Getting ready for prom night can be a stressful ordeal! One of the most important things you’ll need to sort out is your hairstyle. Whatever style you decide on it must match the dress and accessories.
The good news is that with long hair, you have lots of options! Nothing says elegant more than long hair and having so many choices can be overwhelming. So, if you’re stuck for ideas don’t worry, because I have got you covered.
Here are my top 10 elegant hairstyles for prom with long hair – each one as beautiful as the next! Keep scrolling to find your perfect look.
1. Waterfall Braid
Looking for a fancy hairstyle for prom that shows off your long locks? Try a stunning waterfall braid! This elegant style is perfect for adding some texture and dimension to your hair, and it’s surprisingly easy to create. Plus, it’ll look great in all your prom photos!
What You Need
- Comb
- Hair elastics
- Bobby pins
How To Style
- Part your hair to one side.
- Take a small section of hair from the front of your head and divide it into three sections.
- Begin braiding the hair normally, but drop the bottom section of hair after the first twist.
- Pick up a new section of hair next to the dropped section and add it to the braid.
- Continue braiding, dropping the new section of hair and adding in a new section each time.
- When you reach the back of your head, secure the braid with a small hair elastic.
- Take a small section of hair from the opposite side of your head and cross it over the elastic to hide it.
- Use bobby pins to secure the hair in place.
- Repeat on the other side of your head.
- Finish the look with hairspray to keep it in place all night long.
2. Hollywood Waves
Want to feel like a red carpet celeb at prom? The Hollywood waves are the way to go! This sophisticated hairstyle is perfect for long hair and adds a touch of glamour to any outfit. It’s elegant, timeless, and it’ll definitely make heads turn.
What You Need
- Heat protectant spray
- Curling iron
- Clips
- Hairspray
How To Style
- Apply a heat protectant spray on your hair before using any heat styling tools.
- Divide your hair into sections and clip them up.
- Start curling your hair with a curling iron, starting from the midsection of your hair.
- Hold each curl for a few seconds before releasing it.
- After curling all the sections, let your hair cool down for a few minutes.
- Run your fingers through your hair to loosen up the curls.
- Spray some hairspray all over your hair to keep the waves intact.
- Voila! You’re now ready to rock the Hollywood waves at prom!
3. Sleek High Ponytail
Don’t have time for an elaborate hairstyle but still want to look like a million bucks on prom night? A sleek high ponytail is your ultimate go-to! This timeless classic hairstyle suits anyone with long hair and adds a touch of elegance to your prom dress. Plus, it’s super easy to achieve!
What You Need
- Straightening iron
- Hair tie
- Hair serum
How To Style
- Straighten your hair with a straightening iron.
- Pull your hair back and gather it into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
- Secure the ponytail with a hair tie.
- Use a small section of hair from the ponytail to wrap around the hair tie and hide it.
- Apply some hair serum to add shine and sleekness to the ponytail.
- Voila! You’re ready to slay the night away at prom.
4. Loose Chignon Updo
Looking for a simple yet elegant hairstyle for prom? A loose chignon updo is just what you need. Not only does it keep your hair out of your face while you dance the night away, but it also looks gorgeous with any dress style. Plus, it’s super easy to create!
What You Need
- Bobby pins
- Hair elastic
- Curling iron
- Hairspray
How to Style
- Curl your hair in loose waves with a curling iron.
- Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and create a loose ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail into a loose bun and secure with bobby pins.
- Pull out a few face-framing pieces of hair and curl them.
- Twirl those face-framing pieces of hair around your fingers to create loose tendrils.
- Secure the tendrils with bobby pins.
- Spritz on some hairspray to hold the style in place.
And voila! You’re ready to take on prom night with style and grace.
5. Side Swept Curls
Looking for a glamorous hairstyle that will make you the center of attention at prom? Side swept curls are an elegant choice that will perfectly complement your long hair. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to show off their gorgeous locks while still keeping their forehead covered. Plus, it’s easy to create and always in style!
What You Need
- Curling iron
- Hairspray
- Hairpins
How To Style
- Start with clean, dry hair.
- Using a curling iron, curl one-inch sections of hair away from your face.
- Once all of your hair is curled, spray it with hairspray to set the curls.
- Brush out your curls gently with your fingers to create loose waves.
