As a creative person, musician and actress at heart, Stacey Bradshaw has experimented a lot with her hairstyles just out of curiosity: blunt and side swept bangs, layered haircut, long bob, highlights, dark toning etc. “Life is too long to be afraid of changes. Monotony is dull” is her motto. She is a freelance writer, keen reader, and just a curious person, who loves exploring new useful information on nutrition and beauty tips for keeping hair healthy and pretty.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Passionate author specializing in the vibrant world of hairstyling. With a knack for unraveling trends and sharing expert insights, Marissa crafts engaging content on the latest hairstyles, techniques, and industry innovations. Committed to empowering readers with knowledge, inspiration, and the confidence to embrace their unique style.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
For the high school prom, girls always try to outdo one another in the uniqueness of outfits and hairstyles. Some young ladies try to express bold ideas and others stick to the classic style, reflected in the images of tender beauty. Anyway, your prom hairdo should highlight your character and match all the elements of your look.
Here, we have collected 50 trendiest prom hairstyles for long hair you may consider for your senior ball in 2025.
@hayleyholmeshair
Don’t want to stick to formal hairstyles? We have one excellent idea that will help you look bold yet chic. This catchy look with a messy side braid is completed with a couple of well-placed golden pearl hair pins, added for a delicate touch of tenderness.
Hairstyles for such an important event as prom can be as wild and crazy as you want, or they can be cute and feminine like this style. For a really easy style that you could even do at home if you wanted, try a curly messy bun with an accent braid and face-framing wisps of hair.
@tonyastylist
Wish to combine two hair trends in your look? Braids and highlights perfectly go together, so we recommend you pay attention to this option. Wrap two braids around the top of your head to create a beautiful crown braid, and lose a few locks to bring charming vibes to your style.
@sabrinadijkman
Instead of creating a braid that goes along your hairline like a headband, try this version of the accent braid: start at your part and work down towards the ear then across the back of the head. To succeed at this style, section off the hair for the braid and create the loose bun first.
@hairandmakeupbysteph
If you’re in search of hairstyles that will help you stand out on the big night, consider this option. Can you do this at home? Probably not! If you do attempt this curled and pinned style, be sure to start off with a texturizing spray to create hold in the loose hair.
@eltrendy_wedding
We’re pretty much blown away by this simple yet flattering hairdo, which will be an excellent option to get for your prom night. Black pixie bow accentuates your hairstyle, making it look very stylish!
@natalieannehair
Your hair doesn’t have to be all the way up. A sassy pony with tons of volume like this one will go especially well with flowy Grecian or boho dresses. Pair it with dangly earrings or sparkly barrettes on the big night.
@snagustenko.katerina
These mermaid waves look utterly effortless and flattering! Even though it’s a relatively simple style, the wavy locks ooze much shine and movement. This hairstyle is a great pick for women with long tresses aiming to craft a romantic look.
@blushinbabebeauty
This voluminous big high bun looks fairly festive, especially when combined with flower hairpins. Choose flowers of a contrasting color for a bigger impact. Remember that prom hairdos are to be fixed with hairspray, as they need to last the whole night.
@qais_hairstyle
Up hairstyles with flowy wisps and imperfect waves are always stunning. You can do this messy French twist on the base of a pony wrapping separate strands around its base and moving lower towards the nape of the neck.
@tonyastylist
If you’re looking for a cute way to make an impression at your dance, then the sleek classic updo with accurate braids is the way to go. It will work awesomely for any hair type and color.
@hairbyruslan
We’re in love with this style! It’s classic and modern all at the same time. The teased poof with soft-looking strands laying on top and the side twists are so pretty.
@mobileweddinghairsydney
If you’re looking for updos that don’t take themselves too seriously, try this style. This is a super cute, youthful take on everything formal. Be sure to ask for some serious teasing, so it doesn’t look like an everyday style. The thin, shiny headband is a fuss-free accessory that will let you focus on what matters—dancing!
@mallonyfarias
Rich hair shade pairs perfectly with half-up braided styles. The disheveled Dutch braid boosts the raging energy of your red hair while bringing romantic vibes to this flattering hairstyle.
