21 DIY Prom Hairstyles

DIY Prom Hairstyles give you control over a show-stopping look without the salon appointment. DIY Prom Hairstyles range from soft, romantic updos to bold braided statements, perfect for matching gowns, makeup, and the vibe you want for prom night.

These DIY Prom Hairstyles flatter many hair lengths and textures — from fine straight locks to thick curls — and can be finished with flowers, pins, or a touch of sparkle.

Each idea is meant to be approachable for a home try, so you can feel confident and camera-ready.

Romantic Twisted Low Bun With Fresh Flowers

This romantic twisted low bun pairs soft twists with strategically placed fresh flowers for an elegant, dreamy prom look. Start with lightly curled hair for texture, then twist sections toward the nape and pin them into a low, loose bun. Tuck small blooms or baby’s breath into the twists for a natural, whimsical finish. This style flatters medium to long hair and complements flowy gowns and lace details, making it a favorite for romantic prom aesthetics.

Styling Tips

• Use a texturizing spray before twisting to help grip and hold.
• Pin each twist with U-pins for a secure yet soft shape.
• Add flowers last to avoid crushing the blooms while styling.

Sleek High Ponytail With Wrapped Hair Tie Detail

This sleek high ponytail with a wrapped hair tie feels modern and polished for prom night. Smooth hair back into a high pony and wrap a small strand around the base to hide the elastic, creating that clean, finished look. Slightly curl the ends or keep them straight for contrast, and finish with a shine serum for a glossy effect. This hairstyle elongates the neck and pairs well with strapless or halter dresses, creating a red-carpet-ready vibe without much fuss.

Styling Tips

• Flat-iron strands before gathering to maintain sleekness.
• Use a bit of gel at the roots for a polished hairline.
• Secure the wrapped strand with a discreet bobby pin underneath.

Messy Textured Bun With Face-Framing Tendrils

The messy textured bun with face-framing tendrils gives prom-goers a relaxed, effortlessly chic look. Build volume with loose waves, gather hair into a low or mid bun, and pull out a few soft strands to frame the face. Lightly tug sections to create an undone silhouette that feels romantic and lived-in. This approach flatters rounded and oval faces, and works on most hair lengths when you add extensions for extra fullness. It pairs beautifully with off-the-shoulder dresses.

Styling Tips

• Backcomb the crown slightly for extra volume before pinning.
• Use a flexible hold spray to keep texture without stiffness.
• Curl tendrils with a small-barrel iron for soft definition.

Half-Up Braided Crown With Loose Waves

This half-up braided crown with loose waves blends boho charm and refined flair for prom settings. Create soft waves throughout the hair, then braid two small sections from each temple and join them at the back, forming a crown. Leave the rest of the hair cascading in beachy waves for movement and softness. This look enhances heart and oval faces and works with medium to long hair. It’s playful yet elegant, perfect for both outdoor and venue proms.

Styling Tips

• Loosen braid stitches slightly for a fuller crown effect.
• Use sea-salt spray on mid-lengths for effortless waves.
• Secure ends with clear elastics and hide them under hair.

Classic Low Chignon With Side-Swept Bangs

The classic low chignon with side-swept bangs offers timeless elegance for a prom night that leans vintage-inspired. Smooth hair into a low chignon at the nape while keeping bangs softly swept to the side for framing. Add subtle volume at the crown if desired and secure the chignon with pins for a neat silhouette. This haircut suits formal gowns and structured necklines, and flatters most face shapes by balancing features and adding a graceful profile.

Styling Tips

• Apply light-hold mousse to damp hair for control and softness.
• Wrap the chignon with a hidden elastic before pinning for security.
• Finish with a shine spray for a polished look.

Boho Fishtail Braid Draped Over One Shoulder

The boho fishtail braid draped over one shoulder feels relaxed and romantic, ideal for dresses with open backs or lace details. Start with textured hair, create a loose fishtail braid, and pull gently at the braid edges to widen and soften it. Let a few wisps fall around the face for an undone finish. This style works well on long hair and on medium hair with added extensions. It’s youthful, feminine, and pairs beautifully with floral or flowing prom gowns.

Styling Tips

• Use dry shampoo at roots to add grip before braiding.
• Secure the end with a clear elastic and wrap a small ribbon if desired.
• Pancake the braid gently to increase volume and texture.

Vintage Finger Waves Paired With Soft Makeup

Vintage finger waves paired with soft makeup create a glamorous Old Hollywood vibe for prom. Sculpt smooth, glossy waves close to the head using gel and a comb, then accentuate them with subtle, glowing makeup to complete the look. This hairstyle suits short to medium lengths and frames the face with sculpted curves. It’s a showstopper for those who love retro glamour and works especially well with fitted, structured gowns and statement earrings.

