Looking for the best prom updos for long hair to make your special night unforgettable? The right hairstyle plays a pivotal role in complementing your dress and showcasing your unique style. Long hair opens up a world of elegant, sophisticated, and whimsically romantic hairstyle possibilities.
No matter if you’re drawn to the classic charm of a chignon or the relaxed allure of tousled braids, finding the perfect updo can elevate your prom look to new heights. We’ve created this guide to inspire you with a variety of stunning prom updos, each tailored for long hair and designed to ensure you look and feel your absolute best as you dance the night away.
Best Prom Hairstyles for Long Hair (2025)
Prom night is your chance to shine, and choosing the right updo for long hair can make all the difference. Here are some inspired styles that blend elegance with a touch of creativity, perfect for making your prom night unforgettable.
1. Sleek Twist with a Modern Knot
A sleek twist with a modern knot is the epitome of sophistication. This style involves gathering the hair into a smooth, polished twist that leads to a knot at the nape of the neck or higher. The key to this look is shine—using a high-quality smoothing serum or hair wax ensures a flawless finish. This style is ideal for those who love structured and defined hairstyles that exude confidence and class. The knot can be positioned at different heights to alter the overall vibe, making it a versatile option for various dress styles.
2. Classic Bun with a Twist
A classic bun never goes out of style, but adding a twist makes it more contemporary. This variation includes a softly twisted section that wraps around the bun, adding texture and dimension. Whether you choose to keep it low at the nape or place it high for a more dramatic effect, this hairstyle is perfect for achieving a timeless yet trendy prom look. Pairing this bun with delicate hair accessories, such as pearl pins or decorative clips, adds a touch of elegance, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a polished appearance.
3. Voluminous Curls Pinned Up with Wisps
For those who love curls, this updo embraces volume and softness. Large curls are pinned up in an intricate yet effortless manner, with delicate wisps left out to frame the face. This style suits romantic and whimsical dresses and is ideal for those with naturally curly or wavy hair. The gentle curls add an ethereal touch, creating movement and grace. Using a strong-hold hairspray ensures the style stays intact while still allowing the curls to retain their bounce and shape throughout the night.
4. Ultra-Voluminous Formal Updo
If you love a dramatic, high-volume look, this updo is for you. It features teased roots and structured loops of hair arranged in a voluminous yet controlled shape. This regal style pairs beautifully with statement gowns and bold accessories, making you the center of attention at prom. The key to mastering this look is the proper use of volumizing mousse or powder to add extra lift at the crown. Softening the edges with subtle curls makes the overall updo appear grand yet graceful, ensuring a striking silhouette.
5. Softly Tousled Wavy Updo
This is a relaxed and effortlessly beautiful style that combines soft waves with a loose updo. It’s slightly undone for a more natural look while maintaining elegance. Perfect for bohemian-inspired dresses, this style radiates grace and charm. The waves add texture and dimension, making the hairstyle appear soft and romantic. A spritz of texturizing spray enhances the tousled effect while keeping the hair lightweight and airy. This style is especially flattering for those who love a more carefree yet refined aesthetic.
6. Elegant Side-Parted Updo
A deep side part elevates a traditional updo, making it feel more modern and sophisticated. This style works by sweeping the hair to one side before securing it in a chic bun or chignon. It is a wonderful choice for showcasing statement earrings or a dress with an asymmetrical neckline. The dramatic side part frames the face beautifully, accentuating cheekbones and jawlines. This updo works exceptionally well with sleek or slightly textured finishes, depending on the desired level of refinement.
7. Updo with Soft Tendrils
Soft tendrils framing the face can add a romantic touch to any updo. Whether paired with a bun, chignon, or braided updo, this detail enhances femininity and softness, making it ideal for delicate and intricate dresses. The tendrils can be curled loosely or left wavy for a more effortless effect. This look works well with natural makeup, as it complements the overall soft and dreamy aesthetic.
8. Bold Updo Highlighting Facial Structure
For those who love a sleek and strong look, a bold updo can enhance facial structure. This look often involves sharp lines, high cheekbone emphasis, and a neat, defined bun or twist. Perfect for a high-fashion, runway-inspired prom look. This updo pairs well with high-neck or off-the-shoulder dresses, as it allows the face and neckline to stand out. Adding a subtle shine spray or gel helps achieve a polished, high-gloss finish.
9. Ponytail Updo with Elegance
A ponytail can be transformed into a formal updo by incorporating volume, waves, or twists. A wrapped section of hair hides the hair tie, giving the illusion of a seamless, polished style. This look pairs beautifully with both minimalist and extravagant dresses. Elevate the ponytail by backcombing the roots for extra lift or incorporating soft curls for a more elegant effect.
10. Relaxed Updo with Face-Framing Layers
A relaxed updo keeps things airy and natural while ensuring structure and shape. Face-framing layers soften the overall appearance, making this a great choice for those who want a balance between formal and carefree styling. The layered strands enhance movement and texture, ensuring that the updo looks voluminous without being overly rigid.
