It’s that time of year — prom is right around the corner and besides finding the perfect dress, the right hairstyle for the big evening is also a priority. Prom is the perfect occasion to let loose and have some fun when it comes to your hairstyle — after all, it’s basically the most important event of senior year. When it comes to choosing the right prom hair look, keep in mind that it should make you feel your best, show off your personal style and be easy to DIY if you’re on a budget. We’ve found 32 awesome styles for all hair types — curly, straight, long, short or natural — that are pretty and easy to recreate. So whether you’re heading to the salon with your bestie to prep for prom or having a DIY pre-party, here are 32 fabulous prom hairstyles to inspire your look.
Prom Hairstyles 2015
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Down to the Wire
Instead of opting for a traditional hair accessory, get all wrapped up in wire. The golden shade stands out for maximum impact against strategically twisted chocolate brown strands.
Image: @kristin_ess
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Braided Bun and Black Ribbon
Take a cue from the Spring 2017 runways and wrap your slightly undone braided bun up with a black ribbon a la Erdem. Make sure you set the bow so it sits just to the side of your updo.
Image: Pinterest via Harper's Bazaar
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Naturally Curly Updo
This may be billed as perfect for a wedding, but we think it’s ideal for prom. It takes a lot of twists and turns and the end result is naturally on point.
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Matchy Matchy
If you really want to make an impression at prom, match your lip color to the sleek hair accessories that are accenting your chic chignon.
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Half-Up Updo
This half-up ‘do boasts a lot of body courtesy of a curling iron and the backcombing technique. Instead of rocking a wrist corsage, rock fresh florals in your partial chignon.
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Relaxed French Twist
It’s a new twist (get it?) on the classic polished ‘do. After prepping your strands by teasing them, it’s all about gathering your hair up into a ponytail before rolling it and securing it to your head.
Image: Pinterest via A Beautiful Mess
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Textured Waves
Sometimes a little texture is all you need to turn heads. You’ll need to apply several body-building products and break out your trusty curling wand, but trust us, it’s worth it for your big night.
Image: Pinterest via Keiko Lynn
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Knot Your Average Pony
Crisscross two even sections of hair right over left and then after letting your grip slide ever so slightly in order to reveal the opening, thread one side through the hole. Wrap some hair around the hair tie and you’ve got one sleek style.
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Bling Barrette
Few things could be easier than twisting a section of your hair and securing it with a barrette. This is one instance where the flashier the barrette, the better.
Image: @kristin_ess
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Purple Goes Retro
You would probably expect edgy purple highlights and retro waves to completely clash, but they work surprisingly well together. The pin-and-release ‘do actually amplifies the purple streaks for a one in a million finish.
Image: @hairandmakeupbysteph
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Cobra Braid
Got five minutes after slipping on your gown and applying your makeup? This slick braid is super quick to do — split your hair into three sections, create a ponytail with the middle section and then start weaving and knotting until you get the desired effect.
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Low Bun
If you can create a bun, you’ll have no problem recreating this low-slung look. You’ll need to stock up on some supplies, though, including around 10 bobby pins, firm-hold hairspray and several hair sectioning clips.
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Wavy Side Braid
This one-sided braid works great in wavy, short hair. Make sure you position a section of hair over the end of the braid so it looks like it could go on forever.
Image: @mallonyfarias
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Twisted Ponytail
Kick things off with curly or wavy locks (whether natural or curling iron-induced), then simply twist one section from each side of your head and bring them together in the middle by securing with a clear elastic. Then it’s all about layering as you keep adding twisted sections underneath and pull some strands for a more textured effect.
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Tuxedo Braided Bun
You may be sporting a fancy dress to prom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock a tuxedo braid. It involves mixing a Dutch braid, a French braid and a bun for one incredibly unique updo.
Image: Pinterest via MakeupWearables
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Knotted Mohawk
Maybe you think a mohawk isn’t luxe enough for the prom, but work in a few well-placed knots plus braids and voilà, you get a hairstyle that will rival any other updo.
Image: @hair_by_pelerossi
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Wrapped Half-Up Hairstyle
For those long-haired ladies who want to flaunt their length, this half-up style serves as a romantic accent to any type of prom dress. You’ll need to curl your hair in sections before crisscrossing your strands in the back.
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Retro Updo
This retro twist will complement any vintage dress and works well if you happen to have long hair.
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Natural Curls
Celebrate your natural curls by keeping them bouncy with the help of a little mousse.
Image: Pinterest via Glam Radar
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Braided Updo
Without getting into bridal territory, this loose updo gets a modern update with multiple small-to-medium braids.
Image: Pinterest via Style Me Pretty
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French Twist
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and go for an elegant style like the French twist for your prom hair.
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Half-Up 'Do
If you have long hair, keep the style fresh and young with large, soft curls slightly pinned back into a half-up look.
Image: Pinterest via Pretty Designs
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Voluminous Ponytail
This is not your average ponytail. A textured and volume-filled tail gives this classic gym style a cool edge.
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Rolled Updo
A low, rolled-up bun is simple and totally classy for princess-like prom hair.
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Faux-Hawk Ponytail
Embrace your inner rocker chick and get creative with a faux hawk and some braids.
Image: Pinterest via Become Gorgeous
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Glamorous Waves
Give prom hairstyles the Hollywood treatment with super glammed-up S-waves and a deep side part.
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Side Bun
Keep prom hair understated in a chic side bun, but then get bold with a fun accessory.
Image: Pinterest via Vissa Studios
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Vintage Updo
If vintage is more your speed, go for a prim and shiny updo with a little embellishment to give it extra flair.
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Soft Curls
Whether you have natural curls or you're creating pretty waves, this beach-ready look flatters any hair length.
Image: Pinterest via Beauty World News
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Sock Bun
Take the sock bun to new heights with twisted sections of hair wrapped around the base.
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Classic Updo
There's nothing wrong with a classic updo — it's timeless and easy to pin up, no matter your hair type.
Image: Pinterest via Pretty Designs
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Wavy Updo
This updo is a little bit casual, a little bit sultry and effortlessly cool.
Image: Pinterest via Hairstyles & Haircuts
