Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair OMG, prom is coming and you’re staring at your medium-length hair in the mirror thinking, “What am I even supposed to do with this?!” First off, breathe! That shoulder-grazing, collarbone-skimming length you’re rocking? It’s actually hair GOALS. No joke!
I remember my own prom panic (cue the embarrassing throwback pics), frantically watching YouTube tutorials at 2 AM wondering if I needed extensions. Spoiler alert: I didn’t! And neither do you. Your “not too short, not too long” length is literally the sweet spot for creating stunning styles that won’t have you stuck in the bathroom doing touch-ups all night.
So put down those clip-in extensions, cancel that “growing my hair out fast” Google search, and let’s dive into seven drop-dead gorgeous prom styles that’ll make your medium hair the envy of even your Rapunzel-haired friends!
💫 1. Low Twisted Bun (Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair)
Let’s start with a style that screams “I’m sophisticated but I still know how to have fun” – the perfect prom energy, right?
Why it’s about to be your BFF: This isn’t that messy knot you throw your hair into for calculus class! The low placement is straight-up elegant and photographs like a dream from literally every angle (hello, Instagram carousel). Plus, it works with basically any dress neckline without stealing the show. The twists add that romantic vibe that says “yes, I am totally here for the slow dance with my crush.”
How to make it uniquely YOU: Leave out those face-framing pieces if you’re going for soft girl vibes, or slick everything back for that clean, model-off-duty look. My personal obsession? Adding those tiny pearl pins where the twists meet the bun. Chef’s kiss.
The tea no one tells you: Your medium-length hair will actually hold this style BETTER than your friend with hair down to her waist. Her bun will be sagging by the after-party while yours is still serving looks. Medium hair for the win!
🌸 2. Soft Waves with a Side Clip (Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair)
Sometimes the simple stuff just HITS different. These loose, romantic waves with a statement clip on one side? Absolute red carpet vibes without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Why it’s about to be your BFF: This style is like the perfect playlist – it sets the mood without demanding attention. Your medium length gets to shine in all its glory while still feeling “done enough” for prom photos. The waves create that gorgeous movement that looks amazing when you’re slow dancing or doing the mandatory TikTok dances with your besties. Plus, the strategic side clip keeps hair from falling in your face when you’re having your main character moment.
How to make it uniquely YOU: This is where you can have FUN with accessories! Match your clip to your jewelry, or go totally unexpected with a vintage brooch repurposed as a hair accessory. Use a 1½-inch curling iron for those perfect S-waves, or go tighter with a 1-inch for more defined curls. Both? Completely stunning on medium hair.
The tea no one tells you: This style actually gets BETTER as the night goes on! Those perfect waves will relax into an even cooler tousled look by the time you’re at IHOP at 2 AM taking those “prom night is ending” pics that you’ll treasure forever.
🎀 3. Half-Up Fishtail Braid (Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair)
Indecisive girlies, I see you! Can’t choose between an updo or wearing your hair down? Why should you have to? This half-up style with that gorgeous fishtail detail is literally the best of both worlds.
Why it’s about to be your BFF: The half-up portion keeps your hair out of your face (crucial for when they play “your song” and you get emotional), while the fishtail braid adds that intricate detail that makes everyone think you spent hours with a professional. Meanwhile, the flowing locks left down maintain that romantic prom vibe we all secretly want. It’s the perfect combo of practical and pretty!
How to make it uniquely YOU: Don’t be afraid to mess it up a little! Gently pull at the edges of your fishtail to make it wider and more textured – this “pancaking” technique takes your braid from basic to bombshell. If you’re feeling extra, tuck some baby’s breath into the braid for spring prom vibes, or tiny crystal pins for winter formal sparkle.
The tea no one tells you: Medium hair creates the PERFECT fishtail – thick enough to show the detail but not so heavy that it weighs down and falls apart. Your friends with super long hair will actually be struggling to keep their elaborate braids intact while you’re out there living your best life!
✨ 4. Crown Braid (Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair)
Ready to feel like royalty? Because this halo-style braid that wraps around your head is literally going to make you feel like prom queen material regardless of whether you win the actual crown.