11. Twisted Charm in a Loose Low Bun
Twists add charm to any bun, and a loosely arranged low bun brings out an effortless, yet structured appeal. This hairstyle creates a soft, romantic feel by incorporating delicate twists that seamlessly blend into the bun. Whether placed at the nape of the neck or slightly off-center, this style exudes elegance and grace. The twisted strands add texture and volume, making it an ideal choice for those who love a relaxed yet refined look. It pairs well with floral hairpins or pearl accessories, complementing flowy gowns or vintage-inspired dresses. The loose structure allows for subtle movement, ensuring a dreamy and ethereal aesthetic.
12. Sleek Updo on Jet Black Hair
A sleek updo looks exceptionally stunning on jet black hair, emphasizing the rich, glossy tones. This hairstyle is all about precision and structure, achieved with a smooth finish and a tight, controlled bun or chignon. The deep, polished look makes a striking statement, enhancing high cheekbones and jawlines for a sharp and elegant appeal. Using a lightweight shine spray can accentuate the sleekness, making it appear ultra-modern and glamorous. This updo is perfect for those who want a minimalist yet bold look, ideal for wearing with sleek, body-hugging gowns and metallic or gemstone accessories.
13. Regal Updo with a Tiara
For those who want a princess-inspired look, an updo with a tiara is the way to go. This updo features a voluminous bun or chignon that serves as the perfect base for a delicate tiara, making you feel like royalty on prom night. The added height and volume create a majestic effect, making it a standout choice for those who love fairy-tale aesthetics. Soft curls or waves incorporated into the updo can enhance the regal feel, ensuring a romantic and graceful touch. This style pairs beautifully with ball gowns and A-line dresses, elevating your entire ensemble with elegance and sophistication.
14. Updo with Piecy Framing Tendrils
This style incorporates delicate tendrils that add softness and movement to the updo. The piecy effect creates a slightly undone, ethereal look, ideal for romantic gowns. The tendrils are lightly curled to frame the face, giving a gentle and whimsical appearance while maintaining structure in the main updo. This hairstyle works beautifully with natural makeup, as it enhances a soft and dreamy aesthetic. Whether paired with a low bun, chignon, or braided updo, the framing tendrils add an effortless charm that complements a variety of dress styles, making it perfect for a subtly glamorous yet relaxed look.
15. Braided Side with Low Messy Bun
Combining a braid with a low messy bun creates an effortlessly stylish yet intricate hairstyle. The braid can start from one side, adding texture and depth before merging into the loose bun at the nape. This hairstyle is perfect for boho-inspired or flowy prom dresses, exuding a romantic, free-spirited feel. The balance between structure and tousled softness creates a natural, effortlessly chic appearance. Lightly pulling out some of the braid sections can enhance volume, while subtle highlights within the hair add dimension. This style works well with floral crowns or delicate pins for an extra whimsical touch.
16. High Updo with Cascading Curls
A high updo with cascading curls keeps the drama and volume intact while allowing curls to flow freely. This look is perfect for those who want a bold and glamorous prom style. The updo is secured at the crown, with curls left to fall gracefully down the back or around the face. The cascading effect creates a regal and sophisticated look while adding movement and texture. This style pairs beautifully with strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses, as it highlights the neckline and shoulders. Using a high-hold hairspray ensures the curls stay defined all night while maintaining their soft bounce.
17. Low Messy Bun with Bangs
A low messy bun combined with soft bangs gives a youthful and playful yet sophisticated appearance. The bangs help frame the face, adding a chic and slightly vintage feel to the updo. Whether styled as wispy, curtain, or full bangs, this look complements a variety of face shapes. The bun itself maintains a relaxed and slightly undone structure, creating a natural yet polished finish. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want a balance between casual and formal, making it an excellent choice for modern and vintage-inspired prom dresses alike. Lightly teasing the crown can add volume for an extra touch of elegance.
18. All About the Curls Updo
For curly-haired individuals, embracing natural curls in an updo creates a stunning and unique look. This style keeps volume at the crown and enhances the natural texture of curls, making it a standout choice for prom. Instead of straightening or heavily styling the curls, this updo works with their natural movement, pinning them loosely for a voluminous and eye-catching effect. A touch of curl-defining cream or mousse helps keep the curls bouncy and frizz-free. This style is perfect for those who want to celebrate their natural curls in a formal yet effortless way, pairing beautifully with flowy and elegant gowns.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect updo for prom is all about matching your personal style with your dress and overall aesthetic. Whether you prefer sleek and refined or tousled and romantic, there’s an updo on this list that will make you feel like the best version of yourself on your special night. Long hair provides endless possibilities, and the key to an unforgettable look is confidence, the right styling products, and a touch of creativity. With these beautiful and diverse prom hairstyles, you’re sure to shine as you dance the night away!