23 Updo Hairstyles For Prom Everyone Is Pinning Right Now

23 Updo Hairstyles For Prom Everyone Is Pinning Right Now

Prom season has a way of turning your Pinterest board into a full-blown obsession, and honestly, updos are running the show this year. There’s something about a swept-up style that just feels right for a night of photos, dancing, and standing around looking effortlessly put together while your friends fuss with their hair every twenty minutes.

I’ve pulled together the styles people keep saving and sending to their stylists right now. Whether you’ve got pin-straight hair, loose curls, or something in between, there’s a version of this trend that’ll work for you. Let’s get into it.

Elegant Curly Prom Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils

This one’s a favorite for a reason. Natural curls get gathered up into a soft, high updo while a few pieces are left loose around the face to soften everything. It’s especially gorgeous on medium to thick curly or coily hair, where the volume does most of the work for you.

People love it because it looks romantic without trying too hard, and it photographs beautifully from every angle. A curl-defining cream and a light-hold gel on the edges will keep frizz in check without weighing down the curl pattern. If your hair tends to fall flat by evening, a quick touch-up with a diffuser before the dance can bring the shape right back.

Neat Overlap Prom Updo

Think of this as the tidy older sister to a messy bun. Sections of hair are layered and overlapped in a low or mid updo, creating this smooth, almost woven look without actual braiding involved. It suits fine to medium straight or wavy hair really well since the overlapping sections create the illusion of extra density.

It’s a great pick if you want something polished for a more formal dress, especially anything with a high neckline or structured shoulders. A smoothing serum and a strong-hold hairspray are basically non-negotiable here. This style holds up for hours, which makes it low-maintenance once it’s set.

Crown Braids for a Prom Updo

A braid that wraps around the head like a little crown never really goes out of style, and it’s having a serious moment again this prom season. It works on almost any hair length past the shoulders and looks stunning on straight, wavy, or curly textures alike. Thinner hair can use a bit of texturizing spray first to give the braid something to grip.

This one’s ideal if you’re going for a fairy-tale or vintage vibe, and it pairs beautifully with delicate hair accessories like pearls or small flowers. Maintenance is easy since braids naturally resist frizz and flyaways throughout the night. Loosen the braid slightly with your fingers before you leave the house for a softer, less “just did my hair” finish.

Low Twisted Chignon

This style takes two twisted sections of hair and wraps them into a low bun at the nape of the neck. It’s a quiet, elegant choice that works especially well for straight or slightly wavy hair in medium to long lengths. There’s something about a low chignon that reads sophisticated without any extra effort.

It suits oval and heart-shaped faces particularly well since it draws attention to the jawline and neck. A shine serum applied before twisting keeps everything glossy rather than dull. This is one of those styles that holds beautifully through hours of dancing since it’s anchored low and close to the head.

Half-Up Braided Updo

For anyone who can’t fully commit to having all their hair up, this half-up version with a braid running through the crown is the compromise everyone’s asking for. It works on almost every hair length and texture, though it looks especially full on wavy or curly hair. The braid adds structure while the rest of your hair stays down and loose.

This one’s great if you want to show off longer layers or a fresh blowout underneath. A texturizing spray on the loose sections gives the whole thing more body. It’s fairly low-maintenance, and since half your hair stays down, touch-ups are quick if things shift during the night.

Sleek High Bun with a Side Part

A high bun sounds simple, but the sleek, side-parted version has a completely different energy than your average messy topknot. This works beautifully on straight or blown-out hair of medium to long length, and it’s a favorite for anyone who wants their prom dress and jewelry to be the main focus. The side part adds a subtle asymmetry that keeps it from looking too plain.

It’s especially flattering on round or square face shapes since the height elongates the face. Smoothing cream and a fine-tooth comb are your best friends for getting that glass-like finish. Once it’s pinned, this style barely moves, making it one of the more practical options on this list.

Waterfall Braid into a Loose Updo

A waterfall braid cascading into a loose, textured updo gives off major romantic-meets-effortless vibes. It looks incredible on wavy or loosely curled hair in medium to long lengths, where the braid pattern has enough texture to hold its shape. This one tends to suit softer, feminine dress styles really well.