@sarahwhair
While this style looks simple at first glance, it’s actually very complicated, because the braid appears to join the curled messy bun with the top pieces of hair. You’ll have to master the art of sectioning. Keep the front pieces separate while you are working on the curled bun, then make the braid and pin it above the bun.
@hairbymatilda
Dances are the best time to embrace something a little more extravagant in your look, and if you’re on the hunt for chic hairstyles, the high ponytail with a deep side part from the 80s trends will give you everything you’re looking for. Show this pic to your hairstylist to recreate this gorgeous style.
@michellethompsonhair
Hairdos for long hair rarely come more elegant than the big bouncy waves pictured here. This hairstyle adds instant chic to any outfit, and you can do it on your own, following this great Hollywood waves tutorial.
@styledbyabbi
You don’t have to color your hair to draw attention to your hairstyle. If you create this big, voluminous fishtail braid and match it with an appropriate prom outfit, we can guarantee all eyes will be on you!
@hairandmakeupbysteph
If you want to impress your friends and classmates at the upcoming prom night, you should come up with something catchier than a simple chignon. Leave some wavy strands here and there to add more texture to your low bun, and frame your face with a few long locks.
@bridalbraidsbybri
This stunning look is a great way to show off your highlighted locks. Ask your stylist for loose twists that create an overall simple and sleek effect. Because the hair is not overly sprayed, it has a perfectly imperfect vibe.
@heatherchapmanhair
Braids are one of the most versatile hairstyles out there, perfect for dances. Creating an undone look, this braided crown leaves a lot of texture in the hair and volume in the crown. With a lacy braid wrapped around the bun, the style is held in place by bobby pins, with not a spritz of hairspray in sight.
@tangles.beauty
This half-braided layered hairstyle will amazingly complement any prom outfit. To style your hair this way, don’t braid all your hair – just collect half of your locks on the back in a fishtail braid. A fiery red hue makes this look even more eye-catching.
@shannoninnergoddess
Showcase your stunning long curls and draw everyone’s attention with this flattering ponytail updo. Use a long ponytail trick not to lose length. To avoid looking too formal, add curls and delicate accessories to your high pony to make it more charming and softer.
@enika_hairstyle
A high ponytail is among the hairdos that will never go out of style. This look will be a beautiful addition to a sleek monochromatic minidress or mermaid silhouette gown. If you’re wondering how to create such a voluminous style that lasts all night, the answer is to use hair spray before you go to the party.
@hairandmakeupbysteph
For a cute prom look that will go really well with just about any dress, opt for a side french braid near the crown and a curled messy bun. A teased poof in the back and curled long side pieces in the front make the style formal in addition to fun.
@eltrendy_wedding
Loose waves and braids are born to work together – they add much texture and volume to the locks and accentuate the dimension of hair color. Experiment with the braided patterns and tightness of the braids to personalize your updo.
@hair.and.nina
Special events hairstyles for lengthy locks can be a little bit tricky because you’re trying to figure out what to do with all that length! Let your length work for you by choosing a cute, loose bun. Keeping the bun low and to the side creates a modern boho chic look that is totally fresh and fashionable.
@hairandmakeupbysteph
With very long strands, you can create a low bun out of the bottom portion of your hair and then slowly add more curled pieces into it, pinning each one in place. Think of this as an artful arrangement!
@art4studio
With sophisticated texture and hue, this exquisite look is an incredibly flattering choice for formal occasions. It will perfectly suit any prom dress, and it won’t take you long to style your hair this way. An accent represented by a big plum bow plays the role of the cherry on the cake.
@bridalhaircollective
For a classic roll updo with a modern update, you need to try two things. First off, keep the look messy, not perfect, by working with a loose tension and using texturizing products (not anything that will create a stiff, unnatural hold). Then add a loose braid pulling hair from above your ears.
@theconfessionsofahairstylist
Updos for prom offer a lot of options for long hair. A braid that winds and joins with a braided flower creates an illusion of endlessly long locks that are ready for any fancy updo you can think of.
@hairstyles_by_shannon
Cascading locks are always a good idea when it comes to beautiful yet easy prom styles. Wear your hair half-up and half-down to show those glamorous voluminous curls and highlight the dimension of your hair color.
