15 Elegant Prom Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair: Stylish Ideas to Shine on Your Big Night
Prom night is one of the most memorable events in your life, and the right hairstyle can make all the difference.
Finding the perfect prom hairstyles for medium length hair doesn’t have to be overwhelming — with the right ideas, you can achieve a look that complements your dress, enhances your natural features, and boosts your confidence.
Medium-length hair offers the best of both worlds: enough length for intricate styles but still easy to manage.
You can opt for elegant updos, loose waves, or chic braided styles that highlight your personality while keeping your look polished.
If you’re wondering which styles suit your hair type, rest assured—this length is versatile enough to work with curls, straight textures, and everything in between.
The key to a stunning prom hairstyle is choosing one that aligns with your dress, accessories, and overall aesthetic.
Whether you want a soft, romantic look or a sleek and sophisticated style, these ideas will help you stand out effortlessly.
By exploring these carefully curated hairstyles, you’ll discover the best ways to style your medium-length hair for an unforgettable prom night. Pin this ⇩ to save the list
18 Creative Prom Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair
1. Voluminous Soft Waves with Face-Framing Highlights
Soft, voluminous waves bring effortless glamour to medium-length hair, making this an ideal choice for prom night.
The gentle curls frame the face beautifully, while the subtle highlights add dimension and radiance.
This style works best for those who love a polished yet relaxed look that enhances their facial features.
It complements various face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped, by softening angles and adding movement.
To maintain this style throughout the night, use a lightweight hairspray to keep the waves intact without stiffness.
A touch of shine serum will enhance the glossy finish, ensuring your hair looks fresh and luminous under the prom lights.
2. Soft Tousled Bob with Wispy Bangs
This tousled bob with wispy bangs is a romantic and modern prom hairstyle, perfect for medium-length hair.
The loose waves add texture and volume, while the soft bangs create a delicate, dreamy effect.
This look is best suited for those who want a chic and youthful vibe that still feels elegant.
It works well with naturally wavy or straight hair, and the bangs help frame the face beautifully.
To keep the tousled texture in place, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo for added volume and movement.
A light-hold hairspray will keep everything looking effortlessly stylish all night long.
3. Romantic Half-Up Twisted Waves with Floral Accents
This half-up, half-down hairstyle blends soft waves with delicate twists, creating an ethereal and feminine look for prom.
The floral accents add a whimsical touch, making this perfect for those who love a fairy-tale aesthetic.
Ideal for those with naturally wavy or slightly textured hair, this style enhances volume and movement while keeping some hair pulled back for a refined touch.
The floral embellishments can be customized to match your dress for a cohesive look.
To maintain the elegance of this style, use bobby pins to secure the twists and a light mist of hairspray for hold.
Adding soft curls to the ends ensures a graceful, flowing effect all night long.
4. Boho-Inspired Loose Braids with Beachy Waves
This boho-inspired hairstyle combines effortless waves with delicate braided details, perfect for a relaxed yet stunning prom look.
The soft waves create movement, while the subtle braiding adds a touch of intricacy.
This style is ideal for those who want a carefree yet polished vibe.
It works well with naturally wavy or slightly curled hair, complementing both round and oval face shapes.
To keep the braids in place while maintaining a natural finish, use a flexible-hold hairspray and a bit of texturizing spray for added grip.
Loose strands around the face can be softly curled to enhance the romantic effect.
5. Messy Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
This messy updo is the ultimate balance between effortless and elegant, making it a standout choice for prom.
The face-framing tendrils add softness, while the floral accents give it a natural, bohemian feel.
This hairstyle is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed yet sophisticated look.
It flatters various face shapes, as the loose tendrils help create a soft, romantic frame around the face.
To achieve this style, use a light-hold mousse for texture and secure the updo with bobby pins in a way that still allows for movement.
A spritz of texturizing spray will enhance the undone effect while ensuring longevity throughout the night.
6. Sleek Low Ponytail with Soft Bangs
A sleek low ponytail with soft bangs is a timeless prom hairstyle that exudes sophistication and elegance.
The smooth ponytail keeps hair neatly in place, while the soft bangs and face-framing strands add a touch of romance.
This style is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist yet chic look that highlights their facial features.
It works especially well with straight or slightly wavy hair, creating a refined and polished effect.
To maintain its sleekness, use a smoothing serum and a fine-tooth comb to tame any flyaways.
Secure the ponytail with a discreet hair tie and wrap a strand of hair around it for a seamless, polished finish.
7. Side-Swept Hollywood Waves with a Deep Part
Side-swept Hollywood waves are the ultimate glamorous choice for prom, giving off a red-carpet-worthy look.
The deep side part adds volume and drama, while the cascading waves create a luxurious, vintage-inspired effect.
This style suits those who love an elegant and polished aesthetic, especially complementing oval and heart-shaped faces.
It works best with medium to thick hair, as the waves need structure and bounce to hold their shape.
For long-lasting results, use a curling iron to sculpt defined waves and set them with a shine-enhancing hairspray.
Tuck one side behind the ear and accessorize with statement earrings for a dazzling finishing touch.
8. Soft Glam Waves with a Statement Bow
Soft glam waves with a statement bow make for a dreamy and playful prom look.
The effortless curls give volume and movement, while the bow adds a feminine, vintage-inspired touch.
This hairstyle is ideal for those who want a romantic yet modern style that highlights their soft features.
It works well with most face shapes, and the bow placement can be adjusted to suit different aesthetics.
To enhance the waves, use a curling wand and gently brush them out for a softer, bouncy effect.
Set the style with a flexible-hold hairspray to keep the curls intact while maintaining a natural feel.
9. Twisted Half-Up Style with Loose Waves
A twisted half-up style is the perfect blend of casual and elegant, making it an excellent choice for prom.
The soft waves add volume and movement, while the twisted sections create a delicate, intricate effect.
This style is ideal for those who want their hair partially pulled back while still showcasing soft, cascading curls.
It works especially well for medium to thick hair and suits all face shapes.
To achieve this look, twist two sections from the front and pin them at the back, securing with discreet hairpins.
Use a texturizing spray for added grip and to enhance the natural waves for an effortless, romantic finish.
10. Braided Crown with Soft Curls
A braided crown with soft curls is a regal and enchanting prom hairstyle that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
The delicate braid adds intricate detail, while the voluminous curls create an elegant, flowing effect.
This look is perfect for those who want a romantic and ethereal touch to their prom style.
It works well with most hair textures and face shapes, enhancing natural beauty with a soft, feminine charm.
To achieve this look, create a loose side braid and pin it across the crown, letting the rest of the hair cascade in curls.
Add floral or jeweled accessories for an extra touch of magic.
11. Braided Updo with Voluminous Twists
This braided updo with voluminous twists is a show-stopping choice for prom, combining elegance with a regal touch.
The intricate braiding on the sides blends seamlessly into a full, sculpted bun, creating texture and movement.
This style works beautifully for those who want a dramatic yet sophisticated look that highlights the neckline and back details of their dress.
It’s best suited for medium to thick hair to achieve the necessary volume.
To maintain the shape, use strong-hold hairspray and discreet hairpins for extra security.
Pair this updo with statement earrings to complement the refined and polished finish.
