13 Best Prom Hairstyles For Teen Girls

March 17, 2025

Choosing the perfect prom hairstyle for teen girls is just as important as selecting the dress. The right style enhances your look, complements your prom dress, and ensures you feel confident all night. If you’re wearing a gown with intricate details, an all-up prom hairstyle like an elegant bun or a twisted chignon creates a polished effect. For short dresses, soft waves or a half-up look add romance, while voluminous curls or intricate braids make thick hair shine. With Prom Hair 2025 trends offering everything from timeless classics to modern styles, there’s a perfect match for every personality.

Classic Low Bun

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The Classic Low Bun offers timeless elegance that works with any dress style and face shape. Start with smoothing serum on damp hair to control flyaways before gathering hair at the nape of your neck. Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color, and leave a few face-framing tendrils for a softer look. This style stays put all night with minimal hairspray, making it perfect for dancing without worrying about touch-ups.

Messy Chignon

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A Messy Chignon brings casual sophistication that looks harder to create than it actually is. Tease the crown slightly for volume, then loosely twist and pin hair into a low, textured bun. The key is not aiming for perfection—let some pieces fall naturally for that effortless vibe. Apply texturizing spray before styling and finish with light-hold hairspray to maintain the deliberate messiness while keeping the structure intact.

Braided Crown Updo

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The Braided Crown Updo creates a princess-worthy look that frames your face beautifully. Create two Dutch braids on either side of your head, then wrap them around to meet and pin at the back. This style works best on second-day hair with some dry shampoo for grip and texture. Pin tiny flowers or delicate clips throughout the braids for a show-stopping finish that photographs magnificently from every angle.

High Sleek Ponytail

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A High Sleek Ponytail delivers modern glamour with its clean lines and face-lifting effect. Straighten your hair completely before gathering it at the crown, using a bristle brush to eliminate bumps. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it, securing with a discreet bobby pin underneath. This style pairs beautifully with statement earrings and off-shoulder dresses, creating an elegant neck-lengthening effect.

Hollywood Waves

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Hollywood Waves bring red-carpet drama that looks stunning in prom photos. Start by applying heat protectant before using a 1.5-inch curling iron to create uniform waves, curling away from your face. Let curls cool completely before gently brushing through with a wide-tooth comb to form those signature S-waves. Set with flexible-hold hairspray and pin one side behind your ear with a sparkly clip for classic asymmetrical glamour.

Half-Up, Half-Down Curls

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Half-Up, Half-Down Curls offer the best of both worlds—showing off length while keeping hair out of your face. Curl your entire head with a medium-barrel iron, focusing on uniform direction for a polished look. Take the top third of your hair and secure it back with decorative pins or a hidden elastic. This prom hairstyle works with any dress neckline and stays beautiful even after hours on the dance floor.

Bubble Ponytail

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The Bubble Ponytail creates eye-catching texture that stands out in a crowd. Start with a high, smooth ponytail, then place clear elastics every two inches down the length of your hair. Gently pull each section outward to create the “bubble” effect, making sure to maintain even spacing. This modern style works wonderfully on longer hair and can be dressed up with rhinestone elastics or hair cuffs between each bubble.

Braided & Twisted Style

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The Braided & Twisted Style combines multiple techniques for a unique, textured updo that turns heads. Begin with a French braid along one side, then create several smaller braids throughout the rest of your hair. Twist and pin these braids into a low, asymmetrical arrangement at the nape of your neck. This intricate style holds extremely well for active dancers and creates stunning dimension in photographs.

Fishtail Braid

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The Fishtail Braid delivers intricate detail that looks complex but becomes simple with practice. Start with a side ponytail, split it into two sections, then repeatedly cross small outer strands to the opposite side. Gently tug at the edges of the completed braid to create fullness and texture. This bohemian style pairs beautifully with floral dresses and can be accessorized with thin metallic threads woven throughout.

Boho Braided Half-Updo for Prom

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The Boho Braided Half-Updo creates carefree elegance that works beautifully with any dress style. Create two small braids on each side of your part, then connect them at the back of your head with pins. Add loose waves to the rest of your hair using a curling wand for that effortless, romantic finish. This style allows for movement while ensuring your hair stays stylishly out of your face during the night.

Twisted Rope Ponytail

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The Twisted Rope Ponytail offers sleek sophistication with unexpected detail. Divide your ponytail into two sections, twist each section individually, then twist them together in the opposite direction to create the rope effect. Secure the end with a clear elastic and hairspray for a polished finish. This elegant style elongates the neck and showcases statement earrings or necklaces perfectly.

Pixie with Accessories

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A Pixie with Accessories proves short hair can make a major prom statement with minimal effort. Apply pomade for texture and definition, focusing on creating height at the crown and piece-y texture throughout. Add a jeweled headband, vintage brooch, or crystal pins for instant glamour that complements your dress. Short styles mean no touch-ups needed all night—just shake your head and keep dancing!

Sleek Bob with Deep Side Part

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The Sleek Bob with Deep Side Part brings sharp, fashion-forward elegance that frames your face perfectly. Create a dramatic side part, apply smoothing serum, and straighten thoroughly for mirror-like shine. Tuck one side behind your ear with a decorative clip or comb for asymmetrical interest. This low-maintenance style stays put all night and makes a confident statement with minimal product and fuss.

Should Hair Be Up or Down for Prom?

There’s no right or wrong answer—whether you wear your hair up or down for prom depends on what makes you feel best. If you want a polished, elegant look that keeps your hair out of the way while dancing, an updo is a great choice. If you prefer a softer, more relaxed style, wearing your hair down can be just as beautiful.

Conclusion on Prom Hairstyles

A well-chosen hairstyle ties your whole look together, whether you prefer all-up prom hairstyles for a sophisticated touch or loose waves to suit hairstyles for short dresses. Those with thick hair styles can try braided styles or voluminous curls, while medium hair styles allow for sleek, trendy options. I love a classic low bun for its timeless elegance, but a sleek high ponytail is perfect for making a statement at prom. From the promposal to the big dance, prom season is an exciting time, so make sure to choose a hairstyle that reflects that excitement!