Prom night is a milestone event, a chance to shine and celebrate with friends. While the dress often takes center stage, your hairstyle is the crowning glory that completes your entire look. For those blessed with long hair, the possibilities for a show-stopping updo are endless and exciting. The right updo can elevate your gown, highlight your features, and ensure you feel confident and beautiful all night long.
Forget the stress of choosing; we’ve curated a list of 15 stunning prom updos for long hair, complete with styling tips and accessory suggestions. Whether you dream of timeless elegance, bohemian charm, or glamorous sophistication, you’ll find the perfect inspiration here to make your prom night truly unforgettable.
1. The Classic Chignon
A timeless choice, the classic chignon exudes sophistication. This low bun, often neatly coiled at the nape of the neck, is perfect for formal gowns with intricate back details or high necklines. It offers an understated elegance that never goes out of style. Keep it sleek for a polished look or add a little texture for a softer feel. Pair with pearl earrings or a delicate hair comb.
2. The Elegant French Twist
The French twist is another enduring classic, known for its vertical roll that creates a chic, elongated silhouette. It’s incredibly versatile, working beautifully with a variety of dress styles, from minimalist to ornate. For prom, opt for a slightly looser twist with a few face-framing pieces to soften the look, or keep it super sleek for a dramatic, high-fashion statement. Adorn with a crystal clip or a delicate floral spray.
3. The Romantic Loose Bun
If you prefer a softer, more ethereal vibe, the romantic loose bun is your go-to. This updo features a loosely gathered bun, often at mid-height, with soft waves and delicate tendrils gently framing the face. It’s perfect for flowy, bohemian, or lace-detail dresses. The key is to make it look effortlessly beautiful, almost as if you just swept your hair up. Small, scattered hairpins with pearls or crystals enhance its charm.
4. The Braided Crown
Feel like royalty on your prom night with a braided crown. This enchanting style involves braiding sections of your hair and wrapping them around your head to create a halo-like effect. It’s particularly stunning on hair with highlights, as the braids showcase the dimension. This updo pairs wonderfully with romantic, fairytale-inspired gowns. Tuck in tiny fresh flowers or delicate jeweled pins for an extra touch of magic.
5. The Sleek High Bun
For a modern, sophisticated, and slightly edgy look, the sleek high bun is an excellent choice. Positioned high on the crown, this updo makes a statement, drawing attention to your neck and shoulders. It’s ideal for contemporary dresses, especially those with bold necklines or architectural designs. Ensure your hair is smooth and frizz-free for maximum impact. A minimalist hair tie or a bold statement earring is all you need.
6. The Textured Low Bun
Combining the elegance of a low bun with the relaxed feel of texture, this updo offers the best of both worlds. The hair is gathered into a low bun, but with added waves, twists, or braids incorporated for depth and visual interest. This style is incredibly versatile, suiting a wide range of dresses from classic to modern. It’s particularly flattering for open-back dresses. Enhance with small, sparkling pins or a silk ribbon.
7. The Intricate Fishtail Braid Updo
A fishtail braid updo offers a unique and intricate look that’s sure to turn heads. This style can involve a single large fishtail braid woven into an updo, or multiple smaller fishtail braids gathered and pinned creatively. It’s fantastic for adding a touch of bohemian glam or a distinctive texture to your overall ensemble. This updo works well with simpler dresses, allowing the hair to be the focal point. Small, scattered rhinestones can add sparkle.
8. The Voluminous Retro Updo
Channel old Hollywood glamour with a voluminous retro updo. Think beehives, bouffants, or expertly pinned curls with plenty of height at the crown. This style is perfect for vintage-inspired gowns or dresses that demand a dramatic, sophisticated presence. It exudes confidence and timeless appeal. Pair with a bold cat-eye liner and classic red lips. A sparkling tiara or headband can complete this regal look.
9. The Boho Chic Braided Updo
For a free-spirited and whimsical prom look, the boho chic braided updo is a dream. This style often incorporates multiple loose braids, twists, and soft waves, all artfully pinned into a relaxed, organic shape. It’s ideal for flowy, ethereal, or lace dresses and complements natural makeup. Adorn with tiny wildflowers, a delicate floral crown, or earthy hair accessories for an authentic bohemian vibe.
10. The Twisted Rope Braid Bun
The twisted rope braid offers a distinct texture that stands out from traditional braids. This updo involves twisting two sections of hair around each other to create a rope-like effect, which is then coiled into a bun. It’s a sophisticated alternative to a standard braid and can be styled sleek or with a bit of texture. This look is versatile and complements both modern and classic dresses. Minimalist pins or a sleek barrette work best.
11. The Glamorous Pinned Waves Updo
Achieve an air of effortless luxury with a glamorous pinned waves updo. This style focuses on creating soft, flowing waves throughout your long hair, which are then artfully swept up and pinned, allowing some waves to cascade gently. It’s perfect for adding a touch of old-school Hollywood charm to a fitted or mermaid-style gown. Accentuate with sparkling hairpins tucked into the waves or a single dramatic hair clip.
12. The Effortless Messy Bun
Don’t let the name fool you—the effortless messy bun for prom is a carefully constructed masterpiece of casual elegance. It’s a high or mid-height bun with deliberately pulled-out strands and a relaxed texture, giving it an undone yet chic appearance. This updo is fantastic for adding a youthful, playful touch to your formal ensemble. It pairs well with minimalist or contemporary dresses. Delicate chain hair accessories or small pearl pins are perfect.
13. The Bubble Ponytail Updo
For a fun, modern, and fashion-forward prom look, consider the bubble ponytail updo. This playful style involves sectioning a high ponytail with elastic bands to create ‘bubbles’ of hair, which are then artfully pinned up to form a unique updo. It’s unexpected and perfect for expressing a vibrant personality, especially with a trendy or edgy dress. Keep accessories minimal to let the unique style shine, perhaps small, metallic hair rings.
14. The Looped and Pinned Floral Updo
This enchanting updo involves looping sections of hair and pinning them in an intricate pattern, creating a soft, textured look. The beauty lies in its organic, almost floral appearance. It’s a fantastic choice for romantic, whimsical, or garden-party-inspired prom dresses. The final touch is often fresh flowers, either tucked throughout the loops or forming a small cluster. This style truly enhances a delicate, feminine aesthetic.
15. The Side-Swept Hollywood Updo
Bring a touch of red carpet glamour to your prom with a side-swept Hollywood updo. This style features elegant waves or curls swept dramatically to one side and then gathered into a low bun or pinned cascade. It’s incredibly flattering, highlighting your jawline and collarbones, and perfect for strapless or one-shoulder gowns. A dramatic hair clip or jeweled comb placed on the side where the hair gathers adds a touch of ultimate sophistication.
Choosing Your Perfect Prom Updo
With so many stunning options, selecting your ideal prom updo can feel overwhelming. Here are some key considerations to guide your choice:
- Consider Your Dress The neckline, back details, and overall style of your gown should influence your updo. An open back calls for an updo, while a high neckline might suit a sleek low bun.
- Face Shape Certain updos can enhance your face shape. High buns can elongate, while face-framing tendrils can soften features.
- Hair Type and Texture Work with your hair, not against it. Fine hair might benefit from added volume, while thick hair can hold more intricate styles.
- Comfort is Key You’ll be dancing and celebrating, so choose a style that feels secure and comfortable for hours.
- Personal Style Most importantly, pick an updo that makes you feel like the most beautiful and confident version of yourself!
Essential Updo Styling Tips
Achieving a flawless prom updo often comes down to preparation and technique. Here are some dos and don’ts to ensure your hair looks perfect all night long:
- Do wash your hair the day before prom Freshly washed hair can be too slippery. Day-old hair holds styles better.
- Do use heat protectant If you’re using curling irons or straighteners, protect your strands.
- Do use texturizing spray or dry shampoo These products add grip and volume, making hair easier to style and updos last longer.
- Do have a trial run If possible, especially for complex styles, do a practice run with your stylist.
- Don’t over-condition Too much conditioner can make hair too soft and slippery for updos.
- Don’t forget hairspray A good flexible-hold hairspray is your best friend for locking in the style without making it stiff.
- Don’t be afraid of pins Stock up on bobby pins and hairpins in your hair color; they’re essential for securing your updo.
Accessorizing Your Prom Updo
Hair accessories are the perfect way to add sparkle, personality, and a finishing touch to your prom updo.
- Sparkling Hairpins and Combs These are versatile and can be tucked into any updo for a touch of glam.
- Headbands and Tiaras Perfect for adding a regal or vintage feel, especially with sleek or voluminous updos.
- Fresh Flowers For bohemian or romantic updos, tiny fresh flowers or flower sprigs can be breathtaking.
- Ribbons and Bows A velvet or silk ribbon woven into a braid or tied around a bun adds a soft, feminine touch.
- Statement Earrings If your updo is sleek and draws attention to your neck, a pair of dramatic earrings can be the perfect complement.
