10 Prom Hairstyles Curly Hair

Prom night is one of the most exciting and memorable events in a student’s life. It is a night filled with celebrations, photos, music, and unforgettable memories with friends. Along with choosing the perfect dress, shoes, and accessories, selecting the right hairstyle is a major part of preparing for prom. For those with naturally curly hair, there are so many stunning hairstyle options that can highlight the beauty, texture, and volume of curls.
Curly hair has a natural charm that adds personality and elegance to any hairstyle. The texture of curls creates movement, volume, and dimension that straight hair sometimes needs extra styling to achieve. This makes curly hair perfect for romantic prom hairstyles such as soft updos, half-up styles, braided looks, and voluminous ponytails. Instead of trying to completely change your natural curls, embracing them can create a unique and eye-catching prom look.
Another advantage of curly hair is its ability to hold styles well. Curls naturally provide structure and grip, which helps hairstyles stay secure throughout a long evening of dancing and celebrating. With the right styling techniques and products, curls can look defined, shiny, and beautifully shaped for hours. Adding accessories such as decorative clips, pearl pins, floral pieces, or sparkly combs can also elevate a curly hairstyle and make it feel even more special for prom.
When choosing your prom hairstyle, consider the style of your dress, the neckline, and the overall look you want to achieve. For example, if your dress has intricate details around the shoulders, an updo might highlight those features. If you want a soft and romantic vibe, letting your curls flow naturally with a half-up style could be the perfect choice.
In this guide, you will discover ten beautiful prom hairstyles designed specifically for curly hair. Each hairstyle includes the materials you will need and simple step-by-step instructions to help you create the look. Whether you prefer something elegant, glamorous, or relaxed, these curly hairstyles will help you feel confident and stunning on your prom night.
1. Voluminous Curly Updo
A voluminous curly updo is a classic prom hairstyle that looks elegant and sophisticated. This style embraces the natural texture of curly hair while creating height and fullness, making it perfect for formal events like prom.

Materials Needed
- Curl defining cream
- Hairbrush or wide-tooth comb
- Bobby pins
- Hair ties
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Start by applying curl defining cream to damp or dry hair. This helps enhance the natural shape of your curls and reduces frizz.
Gather your curls loosely at the crown or back of your head. Instead of brushing them flat, allow the curls to maintain their natural volume.
Use bobby pins to secure sections of curls in place, creating a soft and textured updo. Avoid pulling the curls too tightly because the beauty of this style lies in its fullness.
Leave a few curls around the face for a romantic look. Finish the hairstyle with hairspray to hold the curls in place throughout the night.
2. Curly Half-Up Hairstyle

The curly half-up hairstyle is perfect for those who want to show off their natural curls while still creating an elegant prom look.
Materials Needed
- Curl cream or mousse
- Hairbrush
- Elastic band or decorative clip
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Apply curl cream to define your curls and reduce frizz.
Take two sections of hair from the front of your head and pull them toward the back.
Secure these sections together with an elastic band or decorative clip.
Allow the rest of your curls to fall naturally over your shoulders.
Finish with hairspray to maintain the style throughout the evening.
3. Curly High Ponytail
A curly high ponytail is a glamorous and modern prom hairstyle that highlights the natural bounce of curls.
Materials Needed
- Hairbrush
- Elastic hair tie
- Curl defining cream
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Apply curl cream to enhance the shape of your curls.
Brush the top section of your hair upward and gather all your hair at the crown of your head.
Secure the ponytail with a strong elastic band.

Fluff the curls to add volume and shape.
Finish with hairspray for hold.
4. Curly Low Bun
The curly low bun is an elegant and sophisticated hairstyle that works beautifully for prom.
Materials Needed

- Hairbrush
- Elastic band
- Bobby pins
- Curl cream
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Gather your curls at the nape of your neck and secure them in a loose ponytail.
Twist the ponytail gently and wrap it around the base to create a bun.
Secure the bun with bobby pins while allowing some curls to remain visible.
Finish with hairspray to keep the style secure.
5. Curly Side Swept Hairstyle
The side-swept curly hairstyle creates a dramatic and glamorous look that is perfect for prom.
Materials Needed
- Curling iron (if needed)
- Hairbrush
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Define your curls using a curling iron if needed.
Sweep your curls to one side of your head.
Secure the hair behind your ear with bobby pins.
Allow the curls to cascade over one shoulder.

Finish with hairspray.
6. Curly Braided Crown
A braided crown adds an elegant and romantic touch to curly hair.
Materials Needed

- Hairbrush
- Elastic bands
- Bobby pins
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Create two small braids on each side of your head.
Bring the braids toward the back and cross them to form a crown.
Secure the braids with bobby pins.
Allow the rest of your curls to flow naturally.
Finish with hairspray.
7. Curly Messy Bun
The curly messy bun is perfect for a relaxed yet stylish prom hairstyle.

Materials Needed
- Hair tie
- Bobby pins
- Curl cream
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Gather your curls loosely into a ponytail.
Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a bun.
Secure with bobby pins.
Pull a few curls loose around your face.
Finish with hairspray.
8. Curly Half-Up Braided Style
This hairstyle combines braids and curls for a beautiful prom look.
Materials Needed
- Hairbrush
- Elastic bands
- Bobby pins
- Curl cream
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Create two small braids from the front sections of your hair.
Pull the braids toward the back and secure them together.
Allow the rest of your curls to fall freely.

Finish with hairspray.
9. Curly Ponytail with Volume
This voluminous curly ponytail adds drama and elegance to your prom look.
Materials Needed
- Hairbrush
- Elastic hair tie
- Curl cream
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Gather your curls into a mid-height ponytail.
Secure with an elastic band.
Gently fluff the curls to add volume.
Finish with hairspray.

10. Curly Hair with Decorative Clips
Adding decorative clips is an easy way to elevate curly hair for prom.
Materials Needed
- Curl cream
- Decorative clips or pins
- Hairbrush
- Hairspray
How to Create the Style
Define your curls with curl cream.
Style your hair with a side or middle part.
Place decorative clips on one side of your hair.
Finish with hairspray to keep everything in place.

