There are several options when it comes to prom hairstyles for short hair. The trick to spicing up your look is to find the right style that matches your personality and gown. No matter what kind of short hair you have, you can rock it in a unique and stylish way.
Are you ready for one of the coolest nights of your high school life? Of course, we’re talking about prom!
Once you have your dress, shoes, and jewelry settled, you have to focus on your hair and makeup.
If you’re not the one for long hair, we have a bunch of prom hairstyles for short hair that are all fit to make you the prom queen. Or the perfect rebel. Either way, find your perfect match below!
Short hair can be just as glamorous and stylish as long hair for prom. Here are a few short prom hairstyles:
- Sleek bob: A sleek bob is a classic and elegant hairstyle that is perfect for hoco. It can be worn straight or with a little curl for added volume.
- Pixie cut: A pixie cut is a short, layered hairstyle that can be dressed up with some sparkly hair accessories or a bold lip color.
- Updo: Short hair can also be styled into an updo. A messy bun or a sleek French twist are great options. You can also add some volume to the crown of your head by using a volumizing spray or teasing the hair.
- Curled bob: A curled bob is a great option for those with shorter hair who want to add some volume and movement.
- Short curls: If you have naturally curly hair, embrace your curls by wearing them in a bouncy and defined style with a hair gel or mousse.
- Headband: A beautiful headband can be a great way to dress up short hair and add a touch of elegance.
1. Straight Prom Hairstyle for Short Hair
We’ve said it countless times before – simple is often perfect! If you have short and straight hair, you may want to think about skipping the braids or updos for prom. A properly layered short haircut will result in an effortless formal hairstyle every time.
2. Chignon
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun trying out fancy hairstyles. The chignon, for instance, will forever be one of the most tasteful hairstyles for women in ceremonial environments. Consequently, you’ll be quite the classy gal at your prom.
3. Pixie Cut
The pixie cut can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. Sure, it’s an adorable and sassy haircut for women, but there are only a handful of ways you can style it. Be that as it may, you do have an ace up your sleeve: accessories. Choose a cute headband to brighten up your prom pixie.
4. Overlapping Plaits Hairstyle
If you have shoulder-length strands, you enjoy a broader variety of prom hairstyles for short hair. As an example, you can play around with numerous braiding techniques, or even combine them in one hairstyle.
5. Updo
As long as your locks are just long enough to tie up, you can have endless fun trying out a bunch of updo hairstyles. A popular option is this loose bun that is apparently messy but so well put together! Never forget that the loose strands make a huge difference.
6. Vintage Hoco Hairstyle for Short Hair
Although we’re decades away from 50s fashion, vintage hairstyles have permanently won their place as some of the most distinctive beauty staples throughout the years. Delicate, soft, and graceful curls will always work for women of all ages, prom participants included.
7. Side Swept Bangs
Leave it to T. Swift to show how all girls can pull off a choppy lob flawlessly. All the same, we want to highlight a nice feature in Taylor’s hairstyle – her casually side-swept bangs. If you have this haircut in place, you won’t even have to complicate things with extra styling.
8. Protective Prom Hairstyle
Are you focusing on protecting your natural hair so it can grow to be long, healthy, and strong? We have just the idea for you – protective homecoming hairstyles for short hair! Pick your favorite African braiding style and get your braids twisted into an updo.
9. Messy Short Hair
If you’re all for the messy look but you’re not in the mood to leave your hair down on hoco day, go for a messy low bun. Select an updo as your foundation, but work loosely when styling your hair to get this nonchalant but glam impact.
10. Pinned Up Hairstyle
Ladies with shorter haircuts may not be able to rock huge updos, but they can improvise their way to a fabulous prom appearance. If this is the situation you’re in, be smart and stock up on bobby pins. Use them to recreate the effect of a complicated updo.
11. Curly Short Hair
Our gals with naturally curly short hair are in for a treat. Owing to your hair texture, you won’t even have to fuss too much about getting your prom hairstyle together. Make sure that your curls are accentuated and pull back a few locks from the front to frame your face.
