15 Elegant Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair
Prom night is a magical time, and finding the perfect hairstyle is key to feeling your best. With so many options, choosing the right look can be overwhelming. If you have long hair, you’re in luck! Long hair offers endless possibilities for creating stunning styles that will make you stand out.
From elegant updos to loose, flowing curls, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore 15 beautiful prom hairstyles for long hair, ensuring you find the perfect style to complement your dress and make you shine all night long.
15 Beautiful Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair
1. Chignon
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A chignon is a classic and timeless hairstyle perfect for prom. This low bun sits at the nape of the neck and can be styled sleek and smooth or with a bit of volume and texture for a more romantic look. The elegance of a chignon lies in its simplicity, making it a versatile choice that pairs well with any prom dress, whether it’s a glamorous ball gown or a sleek, modern dress.
To create a chignon, start by gathering the hair into a low ponytail, then twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base, securing it with pins. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep everything in place. For added glamour, you can accessorize with decorative pins, a sparkly comb, or even fresh flowers.
2. French Twist
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The French twist is a sophisticated and elegant hairstyle that exudes timeless beauty. This style involves twisting the hair upwards and securing it vertically along the back of the head, creating a smooth, polished roll. It’s perfect for prom because it stays neat and elegant all night.
To achieve a French twist, begin by brushing the hair back and gathering it into a low ponytail without using an elastic band. Twist the ponytail upwards, tucking the ends into the twist and securing it with bobby pins.
This style works best on medium to long hair and can be adorned with a decorative comb or a few delicate hairpins for a touch of sparkle.
3. Ballerina Bun
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A ballerina bun is a high, tight bun on top of the head, ideal for a clean and elegant look. This style highlights the neck and shoulders, making it a great choice for strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses.
To create a ballerina bun, start by brushing the hair up into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail tightly and wrap it around the base, securing it with pins. For a sleek finish, use a smoothing serum or hairspray to tame any flyaways. The ballerina bun is perfect for those who want a simple yet stunning hairstyle that keeps hair out of the face while dancing the night away.
4. Sleek High Bun
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The sleek high bun is a polished and high-set bun that gives a modern and chic appearance. This hairstyle is perfect for prom as it combines elegance with a touch of contemporary flair.
To achieve this look, gather the hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Twist the ponytail tightly and wrap it around the base, securing it with bobby pins. Use a flat iron to smooth any remaining flyaways and finish with a high-shine hairspray for a glossy finish. This style works well with both casual and formal dresses, making it a versatile choice for any prom-goer.
5. Low Bun with Tendrils
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A low bun with tendrils is a soft, romantic hairstyle that sits at the nape of the neck with loose tendrils framing the face. This look is perfect for those who want a feminine and delicate appearance.
To create this style, gather the hair into a low ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with pins. Leave a few strands loose around the face and curl them with a curling iron for soft, romantic tendrils. This hairstyle pairs beautifully with vintage or bohemian-inspired dresses and can be enhanced with floral accents or decorative pins.
6. Beachy Waves
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Beachy waves are soft, tousled waves that create a relaxed yet polished look, making them perfect for prom. Achieved with a curling wand and sea salt spray, beachy waves add a touch of effortless glamour.
To create this style, start by applying a heat protectant to the hair, then use a curling wand to curl sections of hair, leaving the ends out for a more natural look. Once all the hair is curled, use a sea salt spray to add texture and scrunch the waves with your fingers.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the waves in place. Beachy waves are versatile and pair well with a variety of dress styles, from casual to formal.
7. Hollywood Glam Curls
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Hollywood glam curls are large, voluminous curls that are full of body and bounce, perfect for a glamorous red-carpet look. This style is ideal for those looking to make a dramatic entrance at prom.
To achieve Hollywood glam curls, start by applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-drying it with a round brush for added lift. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create big curls, then gently brush them out for a soft, glamorous finish. Set the curls with a strong-hold hairspray to ensure they last all night.
This hairstyle is perfect for pairing with elegant, floor-length gowns and adds a touch of vintage Hollywood glamour to any look.
8. Voluminous Curls
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Voluminous curls are big, bouncy curls that add volume and drama, usually created with large-barrel curlers or a curling iron. These curls are perfect for adding a sense of luxury and movement to your prom look.
