Remember Emma Stone’s stunning updo at the 2017 Oscars? Her short hair was styled in a sleek, low bun that exuded elegance and sophistication. You can achieve a similar look for prom night with the right techniques and styling products. From adding volume with texturizing spray to incorporating stylish accessories, there are many ways to elevate a simple updo hairstyle. With so many options to choose from, you’re probably wondering which styles will complement your short hair best.
Sleek Low Bun With Volume
To create a sleek low bun with volume, start by applying a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grit and texture to your short hair, allowing for a more secure updo. This prep work enhances your hair’s natural texture, creating a solid foundation for your bun.
Next, use a round brush and blow-dry your hair to add volume to the roots. For a sleek, polished look, use a hair serum to smooth flyaways and add shine. Secure your bun with bobby pins, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to set your style in place.
To add a touch of glamour, incorporate hair accessories like a delicate hair slide or a statement hairpin to elevate your overall look. With these volume techniques and styling products, you’ll be sure to turn heads on prom night.
Whimsical Braided Crown Look
Create a whimsical braided crown look by sectioning off a small portion of hair from the crown of your head, then dividing it into three equal parts to form a regular braid. As you braid, gently tug on the strands to add volume and texture, giving your hair a romantic, fairy-tale quality.
Secure the end with a small bobby pin and tuck any stray hairs under the braid. Add some boho vibes with a floral hair accessory or a delicate hair clip with floral accents.
To enhance your hair texture, use a light-hold hairspray to set the style in place. This look is perfect for prom, adding a touch of whimsy and romance to your overall style.
Classic French Twist Updo
You’ll achieve a sleek, sophisticated look with a classic French twist updo, which involves twisting the hair while simultaneously coiling it around the base to form a polished, knotted design. This timeless style exudes French flair, making it perfect for formal occasions like prom.
To add some personality to your look, experiment with twist variations, such as a messy, undone twist or a sleek, low twist. The French twist updo suits most hair textures, from fine to thick, and can be secured with bobby pins or hair accessories like hair sticks or pins.
To finish the look, add some sparkle with a statement hairpiece or a delicate hair comb. With a classic French twist updo, you’ll be sure to turn heads at prom.
Chic Pinned-Back Curls Style
As an alternative to the sleek, polished look of the French twist, the Chic Pinned-Back Curls Style offers a romantic, whimsical vibe that’s perfect for prom. This look is all about enhancing your natural texture and curl definition.
To achieve this style, use a curling iron or wand to create soft, flowing curls. For added definition, use a light-hold hairspray to set your curls in place. For a more polished look, sweep your curls back and secure them with bobby pins.
Finish the look with a statement hair accessory, like a sparkling hair comb or a delicate hairpin. This style is perfect for formal occasions like prom, and it’s especially flattering on those with wavy or curly hair textures.
Messy Top Knot for Short Hair
With a few strategic twists and pins, you can effortlessly elevate your short hair into a chic, undone messy top knot perfect for prom. To achieve this look, focus on adding messy texture to your hair by using a texturizing spray or dry shampoo.
Avoid common hair don’ts like over-styling or using too much product, which can weigh your hair down. For a quick fix, try using a hair hack like a hair tie with a bit of texture or grip to add volume to your knot.
In the morning, simply rough-dry your hair and scrunch it to enhance the messy texture. Secure your hair with bobby pins and finish with a light-hold hairspray to set the style in place.
This effortless updo is a perfect solution for busy prom-goers with short hair.
Elegant Side Swept Updo
For a more polished, glamorous look, sweep your short hair to one side and secure it with bobby pins, creating an elegant updo that exudes sophistication and refinement.
This side-swept updo accentuates your face, framing your features beautifully. To add some extra glamour, incorporate hair accessories like hair pins or a delicate hairpiece to enhance the overall look.
The soft texture of your short hair will add a romantic touch to this elegant style. To finish the look, gently tuck any stray hairs behind your ear, ensuring a sleek, polished finish.
With this elegant side-swept updo, you’ll be sure to turn heads at prom.