12. Bouffant Updo
Another way you can channel your inner retro diva is with a bouffant hairstyle. This look was iconic in the 70s and still is a clear sign of femininity today. The bouffant works outstandingly well for girls with short hair thanks to the teasing technique involved.
13. Slicked Back Hairstyle
If you ever had any doubts about slicked-back hairstyles, Demi Lovato is here to bust any myth of this kind. With a short haircut as your base, all you have to do is comb and slick it back for a fierce look. Make sure you use quality hair products so your hairstyle will last all night!
14. Short Prom Hairstyle for Black Hair
In addition to protective braids or natural hairstyles, African-American girls can also use a cute weave or wig for prom (or anytime, really). If you have an oval or small face, you can look into these marvelous finger waves as a solution. They also come with a fabulous Roaring Twenties vibe.
15. Low Bun
We have another lovely look for our girls with hair that roughly reaches their shoulders. Thanks to the length, you can shine with this formal sleek low bun on prom night. We also recommend using pins here so you know your bun won’t fall apart.
16. Twisted Updo
If braiding isn’t an option for you, twisting is always the next best solution. In fact, you can get really creative with twisted hairstyles, like the intricate hairstyle in the pic above.
17. Wavy Short Hair
Not in the curly nor straight hair categories? If you were born with wavy hair, you don’t even have to worry about difficult hairstyles. Provided you have a flattering haircut, you can focus on creating more volume without tying anything up.
18. Themed Prom Hairstyle
What if your prom has a particular theme? Well, of course you should go along with it! For example, if yours has a retro theme, you can enjoy era-specific accessories like a feathered hairpiece. Style the rest of your hair in soft curls and you’ll look stunning!
19. Braided Headband
Sometimes, a small styling detail can have the greatest impact on your overall appearance. For example, instead of using a traditional headband, you can use your hair to braid one.
20. Rolled Hairstyle
Want to make it seem as if your hair is long for prom? Then a rolled hairstyle will be a dream come true for you! All you have to do is get a thin elastic band and wrap it around your head over your hair. Afterward, patiently roll your locks up and into the band.
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21. Knotted Hairstyle
Just like twisting, knotting is yet another excellent alternative if you don’t have long hair and want an updo. Just coil your hair into small knots however you want. But make sure you’re gentle so you won’t break your hair! This type of hairstyle is also a wonderful way to emphasize a short ombre hairstyle.
22. Side Braid on Short Curly Hair
A side braid also serves as one of the cutest homecoming hairstyles for short hair. You’re not required to have significantly long hair to rock one, and it’s easy to pull off. If you have a side part, work with the section of hair on the smaller side, like in the above photo.
23. Tiara
What better way to get into the prom queen mindset than to get accessories that directly reflect it? A tiara, whether positioned in the front or in the back, is a super pretty hair accessory for your dance.
24. Faux Hawk
If your goal is to achieve an edgy yet classy hairstyle, you can stop your search here and go with the faux hawk! There really is no other idea among hoco hairstyles for short hair that can do a feisty gal justice more than this messy beauty.
25. Low Updo
It may seem a bit awkward to describe an updo as being “low”, but we all know what it refers to. As opposed to classic updos perched towards the top of your head, a low one will rest comfortably at the back of your neck. It’s a clever trick!
26. Waterfall Braid
As you can clearly see, braids serve as a large canvas for a myriad of potential hairstyles. Another way you can play around with this style is to create a waterfall braid like a tiara at the back of your head. It also has a bohemian glow we absolutely adore.
27. Hair Half Up Half Down
We can’t deny the easygoing elegance that half up, half down hairstyles for short hair come with. We love them not only for their aesthetic value but also for their practical qualities. All you need are 2-3 pins, a wall mirror, and a handheld mirror so you can ensure that your pins are centered.
