Long hair can be both a blessing and a curse. If you're looking for fun, fresh ways to wear your hair for prom this year, check out our favorite prom hairstyles for long hair. Whether you want to show off your super-long locks with half-up styles or rock tons of volume and detail with stylish updos, we have you covered!

 

Bohemian Side Braid

 

 

For girls with super-long hair, this boho-chic braid from The Freckled Fox is the queen of prom hairstyles. You won't need a million bobby pins to keep heavy locks held up all night, but you'll still look pulled together.

 

Party Bouffant

 

 

Half up half down prom hairstyles work best for girls who have thick, long hair and want to highlight both blessings. A curling iron, a teasing comb, pins, and hairspray are all you'll need to re-create this look from Kouture Kiss.

 

Fishtail Mermaid Braid

 

 

An ultra-detailed, super-textured fishtail braid is the perfect hairstyle to complete a soft, ethereal prom look. It's one of our favorite prom hairstyles for long hair. Get the full tutorial here.

 

Twisted Waves

 

 

If you have long, fine hair that falls flat in an updo, it can be hard finding formal hairstyles for long hair. This trendy twist style from Twist Me Pretty is the perfect solution. Adding a little sea salt spray, a texturizing spray, or dry shampoo will help add volume and hold curl. A little teasing at the crown before pulling the twisted part up will also do wonders.

 

Zipper Braid with a Big Bun

 

 

The zipper braid is one of the quickest and easiest updo hairstyles for long hair; it's just a French braid that starts at the nape of your neck and stops where your bun starts. If you're having trouble keeping your hair out of the way, try hanging off the side of your bed.

 

Kate Middleton–Inspired Updo

 

 

If you're looking for a prom hairstyles fit for a princess, we've got one. Hair and Makep by Steph is the blog behind this majestic updo, and we think it's a shoo-in for long-haired ladies heading to prom.

 

Braided Ponytail

 

 

Prom updos for long hair don't always have to be intricate and overdone. This relaxed but oh-so-trendy braided ponytail by Join the Mood will keep your prom look effortless—not over-the-top.

 

Runway-Inspired Low Ponytail

 

 

Calling all budding fashionistas: You may not be able to rock a runway gown to prom, but you can copy their formal hairstyles for long hair. This sleek, low, wraparound ponytail is a simple but stylish staple in the world of high fashion. Get the full tutorial here.

 

Faux Short Hairstyle

 

 

Want a shorter look for prom? Put the scissors away. This faux short hairstyle is as easy as a loose three-strand braid and some pinning. Plus, this prom hair is stable enough to hold all night, no matter how much dancing you do.

 

Mixed Braids Updo

 

 

This whimsical braided updo from Barefoot Blonde would pair perfectly with a simple, flowy dress for the best of boho prom style. The fun mixed braids and textured bun make this one of our favorite updo hairstyles for long hair.

 

Looped Updo

 

 

Intricate loops are one of the most ideal updo hairstyles for long hair. The more you have to work with, the more detail you can add. If you want something timelessly chic for prom, this detail-heavy hairstyle from Missy Sue is a great choice.

 

Boho Braided Crown

 

 

This braided crown is another great idea for showing off length without sacrificing detail. If you're planning on wearing something strapless or with a sweetheart neckline, you can't go wrong with half up half down prom hairstyles. Get the full tutorial here.

 

Modern Messy Bun

 

 

If your hair has a natural curl, this romantic prom look is perfect for you because it's all about texture, texture, texture. When you're dancing the night away, you don't want to worry about maintaining frizz and flyaways, so embrace your natural texture with this messy bun!

 

Faux Bob

 

 

Envy the look of chic, short prom hairstyles, but don't want to commit to the cut? This faux bob updo from Love Maegan is a glamorous style with old Hollywood style that will give you full, short curls for one night.

 

Halo Braid with Ribbon

 

 

Prom updos for long hair don't all have to be the same, and adding accessories is a great way to add a unique touch. This long prom hairstyle from Irrelephant with a ribbon braided through it is the perfect addition to a vintage-style gown. 

 

Double-Braid Pull-Back

 

 

If your hair doesn't hold curl well, you can still rock this half up half down prom hairstyles. This laidback look from My Shine Project does a wonderful job of making straight hair look beautiful, not boring. The thick, conjoined braids add detail to an otherwise simple hairstyle.

 

High Fishtail Ponytail

 

 

The fishtail braid is all the rage right now, so incorporating one into your prom hair look is a great idea, especially if you have long hair. If you've never fishtail braided before, that's okay. Formal hairstyles for long hair don't have to be complicated!

 

Chic French Twist

 

 

The French twist is one of the most classic updo hairstyles for long hair. Just be sure to stock up on bobby pins and hairspray to keep this prom hairstyle in check all evening. Get the full tutorial here.

 

Fancy Side Ponytail

 

 

This gorgeous side ponytail from Bebe XO is one of the best prom hairstyles for a strapless or one-shoulder gown. A decorative ponytail holder or hair clip securing the style keeps your formal look fun.

 

Braided Hippie Crown Hairstyle

 

 

If you want to look more boho than retro or glam, this braided crown hairstyle is a great option to complement any spring or summery gown. It also makes a decent alternative to finding the perfect hair accessory.

 

Twisted Chignon

 

 

She Lets Her Hair Down's twisted chignon only looks high-maintenance; it's one of the easiest prom updos for long hair. A bit of texturizing spray will help the bobby pins hold and add sexy texture to your twists.

 

Braided Chignon

 

 

Business in the front, party in the back. We're talking about formal hairstyles for long hair, by the way — we would never suggest a mullet! This updo will look super-sleek in the front but fun and intricate from behind. Get the full tutorial here.

 

Braided Updo

 

 

This glamorous braided updo from Hair Romance may look tricky and time-consuming, but the tutorial and a bit of patience will help you steal this style. If you love a classic aesthetic, this is the ideal prom style for long hair.

 

Pretzel Braid

 

 

A pretzel braid looks much more elegant than it sounds. The twisted, braided chignon style from A Cup of Jo is a wedding hair tutorial, but we think the glam updo is equally fitting as a prom updo for long hair.

 

Fishtail Chignon

 

 

If the fishtail ponytail isn't your style, you can always coil that braid into a chignon at the nape of your neck or just behind one ear. This look pairs beautifully with strapless or backless dresses. And, bonus, it's much less likely to fall apart by the end of the night than curls or an updo with a lot of bobby pins.

 

Wraparound Rope-Braid Bun

 

 

A rope-braid bun wrapped to the side is a gorgeous look if you want to show off your shoulders in a strapless dress or just keep your long locks off your back while you dance the night away. Get the full tutorial here.

 

Tips for Amazing Prom Hair

 

 

Proper research is essential for all major beauty looks. To get the best results, you have to consider your dress, your hair texture, and your ability as a stylist. Before selecting the style you want to wear at prom, check out these must-have tips from hairstylist Brianne Cummins.