Prom Night DIY Updo Hairstyles are perfect for a night of photos, dancing, and glittering memories. These Prom Night DIY Updo Hairstyles mix romantic volume, sleek polish, and playful texture so you can match your dress and vibe without a salon visit.
Whether your hair is short, medium, or long, these DIY updos flatter round, oval, and heart-shaped faces alike.
Each idea is designed to be achievable at home with basic tools, pins, and a little practice — ideal for anyone who wants a polished prom look on their own terms.
Twisted Low Bun With Braided Crown
This twisted low bun with a braided crown blends soft romance and neat structure for a timeless prom look. Start by creating two small braids near the temples, then cross them over the top to form a crown. Gather the rest of your hair into a low pony, twist it into a textured bun, and secure with pins. Loose face-framing pieces soften the style and add motion in photos. Works well on medium to long hair and complements strapless or off-the-shoulder gowns.
Styling Tips
- Prep with texturizing spray for grip before braiding.
- Use bobby pins hidden under the braid for a clean finish.
- Tug gently on the braid loops for a fuller crown effect.
Messy High Bun With Face Framing Tendrils
The messy high bun with face-framing tendrils gives playful glamour for prom night while staying easy to do at home. Pile hair at the crown, tease lightly for volume, then shape into a loose bun and secure with pins. Pull out thin strands around the forehead and cheeks to create soft tendrils that move as you dance. This style suits medium to long hair and adds a youthful, effortless vibe that pairs beautifully with sequined or boho gowns.
Styling Tips
- Use a dry shampoo at roots to add texture and hold.
- Wrap a thin elastic then pin sections for an undone look.
- Finish with flexible-hold hairspray to keep tendrils touchable.
Sleek Low Chignon With Sparkle Pins
This sleek low chignon with sparkle pins is polished glam made simple for prom. Smooth hair back into a low pony, twist into a tight chignon, and secure close to the nape. Add a scattering of rhinestone or pearl pins to one side for instant evening elegance. This updo flatters oval and heart-shaped faces, and looks great with high-neck dresses or gowns with bold earrings. The contrast of glossy hair and shimmering accessories gives a couture vibe without a salon appointment.
Styling Tips
- Apply smoothing serum and flat-iron hair before styling.
- Hide pins under the chignon for a sleek silhouette.
- Place sparkle pins asymmetrically for modern balance.
Romantic Low Bun With Loose Wave Strands
This romantic low bun with loose wave strands is a soft, feminine option for prom night that feels effortless. Curl hair into loose waves, pull back into a low bun leaving a few curled strands out to frame the face. The relaxed waves around the bun bring movement and soften formal attire. Ideal for medium to long hair, this updo complements lace, floral, or vintage-inspired gowns and photographs beautifully under warm lighting.
Styling Tips
- Use a large-barrel curling iron for soft, gentle waves.
- Anchor the bun with pins inserted in an X for security.
- Finish with shine spray to catch light in photos.
Textured Top Knot With Ribbon Accent
The textured top knot with a ribbon accent mixes playful drama and chic polish for prom night. Tease hair lightly at the crown for volume, gather into a high knot, and wrap with a velvet or satin ribbon tied into a bow. The added ribbon lifts a casual bun to formal territory and ties into your dress color. This style suits medium to long hair and flatters round or oval faces, creating height and elongation for photos and dance-floor selfies.
Styling Tips
- Choose a ribbon that matches your dress for cohesive styling.
- Loosen small pieces around the crown for a lived-in look.
- Secure the ribbon with a discreet pin if it slips.
Classic French Twist With Vintage Volume
The classic French twist with vintage volume is elegant and timeless for prom night, giving a polished silhouette that pairs with dramatic gowns. Backcomb lightly at the crown to create lift, then roll hair upward into a smooth twist and secure with elegant pins. Leave a few tiny wisps at the nape if you want softness. This updo suits medium to long hair and especially flatters elongated necklines and statement earrings, offering a red-carpet feel you can achieve at home.
Styling Tips
- Use a fine-tooth comb and strong-hold pins for a clean roll.
- Smooth the outside with a silk scarf briefly to tame flyaways.
- Seal with firm-hold hairspray to maintain shape all night.
Braided Halo Updo With Floral Accents
The braided halo updo with floral accents feels dreamy and garden-party ready for prom night. Create two Dutch or regular braids from either side and wrap them around the crown to form a halo, tucking ends underneath. Add small faux flowers or fresh blooms for a whimsical touch. This style is flattering on medium to long hair and highlights the face beautifully, perfect for romantic or bohemian-themed dresses and outdoor prom photos under soft lighting.
