Short hairstyles are convenient in every-day wear, but what about prom when most girls are planning to rock luxurious curls and fancy updos? Fear not, your short tresses can also be styled all the rage. Here are fresh trendy ideas for prom hairstyles for short hair worthy to show off at your senior ball.
How to Style Short Hair for Prom
As always, you should first decide on your outfit style and then get down to the choice of the right hairstyle. Although the length is definitely crucial, we promise you a rich choice.
Pixie crops. Pixies are the shortest hairstyles, so you need to refresh your haircut (and maybe your hair color) before prom and have it styled according to the chosen idea. Make a stake on the edges, finish or interesting hair hue! It may be a soft platinum blonde pixie with side-swept bangs or a sultry and edgy brunette crop. Longish pixies allow sporting chic curled and shaggy styles.
Short bobs. Modern bobs can look super festive when styled with curls and waves, enhancing the texture. For prom, you can style your short bob with an accent braid or opt for a romantic half updo, a statement side parting, or even an elegant updo for short hair, more so if you don’t mind clip-in extensions.
Twisted and braided updos can be done even on short hair, and they look fancy and intriguing. You can also decide on a fake updo, curling your locks, sleeking them back and fixing randomly at the nape with bobby pins. Tender flowers and accessories are to the point too.
Hairstyles for Short Hair for Prom Inspiration
For a pixie-short hairstyle, nothing can be more important than the shape and precision of your short haircut. That’s why even if you plan on styling your hair for prom yourself, make an appointment with a hair stylist in advance to refresh your cut. If you wear a bob cut, you may want to change the type of bangs or add highlights to your time-checked look. The idea is to appear in front of your peers, sporting a new surprisingly breathtaking look!
The following 50 ideas will provide you with ample inspiration! Let’s check the ideas.
1. Elegant Short Hair Updo
This hairstyle is perfect for its carefree but elegant look, and it’s achievable even without curling your hair first. Consider balayage highlights and some decorative pins for added allure.
2. Classy Updo with Clip-In Extensions
It is incredible what extensions for short hair can make. For prom, you don’t have any permanent solutions, just a few clip-in pieces will be enough to add some length and, most importantly, fullness you need to pull off a mesmerizing classy updo.
3. Black Bob with Contrasting Gypsophila
Here’s a lovely bob, which looks very put-together with braided elements. Incorporation of a contrasting gypsophila shows how a single strategically placed detail can totally change the look of a simple hairstyle for short hair.
4. Easy Half Bun Updo for Bob
Thinking of something you can do on your own? Well, this blonde hairstyle with half up bun is simple, yet effective. All you need to do it to curl your hair and tie a messy half bun, stepping up the ‘do with a hair piece. An excellent choice when simplicity is a must!
5. Delicate Twists and Braids
Here’s a prom updo for short hair that’s packed with youth and femininity. The rich brunette hue looks charming and natural, while the twisted elements look intricate and party-ready. Leave out the front layers for the flattering face frame.
6. High Bun and Tendril on One Side
Here is a fun fact to celebrate – you don’t have to cut face-framing tendrils that look so chic in prom updos if your hair is already bob length! Bring your hair up into a sleek or messy bun and style a curled lock on one side to elevate the look.
7. Flower Arrangement in Hair
Any simple hairstyle for short hair can become a stunning prom or wedding hairstyle once you leverage the power of flowers. This one features a larger floral bouquet on slightly curled short hair. Be sure to match the tone of the flowers with your gown to a well-rounded look.
8. Long Pixie Style for Prom
You can’t go wrong with this style with its dainty look, guaranteed to work with any prom outfit. Being more formal,it’s smooth and neatly combed. The hair piece adds interest, as do the off-center part that delicately balances out the face shape.
9. Deep Side Part and Hair Pin
Besides curls, a deep side part is one trick to instantly step up your short hair. It also gives thinner hair an impressive crown volume. Decorate the style with a dainty hair pin that may also add vintage vibes to your ‘do.
10. Curls and Rolls for Prom
A French roll is a popular hairstyle for evening wear whether you have long or short hair. This one has a lux vibe that is perfect for prom thanks to the curly texture, loose twists, and a sweet hair accessory.
11. Half Pony with Highlights
Do you want to see prom hairstyles for short hair that allow you to show off your length as opposed to pinning it back? Then try something like this. Make your hair more dimensional with blodne highligths and wrap a strand around the ponytail base for an interesting short prom hair look.
12. Messy High Bun
You won’t be able to achieve a decent high bun on short bob without any extensions, but with shoulder-length hair, the mission is possible. Use strong hold spray to keep hair at the back from falling down.
13. Curled Undercut Pixie
The timeless success of curling your pixie for prom remains uncontested. The coils add fullness the crown area, adding volume to the style and serving as a perfect cushion for the delicate hair piece if you want one. If you have an undercut, make sure to refresh it before prom for a neat look and an edgy notes that might characterise you best.