To create voluminous curls, start by applying a heat protectant to the hair, then use a large-barrel curling iron to curl sections of hair. After curling, gently run your fingers through the curls to separate them and add volume. Use a volumizing spray or mousse at the roots for extra lift and finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the curls in place.
This hairstyle works well with both simple and elaborate dresses, adding a touch of elegance and glamour.
9. Vintage Waves
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Vintage waves are sleek, defined waves reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour, often set with finger waves or a curling iron. This retro style adds a touch of classic elegance and timeless beauty to any prom look.
To create vintage waves, start by applying a setting lotion to damp hair and blow-drying it smooth. Use a curling iron or hot rollers to create uniform curls, then brush them out gently to form soft waves. For a more defined look, use your fingers to shape the waves and secure them with clips until they set.
Finish with a shine spray for added gloss and a strong-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place. This hairstyle pairs beautifully with vintage-inspired dresses and adds a touch of sophistication to any prom outfit.
10. Side-Swept Curls
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Side-swept curls are curls that are swept to one side, creating an elegant and asymmetrical look. This style adds a romantic flair and is perfect for showing off statement earrings or a detailed dress.
To achieve this look, start by curling the hair with a medium or large-barrel curling iron. Once all the hair is curled, gather it to one side and secure it with bobby pins or a decorative clip. Allow some curls to cascade over the shoulder for a soft, glamorous effect.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the curls in place. Side-swept curls are versatile and work well with a variety of dress styles, making them a popular choice for prom.
11. Half-Up Braids
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Half-up braids are a beautiful combination of updo and loose hair, where braids start from the top of the head and incorporate into a half-up style. This look leaves the rest of the hair down in soft waves or curls, combining the best of both worlds.
To create half-up braids, start by sectioning the top half of the hair and creating two or more braids. Secure the braids at the back of the head with bobby pins or a small elastic band, leaving the rest of the hair loose. Curl the loose hair for added texture and finish with a light mist of hairspray.
This style is perfect for those who want a relaxed yet elegant look and pairs well with bohemian or romantic dresses.
12. Twisted Half-Up
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Twisted half-up styles involve twisting sections of hair from each side and pinning them at the back, creating a simple yet elegant look. This style is perfect for those who want a sophisticated look with minimal effort.
To achieve this style, start by taking a section of hair from each side of the head and twisting them towards the back. Secure the twists with bobby pins or a decorative clip, allowing the rest of the hair to fall freely. For added texture, curl the loose hair and finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Twisted half-up styles are versatile and pair well with various dress styles, from classic to modern.
13. Half-Up Ponytail
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A half-up ponytail is a small ponytail at the crown of the head with the rest of the hair flowing down, often enhanced with waves or curls. This playful style adds height and interest while keeping hair out of the face.
To create a half-up ponytail, start by sectioning the top half of the hair and gathering it into a ponytail at the crown of the head. Secure the ponytail with an elastic band and curl the loose hair for added texture. For a more polished look, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic band.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep everything in place. This style is perfect for those who want a fun and flirty look that’s easy to achieve.
14. Braided Crown
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A braided crown involves braiding sections of hair to form a crown around the head, with the rest of the hair left loose and flowing. This regal style is perfect for a princess-inspired look, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance.
To create a braided crown, start by parting the hair in the middle and creating two braids on each side. Wrap the braids around the head and secure them with bobby pins, tucking the ends under the braids for a seamless look. Leave the rest of the hair loose and curl it for added texture.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the braids in place. This style pairs beautifully with romantic or vintage-inspired dresses and adds a touch of fairytale charm to any prom look.
15. Elegant Fishtail Braid
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The elegant fishtail braid is a stunning and intricate style that adds a touch of sophistication to any prom look. This braid is created by weaving small sections of hair together in a crisscross pattern, resulting in a beautiful, textured braid.
To create a fishtail braid, start by dividing the hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outer edge of one section and cross it over to the opposite section. Repeat this process, alternating sides, until you reach the end of the hair. Secure the braid with a small elastic band and gently tug on the edges to create a fuller, more voluminous braid.
The fishtail braid is perfect for those who want a unique and eye-catching hairstyle that stands out.