Looking for a prom hairstyle that turns heads and shows off your personality? Look no further. Braided prom hairstyles add beauty, creativity, and trend-forward style—giving you a beautiful look you’ll definitely love all night long.
Braided hairstyles offer options from romantic waterfall braids to chic updos and enhance all hair types by adding texture and style. These designs stay attractive through dancing, photos, and long parties.
Braids offer a stylish option that complements your dress and shows your personality, whether your hair is long, medium, or layered. These 20 prom hairstyles with braids are here to inspire, guide, and help you step into prom feeling confident and radiant.
1. Waterfall Braid With Loose Waves
The hairstyle displays a delicate waterfall braid that extends into gentle wave patterns. The hairstyle offers a romantic, lightweight look that suits people with long hair.
Pro tip: Pull a few strands loose near your face for a soft, natural look.
2. Classic Crown Braid
You should create a crown by wrapping a braid around your head, which gives you a classic prom look. The organization of the dress works with all types of dress designs. These designs are similar to wedding guest braid styles because they create soft, graceful elegance.
Pro tip: Loosen the braid slightly for a more relaxed, modern vibe.
3. Half-Up Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid positioned at the midpoint of your head provides decorative elements while maintaining a partial down hairstyle. The style works best with soft, wavy hair or curled hair.
Pro tip: Use a small hair elastic that matches your hair color to keep the braid seamless.
4. Side-Swept Braid
Create a dramatic prom hairstyle by braiding your hair after sweeping it to one side. The style works best with asymmetric dresses and one-shoulder gowns.
Pro tip: Tug gently on braid sections to add texture and volume.
5. Braided Bun Updo
The combination of braids and a low bun creates a sophisticated, complete appearance. Braided buns are widely chosen for events and celebrations. Many stylists also include elements of stylish cornrows for special occasions when creating structured up dos.
Pro tip: Add subtle hairpins for sparkle without overpowering the style.
6. Double Dutch Braids Into Ponytail
Two Dutch braids that merge into a ponytail keep hair secure and stylish. The hairstyle provides perfect support for active dancing throughout the entire night.
Pro tip: Curl the ponytail ends for extra softness.
7. Halo Braid
A halo braid, which encircles your head, creates a regal and romantic appearance. The hairstyle suits people who have medium to long hair.
Pro tip: Pair with minimal jewelry to let the braid shine.
8. Messy Side Braid
A slightly undone braid on one side adds texture and casual elegance. The hairstyle works for people with straight, wavy, or curly hair.
Pro tip: Spray a lightweight texturizer to hold the messy braid in place.
9. Bubble Braid Ponytail
Bubble braids create a playful, fun look by dividing the ponytail into separate sections.
Pro tip: Slightly loosen each “bubble” for volume and softness.
10. Braided Chignon
The low chignon hairstyle with its braided elements maintains secure hair placement while enhancing the elegant appearance of prom attire.
Pro tip: Face-framing curls should be created by curling the front sections of hair.
11. Mermaid Braid
The side braid creates a loose structure that resembles a mermaid tail while matching perfectly with the flowing dresses.
Pro tip: Add glitter or small accessories to achieve extra prom glamour.
12. Twisted Rope Braid
The rope braid hairstyle requires two strands to be twisted together, creating a stylish, contemporary look that appears effortless.
Pro tip: A small amount of shine serum should be sprayed to create a polished hair texture.
13. Boho Braided Headband
The braid across your forehead serves as a natural headband, keeping your hair away from your face.
Pro tip: Use tiny flowers as decorations to create a gentle bohemian appearance.
14. Braided Ponytail With Ribbon
The basic braid, which joins with the ponytail through a ribbon, creates a look that combines both sophistication and brightness.
Pro tip: Use the ribbon color that matches your dress to create a unified appearance.
15. French Braid Half-Up
The top section of your hair should be French-braided for control and a stylish appearance, while the rest of your hair can flow freely.
Pro tip: The romantic appearance will result from loosening the braid gradually.