Vintage-Inspired Low Bun
You can create a stunning vintage-inspired low bun by gathering all your hair back, securing it with bobby pins, and leaving a few loose strands framing your face for a soft, romantic touch.
This Retro Glamour look exudes Classic Elegance, perfect for prom. The low bun adds a touch of Timeless Chic to your overall style, while the loose strands frame your face with Soft Romance.
To add Whimsy Details, try incorporating a few hairpins or a delicate hair comb to secure any stray hairs. Finish the look with a bold lip color or statement earrings to complete your Vintage-Inspired Low Bun.
This hairstyle is sure to turn heads on prom night, and its understated elegance will make you feel like a true classic beauty.
Boho-Chic Fishtail Braid
Adopting a more free-spirited vibe, a Boho-Chic Fishtail Braid adds an effortless, whimsical touch to your prom look, perfect for those who want to stray from traditional updos. You’ll evoke summer vibes with this laid-back, yet elegant style.
To create the braid, start by dividing your hair into two sections, then begin a regular fishtail pattern. As you braid, gently tug on the strands to add volume and texture, emphasizing your hair’s natural texture.
Add some hair accessories, like a delicate hairpin or a sprig of greenery, to enhance the bohemian feel. Experiment with different fishtail variations, such as a double fishtail or a fishtail crown, to find the perfect braid pattern that complements your hair texture and personal style.
Understated Knotted Updo Style
With a focus on simplicity and ease, the Understated Knotted Updo Style exudes a quiet confidence, perfect for those who prefer a more low-key yet polished look for prom.
You’ll achieve a soft texture by gently teasing your hair to add volume, and then sweeping it up into a relaxed knot. Secure the look with hair pins, leaving a few loose strands framing your face for a romantic touch.
Add a delicate hair accessory, like a tiny hair comb or a sprig of greenery, to elevate the simple elegance of this style. The knotty details will add visual interest, while the overall effect remains understated and chic.
This look is perfect for those who want to make a statement without going over the top.
Romantic Twisted Crown Look
For a more elaborate, whimsical approach, try the Romantic Twisted Crown Look, which elevates the understated elegance of the previous style by incorporating intricate twists and a regal, crown-inspired silhouette.
You’ll be the Crown Jewels of the prom, with a Twisted Romance that exudes vintage whimsy.
To achieve this look, start by twisting your hair into a regal updo, securing it with bobby pins. Then, weave in some Hair Florals to add a touch of romance.
Finish the look by sweeping your bangs to the side, framing your face with a delicate, twisted crown.
This Romantic Twisted Crown Look is sure to make you feel like royalty, with its intricate twists and regal silhouette. It’s the perfect prom hairstyle for short hair that’s both elegant and whimsical.
Sophisticated Pinned-Back Waves
Elegance unfolds as you craft Sophisticated Pinned-Back Waves, a refined prom hairstyle that exudes poise and sophistication. You’ll create elegant textures by curling your short hair and then gently brushing out the curls to achieve a soft, wavy effect.
Hair framing your face, these luscious waves add a touch of wavy sophistication to your overall look. To achieve pinned perfection, secure the curls with bobby pins, tucking them discreetly beneath the curls. The result is a refined, polished look that reflects glamour and poise.
As you glance in the mirror, you’ll be struck by the reflected glamour of your Sophisticated Pinned-Back Waves, a hairstyle that’s sure to make you shine at prom.
Whimsical Half-Up Half-Down
You’ll add a touch of whimsy to your prom look by sweeping the top half of your short hair up into a loose, undone bun, allowing the remaining locks to cascade down in soft, effortless waves. This whimsical half-up half-down style creates a romantic, ethereal vibe.
To enhance the look, incorporate hair accessories like fancy clips or pins to secure loose strands and add a touch of glamour. The soft texture of your hair will shine through, and the loose, undone bun will add a playful touch. Romantic layers will frame your face, drawing attention to your features.
Finish the look with a spritz of hairspray to make sure everything stays in place, and you’ll be ready to dance the night away.
Trendy Top Knot With Bangs
Take your short hair to new heights with a trendy top knot that adds a chic, modern twist to your prom look, especially when paired with bangs that frame your face. To achieve this look, start by applying a texturizing spray to enhance your hair texture.