Styling Tips
- Loosen braid edges slightly for a soft, romantic halo.
- Pin flowers into the braid gaps for secure placement.
- Use light-hold spray to keep texture without stiffness.
Fishtail Braid Rolled Into Low Bun
The fishtail braid rolled into a low bun offers intricate detail and a handmade vibe perfect for prom. Braid most hair into a loose fishtail, then coil it at the nape and pin into a bun. Pull the braid gently to widen the pattern and create texture. This updo works best on long hair and pairs nicely with backless gowns or statement necklaces, giving an elegant yet approachable look you can DIY with a bit of patience.
Styling Tips
- Brush hair out slightly before braiding for softer fishtail strands.
- Secure the braid end with a small clear elastic before rolling.
- Finish with a touch of shine spray for glossy definition.
Retro Rolled Updo With Soft Victory Waves
The retro rolled updo with soft victory waves channels Old Hollywood glamour for prom night. Create deep finger waves at the front, then gather the rest into rolled sections pinned at the back to mimic vintage silhouettes. This style suits medium to long hair and elevates classic gown styles, especially satin or velvet fabrics. The glossy waves and structured rolls photograph beautifully and offer a statement look that feels refined without being stiff.
Styling Tips
- Set waves with strong-hold gel and a wide-tooth comb.
- Work in small rolled sections for neat, even shapes.
- Use hairpins matching your hair color for a seamless finish.
Knotted Bun With Pearl And Gold Pins
This knotted bun with pearl and gold pins adds chic texture and luxe details for prom. Create loose knots or loops with sections of hair, pinning each in place to form a lived-in bun. Sprinkle pearl and gold pins throughout for sparkle and elegance. This updo suits medium to long hair and works especially well with metallic or jewel-toned dresses. The handcrafted knot look feels modern yet refined, great for photos and close-up shots of accessory details.
Styling Tips
- Create big, messy knots for volume rather than tight twists.
- Place decorative pins asymmetrically for a modern feel.
- Use flexible-hold spray to keep texture without stiffness.
Bubble Pony Into Braided Bun Combo
The bubble pony into braided bun combo brings playful structure and eye-catching texture for prom night. Start with a high pony, create bubble sections by tying elastics and puffing each segment, then braid the pony into a thick plait and coil it into a bun at the nape. This style is fun and modern, flattering long hair and adding a youthful twist to formalwear. It pairs well with strap-back dresses and makes a statement while staying secure for dancing.
Styling Tips
- Use small elastics for neat bubble sections.
- Backcomb each bubble gently for fuller shape.
- Wrap the braided end around the base to form a compact bun.
Half-Up Twisted Knot With Bouncy Curls
The half-up twisted knot with bouncy curls blends formal polish and playful volume for prom. Curl the lower half of hair into springy waves, then take two front sections, twist them back, and tie into a small knotted bun at mid-back. This keeps hair off the face while showcasing lush curls below. It flatters medium-length hair and works well with sweetheart necklines or off-the-shoulder styles. The result is romantic and photo-ready, with movement that looks great when you turn your head.
Styling Tips
- Use a medium-barrel iron for bouncy, defined curls.
- Secure the knot with clear elastic then hide with a pin.
- Lightly mist with flexible-hold spray to keep bounce.
Voluminous Ponytail Twist Turned Updo
The voluminous ponytail twist turned updo takes a high ponytail and elevates it into an elegant prom hairstyle. Start with a high, full pony, tease the length slightly, then roll and pin sections upward to create a faux updo with height. This gives dramatic lift and a modern silhouette that flatters round and square faces. Works best on long hair or with clip-in extensions, pairing beautifully with sculpted gowns and bold earrings for a runway-ready impression.
Styling Tips
- Add volume with a root-lifting powder or teasing brush.
- Pin rolled sections in layers for secure structure.
- Wrap a hair section around the base to hide the elastic.
Side-Swept Braided Chignon With Soft Texture
The side-swept braided chignon with soft texture is romantic and asymmetrical for prom night. Sweep hair to one side, create a loose braid incorporating side sections, then coil it into a chignon near the ear. Leave soft baby hairs and a few curled pieces loose for texture. This updo suits medium to long hair and adds flattering diagonal lines across the face, perfect for gowns with a statement shoulder or an asymmetric neckline, creating balance and visual interest.
