prom up do hairstyles

25 Red Carpet-Worthy Prom Up Do Hairstyles to Try

Prom night is a special occasion, and the right hairstyle can make all the difference. A red carpet-inspired updo adds elegance, confidence, and a touch of Hollywood glamour to your look. Whether you prefer a classic chignon, a voluminous bun, or a braided masterpiece, there are plenty of stylish options to explore.

This list features 25 red carpet-worthy prom up do hairstyles that will turn heads and stay in place all night.

Best Red Carpet-Worthy Prom Up Do Hairstyles for Every Style

1. Sleek Low Chignon for a Timeless Appeal

A woman with a sleek low chignon, styled with a smooth, polished finish and neatly tucked at the nape of her neck.

A sleek low chignon is a perfect choice for those who want a polished and sophisticated look. This style keeps hair tucked neatly at the nape of the neck, making it a great option for high-neck or off-the-shoulder dresses. Use a strong-hold gel to smooth out flyaways and finish with a shine spray for a glossy effect.

2. Voluminous French Twist for a Vintage Touch

A woman with a voluminous French twist, featuring a soft, lifted shape for an elegant and vintage-inspired look.

The French twist is a red carpet favorite that never goes out of style. It gives off an old-Hollywood vibe and works well with medium to long hair. Adding volume at the crown creates an elegant silhouette, while a few loose strands frame the face beautifully.

3. Polished High Bun for a Sophisticated Look

A woman with a polished high bun, styled sleek and smooth for a sophisticated and formal appearance.

A high bun is an effortless way to add instant glamour. This look works best with straight or lightly wavy hair, keeping the focus on the height and sleekness of the bun. It pairs well with dramatic earrings and a bold lip color for a truly red carpet-worthy finish.

4. Side-Swept Updo with Soft Curls

A woman with a side-swept updo, featuring soft cascading curls for a romantic and graceful look.

For a romantic touch, a side-swept updo blends soft curls with a slightly tousled texture. This hairstyle gives off a relaxed yet refined feel, perfect for prom night. Secure it with pins and a lightweight setting spray to ensure it lasts through dancing and photos.

5. Crown Braided Updo for a Regal Vibe

A woman with a crown braided updo, where braids wrap around the head and blend into a low, elegant bun.

A braided crown adds a whimsical yet elegant touch to any look. This style involves weaving braids along the hairline and securing them into a loose bun or twisted knot at the back. It works especially well with medium-length to long hair and gives off a royal feel.

6. Messy Low Bun with Face-Framing Pieces

A woman with a messy low bun, styled with loose strands framing the face for a soft and effortless finish.

A messy low bun gives off an effortlessly chic vibe. This style is perfect for those who want a relaxed yet elegant look. By leaving out a few face-framing pieces, the hairstyle softens the features while still looking polished. Use a light texturizing spray to enhance volume and hold.

7. Textured Updo with Loose Waves

A woman with a textured updo, featuring loose waves pinned for a relaxed yet sophisticated look.

For a soft and romantic style, a textured updo with loose waves is an excellent choice. This hairstyle allows natural movement while keeping hair secured in a structured updo. It pairs beautifully with lace dresses and floral accessories for a dreamy prom look.

8. Floral-Embellished Updo for a Whimsical Touch

A woman with a floral-embellished updo, decorated with small flowers for a whimsical and romantic touch.

Adding flowers to an updo brings a fresh and delicate touch to any hairstyle. Whether you choose real or faux flowers, they instantly elevate the look and add a nature-inspired charm. This style works best with soft buns, braids, or twisted updos.

9. Braided Halo Updo for a Soft and Ethereal Look

A woman with a braided halo updo, featuring braids woven around the head for an ethereal and elegant style

A braided halo updo gives a fairy-tale feel to any prom look. The braids wrap around the head, creating a seamless and elegant design. This style looks stunning on all hair types and textures, making it a versatile choice for prom.

10. Half-Up Twisted Bun with Volume

A woman with a half-up twisted bun, styled with volume at the crown while the lower section flows naturally.

For those who want the elegance of an updo without fully securing all their hair, a half-up twisted bun is a perfect middle ground. This style lifts the top section of hair while leaving the bottom half flowing freely. Adding volume at the crown makes it even more flattering.

11. Hollywood Waves in a Low Pin-Up Bun

A woman with Hollywood waves styled into a low pin-up bun, combining vintage glamour with modern elegance.

For a vintage-inspired prom look, Hollywood waves styled into a low bun create the perfect balance of glamour and elegance. This style is ideal for those who love classic red carpet hairstyles. Use a curling iron to sculpt waves before pinning them into a sleek, low bun.

12. Sculpted Curly Updo with Side Part

A woman with a sculpted curly updo, featuring a deep side part for added drama and sophistication.

A sculpted curly updo is perfect for showcasing natural texture while keeping hair in place. A deep side part adds a dramatic flair, making it look even more polished. This style works beautifully on naturally curly or wavy hair, enhancing volume and shape.

