Long Prom Hairstyles
Prom hairstyles follow high fashion just as the Prom Gowns do.
With the current hair fashions trending towards natural textures such as lush waves, loose ringlet curls and even soft straight shiny strands, Prom hairstyles will follow.
The days of the required Prom updo hairstyle are gone, at least for now. Of course if you wish to wear your hair up, follow your Prom hair dreams. You should always wear your hair the way you love it best.
The modern version of updos range from half-up/half-down to a range of side chignons and buns to finished ponytail updo styles.
The hairstyle plays a vital part in the prom. So it is quite important to choose an ideal hairstyle. There are a lot of options for prom hairstyles for long hair to make you appear charming on the D-day.
Soft and Romantic
It’s sophisticated and dreamy, this rich red long hair updo. It looks flawless and effortless, but not boring in any way! Large loose curls are bundled imperfectly off to one side just a bit. Side swept bangs keep the front just as wistful looking as the back.
How To Style:
- Prep hair with volumizing and styling products, then blow dry using a large round brush.
- Use hot rollers to curl hair, but don’t curl past the middle of your head. Secure all the rollers from the mid-point (occipital bone) down. Let them cool completely.
- Use a flat iron to smooth over bangs in front.
- Remove the hot rollers and pull through the curls using your fingers.
- Put backcombing throughout the top, crown and entire back of your head. (Use root boosting powder in the top before you backcomb for even more height.) When you’ve got a great base, smooth over the top of the backcombing towards the back. Bobby pin the smoothed part toward the bottom and off to one side a little bit.
- After pinning smoothed hair down, start spreading the curls out and pinning them loosely into the shape you’d like the “bun” to be. Leave ends out, but if they’re too long, feel free to pin them halfway down the strand and tucked under just a bit to shorten them.
- Spray the finished style with a strong hold hairspray that won’t flake or dull your style.
Tip:
Partner up your dramatic hairstyle with equally dramatic makeup. Focus on your lips and eyes, and don’t forget false lashes! They don’t have to be huge and crazy to make a big difference. Get a pair that will emphasize what you naturally have, then pick up a lip stain in a dramatic red, rose or berry shade so you get the color without having to constantly reapply.
Modern French Twist
It’s a combination of two old classics that becomes surprisingly current, especially with the fresh flower tucked into it. The slicked back top and sides with just a touch of added volume twist into a tight French twist that moves down into a clean tucked under chignon. It’s a solid style and a high fashion statement.
How To Style:
- Prep hair with a styling crème or gel, then put in a decent cushion of backcombing up the center section of the back of your head where the twist and chignon will lay.
- Slick damp hair back to the back center part of your head and pin one side just past the center, then repeat with the other side, rolling it over the top of the first layer and pinning underneath.
- Smooth all loose hair into a low ponytail leaving the ends of the twist out for now.
- Use your hand to smooth hair around to create the shape of chignon you like best and pin underneath to keep it in place.
- With the ends of the twist, smooth them out over the hair in the ponytail and tuck them underneath, securing with bobby pins as well.
- Mist finished style with a firm hold hairspray and affix your flower or other accessory.
Tip:
If you have issues achieving a perfect French twist, substitute a French braid instead.
Fun Flirtatious Updo
If your dilemma is that you want an updo and want to showcase your fabulous hair at the same time without hiding all of it in a typical updo, here’s a great idea for you! Take all of those sexy curls and pin them up loosely so your hair looks like it’s in a short bob. The overall effect is a sassy head full of curls that won’t quit. The full bangs off to one side actually make hair appear thicker while keeping the style soft.
How To Style:
- After blow drying hair, use a medium sized curling iron to create spiral curls all over the back of your head and a little in the sides too.
- Pin ends up underneath in the back for more of a bob shape.
- Run a low temp flat iron through bangs to smooth without killing the volume.
- Finish with a light spray of firm hold hairspray.
Tip:
Before you start curling, put in a solid cushion of backcombing along the nape (bottom part of your hairline that crosses your neck). It will help lock those pins in and keep things from slipping out while you’re dancing the night away!
Messy Side Pony
Natural curls make life a lot easier if you know how to work with them and you’ve embraced them! Touch them up just a bit on top to polish your style off and you go from everyday to special event in no time. Keep the style flowing all to one side for the most cohesive look. People looking at you will naturally look at your hair and face instead of just one or the other – this style draws you in!
How To Style:
- Apply the right styling product to slightly damp hair and use a blow dryer to diffuse. Make sure you are holding the diffuser still while your curls are piled on top. Too much movement here can make your hair fuzzy.