Styling Tips
- Begin with a deep side part to emphasize the sweep.
- Loosen the braid edges for added softness.
- Secure the chignon with pins angled toward the scalp for strength.
Dutch Braids Into Low Twisted Bun
Dutch braids into a low twisted bun combine edge and elegance for prom. Start with two Dutch braids from the hairline, follow them back and merge into a low twisted bun at the nape. The braids add structure while the bun keeps the look polished. This updo works well on medium to long hair and is sturdy for energetic nights. It complements gowns with detailed backs since the back is neat and pretty in photos, while the braided texture adds interest close up.
Styling Tips
- Keep braids snug at the roots to avoid slippage.
- Gather braid ends into one coil for a tidy bun.
- Use clear elastics and hidden pins for a smooth finish.
Boho Messy Bun With Braided Accents
The boho messy bun with braided accents gives a relaxed, festival-ready twist to prom night. Add one or two small braids from the sides, then gather hair into a loose, textured bun at the back. Pull wisps around the face and loosen the bun for an undone charm. This style fits medium to long hair, especially for outdoor or garden-themed events, and pairs well with floral crowns or delicate jewelry, offering a youthful and carefree prom vibe.
Styling Tips
- Create small side braids before pulling hair into the bun.
- Use salt spray for natural texture and grip.
- Secure bigger sections with sturdy pins for all-night hold.
Sleek Low Pony Into Twisted Chignon
The sleek low pony into twisted chignon offers minimalist chic for prom night. Smooth hair into a low pony with a soft sheen, then twist the length and wrap it into a compact chignon at the back. The result is refined and modern, ideal for sleek gowns and bold jewelry. This updo suits straight or slightly wavy hair and creates a clean profile in photos. It’s a go-to when you want polished glam without intricate braiding or heavy accessories.
Styling Tips
- Use a smoothing balm and a fine-tooth comb for a glossy finish.
- Secure the chignon tightly to prevent loosening while dancing.
- Tuck a small section around the elastic for a seamless base.
Double Dutch Braids Rolled Into Bun
Double Dutch braids rolled into a bun are sporty-chic and super secure for prom night. Braid tightly from the front into two Dutch braids, then wrap the braided lengths into a braided bun at the nape. This polished look holds up well while dancing and highlights hair texture beautifully. It fits medium to long hair and looks great with structured or modern gowns, offering a neat silhouette with braided detailing that shows in both wide and close-up photos.
Styling Tips
- Apply a smoothing cream to reduce frizz while braiding.
- Pin the braided bun in sections for even hold.
- Use hairspray on braid edges to maintain a clean look.
Elegant Low Twist With Satin Ribbon Bow
The elegant low twist with a satin ribbon bow is understated glamour for prom. Twist hair into a low knot or chignon, then wrap a satin ribbon around the base and tie into a bow. The ribbon elevates the twist into something feminine and classic. This updo suits medium-length hair and pairs beautifully with vintage or romantic gowns. It’s a delicate detail that looks intentional and photographed perfectly in soft lighting, adding a polished finishing touch to your ensemble.
Styling Tips
- Match ribbon color to your dress or shoes for cohesion.
- Secure ribbon ends with a hidden pin to keep the bow tidy.
- Use a light serum to smooth strands before twisting.
Faux Hawk Twist Updo With Volume
The faux hawk twist updo with volume brings edgy glamour to prom night while staying wearable. Backcomb the crown for lift, then twist side sections inward toward the center, pinning them to create a raised ridge. Finish with a textured bun or tucked ends at the back. This look is flattering on medium to long hair and complements modern gowns with bold lines or metallic accents. It’s dramatic in photos and stays secure through movement and upbeat music.
Styling Tips
- Tease roots lightly for dramatic lift without damage.
- Pin twists at alternating angles for a stepped effect.
- Spritz with firm-hold hairspray to maintain the silhouette.
Waterfall Braid Updo With Soft Spiral Curls
The waterfall braid updo with soft spiral curls is fairy-tale pretty for prom. Weave a waterfall braid along one side or across the crown, then gather remaining hair into an updo, allowing spiral curls to peek out. The combination of braid detail and defined curls creates romantic movement and texture. This style suits long hair and works especially well with light, airy fabrics and floral or pastel color palettes for prom photos that feel soft and whimsical.
Styling Tips
- Create tight spiral curls, then loosen with fingers for softness.
- Pin the braid foundation securely so curls stay in place.
- Add a touch of texturizer between curls for separation.