14. Soft Braided Updo for Prom
Contrary to what some people think, there are many different short hairstyles for prom, and they include not only buns and simple braids. This relaxed braided updo is a cute option because it looks good from all angles. It’s also one of the many ideas that demonstrate that braids are well suited for the prom day.
15. Curled Hair with a Crown Braid
Searching for a cute but less hackneyed short prom hairstyle? Look no further than this sweet hairdo from goldplaited_. You can also rock a style like this at a wedding, bachelorette party or any black tie affair. Just make sure there are plenty of pics involved – you’ll want to see it from different angles!
16. Blonde Curly Bob
Step out in style with this upscale princess look that’s highly recommended for graduation hairstyles. It features a luscious mix of golden blonde and brown blonde color tones and a loose side braid pinned in place. The cascading fluffy waves add bounce and volume.
17. Curly Mohawk Updo
This elegant hairstyle is highly deceptive––at first glance, you’d be absolutely sure the model has long, flowing, curly hair. Aided by curling and precise pinning, even shorter hair can achieve an eye-catching textured updo.
18. Mesmerizing Pinned Updo
As Instagrammer @kellgrace shows us, all hair––even short strands––can go up. And if you’re in the market for a prom hairstyle for short hair, look no further, as this polished updo is sure to take your date’s breath away! Best of all? It’s easy to do.
19. Ash Blonde Side-Braided Style
This one is a clear winner when it comes to chic prom hairstyles for short hair. One side is tousled and the other is corn rowed, creating an eye-catching asymmetrical detail that is fairly self-sufficient and doesn’t need any extra frills.
20. Tousled Bob with a Diagonal Braid
It’s always possible to make a personal statement with formal hairstyles for short hair. You can do that, for example, with a complex-looking four-strand braid that runs diagonally across the back of your head and hides in the loose tousled curls.
21 Loose Twisted Updo for Prom
Prom hairdos can sometimes be very elaborate and look absolutely formal. For a more relaxed look, try a soft updo that wraps around the back of your head. It’s an easy look if your hair is on the shorter side because you don’t have to worry about tucking in the tail.
22. Side-Parted Prom Hairstyle
This curled and pinned look is one of the timeless prom updos for short hair. It’s flirty and fancy. Short hair `dos can sometimes feel like they’re missing something, but this one has all the elements of a longer style. You’ll like it so much and you’ll want to wear it for a ball!
23. Prom Curved Braid Updo
This looks complicated but it really isn’t. All you have to do is braid your hair and keep on adding pieces to the braid as you are braiding down. Secure the hairdo with a few bobby pins, and you’re done. You may ask your friend to help you with this look.
24. Curly Updo for Bob Length Hair
You can’t help but appreciate the simplicity of this fine hairdo that’s perfect for the occasion. It features carefully curled ends lifted and pinned at the back for a polished updo look that seems absolutely divine with this gorgeous platinum blonde hue.
25. Braided Half Updo for Short Hair
Want to try something other than a slick formal hair look? Leave your bob down and loosely braid the front layers of your hair. Curl the ends, and you get one of those universal short prom hairstyles you can wear for graduation or a night out with friends.
26. Bouffant Updo for Bob
When it comes to prom hairdos, shorter hair is usually worn down or in half updos. However, styling a trendy loose updo, even the one with a bouffant is a great idea. Backcomb, twist, pin and set with hairspray.
27. French Braid for Short Hair
Contrary to popular belief, not all formal hairstyles for short hair need to look, well, formal. Especially in recent years, we’ve seen a gradual trend towards relaxed (but still polished) hairdos, incorporating thick French braids and gentle waves with balayage or ombre color.
28. Half Mohawk with Macrame Braid
Think prom night is an evening dedicated to by-the-book hairstyles and quintessential sleek or curly updos? Try again. Not all looks, like this edgy braided half mohawk, have to fall within that category – this one is much more evocative of a rocker style than princess stuff.
29. Twists and Messy Bun
This platinum (almost silver) hue works elegantly when paired with a messy, curly updo, absolutely perfect as a short hairstyle for prom. Be sure to curl your hair beforehand to add some extra texture. Make loose twists along the sides and tie a low bun loosely too for a slightly undone effect.
30. Simple Half-Up Style
School dance and graduation season can be a low maintenance girl’s worst nightmare: hairspray and curling iron?! Luckily, not all prom styles are curly and perfect. Some are achieved in 15 minutes or less. You can tie two fishtail braids at the back of your head creating a sort of braided crown if you want to look elegant and put together with an easy and quick hairstyle.
31. Side Swirl Updo
Although this updo is somewhat unassuming from the front, the back is pure drama, relying on a side swirl and twisted pieces brought together to build texture and volume. Start from running a volumizing mousse through your hair and tease the crown.
32. Cute Fishtail Braid
Long gone are the days of super sleek and unnaturally curly prom updos for short hair. Today, a more natural (but still elegant) appearance has taken precedence over sweet curly-girly hairstyles. Natural textures and dimensional colors take centre stage. A single fishtail braid transforms an otherwise casual daytime look into something dressier.
