15 Perfectly Gorgeous Down Hairstyles for Prom 2023

Down prom hairstyles ↓ Jump to Photo Gallery
Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Do you love wearing your hair down? There are tons of glamorous and fun ways to wear your hair down for any occasion, and prom is no exception! Take a cue from your face shape and dress style when looking for the perfect prom coif. Down hairstyles complement strapless dresses best. If you opt for an asymmetrical dress, wear your hair all down and swept to the opposite side to balance your look.

I hope one of these beautiful down hairstyles for prom inspires you!

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Prom Wavy Half-Up Half-Down Style
Instagram @kellyhorthair

#1: Wavy Half-Up Half-Down Style

Go for a romantic, wavy hairstyle that will take your prom look to the next level. Try out this half-up, half-down style. Your hair is parted and loosely pinned back at either side of your head. At the same time, front strands are left hanging freely around the face. To create loose hairstyles with tousled waves, use a large curling wand. Or use heated rollers and scrunch gently from mid-length to ends. This will help define the texture in your hair and give it plenty of movement – perfect for dancing at prom! Finish off with some light hairspray like Oribe’s Texture Spray for hold.

#2: Sleek Half Ponytail with a Deep Side Part

For a popular elegant, classy look, get a simple half up, half down with a side bang left out. To help you create this look, start by using a tail comb to create a deep side part. Then, gather the hair from the top of the head. Leave out the final strands of face-framing pieces, and secure them with a hair tie. Use a flat iron to create smooth and glossy ends before ensuring that the ponytail is tight and secure. For extra hold, I recommend using hairspray to ensure the style holds all night.

Romantic Half Down with Curls and Rope Braids for the Prom
Instagram @made.by.babs

#3: Romantic Half Down with Curls and Rope Braids

For a special event and a down ‘do with a boho style, try a Dutch braided crown with waterfall curls. To get the look, begin by curling the top half of your hair and tying the bottom half in two rope braids. Use a heat-protectant product on your hair before curling for the best result. Then use hairspray to hold the curls in place. To ensure the rope braids last, use a clear elastic band and tie it tightly at the ends. To complete the look, accessorize with a headband or bobby pins.

#4: Rooted Blonde Hair with Classic Middle Part Waves

Instead of an all-up style, try rooted blonde hair with a classic middle part and wavy texture. It will add a modern touch to a traditional look. To get the perfect waves, use a curling iron. Wrap large sections around the barrel to create a loose-flowing wave. Keep the ends straight if you like a more beachy look. To hold your style and add shine, use a lightweight hairspray. Try TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Shine Hairspray. It’ll provide a flexible hold and help protect your hair from humidity. For an extra boost of shine, use a serum or oil to finish.

Soft Teased Style and Long Subtle Waves Parted in the Middle Prom Down Hair
Instagram @josiewheeler.mua

#5: Soft Teased Style and Long Subtle Waves

Go for a beautiful soft teased style with long subtle waves parted in the middle on prom night. To create this look, start using a curling iron to curl the length of your hair. After the curls have cooled, use a teasing brush to tease the top of your hair gently. Finish by parting your hair down the middle and gently brush out the curls with your fingers. For added volume and hold, use a spritz of lightweight hairspray. Try AIIR’s Flexible Hold Aiir Spray. This will help keep your style in place all day.

Middle Part Bubble Braids with Beach Waves on Long Hair for Thin-Haired Women
Instagram @theglowapp

#6: Middle Part Bubble Braids with Beach Waves

If you’re looking for the perfect style for your prom, try small bubble braids with beach waves. You’ll create a “Euphoria” style look. When perfecting the beach waves for the look, the perfect tool is the Amika High Tide Deep Waver. The uniform waves with the braids create a fun, young look that is perfect for the prom season.

Bouffant with Pearl Headband and Loose Curls for Long Blonde Hair
Instagram @szabolizi_hair

#7: Bouffant with Pearl Headband and Loose Curls

A bouffant with a pearl headband and loose curls is perfect for any prom. Wearing prom hairstyles down is more elegant and long-lasting. Any hair can achieve this style. But if you have finer hair, I recommend clip-in hair extensions for added density. Ask for tight curls with a loose structure to keep the style age appropriate. Of all the prom hairstyles, a half-up, half-down is a classic.

