As prom season approaches, it’s never too early to start planning your look. While choosing a stunning prom dress and elegant accessories is fun, finishing touches like your hairstyle and beauty details make the entire look complete.
Regardless of the style of dress you’ve chosen or the vibe you’re striving for, we’ve got you covered! Check out these gorgeous, quick, and easy prom hair ideas, including everything from sleek updos to loose easy waves!
Prom Updos
Forget worrying about adjusting your hair throughout the night—prom updos let you set it and forget it so you can focus on dancing and hanging out with your friends, instead!
Twisted Bun with Bow
This hairstyle transforms a childhood favorite—the hair bow—into a sophisticated accessory and adds volume to this twisted bun. An updo that’s easy to execute, this is one for the low-maintenance girlies. Get the Tutorial!
Low Updo With Headband
With a few strategically placed pins and a simple roll and twist, you’ve got an elegant prom low updo! Adding a cute headband will make you feel like the queen you are—you’re basically wearing a tiara, right? Get the Tutorial!
Pam Anderson-Inspired ’90s Updo
If you’re in love with the stunning piles of curls Pamela Anderson used to sport in the ‘90s, you’ll definitely fall in love with this updo! Feel red carpet—or prom—worthy in just a few quick steps, and channel your inner Pam. Get the Tutorial!
Messy Low Updo with Decorative Hair Pins
Ideal for special occasions and adorned with dreamy celestial hair pins, this updo is the perfect mix of elegance and effortlessness. Bonus: You can mix and match hair clips and pins from separate sets to create something extra personal. Get the Tutorial!
Glam High Bun
A sleek high bun adds instant volume to your hair and keeps it out of your face throughout the night’s activities. The key to nailing this prom look is having a mesh hair donut on hand. Get the Tutorial!
Naturally Curly Updo
This one’s for the naturally curly and coily hair babes! Let the natural pattern of your curls shine by loosely pulling your locks into a low bun, then adorn them with dream decorative hair pins. Get the Tutorial!
Simple Chignon
Want to keep it classic and simple for the big night? A low pony and a couple of twists are all you need to create this dreamy chignon hairstyle. Get the Tutorial!
Textured French Twist Updo
Go for a prom hairstyle that’s a modern take on a classic. By adding a bit of texture and keeping it looser, the Audrey Hepburn-worthy twist looks chic and elegant, just with a little extra sexy. Get the Tutorial!
Low Textured Bun (With a Twist!)
Low updos are classic and elegant—but that doesn’t have to mean boring. Adding a twisted rope braid to your bun hairstyle makes it fresh, fun, and prom-ready. Get the Tutorial!
Messy Low Updo with Tendrils
This spiraling updo is wound around itself to create a bundle of just barely controlled tendrils! Finish the look with a glitzy hair comb and be sure to pull out those face framers. Get the Tutorial!
Prom Ponytails
Classic and sassy, ponytails give you the glamor of an updo with the fun of being able to whip that pony around! Surprisingly versatile, you’ll never believe just how many ways there are to style a ponytail.
Retro High Ponytail
Barbiecore is so in right now, and if you’re going with an all-pink prom look, this hairstyle is the perfect way to finish your Barbie-inspired fit! A simple high pony with a sweeping side bang, we also love how practical this hairstyle is for a night of socializing and dancing. Get the Tutorial!
Low Twisted Ponytail
So much more stylish than a basic pony, this romantic twisted hairstyle is deceptively easy to do! Dreamy and soft, this low ponytail would look especially gorgeous with a backless dress to show off your locks. Get the Tutorial!
Party Ponytail With Hair Clips
Get playful with a dressed-up tousled ponytail for the big night. Bonus: This flirty, fun prom hair idea is also perfect for date nights, bachelorette parties, and more. Get the Tutorial!
High Voluminous Ponytail
If you’re interested in keeping your hair out of your face but high buns aren’t quite your style, try this flirty and light, stylish ponytail. High ponies are huge this year, and this look is perfect for pulling together a great prom look at the last minute! Get the Tutorial!