- Use a root lifting/volumizing product in the roots before finishing the blow dry process to get extra lift on top.
- Use your hands instead of a comb or brush to gently guide hair over to one side, then secure hair with a binder or clip.
- If you’ve got a few unruly curls, touch them up with a little curling iron very quickly so you don’t end up with a perfect little spiral within all your fabulous natural curl.
Tip:
No natural curl? No worries! You can still get the same style with a curling iron. For a more natural feel, try using a couple of different sized barrels and wrapping your hair around the outside of the iron instead of clamping it and sliding the iron through it.
Pop Princess
The ultra slicked back hair into a high pony looks amazing when styled into this modern chic coiffure. It’s so perfectly styled that it almost looks like a hairpiece instead of a hairstyle! The super large loops are perfect with just a few instead of a ton. Having just a few (an odd number, either 3 or 5) looks more sophisticated than trying to find places for a bunch of them and ruining the clean updo.
How To Style:
- Smooth straightened hair into a high ponytail and wrap a strand of hair around the binder to disguise it.
- Separate the ponytail into several sections (they do not have to be equal, just similar).
- Using a comb, smooth a section around the edge of your hand and place it where you’d like it to be. Pin it underneath and move on to the next section.
- When all sections are pinned in place, go back over the pins with another bobby pin to create an X shape to really lock them in place. If bobby pins don’t have something to hold onto, they can easily slide out.
- Spritz the finished style with a firm hold shine hairspray.
Tip:
If you plan on accessorizing your hair, keep it simple. One really large or very small piece will work if you integrate it into the style. Start adding too many things and the whole style will look sloppy and blah.
Sexy Updo
A bundle of curls piled not-too-high is a fabulous look for the carefree but glamtastic girl. Having a darker tone underneath can end up looking tragic if it’s not done right, so be careful with the colors you choose to create more drama and dimension in your style. The loose gorgeous curls are hard to mess up though. Definitely use your face framing/bangs to keep the style looking approachable and soft.
How To Style:
- Set dry hair in hot rollers (use the larger ones for the front and top if you have access to enough of them) and let cool.
- Once you’ve removed the rollers, pull your fingers through the curls to break them up.
- Add backcombing through the top, crown and back part of your hair to add volume and give yourself a spot to anchor the bobby pins or clips you plan to use.
- Smooth the top, front and sides toward the back and loosely twist hair up the back just a bit. If hair from the front and sides falls, just let it. It will give you a better tousled look.
- Secure the twist using bobby pins underneath it (or a clip or two) and pin a few of the curls towards the outside in strategic places so the curls don’t just fall completely to the back of your head after you’ve started dancing. You can leave the curl in place, but try to tuck a bobby pin in at the part of the curl where it touches your head.
- Mist the finished style with at least a medium hold hairspray.
Tip:
For extra volume on top that looks more natural, part your hair in the opposite direction and blow dry it that way. When you flip it back over after it’s cooled, it will still be your natural part but the blow dry action will give you more “oomph”.
Updated Retro Chignon
Who knew you could take something as simple as the low chignon, shift it up just an inch or two, and get a completely different vibe?! While the smoothed back hair doesn’t look too tight, hair is contained and classic looking but a bit edgy too. Sweet!
How To Style:
Apply mousse to damp hair and blow out most of the way.
Smooth hair back to just below the occipital bone (the bone that sticks out the furthest on the back of your head) and put in a binder.
3. Use a comb to take care of any tangles and smooth out the ponytail, then wrap the hair around your hand and roll it under.
With the tail of a comb inserted horizontally through the roll you’ve just created, lift up and hold firmly so you can bobby pin the top edge. (You can use longer bobby pins to help give you a more consistent straight line across the top of the chignon.)
Pin the bottom of the roll underneath so the bobby pins are hidden. If you need more fullness in the style, you can rough up the texture a little bit and smooth it again using your hands, then lightly go over the exposed part with the teeth of a comb.
Use a flat iron on a low setting to smooth your bangs then spray the whole style with a finishing hairspray.
Tip:
Moving your style around to see where it looks best and makes you feel most comfortable is a great idea. Take photos of the front, back and both sides each time you move it so you have something to use as a reference point when deciding what to do.
Sweet and Sassy Updo
Chocolate brown hair with caramel streaks looks impossibly sweet and saucy at the same time when it’s loosely pulled back, leaving curls to cascade down just a bit. Full bangs give you more of a mysterious look without being obnoxious.
How To Style:
After blow drying hair, use a medium to large barrel curling iron to create curls in the back of your hair.
