Getting ready for prom is exciting, but figuring out what to do with your hair can feel stressful—especially if you’re short on time.
The good news? You don’t need to spend hours at a salon to look amazing.
From simple updos to soft waves, there are plenty of easy prom hairstyles that still look stunning.
In this article, I’ll show you 23 Easy Prom Hairstyles for Quick Styling to help you look your best.
1. Elegant Low Bun with Center Part
A low bun with a center part is the ultimate go-to for a polished prom look. This style keeps your hair secure while letting your outfit and makeup shine. The sleek, tidy texture adds elegance, and pairing it with a soft satin blouse completes the graceful appearance. It’s perfect for quick styling that looks effortlessly put together for any formal evening.
2. Curled Half-Up Ponytail with Volume
The curled half-up ponytail adds instant volume and texture, perfect for dancing the night away. With soft waves cascading down, this look balances casual charm with prom elegance. It’s ideal for girls who want a fun, youthful hairstyle without much effort. The back view showcases the bouncy curls and neatly gathered top section in a picture-perfect way.
3. Soft Waves with Face-Framing Layers
Face-framing layers paired with soft waves create a romantic, laid-back look for prom night. The subtle highlights bring out the curves in every strand while the gentle waves add flow and softness. Paired with a wrap blouse and minimal styling, this is a quick fix for those wanting a beautiful yet natural style in minutes.
4. Sleek Braided Crown with Bun
A braided crown leading into a bun is both functional and elegant. It keeps your hair away from your face while adding a touch of intricacy to your prom night style. The detail of the braid from the back creates visual interest, making this a great pick if you want your hairstyle to wow from every angle.
5. Glamorous Side-Swept Curls
Side-swept curls are a prom classic that never goes out of style. This look gives a glamorous old-Hollywood vibe with minimal effort. The deep side part draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones, while the polished waves add volume and class. It’s a timeless option that still feels fresh and red-carpet ready.
6. Bubble Ponytail with Ribbon Accent
This bubble ponytail adds structure and charm to long hair in a fun and polished way. It’s a smart choice for girls who want something stylish but easy to manage all night. Tied with soft ribbon accents and layered in volume, the look brings a playful twist to a formal occasion.
7. Tousled Lob with Textured Layers
The tousled lob is effortlessly cool and perfect for a no-fuss prom look. It’s short enough to feel fresh but long enough to style with texture and volume. The gentle ends give a breezy, laid-back finish that’s perfect for dancing and photo ops. Ideal for girls with mid-length hair looking for a quick and chic hairstyle.
8. Romantic Braided Waterfall Twist
The waterfall braid is a dreamy choice for a prom night filled with sparkle. This look lets you showcase length and texture while still pulling hair away from your face. The flowing curls add softness and bounce, while the braid adds a hint of intricacy. It’s romantic, easy to do, and always photo-ready.
9. Classic French Twist with Soft Front Layers
The French twist is a go-to for classic prom elegance. This version softens the style with front layers that add femininity without losing its polished edge. Ideal for formal outfits, this style pairs beautifully with dresses that highlight the neck and shoulders. It’s a no-fail option that looks like it took hours—without actually doing so.
10. High Twisted Bun with Smooth Finish
A high twisted bun is sleek, timeless, and keeps your hair up and out of the way. Its smooth surface adds sophistication while showing off your neckline and earrings. Perfect for warm weather or dance-heavy nights, this look also works well with structured outfits and elegant accessories.
11. Sleek Side Part with Tucked Ends
This sleek style with a deep side part and tucked ends is a quick way to look sophisticated without much styling. It gives off major runway vibes with just a flat iron and a comb. It’s perfect for pairing with statement earrings or a bold lip and ideal when you’re short on time but still want maximum impact.
12. Soft Chignon with Floral Detail
A low chignon with a floral pin adds a dreamy, romantic element to your prom outfit. It keeps hair secure but not too tight, leaving a few gentle strands to frame the look. This style works well with vintage or soft feminine dresses and can be done in minutes with minimal tools and accessories.
