Best Prom Hairstyles for 2018

First came the perfect prom-posal. Then came the gorgeous prom dress. All that’s left is nailing down the most beautiful prom hairstyle! From updos and chignons to super-sleek tresses and Old Hollywood beachy waves, it can get pretty tricky to narrow your choices down to one prom hairstyle. To help you make up your mind, below you’ll find nine prom hairstyles for every hair length, along with the products, like hair spray, needed to create each look.

SHORT PROM HAIRSTYLES

Short-haired ladies of the land often feel like they can’t get away with the 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 three prom hairstyles that you can’t go wrong with.

SHORT PROM HAIRSTYLE #1: STACKED MINI BUNS

Updos are great and all, but after a while they can get pretty boring. Not this triple stacked one, 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.

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Create texture

Before your hair fully dries, spritz it with some wave spray, like the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray.

Step 2: Split your hair into three stacked sections

Once your hair has fully dried, split it into three sections, one right on top of the next.

Step 3: Twist a bun with each section

Smooth the top section of hair back and twist it into a miniature bun. Continue to create buns with the bottom two sections, making sure to smooth hair back into them so that they look effortlessly chic.

Step 4: Add some shine

Spray the smoothed back sections with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray to both add shine and hold for a prom hairstyle that will stay in place as you dance the night away.

SHORT PROM HAIRSTYLE #2: HALF-UP BEEHIVE 

Flashback to the ‘60s, anyone? This textured, half-up look is gorgeous paired with just about any dress you could imagine.

Get the look by following these simple steps: 

Step 1: Horizontally part your hair at the crown

Use a rat tail comb to split your hair into a half-up ponytail.

Step 2: Add some texture

Spritz on a texturzing spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Air-Blown Texture Mist, to help add some texture and grip

Step 3: Tease hair to create lift

Using your rat tail comb, backcomb the underside of your top section of hair.

Step 4: Brush hair over the hive 

Next, use a boar bristle brush to smooth the topside of this section of hair and pin in place. If you want your look to have more height, stick the tail end of your comb into your beehive and gently tug upwards for added lift.

Step 5: Finish with hair spray 

Use the L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold.

SHORT PROM HAIRSTYLE #3: SLEEK AND CHIC BOB

A sassy, shiny, side-parted bob is perfect for a classy prom look. Plus, this sleek hairstyle is totally on trend!

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Start with freshly washed hair 

Wash your hair with a frizz-fighting system of shampoo and conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz Defy Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz Defy Conditioner.

Step 2: Add hair gel 

When hair is still wet, apply a quarter-sized amount of sculpting hair gel, such as the L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel.

Step 3: Comb your slicked back look into place

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.

Step 4: Seal with hair spray

A few spritzes of your favorite strong hold hair spray should do the trick.

MEDIUM-LENGTH PROM HAIRSTYLES

With a bit more hair to work with, you can create braids, twists, and turns. Check out these three tutorials below for your prettiest prom hair yet.

MEDIUM-LENGTH PROM HAIRSTYLE #1: BRAIDED UPDO

Give your updo an upgrade with this intricate braided look.

Get the look by following these simple steps: 

Step 1: Create a half-up pony

Pull a piece of hair back from each section of your head and tie them together with a clear mini elastic.

Step 2: Braid your half-up pony 

Braid the tail of your half-up pony and tie it off with another clear mini elastic.

Step 3: Divide your remaining hair 

Split the rest of your hair underneath your half-up pony into three even sections.

Step 4: Braid each section 

Again, use clear mini elastics to tie each braid off.

Step 5: Wrap braids around half up section 

Each of the three underneath braids and wrap them around the half-up pony. Pin in place.

MEDIUM-LENGTH PROM HAIRSTYLE #2: PRETZEL BUN

Apart from being tasty, pretzels are rather pretty, too! Want to rock this food-inspired prom hairstyle? Here’s how!

Get the look by following these simple steps: 

Step 1: Start with freshly washed hair

Since this look is a tad more polished-looking, you’ll want to start with clean hair. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Miosture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.

Step 2: Apply some hair serum 

While your hair is still damp, apply a dime-sized amount of the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment and comb it through.

Step 3: Blow-dry your hair 

Once your hair is mostly dry, grab your blow-dryer and a boar bristle rush to style until fully dry.

Step 4: Smooth hair into a low side pony 

Using your boar bristle brush, gather all of your dry hair into a low ponytail, smoothing it as you go. 

Step 5: Create a rope braid 

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.

Step 6: Create your bun 

Loosely wrap your rope braid around itself to create a romantic low updo that looks like the twists and turns of a delicious pretzel.

MEDIUM-LENGTH PROM HAIRSTYLE #3: TUCKED FISHTAIL BRAID UPDO

Are fishtail braids your go-to but you’re afraid it won’t look quite formal enough for prom? Check out this inverted version to incorporate your favorite style into a more refined updo.

Get the look by following these simple steps: 

Step 1: Backcomb your hair 

Using a rat tail comb, tease the hair at the crown of your head to create initial lift for your look.

Step 2: Smooth your hair into a low pony 

Next, use a boar bristle brush to gently smooth the top layers of hair back over your volume without flattening it out. Secure with a hair-colored hair tie.

Step 3: Flip and pull your pony through 

Flip your pony into itself and pull it through.

Step 4: Fishtail plait your pony 

Fishtail your inverted pony all the way to the ends and tie it off with a clear mini elastic.

Step 5: Pancake your braid 

Gently tug your apart without unweaving it to give an appearance of fuller hair.

Step 6: Flip and pin your braid 

For your final flip, pull your fishtailed pony up over itself. Tuck the ends in so that they’re hidden and pin in place.

Step 7: Seal your look 

Give your hair an allover spritz of hairspray and you’re ready to make your entrance!

LONG PROM HAIRSTYLES

While your hair length is perfect for the classics, we’re here to inspire you to try new things with the following three prom hairstyles for long hair.

LONG PROM HAIRSTYLE #1: BRAID HAWK

Make a fashion statement like no other with this fun fauxhawk that’s equal parts girly and edgy.

Get the look by following these simple steps: 

Step 1: Pull hair into a high pony 

Braid it from crown to ends. Tie it off with a clear mini elastic.

Step 2: Pancake your braid

Gently tug your braid apart for a fuller effect. The fuller your braid, the bigger your fauxhawk will look.

Step 3: Pin the bottom of your braid 

Flip the tail end of the braid under itself and pin in place with a bobby pin at the nape of your neck.

Step 4: Fasten your braid 

Next, secure your entire braid so that it won’t fall out mid-dance.

Step 5: Pin the top of your braid above your ponytail holder 

Lastly, gently tug your braid upwards to cover your ponytail holder and pin in place with a bobby pin.

LONG PROM HAIRSTYLE #2: FISHTAIL HALO BRAID

Forget a simple Dutch crown—it’s time to take it up a notch.

Get the look by following these simple steps: 

Step 1: Prep your hair 

To give your crown extra hold, start with day-old hair. Give it a spritz or two of texturizing spray to start.

Step 2: Part + pigtail 

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 each side of your head.

Step 3: Fishtail your pigtails 

You know the drill: Split your pigtail in two and continually 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.

Step 4: Secure your braids 

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 circling your head.

Step 5: Frame your face with romantic strands

Curl the face-framing strands that you left free for a whimsical finish.

LONG HAIRSTYLE #3: CORKSCREW CURLS

‘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!

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Prep hair with heat protectant 

Spritz your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight HeatSpray to help protect your strands from high heat.

Step 2: Split your hair into three sections 

Use lobster clips to pin the top and middle sections out of the way while you begin curling the bottom section.

Step 3: Curl your hair 

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 the opposite direction of all the others to give the feel of natural curls.

It’s as simple as that!

Now that you know how to make your hair on point, why not ensure that your makeup is too? With our article, 5 Gorgeous Prom Makeup Ideas for 2018, you’ll be out the door to dance your heart out in no time.