Put in backcombing up the back center as well as the crown and top of your hair, then smooth over the top for your bump.
Starting in the center back, start pinning the curls up and work your way out, using the hair from the bottom, sides and top last. (You can customize the shape of the “bun” in back by how close together you pin the curls.)
Use a flat iron to smooth bangs.
Spray with medium to firm hold hairspray.
Tip:
If you don’t have enough front fringe or bangs to create a heavier look like this, purchase a hairpiece clip in extension specifically designed to go in the bang fringe area. They can be customized by your hairstylist so no one can even tell it’s there!
Socialite Sleek Updo
Fully slicked back hair looks so perfect when softened with a low messy bun. The rich red color makes hair appear healthy and fabulous. No sloppy style here! It is a simple but elegant style for the girl who has it all.
How To Style:
Prep damp hair with a styling gel or crème, then smooth back to a low ponytail.
Wrap the hair from the ponytail in plastic or foam rollers, or wait until the strands have dried to use a curling iron to get the curl you’ll need for the bun.
After you’ve curled the ponytail hair, rough it up by brushing through it or pulling apart the curls with your fingers.
Loosely wrap the ponytail into a bun, but don’t try to make it perfect. Pin underneath the bun with bobby pins to make sure it stays in place.
Complete your style with a mist of firm hold finishing spray.
Tip:
Fresh color and a trim, combined with months of extra special care, will help you get a similar lustrous look to your hair. Be gentle when you wash and condition hair as well as when you comb it out and let air dry more than you blow dry. Protect your hair from heat and excessive sun exposure. All the little things combine to make a big difference.
Salma Hayek
Serious style points for Ms. Hayek with this gorgeous flowy ‘do. The slightly lighter ends are interesting, but the most amazing part of the style is the movement within the curls without her actually moving. The length and density combined with the full spiral curls creates a wave-like appearance that’s flawless.
How To Style:
Prep hair with styling product(s) then blow dry, finishing off the drying process with a large round brush.
Use a large barrel curling iron and create barrel curls. Clip curls at the scalp to allow them to cool completely.
Mist the cooling curls with a little hairspray before removing the clips and let it dry.
Let those curls down and brush through them (if your curls can handle it) and re-curl with your fingers to get your desired curl pattern.
Spray finished style with a firm but flexible hold hairspray.
Tip:
If you’ve got issues with your curls and their staying power, instead of using a curling iron, use hot rollers or a wet-set with plastic rollers (the old-school kind you’d see your grandma wearing). Hot rollers infuse your hair with heat, but then also cool completely around the same shape so the curl is locked in better. With a wet-set, you’re using a different type of method altogether. Instead of temperature, you’re using moisture to set your curls. The way your hair reacts to the wet-set is a lot of times greater than using just temperature methods. You get a more stable curl. Why do you think women would go to the salon once a week for this treatment? It actually was capable of lasting that long and won’t damage your hair nearly as much as the heat will!
Prom Braid
You can turn a simple side ponytail into prom elegance by simply adding a chic braid. This hairstyle shows off a deep side part that is softly braided down into a wavy ponytail. The asymmetry of the style is fun and interesting. It’s a great choice for girls with long hair that want to keep their hair up and off of their face while getting their groove on at the prom!
Cute Side Braid Look for Long Hair
How to Style:
1. Start with dry hair and spray some hairspray throughout to add a little bit of texture to your strands.
2. Part hair deeply to one side and start braiding from the part-line to behind the opposite ear.
3. When your braid reaches behind the ear, gather all of your hair into a ponytail and secure with an elastic band. (Clear or an elastic band that matches the color of your hair is best.)
4. Take a strand of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around your band to hide and to add that polished off look. Secure the piece with a bobby pin that matches the color of your hair.
Tip(s):
Instead of ponytail, twist it up into a low side bun. You can keep the bun messy or sleek depending on the style you are going for. When your hair is pulled all up like this, it’s an awesome way to show off bold earrings or necklaces. Details like that really help accentuate your prom style.
Updo Ambition
Take some killer curls, a sweet braid, and some bobby pins to create this amazing prom queen stunner! The gorgeous swirly highlights help accent this curly hairstyle. A thick chunky braid helps keep hair up and off of the face while a pile of curls on top of the head cascade effortlessly down into a few soft tendrils. Prom Perfection!
Updo Ambition Long Look with Braid and Curls Updo Ambition Long Look with Braid and Curls - Back View
How to Style:
1. Curl your entire head of hair with a curling iron.
2. Part hair deeply to one side and braid to behind the opposite ear and secure with bobby pins.
3. Pull the rest of your hair up into a high ponytail on the top of your head and secure with an elastic band.
4. Take the curls from your ponytail and start pinning them in a semi-organized way to the top of the head to create a pile of curls. Push the bobby pins into the elastic hair tie to really anchor them in.
