52 Unique Prom Hairstyles to Try in 2025 for Every Hair Length and Type

Between all your favorite influencers, shows, movies, 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. Do you try something totally new? Do you go with a classic look? Should you go totally wild and dye your hair right before your date shows up?

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, ensure you're taking care of your scalp hair with heat protectant, masks, and more!

Once you've taken care of your hair and scalp, you can start trying out some of these looks at home in preparation. Picking your look can be a process of trial and error ahead of time to get it right for the big night. Or, head to the salon to let a professional take care of it. Just take these photos be with you to show your stylist as a reference.

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:

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. Pinned Curls

Embrace your thick voluminous curls at prom by wearing them out and embellishing them. Go for crystals like Aisha Dee or whatever your pins of choice may be.

5. Brushed-Out Curls

Want to embrace your curls but make them a little different for a special night like prom? Just lightly brush them out for a totally bold and chic style that feels and looks effortless. Take some inspo from Chappell Roan.

6. Pigtails

Pigtails are making a comeback, so it might just be the perfect time 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.

9. Dramatic Headpieces

When we’re not singing “Pink Pony Club” at the top of our lungs, we’re adding every single Chappell Roan look to our inspo board. We’re particularly obsessed with this feathered, tulle headpiece that adds a dramatic look to any red carpet, whether it’s prom or the Grammys.

10. Jellyfish Cut

The infamous jellyfish haircut is back and better than ever thanks to Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and more. Go bold by adding microbands, tiny fringe pieces, and blunt bobbed layers on top. It’s definitely a more daring look, but anyone can pull it off with enough confidence (and hairspray!).

11. Romantic Waves

A tried-and-true classic, you can’t go wrong with delicate waves on prom night. Not only are these pretty easy to DIY yourself, but they get better as the night goes on. The key to making them last all night long is applying a generous amount of curl-enhancing cream and gently scrunching your waves as you go.

12. Rolled Bangs

Old Hollywood has been a huge inspiration on the red carpets this year with Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift leading the trend. Most recently, Swift rocked perfectly rolled bangs that serve just the right amount of drama.

1. Retro Glam

You don't have to have long hair for old Hollywood curls and Raye 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 blond wavy hair on The White Lotus, but we're still 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. 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!

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Loc Bob

Lupita Nyong’o never misses. This look from the BAFTA 2025 red carpet was absolutely killer paired with a classic red lip. She even added a little hair gloss (specifically Olaplex’s Bonding Oil) to give her hair the perfect amount of shine all night long.

9. Middle Part Afro

Willow Smith gave us hair envy on the Grammys red carpet with her voluminous afro that was parted straight down the middle. If you’re DIYing this look at home, we recommend you add bonding oil and leave-in moisturizer to keep your curls soft and frizz-free throughout the night.

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.

7. Bald Beauty

Take a page out of Cynthia Erivo’s glamorous playbook and rock a fresh shave to prom. We’d recommend even adding a bit of body glitter to up the ante.

1. Bowed Bun

For a posh look, consider a low bun tied with a bow for prom. Ariana Grande did the hairstyle with 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."

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.

8. Braided Bun

Black Panther star Letitia Wright rocked cornrows on the BAFTA 2025 red carpet. She took this classic hairstyle one step further by tying the ends of her braids into a tight bun and pinning it towards the nape of her neck. It’s a sleek and oh, so chic option for prom.

9. A Messy Updo

Miley Cyrus paired chunky highlights with a purposefully messy updo a la your favorite ’90s pop stars. To achieve this choppy look you need to embrace your bangs, break out your straightener, and be okay with imperfection.

10. Curly Updo

Anya Taylor Joy brought mid-century glamour to the SNL 50 concert with her twisted curly updo. She innovated on this classic look by adding a partial middle part and thick framing pieces pinned to the side of her head and two wisps of hair let loose on either side. It screams Old Hollywood chic without trying too hard.

11. Side Swept Bangs

Selena Gomez is the queen of a stylish updo and, this year, we’re particularly obsessed with her side swept bangs with a delicate curl on the end. It’s the perfect prom look, especially if you’re trying to show off a statement necklace in your pictures.

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!

1. Boho Braids

Percy Jackson star Leah Jeffries loves herself a protective hairstyle, namely boho braids. They're a very popular braided alternative when wanting to spice up your regular box braids. They also can be worn in several different updos, like the headband braid as well.

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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.

5. 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.