StoryInColor
For the occasion

Prom hairstyles

Hair for one night that photographs forever

Prom hair sits in a specific window: formal enough for the photo, comfortable enough for the dance floor, and aligned with the version of yourself you actually want in the album. The hair that flatters you on a Tuesday afternoon is the hair that will flatter you on prom night. The trick is choosing a polished version of that, not a complete style swap.

Not sure which of these would suit you?

You don’t have to be. Hairstyle Analysis works out your face shape from a single selfie and renders eight cuts directly on your face, including the styles best suited to prom hairstyles. $4.99 one-time, no subscription.

Try Hairstyle Analysis

Styles that work

  1. Glossy long waves

    Long polished waves with a soft side or centre part. The most-photographed prom look across the last decade and the most consistently flattering.

    Flatters an oval faceFlatters a round faceFlatters a long (oblong) face

  2. Sleek high pony

    Long, polished, high ponytail with no fringe or face-framing. The Ariana Grande shape, scaled to a prom dress.

    Flatters an oval faceFlatters a heart-shaped face

  3. Low chignon with face-framing

    Loose low bun with pieces left out around the cheekbones. Formal without reading bridal, which is the right register for prom.

    Flatters a heart-shaped faceFlatters a diamond faceFlatters an oval face

  4. Half-up half-down with waves

    Top half pulled back and secured, lengths styled into soft waves. Forgiving across face shapes and works with most dress necklines.

    Flatters a round faceFlatters an oval face

What to avoid

A complete style change for one night almost always reads forced in photographs. Going significantly shorter the week before prom rarely ends well. Heavy curling-iron sets without product can fall apart by 9pm. A hair accessory bought to match the dress should be tested in a full trial, not deployed for the first time on the night.

Practical styling notes

Wash your hair the day before, not the day of. Day-one hair is too soft to hold styling. If you are doing your own hair, practice the look at least twice before prom night. If you are booking a stylist, schedule a trial run the week before with the actual dress neckline in mind.

Common questions

Should I get my hair cut before prom?
Two weeks before, not the week of. Long enough that the cut settles, short enough that the shape is still fresh. Resist the urge to do anything dramatic in the week leading up to the night.
Can I do my own prom hair?
Yes, if you practice the specific look at least twice before the night. The styles most achievable at home are long polished waves, a high pony, and a half-up. Updos and chignons usually go better with a stylist or a friend who has practised on you.
What hairstyle works with a strapless prom dress?
An updo or a polished pony shows off the neckline best. Long loose hair with a strapless dress can compete with the dress visually. If you want loose hair, make sure it is shaped clearly rather than just falling.

See these styles on your face

Hairstyle Analysis renders eight cuts directly onto a selfie of you. See which ones suit the proportions of your face before any salon visit.

Run a Hairstyle Analysis

$4.99 one-time, no subscription.

More occasions