Next, use a styling product to add hold and definition to your knot. Experiment with different knot variations, such as a messy, undone look or a sleek, polished finish. Bangs framing your face will add a touch of sophistication to your overall look.
As you evolve your updo, don’t be afraid to try new styling products and techniques to keep your look fresh and on-trend. With a trendy top knot and bangs, you’ll be the belle of the prom ball!
Glamorous Low Chignon Style
Create a glamorous low chignon style by sweeping your short hair into a low, sleek knot that sits effortlessly at the nape of your neck, exuding sophistication and refinement. To elevate this look, incorporate hair accessories like delicate pins or a statement hairpiece to add a touch of glamour.
Pair this updo with evening wear that features a bold neckline, allowing the chignon to frame your face and accentuate your features. If you have fine or thin hair, use a texturizing spray to add volume and texture, ensuring your hair stays in place.
Easy and Elegant Bun Updo
For a hairstyle that exudes effortless sophistication, sweep your short hair into an easy and elegant bun updo, perfect for prom, by sectioning your hair into three parts and twisting each section away from your face before coiling them into a bun shape.
This style is versatile and can be tailored to your hair texture, whether it’s fine, medium, or coarse. To add some flair, experiment with bun variations, such as a messy, undone look or a sleek, polished finish.
This updo provides excellent facial framing, drawing attention to your features. Accentuate your neckline with a statement piece of jewelry, and finish the look with hair accessories like bobby pins or a hair stick.
With this easy and elegant bun updo, you’ll be the belle of the prom ball.
Braided Crown With Loose Ends
Weave a braided crown with loose ends, and a whimsical prom updo that adds a romantic touch to your overall look, by dividing your short hair into three sections and then intricately crossing strands under and over each other.
This bohemian-inspired style is perfect for a summer-themed prom or a boho wedding. Add some festival fashion flair by incorporating hair accessories like flowers, beads, or feathers into your braid.
To enhance the effortless, undone vibe, gently tug on the strands to loosen the braid and create a relaxed, summer-inspired look. The loose ends will add movement and flow, showcasing your hair’s natural textures.
This braided crown is an easy, yet striking way to elevate your short hair for prom.
Vintage Glam Updo With Curls
To counterbalance the free-spirited charm of the braided crown, you can opt for a sophisticated vintage glam updo with curls that exude old-school Hollywood glamour. This look is all about luxurious textures and timeless elegance.
Start by curling your short hair into soft, luscious waves. Then, sweep them up into a sleek updo, securing it with bobby pins. Add some retro accessories, like a sparkling headband or a velvet-touch hair clip, to complete the look.
With Hollywood inspiration guiding your styling, you’ll be the epitome of glamour on prom night. Finish the look with a light-hold hairspray to set your curls in place, ensuring your vintage glam updo stays stunning all night long.
Messy Fishtail Braid Updo
You can create a mesmerizing Messy Fishtail Braid Updo by loosely braiding your short hair into a fishtail pattern, and then gently tugging on the strands to achieve a relaxed, undone look. This style is perfect for prom, as it adds an edgy touch to your overall look.
To add some extra flair, try incorporating different Fishtail variations, such as a double or triple fishtail, to create a unique Braid pattern. Add some texture to your braid by gently teasing the strands or using a texturizing spray.
Finish the look with some delicate Hair accessories, like a subtle hairpin or a sprig of greenery, to add a touch of whimsy. With this Messy Fishtail Braid Updo, you’ll be sure to turn heads on prom night.
Chic and Simple Low Bun
Your short hair can be effortlessly swept up into a Chic and Simple Low Bun, a timeless, elegant updo that exudes sophistication and poise. This versatile style is perfect for prom, weddings, or even everyday life.
To achieve this look, start by prepping your hair with a nourishing Summer Haircare routine, focusing on moisturizing and protecting your locks. Next, gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Twist the tail into a bun shape and pin it in place. Add some Hair Accessories, like a delicate hairpin or a statement piece, to elevate your look.