28. Dutch Braids
Girls love dressing up for prom night, but not all want to be completely girly with their looks. If you’re searching for a hairstyle that’s not too fancy but not too bland either, then Dutch braids are an amazing solution. They have a sporty chic vibe to them, all while being stylish.
29. French Braid
Now that we keep bringing up braids, we have to set the record straight regarding what’s probably the most popular braid of all. The French braid will always be in fashion, not to mention that it will forever be appropriate for formal events.
30. Prom Hairstyle for Medium Length Hair
We’ve got you covered even if your hair is actually rather on the medium side than it is a short one. You can experiment with all sorts of artsy updos so take this spectacular, classy, spiraling updo as an example. What starts as a twisted braid results in a graceful flower shape.
31. Halo Braid
We’re on a roll with our braids! It would be impossible for us to fully dive into this category without taking halo braids into consideration. Also known as crown braids, halo braids are a hairstyle defined by completely wrapping the outline of your head in a wreath-like fashion.
32. Short Hair with Loose Curls
Yet another one of the vintage hairstyles for short hair we love makes use of loose curls. Not too complicated, not too dull, loose curls will help you bring out your feminine side in a glamorous way. They’re a must for retro-loving girls!
33. Bun with Bangs
While this hairstyle won’t work for girls with hair that’s above shoulder length, it’s generally a gorgeous choice. If you have bangs, we totally encourage you to try the bun-with-bangs look, especially if you want to frame your face in a flattering manner.
34. Side Chignon
The chignon is back again on our list, but this time with a chic twist. Naturally, you can get a traditional chignon hairstyle. On the other hand, you may want to opt for a side-swept approach and position your bun to the side.
35. Diagonal Braid Hairstyle
Speaking of thinking outside of the box for your prom hairstyles, what d’you say about a diagonal braid? It follows the main technique of a normal French braid, just that you start from one top corner and braid diagonally to a lower one.
36. Tucked Behind One Ear Hairstyle
You would be surprised to find out just how impressive a tucked-behind-one-ear hairstyle can be. In essence, you don’t have to braid, wrap or twist your hair. Just part your hair to the side and tuck a few locks behind your ear on the smaller side, just like Miley Cyrus did in the above!
37. Waterfall Braid for Prom
The waterfall braid may be a bit trickier than other basic braiding hairstyles, but it’s nothing that a tutorial or two can’t solve. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll have this picture-perfect waterfall braid in a matter of minutes!
38. Pastel Prom Hairstyle for Short Hair
Let’s talk colors! While we don’t encourage girls to start dyeing their hair from a young age, you can look into temporary toners or other damage-free alternatives. For instance, you can switch to a pastel shade for prom night.
39. Braid and Chignon Hairstyle
What if you can’t make up your mind between a chignon and a braid? Then mix them for an eye-catching hairstyle! You can get one or two braids at the top part and wrap the tips of your hair into a low bun. Keep it all loose for the cutest outcome!
40. Boho Prom Hairstyle for Short Hair
How could we not talk about boho prom hairstyles for short hair? One of the top trends in the past couple of years is perfect for complementing your prom attire. If your hair is too short to braid, just get a boho headband and use it as the focal point.
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41. High Fashion Hairstyle
If you’re all about class, you can dare to go for a high fashion hairstyle for prom. This French twist, for example, is embellished with round, metallic pins along the edge.
42. Twisted Braid
Aside from twisted updos, you can also count on a simple twisted braid to make prom night memorable. If you have thin hair, you can make it look thicker by using a larger section to create the twisted braid. Refinement made easy!
43. Bow Hairstyle
Let’s say that you have a half up, half down hairstyle in place for prom, but you feel that it’s missing something. To complete the look, you just need to find the right accessory! A bow can be the ideal one for you, especially if you’re going for a sweet look.
44. Fishtail Braid
We can all agree that fishtail braids are a delight! For girls with shorter strands, we recommend using a fishtail braiding technique for a half up, half down hairstyle. Braid one on each side and connect them in the middle.