13. Bouncy Curls with Subtle Side Bangs
Bouncy curls give your hair life and movement—perfect for twirling through prom night. The side bangs bring softness to the face while the full curls provide energy and volume. This style shines best on medium to long hair and works wonderfully with flowy dresses or bold makeup. It’s youthful, fun, and effortless.
14. Twisted Rope Ponytail
This twisted rope ponytail is a modern take on a simple classic. The twisted sections look intricate but take just a couple of minutes to create. It’s a polished way to keep your hair controlled while adding a bit of texture. Best of all, it pairs nicely with both minimal and glam prom looks.
15. Curtain Bangs with Loose Romantic Waves
Curtain bangs paired with soft waves strike the perfect balance between glam and relaxed. They frame the face beautifully, giving a soft, romantic feel. This look is perfect for prom photos and suits a wide range of face shapes. It doesn’t need too much time—just a curling wand and a few pins to perfect the volume.
16. Low Twisted Side Bun
This off-center side bun is a unique and lovely option for prom. It keeps your look elegant from behind while standing out just enough from traditional buns. Ideal for pairing with side-detail dresses or asymmetrical necklines, this style is secure and graceful—plus, it’s surprisingly easy to create.
17. Polished Blowout with Volume
A polished blowout never fails to impress. Full of shine, volume, and bounce, this style is ideal for showcasing long layers and natural texture. It adds height and frame around the face without needing complicated steps. With the right round brush and hairdryer, you can master this look at home in minutes.
18. Boho Fishtail Braid with Loose Ends
The fishtail braid is the ultimate mix of laid-back and stylish. Perfect for boho dresses or nature-inspired prom themes, this braid holds well while looking intentionally loose. It works great on longer hair and adds depth with soft waves pulled into the style. A great choice when you want structure with a twist of fun.
19. Retro-Inspired Flip with Middle Part
This flipped-out retro style gives prom hair a playful vintage edge. It’s quick to do with a round brush or flat iron and looks great in photos. With a bold center part and shiny finish, it works well with minimalist or retro-inspired prom outfits. It’s a fresh nod to the past—perfect for modern throwback vibes.
20. Braided Bun with Pearl Pins
Adding pearls to a braided bun turns a simple style into something bridal-worthy for prom. The braided texture gives structure, while the pearls add sparkle and elegance. This hairstyle stays put and still looks graceful from every angle. It’s ideal for prom-goers wearing lace, tulle, or embellished dresses.
21. Tousled Waves with Deep Side Part
Tousled waves bring effortless beauty to any prom look. With a quick spritz of sea salt spray and a curling wand, you can achieve this carefree yet stylish vibe. The deep side part adds a touch of glam, making this an ideal choice for relaxed or boho-inspired dresses. Plus, it works great for dancing the night away.
22. Braided Crown with Low Bun
The braided crown with a bun offers a regal, graceful appearance—perfect for feeling like prom royalty. This updo not only keeps hair secure all night but also photographs beautifully from every angle. It’s best for medium to long hair and pairs especially well with strapless or off-shoulder gowns to highlight your neckline and shoulders.
23. Sleek Low Ponytail with Center Part
The sleek low ponytail is the go-to for modern elegance. With a clean center part and a glossy, secured finish, it’s one of the easiest prom styles to pull off last-minute. It flatters nearly every face shape and works beautifully with bold makeup or statement accessories. Simple, chic, and totally timeless.
Conclusion
Prom night should be fun, not stressful. With these easy and beautiful hairstyle ideas, you can get ready fast and still feel confident all evening long. Whether you like sleek ponytails, soft waves, or fancy buns, these styles are perfect for any dress or vibe. You don’t need a professional stylist—just a few simple tools and a little time. Pick your favorite look and enjoy your big night with style and ease.
