7 Classic, Simple Prom Hairstyles for All Hair Lengths (2024)

Prom doesn't have to cost a fortune, especially when it comes to your hair. From low buns to updos, we've put together some of the best hairstyles you can create at home, to inspire your look and help you look your best on your big night.

As always, the first step is to make sure your hair is clean and conditioned. This creates a tangle-free base and it’s the starting point for all great styles. For a lovely pre-party pamper, apply a mask designed for your hair type (we love relaxing in the bath with our

for a proper pre-party treat) to nourish and repair your strands, and add a red-carpet-worthy shine.

Prom hairstyles for shorter hair

Half up, half down

If you’re looking for prom hairstyles for short hair, the classic half up, half down has you covered. One of the most easy to do hairstyles for a party or formal event, this look works with short bobs or long flowing locks and keeps it from getting into your face.

Add a

volumising mousse to give your hair some body and movement before roughly blow-drying. Then simply pull hair into a half ponytail, spray a little Volume Lift Hairspray into roots, and massage in for volume. For a short bob updo, you might need a smaller pony for a more balanced look.

Low bun

If you’re short on getting-ready time, then a bun is a super quick and easy option. You don’t even need to wash your hair beforehand, as second-day hair can give your style more texture.

For a flawless, controlled look, slick back your hair with a dash of

lightweight hair serum and fix with hairspray. Then simply secure with an elastic band. Pull out strands to frame your face as desired, or secure with clips.

Mid-length prom hairstyles

Messy updo

A messy updo is an easy hairstyle for mid-length hair, and a great way to add a party-casual twist to your formal look. Get this style by securing your hair roughly into a high ponytail and gently backcombing sections before wrapping them around the elastic.

As with the low bun, pull out strands to frame the face and loosen the overall look. Finish with a spritz of our

Volume Lift Lightweight Hairspray.

Curly hair

For mid-length curly hairstyles, volume is key. If you have naturally curly hair, check out our range of Dream Curls products to keep your curls nourished, conditioned, and frizz-free before the big day.

For an easy curly hairstyle without using heat, simply plait your hair before bed, secure with non-snag elastics, and sleep in the braids. Carefully remove the elastics in the morning and add a light misting of hairspray to keep your curls’ shape.

If you’re happy to use heat styling tools to

get curly hair, start by spritzing our Volume Lift Root Booster through clean, wet hair; it will texturise and boost your roots, adding longevity to your style. Then, blow dry with your head upside down for extra body at the crown. Once your hair’s dry, take a large barrel tong and wrap random sections of hair round the curling iron for up to five seconds. You don't need to twist your hair in the same direction for each strand, as you want this look to be natural and not too uniform.

Spray each curl with hairspray before curling, and when your hair is cooled, gently shake each section to open the curl gently.

Prom hairstyles for long hair

Prom ponytail

Simple as it sounds, a high ponytail updo can be a really chic way to keep long hair neat and tidy while also showing off the neckline of your dress. There are a few necessary steps that take this from easy gym staple to a megawatt look.

First, prep hair with a

heat protection spray. After blow-drying, lift sections of your hair and spray some volumising hairspray directly into your roots. This gives the pony some substance. Secure with a band of your choice, then run the straighteners through the tail for a sleek, polished, ready-for-prom finish.

Straight prom hair

Pulling off straight hair is super easy, but your hair needs to be in excellent condition to perfect this simple, striking look - so don’t skip a pre-prom trim or underestimate the power of a decent hair treatment. To achieve a poker-straight style on the day, prep damp hair with a generous spritz of Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight Straightening Spray before blow-drying.

To blow dry your hair straight, use the hairdryer’s nozzle attachment and keep the dryer facing the floor, so you don’t ruffle your cuticles. Then, take a fine-tooth comb to a section of your hair and run it through, closely followed by your straighteners. If you have any outstanding flyaways, spritz a light hold hairspray onto a baby toothbrush to smooth them out. All that’s left to do is run a small dab of our

Frizz Ease Original Serum through your lengths and ends for hair-ad worthy shine, as well as frizz and humidity protection.

Fishtail braid

The prettiest of all the plaits is the fishtail, a cute, easy hairstyle created with only two sections of hair. It may look tricky, but it's actually easier to create than a traditional French braid, and a great way to keep long hair under control. If you’re prone to battling frizz and you have thin hair, try adding our Weightless Wonder Featherlight Smoothing Crème into your routine. If you’ve got slightly thicker strands, our Secret Agent Touch-Up Crème instantly soothes and smooths frizzy hair for a sleek, polished finish.

Make a ponytail, then divide your hair into two sections. Take a small section of hair from the back of the left-hand section of hair and pull it over the top to join the right-hand section of your hair. Then, take a small section of hair from the back of the right-hand section and pull it over the top to join the left-hand section of your hair. When you get to the end, secure with a snag-free invisible elastic.

For a little messiness, gently tease the plait with your fingers, tugging at small sections and releasing a few strands to frame the face.