33. Sweet Side Braid
When styling short hair for trendy prom styles, remember that braids can work wonders for those who want to look natural yet a bit more upscale, as jbraidsandbows exemplifies with her look. A braid creates natural separation between the shades of your balayage hair.
34. Curly Updo with Bouffant
When creating evening styles for very short hair, the quickest and most effective method for maximizing volume is to tease the crown. To start, run a bit of thick volumizing mousse or spray through your locks, focusing on the roots. Next, tease the crown section with a comb, brushing downwards toward the roots. Make a few twists and pin them around the bouffant.
35. Sleek Half-Up Hairstyle
Don’t underestimate the beauty and allure of a classic sleek short hairstyle for school dances, graduation or other formal events. A style like this can give the spotlight to the rest of your look – your make up and attire, from a bold red lipstick to a dazzling evening gown. Another bonus? It’s incredibly easy––just twist and pin in place.
26. Low Loose Bun
This updo loosely swirls your highlights into s soft low bun at the nape of the neck. This could be a cool casual updo, but it definitely has its special twist, so, you can wear it proudly for a special occasion as well.
27. French Braids to Bun
If you are a fun and easy-going kind of girl, try sloppy braids and a messy bun for your graduation hairstyle. We love this series of French braids that form an understated bun––perfect for plenty of photo opps.
38. Extra Short One-Sided Bob
Grey and silver tones, both blaring and subtle, are definitely all the rage right now––and make a cool color accent for cute prom styles that lack length but not style. For extra short hair, try to add an asymmetrical twist by shifting the weight of your bob to one side, followed by a series of volume-enhancing curls.
39. Ultra Curly Formal Hair
With bangs blended into the rest of the hair that has been styled in airy curls, this evening style has “Heavenly” written all over it. The trick? Lots (and lots!) of hairspray, especially right after you’ve curled your hair. Avoid running a comb or your fingers through the updo to keep the airy curls intact.
40. Soft Upstyle with Curls
A decade ago short hair prom hairstyles were defined by a surplus of hairspray, super-tight curls and unnaturally crispy bangs. Today, the prettiest styles are also the softest––the natural-looking texture steals the show here. Consider a medium hold hairspray to ensure you keep the shape of the curl, but avoid the crisp effect.
41. Prom Hair with Multiple Braids
One braid adds a carefree touch but multiple braids create a beautiful bohemian look for prom. Divide your hair into three different sections then braid each one across your head. It’s okay if some shorter pieces stick out. That messy texture definitely adds to the look.
42. Curly Black Bob
Just take a moment to admire her hair’s beautiful texture. When you have curls like those, there is no need for an overly complicated updo. Keep things simple and allow your mane’s texture to be the focus by choosing a haircut that shows it off, like this angled bob.
43. Prom Hair Twisted Updo
An important thing to know is that prom hairstyles that have numerous steps to go through to succeed aren’t always the best. Sometimes it’s the simplest look that has the biggest impact. See this low twisted updo. It requires minimal skill, but the result is very pretty.
44. Short Textured Bob
Play up your mane’s texture for prom. This angled bob would look gorgeous if it was styled straight, but the tousled, disconnected ends are so cute. Plus, they add movement and the illusion of thickness.
45. Brunette and Blond Braid
Claim this hairstyle as a conversation-starter, as it’s sure to get you noticed. You definitely like braids, so think a loose chunky side fishtail braid that looks twice awesome with contrasting highlights.
46. Short Platinum Undercut Hairstyle
Clearly, this is a fancy and elegant way to change your trendy undercut look for the occasion. The loose braid separates the long bang from the carefree long front and leads toward the cropped undercut section, creating a wonderful contrast of three textures (long, short and braided) within one short hairstyle.
47. Shaggy Red Bob
This is the perfect occasion for an attention-grabbing entrance. Why not go for this cascading hodge-podge of copper and golden blonde messy waves that intertwine with the two braids nesting in their fullness. The uneven, messy edges complete the look.
48. Side Braided Bob
This style is a great choice for short prom hairstyles because it rocks, and you can easily do it yourself. The tight French braid is gently constructed from the side part and accented with silver rings.
49. Ginger Blonde Bob with Two Braids
This is definitely a winner if you prefer to choose from updos for bobs. The long side fringes work well for this beautiful ginger hair which beauty could be enhanced only by the two messy side braids.
50. Disheveled Red Prom Do
Feel free to make your statement with this red hairdo. You can see how it’s really easy to create a fashionable look from a disheveled style with a harmonious volume throughout. The full side bangs are separated from the crown with an unkempt braid that begins somewhere among the waves above one ear and disappears into the tousled look.
Short graduation hairstyles are bright and showy, unquestionably. They allow rocking bold colors and crazy textures, creating strong contrasts with your fancy outfits and flawless make ups. With a short trendy hairstyle you can easily overshadow long-haired beauties.