The beauty of this look is that it doesn’t need to be perfect to look good. A sea salt spray before braiding adds grip and that lived-in texture people love right now. Expect a bit of loosening throughout the night, but honestly, that only adds to the charm.

Textured Low Updo with Volume at the Crown

This style focuses on building height and volume right at the crown before pulling everything into a soft, textured low updo. It’s a great option for fine or thin hair since the crown volume creates the appearance of thicker hair overall. Straight and wavy textures both work well here.

It’s particularly flattering for oval and long face shapes, giving some visual balance up top. A volumizing mousse applied at the roots before backcombing makes a real difference. Because the crown holds most of the shape, this one tends to last through the whole event without much fuss.

Twisted Updo with Rhinestone Pins

Sometimes the hairstyle is really just a canvas for the accessories, and this twisted updo studded with rhinestone pins leans right into that. It works on any hair length long enough to twist and pin, and it looks great on straight, wavy, or curly textures alike. The twists give texture while the pins do all the sparkly heavy lifting.

This is a fun pick for anyone who wants their hair to match a glam or sparkly dress. Keep the twists loose rather than tight for a more modern, undone feel. Maintenance-wise, it’s simple since the pins double as both decoration and hold.

Braided Bun with Floral Accents

A classic braided bun gets a soft upgrade with small floral accents tucked in around the base. This works wonderfully on medium to long hair, and it’s especially pretty on wavy or curly textures where the braid has natural texture already. It’s a go-to for anyone leaning into a garden-party or whimsical prom theme.

Face shape isn’t a huge factor here since the bun sits low and centered, making it fairly universal. Fresh or faux flowers both work, just make sure they’re secured with floral wire and bobby pins so nothing shifts. This style photographs beautifully, especially in natural light or golden-hour shots before the dance.

Voluminous Pompadour Updo

For anyone who wants serious height and drama, the pompadour updo delivers. Hair is teased and swept back into a bold, voluminous shape at the front before being secured into an updo at the back. This works best on medium to thick straight or wavy hair that can hold structure.

It’s a striking choice for square or heart-shaped faces since the volume balances out stronger jawlines. A strong-hold hairspray and a teasing comb are essential tools here. This style needs a bit more setup time, but it holds its shape remarkably well once it’s done.

Loose Beach Wave Updo

Not every prom updo needs to be sleek and polished. This one embraces loose beach waves gathered into a relaxed, slightly undone updo, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants a laid-back, California-girl feel. It works best on wavy or loosely curled hair in medium to long lengths.

This look is especially forgiving, which makes it a great option if you’re not confident doing intricate updos yourself. A texturizing spray and a curling wand set on loose waves give you the base you need. It’s low-maintenance both to create and to wear, which is always a win on a night this busy.

Braided Halo Updo

Similar to a crown braid but a bit more intricate, the braided halo wraps multiple thin braids around the head for a fuller, more textured crown effect. It suits long hair best, though medium lengths with extensions can pull it off too. Straight, wavy, and curly textures all take well to this style.

This one’s a favorite for anyone who wants a boho-meets-formal look, especially with flowing or ethereal dress styles. It takes a little longer to braid multiple sections, but the payoff is a really unique, detailed updo. Once it’s pinned in place, it holds up remarkably well through hours of movement.

Sleek Ballerina Bun

A ballerina bun sits high and center, pulled back tight for a clean, streamlined finish. It’s ideal for straight or straightened hair of medium to long length, and it works on pretty much every face shape since it’s so symmetrical. This is the style to pick if you want your hair completely out of the way.

It pairs really well with statement earrings since your neck and ears are fully visible. Gel and a fine comb help achieve that sleek, no-flyaway look people are after. This bun holds its shape for hours, making it one of the most practical options if you plan on dancing all night.

Twisted Side Updo

Instead of centering everything, this style pulls hair to one side into a twisted, cascading updo that sits just above the shoulder. It looks great on medium to long hair, particularly wavy or curly textures that add extra dimension to the twists. It’s a nice option for off-shoulder or one-shoulder dresses since it keeps that side open.