Why it’s about to be your BFF: This style frames your face like a literal work of art, drawing everyone’s eyes to your gorgeous makeup and statement earrings. It’s secure enough to last through hours of dancing (even to that one song where you HAVE to jump around) but soft enough to look romantic rather than severe. The best part? It works on curly, wavy, AND straight hair textures!
How to make it uniquely YOU: Play with placement! The braid can sit right on top for that true crown effect, or slightly lower for more bohemian vibes. Pull out some wisps around your temples and nape for a softer, more lived-in look, or keep it sleek if you’re going for drama. Either way, you’re serving LOOKS.
The tea no one tells you: Medium-length hair creates the perfect crown braid – long enough to wrap around but not so long that it becomes bulky and uncomfortable. If your hair is on the shorter end of medium, your stylist can incorporate some subtle clip-ins just to extend the braid’s reach. No one will know, but everyone will be obsessed!
🔮 5. Curled Lob with Volume (Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair)
Sometimes the most powerful move is embracing what you’ve already got! A voluminous curled lob turns your everyday cut into a bouncy style that screams “I woke up like this” (but make it prom).
Why it’s about to be your BFF: This style is giving major main character energy. The volume highlights your face shape while creating movement that literally bounces when you walk (very important for dramatic prom entrances). It’s playful but still polished enough for those formal photos with your date’s parents. Plus, it looks amazing with statement earrings!
How to make it uniquely YOU: The part changes EVERYTHING. A deep side part = old Hollywood glamour. Middle part = cool girl modern vibes. Switch it up based on your dress style! Add some texturizing spray at the roots and flip your head upside down while blow-drying for that extra volume that’ll have everyone asking what salon you went to.
The tea no one tells you: This style is actually EASIER with medium hair than long hair because the weight doesn’t pull down your volume. You’ll have bounce and height that your long-haired friends spend hours trying to achieve with teasing combs and prayer!
Prom Hair Prep Tips From Someone Who’s Been There (And Made All The Mistakes)
Listen, I learned these lessons the hard way so you don’t have to! Even the cutest style will fall flat without the right prep:
- Dirty hair is your friend (seriously!): Wash and blow-dry your hair the NIGHT BEFORE prom, not the morning of! I cannot stress this enough. Second-day hair holds styles 10x better than freshly washed strands. Your curls will thank you, your braids will thank you, and most importantly, your 2 AM self will thank you when your style is still intact for those after-party pics.
- Texturizing spray = liquid magic: Even if your hair is naturally textured, a light misting of texturizing spray will give it that extra grip that keeps styles in place. Think of it as the primer before your foundation – invisible but doing ALL the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
- Invest in the good pins: Those flimsy dollar store bobby pins? They’ll betray you faster than your ex. Spend the extra few dollars on quality pins that match your hair color and have that grippy coating. YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU when you’re not constantly poking fallen pins back into your hair in the bathroom.
- Strategic hairspray layering: Here’s my secret technique – start with a flexible-hold hairspray as you’re styling, THEN finish with a stronger hold version once everything’s in place. This creates a style that still moves naturally but doesn’t collapse when you hit peak dance floor energy.
- Emergency kit = non-negotiable: Tuck a travel hairspray, 5-6 extra bobby pins, and a mini comb in your purse (or your date’s pocket if your clutch is tiny). Five-minute bathroom touch-ups are WAY better than spending the night stressing about that one piece that fell out during photos.
Your Medium Hair Is Actually Your Secret Weapon!
Can I let you in on a stylist secret? Medium-length hair is secretly the MVP of prom styles! No joke – it has enough length to create those beautiful braids and twists but isn’t so heavy that everything falls flat after an hour. While your long-haired friends are dealing with heavy updos giving them headaches and your short-haired friends are limited in styling options, you’re out there with the perfect length for LITERALLY any style.
Your medium length isn’t a limitation – it’s your superpower! Style it right and you’ll absolutely own prom night while actually being able to, you know, enjoy yourself instead of constantly worrying if your extensions are showing or if your updo is collapsing.
So which style are you vibing with? The beauty of medium hair is that you could actually practice a couple of these beforehand (weekend project, anyone?) to see which makes you feel most like your prom queen self!
Tag us in your prom pics – I’m dying to see which style you choose! #PromHairGoals
👉 Want more special occasion hair inspo? Check out our favorite long and short prom styles too »