Styling Tips

• Work in sections and use clips to set each wave while drying.
• Finish with a light gloss serum to enhance shine.
• Pair with bold lips or a soft smoky eye for balance.

Double Dutch Braids Into A Messy Low Bun

Double Dutch braids feeding into a messy low bun mix sporty edge with romantic flair. Braid two Dutch braids starting at the hairline, then gather them into a relaxed bun at the nape. Pull out gentle pieces around the face for softness. This combination holds well for energetic prom nights and flatters round and square faces by elongating the silhouette. It’s also a great option for textured or thick hair that needs structure but still wants to read as feminine and fun.

Styling Tips

• Tighten the Dutch braids at the scalp, then loosen toward the ends for contrast.
• Use medium-hold pomade on the braids for definition.
• Secure the bun with pins and conceal ends inside for neatness.

Low Ponytail With Ribbon And Soft Curls

The low ponytail with ribbon and soft curls reads classic and charming for prom photos. Curl the hair into gentle waves, sweep it into a low ponytail, and tie a silk ribbon around the base for a feminine finish. Let the curls tumble over the shoulders for soft movement. This look flatters square and heart-shaped faces by softening angles and pairs nicely with romantic fabrics like tulle or chiffon. It’s easy to recreate at home and photographs beautifully under soft lighting.

Styling Tips

• Choose a ribbon color that complements your dress for cohesion.
• Wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic to hide it.
• Finish curls with flexible-hold hairspray to keep bounce.

Twisted Halo Updo With Sparkling Hairpins

The twisted halo updo with sparkling hairpins gives a regal yet modern finish for prom. Twist small sections along the hairline and pin them around the crown to form a halo, then accent with delicate rhinestone or pearl pins. This style lifts features and looks stunning with off-the-shoulder or V-neck gowns. It’s adaptable to many hair types and can be loosened for a softer feel or tightened for a sleeker look, making it a versatile choice for those wanting a statement updo.

Styling Tips

• Start with dry-styled waves for extra grip while twisting sections.
• Place hairpins asymmetrically for contemporary flair.
• Use a medium-hold spray to lock the halo without stiffness.

Waterfall Braid Cascading Into Romantic Curls

The waterfall braid cascading into romantic curls creates a soft, feminine prom look that’s both intricate and wearable. Weave a waterfall braid along one side or both, letting strands fall through the braid for a whimsical effect, then curl the lengths for voluminous bounce. It flatters oval and heart faces and works best on medium to long hair. This look is perfect for garden-themed proms or formal balls where a floaty, romantic silhouette complements the outfit and movement on the dance floor.

Styling Tips

• Loosen the waterfall sections slightly for a gentle, flowing feel.
• Use a 1–1.25 inch barrel for soft, long-lasting curls.
• Finish with a light-hold spray to preserve movement.

Sleek Side Part With Glossy Straight Locks

Sleek side part with glossy straight locks is minimal and ultra-chic for a modern prom statement. Create a deep side part, smooth hair straight with a flat iron, and apply a shine serum for a polished finish. Tuck one side behind the ear to show off jewelry or let both sides fall for a dramatic frame. This look suits long, straight hair best and flatters angular faces by emphasizing clean lines, offering a runway-ready aesthetic that’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home.

Styling Tips

• Use a heat protectant before flat-ironing for hair health.
• Comb through with a fine-tooth comb for a smooth part.
• Apply a small amount of gloss serum to mid-lengths for reflective shine.

Bohemian Messy Braids With Tiny Fresh Flowers

Bohemian messy braids with tiny fresh flowers make a whimsical, nature-inspired prom look. Create loose braids—single or multiple—pull them apart gently for volume, and weave in petite flowers intermittently for a soft, organic touch. This hairstyle complements flowy fabrics and earthy palettes and looks lovely outdoors. It flatters medium to long hair and frames the face with relaxed texture. It’s playful, youthful, and perfect for anyone wanting a less formal, romantic approach to prom hair.

Styling Tips

• Secure fresh flowers with small pins to prevent shifting.
• Spritz braids lightly with flexible-hold spray to keep texture.
• Use a low-tension braid to maintain that undone boho feel.

Low Braided Chignon With Twisted Nape Detail

The low braided chignon with twisted nape detail blends structure and softness for a refined prom look. Braid small sections near the nape and twist them into a chignon, creating an intricate base that stays put during the evening. Leave a few soft pieces around the face to soften the silhouette. This style works for thick or medium hair, and the braided detail adds interest when viewed from the back—great for dresses with open backs or dramatic necklines.

