Looking for inspiration for prom, homecoming, or your next formal event? Emily from @emshairdiary had collected 20 of her favorite braided prom hairstyles just for you (all styles were created by her!). Plus, she’ll be sharing some tips, tricks, and how-tos to make sure you can create a hairstyle as stunning as the gown you’ll be wearing. Whether you’re looking for an elegant updo or a carefree downdo, she’s got you covered!
Ready for inspiring pics and useful tips? This list of prom hairstyles will help you choose one elegant updo you’ll fall in love with!
If you want braided prom hair, then this textured updo is the perfect way to upstyle a french braid. To create this style:
Textured French Braid Updo
Prom is your time to dress like a princess, so why not add a crown, right? I love the soft look of this dutch fishtail crown braid. To create this braid:
Dutch Fishtail Crown Braid
Since some formal dresses are very clean-cut, it can be nice to contrast that with a messy prom braid hairstyle. Interesting braids shouldn’t be limited to the festival grounds — this center dutch braid going into a messy fishtail will be a standout style on the dance floor. Pair this braid style with a black dress and statement piece of jewelry.
Festival Queen Braid
Usually when I see lists of prom braids, they’re limited to french braids or fishtails, but don’t forget about rope braids! These puffy rope braids are unique and flattering. To create this style:
Triple Twist Ponytail
Have long hair and can’t decide if you want to wear it up or down? This half-up crown braid might be the style for you. From the front, this style looks like a braid headband, and from the back it looks like a crown braid worthy of Juliet herself. To create this style:
This style would be lovely with a flowy gown.
Half-Up Crown Braid
These romantic twists are a unique take on the classic curly updo. This style is created from stacked topsy tails pinned up into a bun, with a rope braid accent. An updo like this is a great choice if you have dress with beautiful detailing on the back. It will allow people to admire your hairstyle, without it interfering with your dress style!
Romantic Twists
Want to know a secret? This dreamy updo is simply an extremely pulled-out french braid! The trick to taking your french braid from weekday to whimsical is to start with lots of texture.
Whimsical Braided Updo
Asymmetrical styles are a great pairing with asymmetrical dresses. If you have your eye on a one-strap dress, complement it with a side hairstyle like this dutch french braid and low bun. Place the braid on the same side as the strap and the low bun on the strapless side to add balance to your look.
Asymmetrical Braid and Bun
Have a dress that’s stunning, but simple? Add detail with your upstyle. An easy way to add visual interest to a braided style is to create a combo braid. This style is a combination of a rope braid, an infinity braid, and a bubble ponytail. Tip: Wrap a small piece of hair around each elastic you use and pin it in place to add an extra layer of detail.
Creative Combo Braid
Who says a high bun has to be preppy? If you’re looking for prom hair with some added edge, try this braided part bun.
Edgy High Bun
Braids can be the main star of your hairstyle, or they can play a supporting role. This low, curly bun is transformed into an elegant braided hairstyle by simply adding a few accent braids to the sides of the style. If you’re seeking a classic style to go with a formal gown, this choice is charming.
Elegant Braided Updo
Dance the night away without your hair getting in the way (and still look fabulous)! Fancify your ponytail by adding a rope braid to the top of your hair. Wrap a small piece of hair around your hair tie to finish the look. Tip: You can tease your ponytail to give it some extra volume.
Twist-Top Ponytail
Sometimes less is more. This boho part braid is all you need to take your prom braid hairstyle up a notch, and it would look fantastic with a flowy, pastel dress.
Boho Part Braid
If you like prom plait hairstyles, but you want to shy away from commonly used braids, try adding an infinity braid to your look! Infinity braids are made by wrapping a small piece of hair in an infinity pattern around two strands of hair; once you get down the pattern, they aren’t difficult to learn. This style combines a topsy tail, an infinity braid, and a low bun for a tousled, fanciful look.
Updo with Infinity Braid
Combo braids for the win! Add a unique twist to a dutch fishtail braid by “interrupting” it with a small infinity braid in the middle and at the end of the braid. (You can hide a clear elastic hair tie after the first infinity braid to keep the style extra secure). This standout updo would mix well with a high-neck, low-back dress.
Interrupted Fishtail Braid
If you’re looking for french braid hairstyles for prom, this teased-braid half-updo with curls might just be for you. Here’s how to create this style:
Teased Braid Half-Updo
Want a carefree look, but with some extra style? Elevate some boho waves with small accent braids. I recommend an infinity braid or a triple infinity braid, if you really want to up your braid game. This breezy style would look enchanting with a white lace dress.
Boho Waves and Infinity Braids
This fancy dutch fishtail updo is one of my favorite fishtail braid hairstyles for prom, because it looks complex, but it’s simple to do! To recreate:
Fancy Fishtail Updo
If you’re looking for loose braided prom hairstyles for long hair, this messy mermaid braid is a fantastic way to style your long locks. This style is made from two pulled-out french braids stacked together. Tip: To get the loose, messy look on the bottom braid, start braiding a french braid, but for each new section, only incorporate hair from the outer part of your hair instead of incorporating the whole section of the hair into the braid. This allows you to continue a french braiding technique beyond the nape of the neck.
Messy Mermaid Braid
Whether you’re going to prom with your dream date or dancing the night away with your BFFs, you can always add some romance to your look with a braided rosette. This look is simple, sweet, and soft. To create a braided rose:
Romantic Rosette
Want more hair inspiration? Follow @emshairdiary on Instagram! From prom braid hairstyles to everyday hairdos, she shares the new styles she tries and the tips and tricks she picks up along the way.
Enter your email and get this picture to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