Braided Half Down Cascades for Prom Night
Instagram @veronicavisage

#8: Braided Half Down Cascades

A braided half-down cascade is a perfect combo of whimsical and romantic for prom night. Whether you are looking to frame your face with fun, flirty tendrils. Or, if you want something a little more pulled together, this prom hair down style is one of the best options. The delicate strands can be accessorized with beads or even small flowers. When wearing this look, keep your curls from getting too weighed down. Create volume in the crown of your head before tucking away ends into ponytail holders or bobby pins. Apply lightweight hairspray like Aveda’s Air Control Hairspray. It’s for a lasting hold without any stiffness.

Curled Middle-Parted Hair with a Tiara Down Hairdo for Prom
Instagram @veronicavisage

#9: Curled Middle-Parted Hair with a Tiara

Wear your formal hairstyles down and go for a romantic yet alluring style. Nothing tops this classic look of curled middle-parted hair with a gleaming tiara. Start by curling your locks away from the face with a 1-inch barrel curling iron. It would be best to let the curls cool before pinning and styling for a long-lasting style. Finish the look with hairspray for a hold that will last all night long.

Center Part Half-Down Style with Face-Framing Curls for Prom
Instagram @danii_novelli

#10: Center Part Half-Down Style with Face-Framing Curls

Add a touch of charm to half-up, half-down prom hairstyles for your special night. Start by parting your hair down the center. Use a one-inch curling iron or wand to curl the hair in alternating directions. You need to curl your hair away from your face for your curls to look natural. Tease your hair with a back-combing technique for extra volume. Then, pull back each side into a low ponytail and secure it with elastic. Pull a few pieces out of the front so they frame your face. You won’t need to do much to keep this style in place while you dance the night away other than using hairspray. Try TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hair Spray Extend Hold Level 4. It’s for an all-day flawless style that does not fly away!

Cascading Twists and Curls on Downed Long Hair for Prom Night
Instagram @4c.hair_

#11: Cascading Twists and Curls on Long Hair

Get ready for a grand entrance by creating cascading twists and curls with your long hair. If you want to make an impression on that special night, these feminine waves will do the trick! Start using a curl-enhancing product to help hold your style in place all evening. For maximum impact, add some texture spray throughout the layers. Or, try sleek accessories like clip-in feathers or metallic pins for added sparkle. Have fun playing around with different looks you can pull off.

#12: Twisted Halo Braid for Half-Down Do

Braids are the perfect way to add magic and elegance to a half-down look. This specific braid is easy to put together as twists put it together. To achieve this cute style, start by gathering your hair at the crown of your head. Create two loose French braids. Secure them with tiny elastics and twist each braid into a rope. Please do this before looping it around itself & voila! Bolster texture and hold in place with high-quality hairspray. Try Kérastase Laque Noire Finition Cheveux Longs Spray. It’s infused with shine elements that will keep you looking picture-perfect all night. Updo hairstyles are usually easy to achieve with practice.

#13: Mini Braided Half-Ponytail and Voluminous Waves

Elevate a basic hairstyle to something ultra-chic. Try this incredibly easy mini braided half ponytail. Start by creating voluminous waves to create depth. Then take a two-inch section down the middle of your head that stops right before the crown. Use this section to make a Dutch braid. This is like a French braid but sits on top of the hair. Tie it off in a pony, wrapping a piece of hair from the pony around the elastic to hide it. Make sure to secure it with a bobby pin. Curls and braids are the perfect chic combination, and you’ll want to ensure this look lasts you all day! Finish with a light hairspray like Aveda’s Air Control Hair Spray. It’s for added hold without stiffness or stickiness. This hairspray can be layered for extra control.

Half Up and Simple Down Style for Prom
Instagram @jess_w_hair

#14: Half Up and Simple

Opt for a half updo that creates a great face frame with loose curls at the ends. This is an excellent option if you want to wear your hair down but have it out of your face too!

#15: Loose Waves on Long, Fine Hair

Loose waves on long, fine hair are an easy and effective way to add volume, body, and movement to a prom hairstyle. Fine hair is easy to style, but curls tend to fall out faster. To avoid this, use light products and remember, less is more. Fine hair is more easily weighed down by hair products, especially heavy or wet products. Try to use dry products like volume powder or dry texture spray and avoid touching the curls as much as possible, as the natural oils in the skin will break down the products and weigh down the curls.


Posted In: Prom Hair