35 Unique Prom Hairstyles to Try in 2024 for Every Hair Length and Type

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Between all your favorite influencers and celebs, inspiration for prom hairstyles is everywhere. With so many options, it can almost seem too hard to find the right hairstyle. And, once you've found your dress or suit, picked out the perfect makeup, and even matched your nails to your look, that last detail can feel all the more burdensome.

Teen Vogue has you covered! We've rounded up some of the most trendy hairstyles for prom from red carpets, fashion shows, and more. While looking at your favorite celebrities is a fun and easy way to get inspiration, remember each look can be adjusted and personalized to best fit your style and hair. And, no matter what style you do, make sure you're taking care of your scalp hair with heat protectant, masks, and more!

Once you've taken care of your hair and scalp, scroll on to see some unique but easy prom hairstyles for inspiration based on your hair length or preferred styles such as curls, braids, updos, and more. In this article, you'll find:

• Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair

• Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair

• Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair

• Prom Updos

• Prom Hair Half-Up Half-Down

• Braided Prom Hairstyles

Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair

1. Framing Pieces

Face framing layers don't have to take away from your hair length. You can opt for a few framing pieces that are about chin length for the same effect like Olivia Rodrigo. She might have worn this style for the red carpet, but this look is also perfect for prom since it will highlight your face and makeup.

2. Old Hollywood Glam

This one may be a throwback, but it's one of today's hottest trends. From Sydney Sweeney's look for the Euphoria premiere to Megan Thee Stallion's iHeart Radio red carpet appearance, old Hollywood glam seems to be everywhere. Time to take it to prom too! To achieve this look, just go for a deep side part and big, voluminous curls. If you want to make the look authentic, you can even do it with hair rollers.

And, we know prom can be a long night. Clayton happens to have a helpful tip for keeping your curls in place. He says, “If you’re wearing your hair down in a wave or a curl, I recommend setting the hair in pin curls or velcro rollers after you curl it. Letting it cool in the formation will ensure it lasts longer. I’m also obsessed with Living Proof's Control Hairspray to lock up everything in."

3. Wet Waves

Zendaya has served so many unforgettable looks, but we're still hung up on this one. Her soft, slicked back waves gave the illusion of wet strands for a trendy yet chic aesthetic that would be a statement for prom.

4. Curled Ends

When you have long hair, doing full curls can be a challenge. That's why Faouzia's curls can be the perfect fix for when you're rushing to take photos in time before prom. Focusing on just the ends of your hair with the curls becoming progressively tighter can not only save you time, but also give you a fun, dynamic look.

5. Brushed-Out Curls

Sometimes your DIY curls end up being much tighter than expected. We've all been there. Luckily, there is any easy fix! Just brush out your curls for a more subtle and trendy look like Barbie Ferreira's.

6. Pigtails

Pigtails are making a comeback, so it might just be the perfect year to try them out for prom. To give them a more elegant feel, follow Jenny Park and dress them up a little bit. You can try fastening them with bows, doing curly or wavy hair, or opting to wear your braids in this style.

7. Bows

The simplest way to tie a whole look together is with a bow — isn't that why we put them on presents? Since you're gifting everyone with your presence at prom, might as well do it for the bit. Like Sabrina Carpenter, pick a bow that matches your dress and tie it into your half-up, half-down look. Alternatively, if you're opting to just leave your hair down, you can just pin it to one side of your hair.

8. Headbands

If you think your outfits needs more glitz before you get to the glam, opt for a headband. Choose one that matches your gown like Wonyoung, and decide if you want to do curly, wavy, or straight hair to go with it.

Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair

1. Retro Glam

You don't have to have long hair for old Hollywood curls and Kiko Mizuhara proved it. She went with a deep side part, curls going inwards towards her face, and a pin towards the side for her retro glam look.

2. Shaggy Cut

You may know Aimee Lou Wood for her signature blond curls on Sex Education, but we're also a bit obsessed with her shaggy long bob in the cutest caramel color. She styled the cut with super loose curls for an effortless chic look that would be perfect for prom.

3. Barrettes

If you can't decide until the last minute (no shame, we've all been there), one thing you can plan out is barrettes. Hair pins can elevate any look whether you go for curls, waves, or straight strands like Yoona. You can keep it simple like the singer-actor, or you could always go for a pearl option, a bedazzled set, or a geometric style. This is also one of the easier prom hairstyles out there if you're looking for something that's not super difficult to do!

4. Bouncy Curls

Sometimes we need a little spring to our step to make our look feel all the more glamorous. To get a little extra pep in your step during prom, try a bob with bouncy curls like Laura Harrier's. Plus, the middle part is on trend!

5. Feathered Bob

If you want to do a retro look, but don't want to go all the way back to old Hollywood glam, then try a '70s-style feathered bob like Billie Eilish. Just do a blowout with a thicker curl brush and curl the ends of your strands away from your face.

6. Flicked Bob

If you're looking for something subtle and easy, the flicked bob is perfect for prom. You can recreate Sarah Hyland's look or Billie Eilish's if you have longer hair. Just curl your flat iron upwards!

4. Coco Jones's Face-Framing Bob

If you're looking for a classic chic look. Coco Jones has you covered. Looking angelic, she gave us the perfect prom hair inspo at the Teen Vogue New Hollywood party. To recreate her look for yourself, use a tail comb to make a straight part down the middle of your hair and flat iron your hair, subtly curling inwards on each side.

