7 Puff Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Prom

If you have curly or coily hair then you know the wondrous works of art that your unique hair type can create. So it’s no surprise that so many natural hairstyles are becoming more and more popular each season, with social media creators taking them to new heights and forcing us all to step up our game in the hairstyling realm. 

One natural hairstyle trend recently finding its way back in the spotlight is the Afro puff. While the style may be a throwback to anyone old enough to remember when it was popular in the ‘90s — or the ‘60s and ‘70s — for anyone young enough to be attending prom this year, it may be a new ‘do to explore. Prom is a special occasion that calls for a special hairstyle, and a puff ponytail is the perfect prom hair go-to to keep your face strands-free all night. 

So keep scrolling, because we’re sharing seven puff hairstyle ideas that are sure to turn heads at your prom.

1. High Puff

If your beauty motto is “the bigger, the better,” then an extra high puff ponytail may be your perfect go-to hairstyle for prom. When we say high, we don’t mean your everyday protective pineapple height — we’re expecting that puff to reach for the heavens. 

Whether you have super long hair or not, this style is easy to do. All you need is hair ties, a few bobby pins and braiding hair the same color as your own. Before you create your ‘do, be sure to give your hair some moisture with a great leave in conditioner, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner, which is made just for curls and formulated with castor oil and hyaluronic acid. 

2. Puff Pigtails

You can be uber-trendy for prom by combining two of-the-moment hairstyles and rock puff pigtails. There are so many options for how to do this — wear them up, wear them down, adorn them with butterflies, add clips — there’s no wrong way to sport the style. It’s a fun and playful way to take your puff love up a notch.

3. Puff Ponytail with Cornrows

Feeding cornrows into your puff is another way to bring some interest to the trendy hairstyle. Like puff pigtails, you have many options for how to do this. If you find that you don’t have a ton of time to sit in the braider’s chair, skip micro braids and go with jumbo cornrows. They’ll also be easier to take down once the night is over and your scalp needs a hairstyling break.

4. Puff Ponytail with Flat Twists

Similar to a puff hairstyle with braids, a puff ponytail pairs well with flat twists for a special occasion. Since flat twists can look so subtle, adding a zig zag part can give the look some extra oomph that sets it apart from your everyday style. Keep your parts neat and precise by enlisting the help of a strong hold styling gel. We love the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel for it’s high-shine look and control of hard-to-hold styles.

5. Bubble Puff Ponytails

Even if you don’t have the ability to see a professional hairstylist you can try out an over-the-top hairstyle that includes a bubble puff ponytail. All you need for this intricate style is a high puff ponytail and some attachments. There are two ways to do it:

For a solo puff ponytail, grab some extra braiding hair to add to your natural hair for volume and length (if necessary). Gather your hair into a ponytail and secure it tightly. Then, create your puffy bubbles by adding hair ties down the length of the ponytail every few inches until you have your desired look.

If you want to create a more complex style, first create your attachments. You’ll need braiding hair and additional hair puffs (which you can purchase already styled as desired). Weave a long braid with the braiding hair and then add a hair puff about 4 inches down the length, using bobby pins to hold it in place. Keep adding more puffs down the length of the braid until you get the desired look. 

Leave the ends of the braid out for your final puff, securing it with a clear hair tie to ensure that it doesn’t come loose during the event. Then pull your own hair into a high puff and simply clip and pin the attachment braid underneath the base of your puff updo and blend your hair around it.

6. Cascading Puff

Celebrate prom with a hairstyle that mimics the look of your favorite sparklers setting off and try a cascading puff. Getting the look is as easy as creating a typical high puff or pineapple at the crown of your head and bringing it all the way forward so that it spills down the front. This is perfect for someone who has bangs and may have trouble getting their fringe into a high pony without lots of gel. Let your bangs hang freely outside of the hair tie and blend them in with the cascading hair.

Editor's tip: No time for a full wash day routine? No problem! Grab the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape Leave-in Spray to give your curls a pick-me-up.

7. Low Puff Ponytail

We can’t talk about puff hairstyles for prom and not include a low puff ponytail option. Like a chignon for curls, this style offers a classic and timeless look that’s suitable for any occasion. You can gather your hair at the nape of your neck, or take it to one side to get the look. Play with the size of your puff to accentuate your makeup or to complement the silhouette of your outfit — putting your unique spin on it is a can’t fail for getting it right every time.

Next: 10 Super Stylish Ponytail Upgrades for Curly Hair

Written by: Shalwah Evans, Photo: iStock