During High School, the prom is a highly anticipated event that requires meticulous planning. A crucial aspect of this occasion is finding a hairstyle that complements your overall look and boosts your confidence. One popular option is to opt for an updo, which can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your overall appearance. With countless options available online, we’ve curated a selection of 31 stunning updos that are sure to impress.
By having your hair styled upwards, you’ll be able to showcase your beautiful dress while feeling radiant and confident. As prom is often synonymous with glamour, it’s essential to make a statement with your hairstyle. Our collection of glamorous hairdos offers inspiration for both those who will be working with professional stylists and those taking on the task themselves.
Whether you’re having a pro do your hair or attempting to recreate a look yourself, choosing your style in advance can help ensure a stress-free experience. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to try out a few different looks before settling on the one that’s right for you.
Elegant Low Bun Updo
For a touch of refinement, opt for the understated yet chic low-rise bun. This versatile style suits all hair types and beautifully complements any dress you choose. To achieve this look, be mindful not to grasp your locks too tightly as you tie them back, allowing for a effortless and polished finish that exudes sophistication.
Messy Updo for Long Hair
The current trend of updos has taken a messy turn, with the messier, the better being the prevailing mantra. One of the most popular variations is the effortless yet controlled look achieved by styling longer hair into a messy updo. The beauty of this style lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate any stray hairs that may have escaped during the night, adding to the overall undone charm.
Cute Updo with a Side Braid
Achieve a charming and effortless look by opting for this stunning side braid. While it’s hard to decide which side to prioritize, consider pairing a neatly braided section with a relaxed, loose strand on the opposite side. This contrasting combination will not only add visual interest but also make for a fabulous photo opportunity – just remember to strike a pose and show off your braid!
Curly Elegant Updo
Make a statement at your prom with a show-stopping curl! As you’re likely used to sporting straight locks, embracing curls can be a game-changer. Not only will you experience a newfound sense of confidence, but your unique hairstyle will also garner attention and admiration throughout the evening. Take inspiration from @HairstylebyMehtap and own that curly look – it’s sure to make you feel like the belle of the ball.
Milkmaid Braid Updo
For those seeking a feminine and elegant hairstyle, the milkmaid braid updo is an excellent option. This versatile style not only adds a touch of glamour but also draws attention to one’s eyes by showcasing their fringe. Its simplicity makes it accessible to anyone, requiring just a few basic steps: braiding your hair, gathering the strands together, and securing them with a pin.
Classy & Elegant Look
Inspired by @ashpettyhair, we’re showcasing an understated yet sophisticated hairstyle that’s sure to turn heads. At its core are expertly woven twists and braids, which serve as the foundation for this elegant look. The beauty of this style lies in its fluidity – feel free to experiment with loose twists and subtle braids, allowing your creativity to shine through. There’s no one ‘right’ way to achieve this look; instead, focus on making it uniquely yours.
Messy Bun with a Braid
The current obsession with undone hairstyles is undeniable. A style that perfectly captures this trend is a fusion of a girly braid and a messy bun. This versatile look allows you to effortlessly transition from a casual, everyday vibe to a more dressed-up appearance, making it an excellent choice for special occasions like prom.
Side-Swept Bun
Transforming your locks into a stunning side bun is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also has the power to make you feel like royalty. The effortless elegance of this hairstyle makes it perfect for dressing up or down, and pairing it with braids adds an extra layer of sophistication. Whether you’re wearing a flowy sundress or a sleek jumpsuit, a side-sweep bun with braids is sure to elevate your look and leave a lasting impression.
Messy, Braided Updo with Flowers
We’re obsessed with boho hairstyles that exude a carefree summer essence. One of our favorite ways to achieve this look is by incorporating flowers into your hairdo.
As inspired by @heidimariegarrett, this trend is all about embracing your playful and free-spirited side. The best part? It’s suitable for both light and dark-haired beauties alike! Whether you’re a blonde bombshell or a raven-haired vixen, the key to pulling off this look is finding flower colors that complement your complexion.
For a truly show-stopping ‘do, try adding a few pops of pastel-hued flowers to a messy braided updo. This not only adds a touch of whimsy but also showcases your unique character and fashion sense.
Side Braid into Bun
A stylish fusion of textures and styles, this side braid combines the best of both worlds – the messy charm of a bun and the sleekness of a tightly woven braid. Drawing inspiration from the versatility of @instibraid’s creations, this look showcases the beauty of a braid hairband framing the front section. Whether you prefer a more relaxed or polished prom night style, this unique blend offers an amazing option to suit individual tastes.