5. Bumped Up Bob

Short, straight hair can have plenty of volume, as proven by Rachel Zegler. If you want this look, part the front of your hair down the middle and leave the back going straight down, giving the illusion of a bumped up look. You can also slightly curl the ends or your hair outwards.

Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair

1. Finger Waves

If you're looking for a special way to style your short hair from prom, finger waves might be the way to go. A style like Zendaya's would be a glamorous look for prom night.

2. Tousled Shag

Kristen Stewart has worn a plethora of short hairstyles, but this one in particular just fits the cool girl vibe so well. If that's your aesthetic too, just use a texturizing spray on your strands and opt for a more casual, natural part instead of a super straight line.

3. Mullets and Wolf Cuts

Mullets and wolf cuts are everywhere, so why not prom? Perhaps you'll be inspired Úrsula Corberó if you're still on the fence.

4. Pop of Color

If you'll be wearing neutral tones to prom, you can give your look a pop of color with your hair. We're still not over Brianne Tju's red hair after she showed us her GRWM for SXSW. And if you're not ready to make the commitment to a new hair color, you can try a semi-permanent one.

5. Blunt Bangs

If you're looking for an edgy but chic hairstyle for prom, consider blunt bangs like Alexa Demie's. The trend is perfect for those looking for a sleek look that they can maintain even after prom.

6. Slicked Back (And Bedazzled)

With its elegant feel, a chic, slicked back hairstyle is perfect for a formal occasion like prom. Plus, if you need some extra bling you can add some glitter to your hair like Florence Pugh.

Prom Updos

1. Bowed Bun

For a posh look, consider a low bun tied with a bow for prom. Selena Gomez did the hairstyle with a middle part and slicked back strands. You might think it's impossible to get your hair so sleek, but Clayton has a trick for that. He shares, "If you’re wearing an updo with lots of pins, try spraying your hair pins with dry shampoo (I find that Dove Dry Shampoo works the best) so that the pins have more grit and stay put longer." TKSandy effect

2. High Ponytail

A high ponytail can be practical and chic look for prom, especially if you have a night full of dancing ahead. We're still not over Halle Bailey's elegant updo for the Met Gala and think it would double as a perfect prom hairstyle too.

3. Low Ponytail

A simple and easy look for prom is a low ponytail. You can give it a regal feel like Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran by leaving a few framing pieces out and accessorizing with a statement earring.

4. Messy Ponytail

We still think about Rosé's ponytail at the Met Gala. It's effortless, cool, and easy, making it the perfect prom look, especially if you're opting for statement jewelry like the BLACKPINK singer.

5. A Voluminous Ponytail

If you're looking to do an updo but don't want to compromise volume, take some notes from Becky G. She gave her hair a subtle bump and made her ponytail wavy.

6. A Bun with Face Framing Pieces

When you're tying your hair up, try leaving out a few pieces for a face framing effect like Chloe Bailey's. It's the perfect way to showcase your prom makeup.

7. A Bun with Sculptured Pieces

Take some notes from Jordyn Woods and add an extra element to your slicked back bun with spit curls. This style is popular in Black and Hispanic cultures, with stars like Estrellita Castro and Josephine Baker inspiring many.

Half-Up, Half-Down Prom Hair

1. Classic Half-Up, Half-Down

If you want a classic and chic look, Emma Watson's hairstyle is perfect for prom. She opted to do a wavy style for a half-up, half-down look tied with a bow and parted her curtain bangs for a fun look with many elements that's still timeless and elegant.

2. Y2K Inspired

Maude Apatow's hair reminds us of picturesque prom scenes from our favorite 2000s movies. What better way to channel the Y2K trend than a hairstyle for prom? Complete the look with some butterfly clips.

4. Top Knot

Feeling torn between a doing a bun or keeping your hair down? You can have the best of both worlds. Just do a small top knot and leave the rest of your hair down with a few pieces framing your face like Danna Paola.

5. Half Ponytail

If you're looking for a more classic half-up, half-down look, channel Normani. Her look included a high half ponytail with curled ends and a few strands elegantly placed to the side.

6. Side-Swept

This iconic hairstyle from Zendaya still lives in our heads rent-free. To recreate it, just pin a few pieces on each side of your hair back with a draping effect.

7. Pins

If you want to add some more accessories to your look, try a half-up, half-down hairstyle for prom like Sydney Sweeney's. You can layer on some bobby pins or even opt for personalized clips like a zodiac set.

8. Half-Up, Half-Down Bob

You can still join in on the fun with short hair! Just take Hunter Schafer for example. She wore a half-up, half-down look with her bob for the Euphoria season two premiere and you can wear one to prom too! Just opt for a thinner hair tie or smaller clips!

Braided Prom Hairstyles

1. Braided Headband

No headband? No problem. BLACKPINK's Jennie showed us the cutest braid doubling as a headband at Paris Fashion Week. It's so dreamlike, it would be perfect for prom.

2. Braided Pigtails

This look by Yara Shahidi is a perfect way to make a classic look trendy and formal for prom. Just don't forget hair ties!

3. Braided Crown

A crown braid is a go-to for special events for a reason! You can DIY them at home and they are pretty convenient for keeping your hair out of your face. Plus, they have an elegant yet whimsical look to them! Take some inspo from Naomi Campbell's timeless look.

4. Side Braid

Braids can be a fun detail that add to your whole look. So, a side braid like Storm Reid's is the perfect way to showcase your braid as part of your outfit.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue