet-bun hairstyle is just that—a bun taken up a notch with a beautiful braid! Even better, it’s super easy to recreate.
Learn how to style this trending ‘do in our article, Braid Meets Bun: How to Get a Brun Hairstyle.
Embrace romantic, bohemian vibes by twisting your mane into a beautiful fishtail braid. Simple yet totally elegant, leave a few face-framing strands loose for an even more romantic touch.
Check out Our Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial.
Apart from being tasty, pretzels—more specifically, pretzel buns—are rather pretty, too! Want to rock this food-inspired prom hairstyle? Here’s how!
Since this look is pretty polished-looking, make sure your kicking things off with squaky clean hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.
While your hair is still damp, apply a dime-sized amount of the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment and comb it through.
Once your hair is mostly dry, grab your blow-dryer and a boar bristle brush to style until fully dry.
Using your boar bristle brush, gather all of your dry hair into a low ponytail, smoothing it as you go.
Split your ponytail into two sections and twist each to the ends. Then, take the two separate sections and twist them around each other to create your rope. Secure it with a clear mini elastic.
Loosely wrap your rope braid around itself to create a romantic low updo that looks like the twists and turns of a delicious pretzel.
Sometimes, the perfect prom hairstyle is a twist on your everyday look. If you always rock fishtail braids, you can upgrade your go-to ‘do for prom by turning it into a refined updo.
Using a rat tail comb, tease the hair at the crown of your head to create lift.
Next, use a boar bristle brush to gently smooth the top layers of hair over your teased strands, being careful not to flatten them in the process. Secure all of your hair into a low ponytail with a hair tie that matches your hair color.
Use your fingers to separate your hair above the hair tie, then use this opening to flip your pony into itself and pull it through.
Fishtail your inverted pony all the way to the ends and tie it off with a clear mini elastic.
Gently tug your braid apart (without unweaving it) to make your plait look extra full.
For your final flip, pull your fishtailed pony up over itself. Tuck the ends in so they’re hidden, then pin in place.
Give your hair an all-over spritz of hairspray and you’re ready to make your entrance!
While your hair length is perfect for the classics, we’re here to inspire you to try new things with the following ten prom hairstyles for long hair.
Make a fashion statement like no other with another take on the faux hawk! This braided version is equal parts girly and edgy.
Create a high ponytail and braid it all the way down, then tie it off with a clear mini elastic.
Gently tug your braid apart for a fuller effect. The fuller your braid, the bigger your faux hawk will look.
Flip the tail end of the braid under itself and pin in place with a bobby pin or two at the nape of your neck.
Next, secure your entire braid so that it won’t fall out mid-dance.
Lastly, gently tug your braid upward to cover your ponytail holder and pin in place with a bobby pin.
Voluminous curls are a timeless hairstyle whether you’re attending prom or walking down the red carpet. If you’re on the hunt for a glamorous hairstyle for your prom beauty look—look no further!
Here’s How to Create Voluminous Curls on Any Hair Type.
Have natural hair? Consider putting your curly strands into box braids! You can leave them long and down or put them up into a high, voluminous bun.
Get the look: For everything you need to know, head over to our article on How to Create Box Braids.
Looking for an option that gets your hair out of your face that isn’t a bun? Consider rocking a sleek ponytail for prom! This hairstyle will keep your strands out of the way while still showing off your gorgeous hair length.
Follow our step-by-step tutorial, How to Create a Sleek Ponytail.
If intricate hairstyles are your thing, you’re in for a treat! This zipper braid hairstyle is sure to turn heads at prom.
Check out our article, How to Create a Zipper Braid, for everything you need to know.
Did someone say braids? There’s just something about a braid that can instantly upgrade just about any hairstyle, and a waterfall braid is no exception. Pair it with loose, voluminous curls for a dreamy prom hairstyle that's straight off your Pinterest board.
Read our tutorial, How to Create a Waterfall Braid, to learn how to get the look.
If there was ever an occasion that called for a regal beauty look—it’s prom. Give your main a hairstyle worthy of a princess with a beautiful crown braid.
Find out how to weave your very own crown with a little help from our article, How to Create a Beautiful Crown Braid.
If you love the idea of wearing a crown woven out of your gorgeous strands, but want to incorporate your favorite type of braid—the fishtail braid—this one’s for you.
Give your hair extra grip with a spritz or two of texturizing spray.
Next, grab a rat tail comb and evenly split your hair in half with a straight center part. Tie each side into a pigtail, leaving out a few face-framing strands on either side of your face.
You know the drill: Split your pigtail in two and go back and forth adding a section from one side to the other. Once you reach the ends, tie them off with a clear mini elastic and gently pull them apart for a fuller, boho vibe.
To create your crown, take one pigtail at a time and pin it up around your head. Be sure to hide the ends so that it looks like one continuous braid is circling your head.
Curl the face-framing strands that you left free for a whimsical finish.
Just because you have short hair doesn’t mean you can’t rock beautiful, long strands for prom! Simply grab some hair extensions and style away for a total beauty makeover.
Not sure how to seamlessly blend your extensions with your actual hair? Here are 5 Tips for Styling Hair Extensions.
Get the best of both worlds by putting your mane into a half-up top knot! This is the perfect ‘do for those who can’t decide if they should wear their hair up or down for prom.
Head on over to our article, How to Weave a Half-Up Braided Top Knot.
‘80s-inspired corkscrew curls are alive and well! The trick to rocking this throwback prom hairstyle is to add volume and shine. Ready to rock a head full of gleaming curls? Follow along!
Spritz your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight HeatSpray to help protect your strands from high heat.
Use lobster clips to pin the top and middle sections out of the way while you begin curling the bottom section.
Using a small curling wand (no bigger than three-fourths of an inch), curl each layer of hair to create volume. Be sure to curl the occasional strand in the opposite direction to give the feel of natural curls. It’s as simple as that!
Now that you know how to make your hair on point for prom, why not ensure that your makeup is equally as fab? With our article, 21 Gorgeous Prom Makeup Ideas for 2019, you’ll be out the door to dance your heart out in no time.