This asymmetrical style suits most face shapes and adds visual interest without needing a ton of accessories. A light-hold spray keeps the twists soft rather than stiff. It tends to loosen gently throughout the night, which only makes it look more natural.

Retro-Inspired Victory Rolls Updo

For prom-goers wanting something with a vintage edge, victory rolls combined with an updo bring old Hollywood glamour into the mix. This works best on medium to long straight or slightly wavy hair, since the rolled sections need some length to shape properly. It’s a bold choice that stands out in the best way.

This style suits round and oval face shapes especially well thanks to the height and structure around the face. A strong-hold pomade and a rat-tail comb are must-haves for shaping the rolls cleanly. It requires a bit of practice, but once mastered, it holds beautifully for hours.

Braided Top Knot

A top knot gets an upgrade when a small braid wraps around its base, adding texture and a bit of polish to an otherwise simple style. It works on medium to long hair and suits straight, wavy, or curly textures equally well. This is a great pick for anyone short on time but still wanting something detailed-looking.

It’s especially flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces since the height draws the eye upward. A texturizing spray gives the braid some grip before wrapping it around the knot. Maintenance is minimal, and it tends to hold its shape from start to finish of the night.

Cascading Curls Updo

This style pulls the top and sides up into a secured updo while leaving cascading curls loose down the back. It’s stunning on naturally curly or curled hair in medium to long lengths, giving off a soft, glamorous effect. The mix of structure up top and movement below is what makes this one so popular right now.

It suits most face shapes since the focus is spread between the crown and the curls. A curl cream and light-hold hairspray keep the loose curls defined without stiffness. It’s a great in-between option if you want an updo but aren’t ready to let go of your curls completely.

Low Braided Bun with Baby’s Breath

This romantic style wraps a simple braid into a low bun and tucks in small sprigs of baby’s breath for a delicate, garden-inspired finish. It works well on medium to long hair, especially wavy or curly textures that give the braid extra body. It’s an especially popular choice for softer, pastel-colored dresses.

Face shape isn’t much of a factor here since the bun sits low and doesn’t pull tightly on the face. Secure the flowers with small floral pins so they stay put through hugs and dancing. This look tends to soften even more throughout the night, which honestly just adds to its appeal.

Modern Bubble Updo

Bubble ponytails get transformed into an updo when the sectioned “bubbles” are pinned up rather than left hanging down. This playful, structured style works best on straight to wavy hair of medium to long length. It’s a fun, slightly unexpected choice for anyone wanting to stand out from the classic bun-and-braid crowd.

It suits most face shapes since the bubbles create visual movement without pulling focus to one specific area. Small clear elastics and a smoothing brush help keep each bubble section neat. This style holds its shape well, though it’s worth double-checking the elastics before heading out for the night.

Twisted Updo with a Deep Side Part

A deep side part adds instant drama to an otherwise simple twisted updo, creating an asymmetrical look that photographs really well. It suits straight or wavy hair in medium to long lengths, and it’s particularly flattering on round or square face shapes since the deep part elongates the face. This one feels a little more editorial than your average prom updo.

It pairs nicely with statement earrings or a bold lip since the face is left fairly open. A flat iron helps sharpen the part line before twisting the rest back. Once secured, this style holds well and doesn’t require much mid-night maintenance.

Soft Curled Updo with Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs left out of an otherwise soft, curled updo add a youthful, slightly playful touch to the whole look. This works particularly well on fine to medium hair of any texture, since the bangs frame the face without adding bulk elsewhere. It’s a favorite among people who already have bangs and don’t want to pin them back all night.

This style suits most face shapes, though it’s especially nice for those with longer or more angular features since the bangs soften things out. A round brush and light heat styling keep the bangs looking soft rather than flat. Touch-ups are quick and easy if the bangs lose their shape during the night.

At the end of the day, the best prom updo is the one that actually feels like you when you look in the mirror. Bring a photo or two to your stylist, mention your hair texture and how long you want to spend styling, and don’t be afraid to ask for small tweaks that fit your face shape better. Whichever one of these 23 updo hairstyles for prom you land on, you’re going to look incredible in every single photo.