5. Leave some of the curls hanging down for that soft, romantic effect.
Tip(s):
Team up! It’s a great idea to get together with your girlfriends before the big night and do each other’s hair. Sometimes curling and pinning your own hair is difficult so having someone else help you out is a great idea.
Curly Prom Twist
This feminine hairstyle is positively gorgeous! This curly look is great for prom because you can show off the length your hair has but still have it back and off your face so you don’t have to worry about it bothering you on the dance floor. The girly curls are complimented by the sweet twisted detail. This is an awesome pick for any prom or special event.
Curly Prom Twist Half Updo Look for Prom
How to Style:
1. Part your hair down the middle.
2. Use a curling iron to curl your entire head of hair.
3. Start on one side of your part and twist it back and away from the face. Keep adding hair into the twist, moving back towards the center of the head. Pin to secure.
4. Repeat on the opposite side. Twist hair back and away from the face and then pin in the back, center of the head for a half updo.
Tip(s):
Don’t be afraid to dress up your hair with glittery accessories. It’s your prom! Plan ahead and purchase some fun sparkly barrettes or pins to play up your big night hairstyle even more.
Peekaboo Prom Do
This super cute curly hairstyle is awesome for showing off long hair. But the secret ingredient to this style that makes it prom ready is the fun peekaboo pop of color. The sharp contrast of the blonde in the black hair really adds a youthful and fun element. Choose a color that contrasts or complements your prom dress for a really awesome look!
Long Casual Black Peekaboo Look with Curls
How to Style:
1. Detangle clean, dry hair and plug in your one and a quarter inch curling iron.
2. Section up hair to curl from the bottom up so you can manage your hair easier.
3. When you have finished curling your entire head of hair, spray on your favorite hairspray for hold.
Tip(s):
Don’t bleach your hair out to achieve a punky color pop. Instead, opt for a chunky hair extension from your favorite beauty supply store. Make sure you ask if the hair is able to be curled as some synthetic hair pieces may melt. We also recommend that you curl the extension piece first and then clip into your hairstyle for the best security.
Prom Elegance
Get in touch with your braiding skills to create this glamorous double waterfall braid for your prom. This braided effect is stunning and is a great hairstyle to show off your length but still keep hair back away and from the face. Subtle sun-kissed highlights are placed throughout the hair for an incredible glow.
Glamorous Double Waterfall Braid Elegant Style for Prom
How to Style:
1. Start with clean, dry hair and brush through.
2. Spray on some shine spray and curl the ends of your hair with a medium to large sized curling iron. The curls are very loose and wavy, not tight and spiraled so don’t worry about getting the perfect curl. You just want the ends of the hair to look wavy and soft.
3. Start on one side of the head, at about the height of your temple, and start a Waterfall Braid. Braid around the back of the head to your other temple and secure with a bobby pin or two.
4. Start about an inch under your last braid and repeat with another Waterfall Braid, securing at the opposite side with bobby pins.
Tip(s):
Customize your look! You can keep braiding to create an almost basket weave look or just do a single waterfall braid to save time. Try viewing an online tutorial video to learn how to create different types of braids.
Delicious Curls
So in love with these gorgeous curls! If you usually wear your hair up in a ponytail or on the straighter side, prom is the perfect time to change up your look. When you style your hair differently than you normally do you immediately appear more special. Try this amazing curly hairstyle to show off your length and volume.
Long Curls Elegant Style for Prom
How to Style:
1. Start with tangle free hair that is 100% dry.
2. Part hair to your liking, down the center or to the side.
3. Spray some light hairspray all over your hair and brush through.
4. Section up a large portion of your hair and leave a small section dropped down to curl. Use a one and half inch sized curling iron to curl the dropped down section.
5. Keep dropping down sections to curl until your entire head of hair is dripping with curls.
6. Finish off with a strong hold hairspray to lock your look in for the night.
Tip(s):
Strapless dresses are perfect for wearing your hair down. The hairstyle helps frame your face and shoulders. Add a sparkly barrette or accessory to really glam up your look for the dance floor!
Long hair always makes a statement so hopefully you’ve been inspired to something bold and daring on the big prom night. Feel free to mix and match different fashion elements from the different styles to create a custom look just for you. Curls, braids, pinning, or ponytails, are just a few of the many ingredients that await you and your fabulous long hair. Have fun and dance the night away with a gorgeous look.