This Chic and Simple Low Bun is easy to incorporate into your Morning Routine and can be dressed up or down, making it a great choice for any occasion, including Wedding Inspiration and Everyday Style.
Twisted Crown With Flowers
Elevate your prom look with a Twisted Crown With Flowers, a romantic and whimsical updo that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.
To create this stunning hairstyle, start by twisting your short hair into a crown shape, securing it with bobby pins. Add floral accents by placing delicate flowers or petals along the twisted texture. You can also incorporate hair adornments, such as beads or rhinestones, to add extra glamour.
For a unique twist, experiment with different crown variations, like a braided or fishtail design. When it comes to petal placement, consider scattering them throughout the twisted sections or clustering them at the center of the crown.
With a Twisted Crown With Flowers, you’ll be the belle of the prom ball.
Understated Messy Bun Style
For a more relaxed, effortless look, try an Understated Messy Bun Style, which achieves a chic, undone quality by gathering your short hair into a loose, imperfect knot.
This look is all about adopting Messy Texture, so don’t be afraid to leave a few stray strands loose.
You can experiment with different Bun Variations, from a low, undone bun to a higher, more polished one.
Add some Hair Accessories, like a delicate hairpin or a sprig of greenery, to give your look a touch of whimsy.
This style is perfect for an Everyday Look that still exudes Casual Elegance. Plus, it’s easy to customize to fit your style.
Whether you’re heading to prom or just running errands, this look is sure to turn heads.
Elegant Side Bun With Volume
Create an Elegant Side Bun With Volume by sectioning your short hair into two parts, then sweeping the top section to one side and securing it with bobby pins, while leaving the bottom section loose to add volume and flow. This hairstyle is perfect for those with fine or limp hair, as it creates the illusion of thicker hair texture.
To add extra hair volume, tease the roots of your hair before styling. You can also experiment with different bun variations, such as a messy side bun or a sleek, polished one. For a more dramatic look, sweep your hair to one side, creating a side-swept effect.
With these styling secrets, you’ll be sure to turn heads at prom.
Whimsical Braided Pigtails
You’ll add a playful touch to your prom look with Whimsical Braided Pigtails, a hairstyle that involves dividing your short hair into two sections and then braiding each section into pigtails.
This whimsical look is reminiscent of a fairy tale, evoking a sense of sweet innocence. To add a boho luxe touch, gently tug on the braids to loosen them and create a relaxed, morning-after vibe.
Finish the look by securing the braids with bobby pins and spritzing a light-hold hairspray to set the style in place. The result is a playful romance that’s perfect for prom.
This hairstyle is ideal for short hair, as it adds volume and texture while framing your face.
Glamorous High Bun Updo
Elevate your prom style with a Glamorous High Bun Updo, a sleek and sophisticated look that showcases your short hair’s versatility by sweeping it up into a chic, high-placed bun.
This stylish updo is perfect for accentuating your features and adding drama to your overall look. To achieve this look, start by teasing your hair to add high volume and texture. Then, gather your hair into a sleek bun shape, securing it with hair pins.
Add some glamorous accessories, such as a sparkling hairpiece or an elegant headband, to complete the look. With the right hair textures and styling products, your Glamorous High Bun Updo is sure to turn heads at prom.
Romantic Twisted Low Bun
Softly twisting and coiling your short hair into a Romantic Twisted Low Bun adds a touch of whimsy and romance to your prom look.
To achieve this look, start by brushing your hair to create a soft texture. Then, take small sections of hair and twist them away from your face, securing them with hair pins.
As you twist, gently coil the strands into a bun shape, tucking the ends under the rest of the hair. Finish the look by adding hair accessories, such as a delicate hairpiece or a sprig of flowers, to enhance the romantic vibe.
The twisted strands and soft texture will create a beautiful, whimsical bun that’s perfect for prom.
As you prepare for prom, remember that the right updo can elevate your overall look. The theory that short hair is limiting is debunked by the versatility of styles showcased here.
From sleek buns to whimsical braids, these prom updo hairstyles for short hair prove that with a little creativity, anyone can exude elegance and sophistication.
By incorporating volume, texture, and accessories, you can transform your look and make a lasting impression on prom night.