Romantic Updo
As the old adage goes, love is the driving force behind life’s most unforgettable moments. And what better way to capture that magic than with a stunning romantic updo? Inspired by the expert stylists at @hair_do_salon, this style is sure to be a showstopper on prom night – a time for you to shine, surrounded by loved ones and making memories that will last a lifetime.
High Bun + Crown Braid
Opt for the ultimate hairstyle fusion by combining a high-rise bun with a crown braid. This stunning look offers the security and longevity you need to feel confident throughout the evening. To ensure your style stays in place, wrap your braid tightly around the bun, knowing it won’t shift or fall out. And remember, hairspray is always there to lend a helping hand, providing an extra layer of hold and peace of mind.
Upside Down Braid Bun
Want to make a statement with your prom hairstyle? Look no further! This upside-down braid bun is a showstopper that’s sure to turn heads. With intricate details and a touch of elegance, it’s the perfect style for anyone looking to make their prom memories truly unforgettable. For those feeling adventurous and wanting to take on the challenge themselves, don’t worry – this look isn’t just reserved for professionals!
With some practice and possibly enlisting the help of a friend, you can master this stunning style. Just be prepared for the envy-inducing gazes that will surely follow.
Twisted Updo
Experience the thrill of a twisted updo that will keep you rocking all night long. The creative genius behind this look is Lena Bogucharskaya (@lenabogucharskaya), who masterfully combines style and elegance to create a prom-perfect coiffure. While perfection isn’t essential, allowing loose strands to frame your face adds a charming touch, showcasing the beauty of an imperfectly perfect updo.
Cute Curly Updo
This understated updo exudes effortless femininity and whimsy. With its uncomplicated yet charming nature, it’s perfect for those looking for a hairstyle that’s both easy to achieve and visually appealing.
The key to this look is embracing natural texture and allowing the curls to shine. To recreate the style, start by curling your hair (or working with naturally curly locks), then gently gather a few strands together and twist them away from the face.
Secure with pins, remembering that the undone charm of this updo lies in its imperfections.
What’s most important is not striving for perfection but rather embracing the relaxed, effortless vibe that makes this style so charming.
Boho Braided Updo
Embrace the free-spirited charm of the boho aesthetic with this stunning braided updo. Inspired by @marinamcavoy, this look is a masterclass in effortless elegance. The intricate design may appear complex at first glance, but trust us – it’s surprisingly easy to recreate once you’ve mastered the art of braiding. So go ahead, let those stray hairs add to the whimsical charm, and get ready to channel your inner hippie chic.
Fishtail Braid Updo
The allure of fishtail braids has garnered widespread attention in recent years, thanks to their undeniably striking visual appeal. Despite the growing popularity, many people are still unfamiliar with this styling technique. The Instagram-worthy quality of fishtail braids is precisely what fuels the frenzy surrounding them.
As the standard braid begins to lose its allure, individuals seeking a fresh and unique look turn to fishtail braids as a way to express their personal style, which we wholeheartedly agree is nothing short of captivating.
Elegant Style
For many young women, prom night is the epitome of elegance. And with this refined hairstyle, you’ll exude sophistication and poise. Inspired by @cheri_chung’s elegant updo, this style is characterized by a sleek, polished bun that requires precision and attention to detail. To achieve this look, gather all your hair together and secure it in the central position behind you. Use hairspray to set the style in place and prevent stray strands from falling loose.
As an added bonus, apply a hair serum beforehand to smooth and add shine to your locks, making them easier to work with. With this style, you’ll be the epitome of elegance on prom night.
Glamorous Curly Updo
Transform into a stunning beauty with this ravishing curly updo. The combination of luscious curls, effortless style, and unadulterated chic creates a captivating look that exudes glamour. According to hairstyling expert Mehtap, the key to achieving this alluring ‘do is to focus on perfecting those curls, particularly at the ends. A light hold hairspray applied to the top adds a sleek finish, giving your locks a radiant sheen.
Cool Braided Updo
The braided updo showcased by @emilyandersonstyling exudes effortless sophistication, making it a stunning hairstyle option for individuals with blonde or darker locks alike. To recreate this look, frame your face with a few strategically placed bangs while securing the majority of your hair back. As the style is already striking, opt for understated jewelry to allow the beauty of the updo to take center stage.
Fishtail Crown Braid
Elevate your hair game by mastering the stunning fishtail crown braid, a show-stopping look that’s sure to leave your friends in awe. As seen on @hair_by_zolotaya, this regal updo is perfect for making a statement at any special occasion – why not start with Prom Queen? The intricate fishtail design adds an extra layer of sophistication and glamour, making it the ultimate crown jewel (pun intended) in your hairstyling repertoire.