High ’90s Ponytail
The go-to hairstyle for ’90s babes is back, so get your supermodel on with a high pony. With a wrapped base, side part, and flipped-under ends, this throwback ‘do makes for a sleek and stunning prom hair idea. Get the Tutorial!
Rhinestone-Studded Slicked Back Ponytail
Simple and sleek, this prom hairstyle has lots of staying power to keep your hair in place while you dance the night away, plus rhinestone adornments to match the celebratory mood of the evening! One of our easiest prom hair ideas, you can get this ‘do done in just a few minutes. Get the Tutorial!
Loose Prom Hairstyles
Let your hair down—literally—with these stunning loose hairstyles for prom! Subtle yet elegant, we especially love adding fun accessories to these looks for prom.
Simple Hair Pearls
Prom is the perfect occasion for wearing pearls if you want to go for a romantic, elegant look. Easy, fun, and gorgeous, this floating-effect hairstyle leaves a lasting impression. Get the Tutorial!
Old Hollywood Waves
If you’re looking for a retro hairstyle that won’t make you cringe years down the line? Fall in love with timeless but oh-so-classic old Hollywood curls! Loose beachy waves are pinned back with a pretty pearl hairpin that will have you feeling like a vintage Hollywood starlet. Get the Tutorial!
Throwback 90’s Blowout
You don’t need to go to a dry bar or a professional hairstylist to achieve this chic and dramatic 90s blowout! Save your pennies and create this supermodel-inspired hairstyle at home using just a few simple tools. Get the Tutorial!
Easy Flat Iron Waves
Not one for the ultra-formal updo look? Go for loose, beachy waves that look totally effortless and undone in the best way. Try them with a middle part, a side part, or a deep side part with serious volume and ’90s vibes. Get the Tutorial!
Loose Waves With a Floral Headband
Prom hair that looks festive but isn’t overly complicated? Yes, please. An easy headband hairstyle is simple to achieve and totally party-ready. Get the Tutorial!
Loose Curls With a Statement Hair Clip
Love wearing your hair down? Let your strands flow and make a major statement with an oversized embellished hair clip for a simple style that has major impact. Get the Tutorial!
Side Part with Stacked Pins
For a simple, sleek prom hair idea, just tuck your tresses behind one ear and add pretty hair pins. The side part will highlight your features and a stack of spaced gold bobby pins will add some shimmer to your strands. Get the Tutorial!
Half-Up Half-Down Prom Hairstyles
Let your hair down without letting it into your eyes! These half-up hairstyles are practical but still glamorous, and a fun way to do something a little different for prom night.
Criss-Cross Half-Up Hair
Minimalist and modern, this stunning half-up hairstyle is the perfect way to leave your hair down and flowing while also keeping it neatly out of your face on the dance floor! Get the Tutorial!
Half-Up Hairstyle for Curls
Let your curls live in all their glory with this half-up hairstyle! Keep your hair from getting in your face with this simple trick, and create a gorgeous face-framing silhouette. Get the Tutorial!
Whimsical Headband Braid
Live your fairy princess fantasy with this stunning, stay-all-night hairstyle! Surprisingly easy to pull together, this look feels all-natural with a touch of glam. Get the tutorial!
Boho Half-Up Hairstyle
Boho babe alert! A half-up, half-down hairstyle with a peek-a-boo braid will keep your tresses under control–but still flowing and effortless-looking. Get the Tutorial!
Twisted Half-Up Hairstyle
If an ultra-formal updo feels too fussy for you, try a half-up, half-down hairstyle with a slightly undone look. As far as prom hair ideas go, this one is special occasion-worthy and relaxed at the same time. Sounds good to us! Get the Tutorial!
Half-Up Braided Hair
Get your ethereal goddess on! Two simple side twists form an elegant crown that pairs perfectly with soft curls. Get the Tutorial!
Which of these prom hair ideas is your fave? Remember to show us your prom hairstyles onInstagramorTikTok @lulus–and shop gorgeous dresses and more for the big night in our Prom Shop!
This post was originally published in May 2017 and has been updated with new content.