- Part your hair to the side and sweep the hair on the larger side over your forehead.
- Pin the hair behind your ear with hairpins to hold it in place.
- Spray your hair with a final mist of hairspray to keep it in place all night long.
6. Fishtail Braid Updo
Looking for a hairstyle that screams elegance and sophistication? Try the fishtail braid updo. This style is perfect for those with long hair and adds a touch of glamour to any outfit. It’s also surprisingly easy to create!
What You Need
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
How To Style
- Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
- Pull your hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
- Split the ponytail into two equal sections.
- Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section, cross it over the section, and add it to the right section.
- Repeat step 4 with a small piece of hair from the outside of the right section, crossing it over and adding it to the left section.
- Continue this pattern until you reach the end of the ponytail.
- Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie.
- Twist the braid up into a bun and secure it with bobby pins.
- Pull a few strands of hair loose near your face for a soft, romantic look.
- Spray with hairspray to keep everything in place.
7. Half Up Half Down Twist
Looking for an elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for prom night? The half up half down twist is the answer! This hairstyle is perfect for long-haired girls who want to show off their lovely locks while highlighting their gorgeous face. Plus, it’s easy to style and looks great with any prom dress!
What You Need
- Curling iron
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
How To Style
- Curl your hair with a curling iron to create loose waves.
- Take a section of hair from the front and twist it towards the back of your head.
- Secure the twist with bobby pins.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Take a small section of hair from the back and twist it towards the center.
- Secure with bobby pins.
- Take another section of hair from the other side and twist it towards the center, securing it with bobby pins.
- Spritz on some hairspray to keep the style in place. And voila! You’re ready to rock prom night with your stunning half up half down twist hairstyle.
8. Bohemian Braided Crown
Looking for a hairstyle that will make you feel like a boho goddess on your prom night? Look no further than the Bohemian Braided Crown! This elegant and whimsical style is perfect for long-haired beauties who want to exude effortless glamour. Plus, it’s easier to create than it looks!
What You Need
- Curling iron
- Hair ties
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
How To Style
- Use a curling iron to create loose waves throughout your hair.
- Take a small section of hair from the front of your head and braid it, securing the end with a hair tie.
- Repeat the previous step on the other side of your head.
- Gently pull on each braid to loosen them and create volume.
- Cross the braids over the top of your head and pin them in place with bobby pins.
- Take small sections of hair from the sides of your head and wrap them around the braids, securing them with bobby pins as you go.
- Continue wrapping and pinning until you reach the back of your head.
- Tuck the ends of the braids under the rest of your hair and pin them in place.
- Finish with a spritz of hairspray to keep everything in place. You’re ready to rock your prom night in style!
9. French Twist
Want to look like a classic beauty at prom? Look no further than the French twist! This timeless updo is perfect for long hair and will keep your tresses out of your face all night long. Plus, it’s super easy to create!
What You Need
- Bobby pins
- Hair elastic
- Smoothing serum
- Hairspray
How To Style
- Brush your hair back and gather it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
- Twist the ponytail upwards, while smoothing out any bumps or flyaways with some serum.
- Keep twisting until you reach your crown, then tuck the ends of your hair into the twist.
- Secure the twist with bobby pins.
- Use hairspray to set the style in place and ensure it lasts all night.
- Add some extra glamour by adding a sparkly hair accessory or a few curls around your face. Voila – you’re ready for prom!
10. Voluminous Curls
If you have long hair and want to look like a queen at prom, voluminous curls are the way to go! This classic hairstyle never goes out of style and is perfect for any length of hair. You can make it even more elegant by adding a sparkly hair accessory or a tiara.*
What You Need
- Curling iron
- Heat protectant spray
- Sectioning clips
- Hair spray
How To Style
- Prep your washed and dried hair with heat protectant spray.
- Section your hair into small sections and clip them up.
- Take a section of hair and curl it with a curling iron.
- Hold the curl for a few seconds before releasing it.
- Repeat this process until all your hair is curled.
- Use your fingers to loosen the curls for a more natural look.
- Flip your head over and spray some hair spray for added volume.
- Finish off the look by adding a sparkling hair accessory or a tiara for a regal touch.
*Pro Tip: For added volume, tease the crown of your hair before curling.