Styling Tips

• Create braids with even tension to avoid lumps in the chignon.
• Anchor the chignon with long U-pins for extra hold.
• Lightly mist with hairspray to protect the shape through dancing.

Bubble Ponytail With Volume And Bloom Clips

The bubble ponytail with volume and bloom clips is playful and modern for prom attendees who want a fresh take on the pony. Create a high or mid ponytail, add elastics down the length to form “bubbles,” and gently pull between elastics to puff each section. Add decorative bloom clips at the base or between bubbles for flair. This look suits medium to long hair and keeps hair controlled while still offering fun movement—great for dancing all night long.

Styling Tips

• Tease slightly between elastics to create full bubbles.
• Use clear elastics for a seamless look under the hair.
• Add clips last so they remain secure and visible.

Curled Side-Swept Bun With Glitter Accents

The curled side-swept bun with glitter accents is playful and glam for prom nights that welcome sparkle. Sweep hair to one side, curl remaining lengths, and pin them into a low side bun. Dab a touch of cosmetic-grade glitter or shimmer spray near the roots or along the bun for controlled sparkle. This look flatters oval and heart-shaped faces and complements dresses with one-shoulder or asymmetric designs. It balances elegance and nighttime energy for photos and dancing.

Styling Tips

• Apply a small amount of glitter gel to hold sparkle in place.
• Use heat protectant before curling to maintain hair health.
• Secure the bun with pins hidden in the curls for a soft finish.

Braided Crown With Ribbon Weave For Fairytale Vibe

The braided crown with ribbon weave feels like a fairytale, perfect for prom-goers craving whimsical romance. Braid around the head and weave a thin ribbon through the braid for soft color and texture. Allow a few tendrils near the face for a gentle frame. This hairstyle looks especially beautiful with long hair and loose waves under the crown. It pairs nicely with embellished gowns and floral accents, creating an ethereal silhouette for photos and slow dances.

Styling Tips

• Choose a ribbon color that complements or contrasts your dress for impact.
• Secure ribbon ends discreetly under the braid with small pins.
• Loosen braid loops for a fuller, more romantic crown.

Sleek Low Pony With Wrapped Strand Detail

The sleek low pony with a wrapped strand detail is understated and chic for prom attire that favors simplicity. Smooth hair into a low pony, wrap a narrow strand around the elastic, and pin underneath to hide the seam. Keep lengths straight or add a slight curl to ends for softness. This look flatters rectangular and oval faces by adding clean lines, and it’s ideal for satin or minimalist gowns where hair should complement rather than compete with the outfit’s details.

Styling Tips

• Use a smoothing balm to tame flyaways for a sleek finish.
• Wrap the strand twice for a neat, secure look.
• Add a touch of hairspray to keep the wrapped strand in place.

Twisted Fishtail Updo With Loose Face Strands

The twisted fishtail updo with loose face strands mixes texture and structure for a prom-ready look that feels handcrafted. Create a fishtail braid and twist it into an updo, allowing a few soft strands to frame the face. This hybrid keeps the complexity of a fishtail while offering the polish of an updo. It works well on long hair and gives a romantic flair that shows off earrings and necklines. The end result looks intentional yet relaxed, great for both photos and movement.

Styling Tips

• Pull the fishtail slightly apart for thickness before twisting into the updo.
• Pin the updo with long pins to secure the structure.
• Leave and curl a few face pieces to soften the look.

Half-Up Top Knot With Beachy Waves And Clips

The half-up top knot with beachy waves and clips is youthful and trendy for prom attendees who like a cool, casual-chic vibe. Pull the top half of hair into a small top knot, leaving the bottom half in loose, beachy waves. Add decorative clips or barrettes near the knot for personality. This hybrid flatters most face shapes and works on medium to long hair. It pairs well with statement makeup and playful accessories for a fun night out.

Styling Tips

• Create waves with a curling wand and separate them with fingers for texture.
• Secure the knot with an elastic and extra pins for stability.
• Place clips symmetrically or clustered for different looks.

Romantic Crown Braid With Subtle Teasing At Roots

The romantic crown braid with subtle teasing at the roots creates a regal, lifted look that stays elegant throughout prom night. Lightly tease around the crown for volume, then braid around the head to form a crown, pinning neatly as you go. This approach adds height and frames the face beautifully, flattering oval and long faces. It’s great for keeping hair off the neck and looks lovely with embellished gowns or delicate necklaces for an overall refined effect.

Styling Tips

• Tease gently at the roots—avoid over-teasing to prevent damage.
• Pin the braid close to the head for a stable crown.
• Use a soft-hold spray to maintain volume without stiffness.