13. High Ponytail Updo with Curly Ends

A woman with a high ponytail updo, with voluminous curly ends cascading down for a glamorous effect.

A high ponytail with curled ends is both trendy and sophisticated. It creates the illusion of longer, fuller hair while keeping the look formal. Adding a wrap-around section of hair at the base of the ponytail gives it a polished, red carpet-worthy finish.

14. Twisted Curly Bun for a Soft Glam Look

A woman with a twisted curly bun, featuring defined curls pinned into a soft and textured updo.

A twisted curly bun combines volume, texture, and elegance. Twisting sections of hair before pinning them into a bun adds dimension and interest to the style. This updo works well with both natural curls and heat-styled waves.

15. Stacked Curls in a Romantic Updo

A woman with stacked curls in a romantic updo, arranged in layers for extra volume and depth.

A stacked curl updo is a stunning option for those who love volume and texture. By pinning curls in layers, this hairstyle creates a cascading effect that looks effortlessly elegant. A light mist of shine spray adds the perfect finishing touch.

16. High-Volume Bubble Pony Updo

A woman with a high-volume bubble pony updo, featuring multiple sections creating a playful and dramatic look.

A bubble pony updo is a trendy and bold choice for prom. This style adds volume by creating multiple sections along the ponytail, giving it a unique and modern twist. It works best on long hair, but extensions can be used to achieve the desired effect.

17. Messy Textured Bun with Braids

A woman with a messy textured bun, styled with small braids woven throughout for added detail.

For a carefree yet polished look, a messy textured bun with braids is a great option. Small braids woven into the updo add extra detail, while the loose bun keeps the style soft and romantic. This hairstyle is ideal for those who love effortless elegance.

18. Edgy Updo with Twisted Knots

A woman with an edgy updo featuring twisted knots, creating a bold and modern hairstyle.

For a bold and fashion-forward prom look, an updo with twisted knots creates an edgy yet stylish effect. This hairstyle plays with sections of hair twisted into knots, adding an artistic touch. It pairs well with sleek makeup and statement jewelry.

19. Double Bun Red Carpet Updo

A woman with a double bun red carpet updo, styled with two neatly pinned buns for a chic and trendy look.

A double bun updo brings a fresh take on classic prom styles. Instead of one bun, the hair is divided into two sections, each twisted into a voluminous bun. This style works well with medium to long hair and adds an eye-catching element to any prom outfit.

20. Faux Hawk Updo for a Bold Statement

A woman with a faux hawk updo, featuring a voluminous center section while the sides are sleek and pinned.

For those who want to stand out, a faux hawk updo is the perfect choice. This style creates the illusion of a mohawk by pinning sections of hair upward while keeping the sides sleek. It adds drama and personality to any prom look.

21. Sleek Braided Bun with Gold Accessories

A woman with a sleek braided bun, adorned with gold accessories for an elegant and regal finish.

A sleek braided bun with gold accessories adds an elegant and royal touch to any prom look. The combination of a polished bun and delicate braiding creates a timeless style. Adding gold pins or clips enhances the sophistication and makes it truly red carpet-worthy.

22. Gibson Tuck Updo for a Vintage Feel

A woman with a sleek braided bun, adorned with gold accessories for an elegant and regal finish.

The Gibson tuck updo is perfect for those who love vintage-inspired hairstyles. This look tucks the hair into a rolled bun at the nape, creating a soft and elegant silhouette. It pairs beautifully with lace or classic prom dresses.

23. Classic Ballet Bun with Modern Details

A woman with a classic ballet bun, styled sleek with a modern twist, such as a deep side part or soft tendrils.

A ballet bun is sleek, simple, and sophisticated. Adding modern details, such as a deep side part or a few face-framing strands, updates this timeless style. This updo is perfect for those who love a clean and polished finish.

24. Knotted Low Updo for an Elegant Finish

A woman with a knotted low updo, where sections of hair are knotted together to create a stylish, textured finish.

A knotted low updo gives a stylish twist to the traditional bun. Instead of twisting the hair into a single bun, sections are knotted together to create a unique textured look. This style is ideal for medium to long hair and holds well throughout the night.

25. Asymmetrical Twisted Updo for a Chic Look

A woman with an asymmetrical twisted updo, styled slightly off-center for a chic and artistic look.

An asymmetrical twisted updo adds a modern touch to prom night. Instead of centering the updo at the back, it is styled slightly to one side, creating a flattering and artistic effect. This hairstyle works well with both straight and wavy hair.

Final Thoughts on Prom Up Do Hairstyles

Choosing the right updo can make a big difference in completing your prom look. Whether you prefer a sleek and polished style, soft curls, or a bold and edgy updo, there is a red carpet-worthy option for everyone.

Prom up do hairstyles are not just about style—they also need to last through hours of dancing and photos. Using the right products and securing your updo properly will help keep it flawless all night.For even more inspiration, check out Prom Hairstyle Ideas: 27 Stunning Looks for Every Hair Type.

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