45. Braided Bangs
If you have long bangs, you can even go so far as to braid them! We say it’s the simplified version of a crown braid, as it only involves braiding the front part where your bangs would be.
46. Side Cornrows
Want an urban edge for your prom hairstyle? Cornrows are the perfect rebellious statement! You shouldn’t do a full head of cornrows, but what you can do is use two of these thin braids on one side, with your hair parted beginning with the first one.
47. Complex Prom Hairstyle for Short Hair
It’s amazing what you can achieve with curls and some accessories! If you want to go over the top, set a few hours aside for twisting and pinning curls individually. At the end, add several decorative hairpins or other ornaments for your hairstyle.
48.Cute Prom Hairstyle for Short Hair
You’re only a teenager once, so why not make the most of it? Don’t be afraid to look your age and opt for a sweet hairstyle for prom! Just one example is this double-knot hairstyle, with twisted pigtails, but feel free to experiment with others too.
49. Edgy Prom Hairstyle
On the other hand, you may be interested in showing off your alternative side with an edgy hairstyle. It helps if you have an asymmetrical or angled bob, but the styling is what’s key. Use a comb for teasing and hairspray for securing your ravishing locks.
50. Quiff Hairstyle for Women
Even though we typically associate them with men, quiff hairstyles are just as fantastic for women. If you have a longer pixie haircut with layers, you can easily style your locks up and to the side for a phenomenal quiff hairstyle.
Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair FAQs
How do you wear short hair to prom?
If you have short hair and want to style it for prom, there are several options you can consider. One popular option is to add volume to your hair by using a volumizing mousse or powder. You can also add curls or waves to your hair using a curling iron or a flat iron. Another option is to add an accessory, such as a headband or barrette, to add some extra flair to your look.
What hairstyles for prom go with short afro hair?
Some hairstyles for prom that can complement short afro hair include:
1. Afro puff: This style involves pulling the hair up and out, creating a puff at the top of the head. It’s a classic look that works well with short afro hair.
2. Twists: Twists are versatile hairstyles that can be dressed up or down. They work well for prom and can be styled in a variety of ways.
3. Fauxhawk: The fauxhawk is a modern take on the traditional mohawk. It can be achieved by styling the hair upwards and securing it with gel or pomade.
4. Bantu knots: Bantu knots are small, twisted buns that are typically worn on the sides or back of the head. They’re a great option for prom if you want to add some interest to your hair without going too formal.
5. Braids: Braids can be styled in a variety of ways, such as cornrows or twists, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
It’s also important to note that you can always add a headpiece to your hair for a more formal look.
Which are the formal hairstyles for short hair?
Some formal hairstyles for short hair include updo, pin curls, french twist, sleek ponytail, or half up half down. It’s also important to note that you can always add hair accessories like hairpins, hairbands, or a flower to add elegance to your hairstyle.
So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?
In summary, having short hair does not limit one’s options when it comes to hairstyles for prom. Short hair can be styled in a variety of ways such as Afro puff, twists, fauxhawk, Bantu knots, and braids which can be dressed up or down. Also, formal hairstyles like updos, pin curls, French twist, sleek ponytail and half-up can be achieved with short hair. To add more elegance, hair accessories like hairpins, hairbands or flowers can be used. With the right styling tools and a bit of creativity, anyone with short hair can look and feel their best at prom.
All in all, finding prom hairstyles for short hair may seem challenging at first. However, after you have gone through our selection, you’ll realize that you have infinite possibilities at hand!
When you choose your prom hairstyle, make sure it matches the style of your gown and your overall personality.
Which one do you think you’ll end up picking for prom night? Share your choice below!
Lorene Kendall
Lorene Kendall is a professional hairdresser who has been around in the industry for quite some time. She has traveled to different countries and cities because of her undeniable passion for styling. Her creativity and eyes for fashion are what make her stand out the most. With her talent, she provides service that will beautifully translate what her clients want into actual art.
