Classic Prom Hairstyles

Classic prom hair you can do yourself

You can't really look forward to prom until you've got the dress and the hairstyle picked out. That's when the daydreaming can officially commence. Here are a few envy-inspiring prom hairstyles for you to consider. Try on prom hairstyles in our virtual hairstyle studio.

Tousled Tendrils

Break out the velcro rollers and wrap 2-inch sections of hair around each one. Heat them with a blow-dryer, shake out your hair with your head turned upside down, and finger the curls (don't brush them out). Pin back the front pieces with a jeweled accessory.

The Oh-So-Knotty Bun

Create a deep side part and gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail into a stratgically undone knot and secure in place with Goody So Secure bobby pins (your best bet for keeping hair in place during a long night of dancing).

Half-Up, Half-Down

Simply sweep up the front of your hair and clip it with a jeweled accessory (let loose a few shorter strands at the temples to create a flirty mood a la Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith). This sexy prom hairstyle works with everything from sparkling cocktail sheaths to floor-sweeping gowns. The look of the moment is tousled and touchable, soft and romantic. If you have thick hair with plenty of natural curl, now’s the time to embrace it. If not, reach for a set of large heated rollers.

The Faux Bob

Still going strong for prom, the trendy faux bob has emerged as one of the most imaginative styles to date, since it creates the illusion of short hair without requiring a commitment. It’s not a cut—it’s actually an optical illusion adored by long-haired starlets such as Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson and Marion Cottilard. This look requires tucking your longest layers underneath shorter face-framing ringlets to create a voluminous bob. The faux bob is inspired by Old Hollywood and credited to celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves— and it can be achieved at home with a fist full of old fashioned bobby pins.

The Messy Chignon

Turn heads at the prom in a chignon, accessorized to your heart's delight. A bit of black lace or netting adds a fancy touch (wrap it around the base), and gold jewels or brooches double as hair accessories. Or you can simply tuck a peacock feather behind one ear for a look that cries "notice moi!"

The Sexy Ponytail

Get this look by teasing the roots of dry hair and gently sweeping your hair back into a high ponytail. Pull a few pieces out in front to frame your face and wrap them around a large curling iron to give them a romantic wave. Sparkling earrings (think dangling faux diamonds) will bring out the natural radiance in your skin and put the sparkle in your eyes.

Prom Princess Waves

Spritz styling spray onto dry hair and roll 1-inch sections with hot rollers, stopping a few inches short of the roots. The alternative? Simply wrap sections of hair around a large barrel curling iron and let the pieces fall where they may. Accessorize with a faux butterfly (get one at a crafts store) tucked behind one ear. --Stephanie Simons

TRY ON PROM HAIRSTYLES BY UPLOADING A PHOTO TO TAAZ