Voluminous Braid Updo
The key to achieving a voluminous braid updo lies in creating volume at the crown. Before even beginning the braiding process, it’s essential to add some oomph to this area of your hair. One popular method for accomplishing this is through teasing, which can help create the desired lift and texture. Alternatively, dry shampoo has gained popularity as a quick fix for adding instant volume.
To incorporate this technique into your style, simply spray the product onto your roots while lifting your hair up and away from your scalp. This will not only add volume but also leave your locks smelling fresh and clean. Once you’re satisfied with your volume-enhanced crown, secure it in place with a light hold hairspray to ensure everything stays put throughout the day.
Messy French Braided Updo
Go beyond the trendy fishtail braids and revisit a timeless classic – the French braid. According to hairstylist @jennailiouhairstylist, this effortless yet elegant look is sure to turn heads and make others green with envy. The retro charm of a messy French braid is undeniable, making it a perfect choice for those looking to stand out from the crowd.
Teased Crown + Curly Low Bun
To achieve the desired volume in this hairstyle, a crucial step is to tease or backcomb the crown of your hair. This simple technique can instantly add bulk and lift to your locks, making it an essential component for creating a princess-like appearance. When paired with curls, a teased crown becomes the perfect combination for adding depth and visual interest to your overall style.
Side-Swept Bun with a Braid
Elevate your hairstyle with ease by incorporating a side-sweep bun featuring an intricate braid. As inspired by @heidimariegarrett, this effortless yet stunning look creates the illusion of more elaborate styling while requiring minimal effort. The key lies in the clever combination of the braided detail spilling into the side-sweep bun, resulting in a captivating design.
While ideal for longer hair that can form a fuller and heavier bun, this style can still be achieved on shorter locks, albeit with a slightly less voluminous result.
Romantic Twisted Updo
This whimsical updo boasts a delicate, yet striking quality that may seem challenging to achieve. However, rest assured that it’s surprisingly effortless.
For this romantic twisted masterpiece, start by twisting the front sections of your hair, taking care not to flatten them for maximum volume. Next, pin these in place and move on to the middle and longer sections, working your way up.
The key is not to spend too much time meticulously pinning every strand, but rather leave some loose ends to create a soft, romantic finish.
Curly Hair + Teased Crown = Elegant Updo
If you’re torn between achieving luscious curls or a voluminous crown, why not combine the two? With this versatile styling approach, you can create a show-stopping look that exudes elegance and sophistication. To achieve this coveted hairstyle, start by teasing your crown to add bounce and volume. Then, curl the hair below the halfway mark, creating a beautiful blend of textures. Next, gather those curls and secure them in place with a few strategically placed pins.
The result is a regal style that’s fit for a princess – and with hairspray on hand, you can rest assured your masterpiece will stay in place all day long.
Messy Crown Braid Updo
Embrace your inner trendsetter by opting for a messy crown braid on prom night. This stylish hairstyle is perfect for showcasing bold highlights or dip-dyed hair, creating an edgy and raw look that’s sure to turn heads. The striking contrast between the braided crown and the rest of your hair will make you stand out in a crowd.
Cute Milkmaid Braid Updo
If you’re struggling with a traditional crown braid, fear not – there’s an alternative that still delivers a similar look without the complexity. Milkmaid braids are a great option for those who want to achieve this style without dedicating hours to perfecting their braiding skills. This updo is surprisingly quick to create, leaving you more time to focus on your dress and makeup. Plus, its versatility makes it suitable for any hair type or color.
Just remember to leave a few loose strands framing your face for added flair.
Simple Messy Updo
Transform into a trendsetter by embracing a carefree, effortless hairstyle that exudes confidence and sophistication! Take inspiration from @maggiehancock’s laid-back yet stunning look, where a simple dress takes center stage. By opting for a messy ‘do, you’ll highlight your feminine and elegant side while still maintaining a touch of undone charm. It’s the perfect blend of girly and edgy, ensuring you turn heads wherever you go.
Simple, Classy & Elegant
For a timeless look, try embracing simplicity with this effortless bun. Sometimes, less is more, as exemplified by @natalieannehair’s understated yet elegant style. To achieve this classic look, begin by gathering volume at the crown by tying your hair back loosely. Secure it into a neat bun using pins or bobby pins. Next, take a few stray strands and gently curl them to add a touch of whimsy and romance, softening the overall appearance while maintaining its sophisticated essence.
