Long hairstyles for prom can involve more than just wearing your hair down in tight curls. This can be especially unflattering if you have thin hair that has a mind of its own and doesn’t hold curls too well. If you have medium to long hair, and you’re brainstorming for prom hairstyles, we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive tutorial offers step by step instructions for different hair dos that will look gorgeous with a little practice. So grab your bobby pins and start curling.
1. Eva Longoria inspired chic updo
Beautiful, yet easy to achieve, this up do is one of the foolproof long hairstyles for prom. You don’t need highlights to turn heads with this coiffure. The messy curls will add enough texture to make the hair bouncy and shiny.
- Begin by sectioning off your hair into two parts. Create a severe parting two inches above your ears. Clip away the top part and secure the bottom part with a thin hair band. Go for a low ponytail that is secure and will stay in place.
- Start twisting the ponytail to create a bun. Use bobby pins to secure in place.
- Use a 1.5 or 2 inch curler for the top half. Take small sections and create tight curls. Alternate directions.
- Start pinning the curled top half onto the bun. Use small bobby pins that can be hidden under the hair. Pin random sections in order to create a fluffy, messy bun.
- When all the hair is pinned up, mess it up a bit with your fingers and take out a few shorter pieces.
- Top everything off with a light hold shine hair spray.
2. Sweet French braid with curls
This hairstyle will look striking on blonde thick hair and naturally curly gals. Highlights look beautiful with this type of updo and they create a sweet, romantic look that is great for proms.
- Start with clean hair and a soft side part. If your hair is naturally wavy, you can leave it au naturel. If you want more texture, create soft curls with a medium sized barrel.
- The next step is creating the French braid. Pick a chunk of hair on your right side and start braiding loosely.
- Repeat the process on the other side. Create a small hole in the right side braid and pull the other braid through it.
- Secure the two braids with clear bobby pins.
- Undo the bottom half of the braids and blend them in with the rest of the hair.
- Lightly apply hair spray on the top and the ends of the hairstyle.
3. Sophisticated braids nest
The greatest advantage of long hair is that the braid updo possibilities are endless. This relaxed hairdo looks complicated and stylish at the same time.
- Use a texturizing or sea salt spray to add more volume.
- Divide hair in four sections: two smaller chunks on the sides and two larger pieces at the back.
- Braid the larger chunks and secure with clear elastic bands. Lightly mess up the braids so they look chunkier.
- Start twisting the braids in your palm to create the desired shape. Pin the hair with small bobby pins.
- Braid the two smaller sections and place them on top of the braids bun, using many bobby pins.
- Take out a few small bits to frame your face and gently spray a medium hold shine hair spray.
4. The three minute cute bun
If you want your hair out of the face, this is one of the best long hairstyles for prom. Quick and easy, it will stay in place all night while you’re dancing.
- Smooth down your hair with a bit of hair wax and create a low ponytail with a tight hair band.
- Slightly pull down the hair band so you can create a hole with your fingers above it.
- Pinch your hair ends through it once.
- Tuck the rest of the hair inside and secure with bobby pins, if needed.
- Add hair accessories for a cute look: a flower, a tiara or a glimmering hair pin will beautifully catch the light on the dance floor.
5. Sock bun with a twist
Sock buns are elegant on their own, but two side braids will take the updo to a whole new level. The hairstyle will work best on straight hair that has some highlights in it.
- Create a middle parting.
- Start French braiding on either side, checking the braids are symmetrical. Stop braiding when you pass your ears and secure with clear hair bands.
- Make a low ponytail, including the two braids.
- Take your sock (simply cut the tip of a sock and roll it into a doughnut shape) and slide it up your pony tail.
- Wrap the ends of your hair around the sock and start rolling it until you reach the nape of your neck.
- Use plenty of hair spray to keep the hair do in place.
6. Soft pony tail with loose curls
Looking for low key long hairstyles for prom? This high ponytail is very chic, simple to style and it won’t overwhelm your outfit. What’s more, it looks pretty both on blonde, brown and black hair.
- Create loose curls with a small sized barrel. Allow your hair to cool off before running your fingers through the curls.
- Tease the crown with a teasing comb and use a texturizing spray if needed.
- Create a soft parting that connectes your ears.
- Make a high ponytail and push the hair upwards to create a small bump.
- Use the front sections to cover the middle parting. Wrap the hair around the hair band and pin it in place. Repeat the process on the other side.
- Take out a few small pieces to frame your hair and use a light hold hairspray.
7. Edgy braid headband with wild waves
If sweet long hairstyles for prom are not your cup of tea, here is what you can do to toughen it up with a big updo and still look classy.
- Divide your hair into two sections, making a severe parting starting at your ears.
- Create a loose braid headband starting on one side and ending on the other. Secure it with a thin elastic band.
- Tease the rest of the hair and make a low-medium ponytail. Create a small bump on the top of the head to add more texture.
- Curl the hair with a 2 – 2.5 inch barrel, alternating directions so the curls don’t stick together.
- Wrap the end of the braid around the hair band of the pony tail and secure it with bobby pins.
- Generously use hair spray all around the hair.
These long hairstyles for prom can be ready in minutes if you practice in advance. Don’t forget to use heat protection sprays for updos that involve curling.