16. Braided Top Knot
Braid into a top knot for a sleek, modern prom hairstyle.
Pro tip: Use pins to secure any stray hairs and keep the bun intact.
17. Dutch Crown Braid
A Dutch braid around the crown creates subtle volume and regal appeal.
Pro tip: Pull small sections from the braid to enhance texture.
18. Braided Twisted Updo
Incorporate braids into a twisted updo for a textured, elegant hairstyle.
Pro tip: Curl any loose strands for added softness around the face.
19. Braided Low Ponytail
A low ponytail with braid accents keeps hair sleek yet detailed.
Pro tip: Add a delicate hair clip at the base for a finishing touch.
20. Braided Veil Style
Small braids woven into loose hair create a “veil” effect, perfect for romantic, flowing gowns.
Pro tip: Add subtle gems or pearls along the braid for extra sparkle.
How to Choose the Best Prom Hairstyles With Braids for Your Face Shape
Finding the perfect prom hairstyle with braids for your face shape ensures your look is flattering and balanced. The right braid selection will enhance your facial features while maintaining a sophisticated, stylish appearance.
| Face Shape | Best Styles | What to Avoid |
| Oval | Almost any braided style | No restrictions |
| Round | Side-swept braids, asymmetrical braided updos | Full blunt braids at the chin |
| Square | Textured braids, loose waves with braids | Harsh, tight braids along jawline |
| Heart-Shaped | Braided bobs, side-swept crown braids | Too much volume on top |
| Long | Braids with soft waves, half-up braided styles | Excessively tall braided updos |
These are guidelines, not strict rules. Bring reference photos of prom hairstyles with braids to your stylist to find the perfect look for your features and hair type.
Styling and Maintenance Tips for Prom Hairstyles With Braids
The entire style requires braiding, but proper hair styling and maintenance skills will help you keep your prom hairstyle throughout the event. The right products and techniques enable all types of braids to maintain their shape for extended periods.
- Fine Hair: At the roots, apply lightweight texturising spray and use gentle teasing techniques as necessary. The braid will become flattened when you use heavy creams, which should be avoided.
- Thick Hair: Begin the braiding process by using a light serum to smooth the hair, then tie it with tiny clear elastics. The process concludes with an application of anti-frizz spray.
- Curly Hair: Use a curl cream to shape your natural curls before braiding, as it helps maintain your style. Use a diffuser to achieve maximum volume.
- Straight Hair: Before styling, users should apply a heat protectant spray to their hair, then braid it in sections before finishing with a shine spray.
- Quality Products: Invest in a good texturising spray, hairpins, and elastics that match your hair colour for a seamless braided style.
Prom hairstyles with braids maintain their beauty throughout the night thanks to proper product use and haircare techniques, giving you an effortless yet confident appearance.
The Bottom Line
The braids you wear on prom night will showcase your personal style while creating an elegant look. The right braid selection will create an instant transformation from a typical appearance to an exceptional style.
The list includes hairstyles ranging from soft, romantic waves to strong, braided updos that enhance your most attractive features. The hairstyles offer a perfect blend of elegance and fun, ensuring your hair complements your gown.
The ideal prom hairstyle requires both self-assurance and proper execution to succeed. Your hair emits positive energy, making your smile and presence more attractive.
Choose a braid that reflects who you are, then add sparkling accessories, and walk into prom as the centre of attention. The 20 braided styles serve as your hidden advantage, creating a night filled with elegance and eternal photo memories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prom Hairstyles With Braids
What are the best prom hairstyles with braids for long hair?
Long hair works beautifully with waterfall braids, fishtail braids, and braided half-up half-down styles because these styles maintain hair security throughout the entire night while displaying hair length.
Can I do prom hairstyles with braids on short hair?
Yes! Short hair can feature crown braids, side braids, or small accent braids that add texture and elegance without long hair.
How can I make my braided prom hairstyle last all night?
Use light texturizing spray or mousse before braiding, secure with small elastics or pins and finish with hairspray. The braid structure will remain intact if you avoid touching it excessively.