@jodycallanhair
Just because it is a formal night, does not mean you have to lift all of your hair up. You’ll just want to keep it off your face to show off your features. To create this style, curl your hair with a half-inch wide barrel (pinning after each curl to set). Then loosely twist to create a messy side braid.
@hairbymatilda
This Bohemian braid style puts special emphasis on texture. The voluminous, textured braid works incredibly well with wavy locks (and lots of extensions). When you want to show off your outfit, styles like this create a cute, no-fuss finishing touch.
@enchantedstylesllc
This easy curled updo is the one you will turn to again and again. Being a great option for any kind of formal event, the look is incredibly simple to replicate with a curling iron and a few pins.
@hannahblinkohairstylist
Natural curls look gorgeous on themselves, but if you add a few hair accessories, your hairdo will become even more festive. It will work awesomely for brunettes with rosette curls; however, lighter highlights can never hurt!
@lamajbackwards
A full, voluminous bun is a great option for long hair. You will probably want to use a sock bun sponge to create the structure and shape. Be sure to save out some pieces so that you can create an elegant wrapped style.
@eltrendy_wedding
This hairstyle is definitely worth the red carpet! Sleek on the front and wavy in the back, it looks quite fascinating and eye-catching. If you have thick hair, it won’t be hard to get this fullness on top when styling your locks.
@josephianson
Formal hairstyles are made for girls whose hair is naturally curly. If you were blessed with textured locks, simply add a smoothing product or mousse throughout the length before you begin. Then create a loose twisted bun in the back and add hair in from the top and front.
@hairandmakeupbysteph
If there is ever a time to go extravagant with your hairstyle, then prom is the perfect occasion for that. Combining the elegance of a high bun with the carelessness of cute, messy braids, this undone hairstyle creates a creative, textured look that is incredibly easy to complete.
@abigaillrrose
This hairdo is an excellent example of a cute girly prom style. To recreate this look, ask your hair stylist to make a half ponytail with a fancy scrunchy and wax your hair in front, laying your baby hair in a deliberate way. A perfect option for girls with natural hair.
@lamajbackwards
There’s always a great opportunity to embrace something a little more elegant. Plaiting a section of hair up into and around the bun, this look is bound to impress and last for the entire night.
@anniesforgetmeknots
The volumized low chignon works wonders on straight hair. The high volume in the crown is balanced by the big chignon in the nape of neck, so this look is harmoniously structured and incredibly easy to pull off. Finished with loose tendrils to frame the face, the low chignon suits any face shape.
@blujayehair
Updos can come in many shapes and forms, but few come out as pretty as this tender updo with baby’s breath and rose buds. Loose tendrils of hair are left around the face, creating delicate softness.
@flamingoamyhair
If you’re searching for unusual hairstyles, the asymmetric seashell braid can have you well covered. The wider, lacier the braid is, the fancier the final result will look. Spritz with a bit of texturizing spray, and the style is complete!
@abigaillrrose
Rocking an updo to prom can be the best way to make an elegant statement, but in a roomful of buns, it can be hard to stand out. Enter the fishtailed snail bun. You can braid three individual fishtails and swirl them into a single snail. A subtle touch of sparkle completes the look.
@haselnussblond
Undone, flirty and cute, the maiden braid is one of the best ways to make an impression at prom. Offset with straight bangs, this look has the perfect balance between casual and formal, and can be rocked at any sort of dance.
@bobbedhaircuts
With long, thick hair, you can choose any hairstyle you like. If it’s trendy or vintage-inspired, you’re sure to be pleased with your choice. This voluminous style features a bouffant, pin curls, and a thick braid to distinguish the two sections.
@alex_haircraft
Prom styles might come and go, but the braid is around for good. Weaving undone braids into a loose, messy bun, you add the perfect undone finish to your modern formal hairstyle.
@modernsalon
With thick polished segments of hair pinned at the top of the head and adorned with orchid flowers, this elegant hairstyle takes a prominent place among long hair updos. Secured into a high bun, the hair is set in place using pins and hair serum to smooth it out. Fresh orchids peek out, blending perfectly with the style.
@modernsalon
We wish you to look fantastic, feel very special at your senior ball and may you win the title of Prom Queen!
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox 💌
