Prom night is an unforgettable celebration where your hairstyle can be as memorable as your outfit. If you have medium-length hair, you’re in luck—this length is incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with a wide array of looks from elegant updos to relaxed, beachy waves. In this blog post, we’re showcasing 25+ stunning prom hair styles for medium-length hair that will inspire you to create a look that’s uniquely you. Alongside each style, you’ll find natural product recommendations—from styling tools to hair accessories—that blend seamlessly with the look and help you achieve professional results. Let’s dive in and discover how you can transform your medium-length hair into a crown of prom-perfect elegance!
25+ Gorgeous Prom Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair
1. Romantic Waves with a Side-Swept Fringe
Let your hair cascade in soft, voluminous waves paired with a dramatic side-swept fringe that frames your face beautifully.
Styling Tip: Use a curling wand to create gentle curls and finish with a lightweight mousse.
Product Recommendation: Try the Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse for a natural boost and Bumble Flexible Hairspray to set the look without weighing it down.
2. Elegant Updo with Loose Tendrils
Opt for a low, polished updo that leaves a few loose tendrils to soften your features.
Styling Tip: Secure the bun with bobby pins and let the loose strands drift naturally for a romantic finish.
Product Recommendation: A hint of Oribe Superfine Hair Spray adds long-lasting hold, and Scunci Clear Folding Clips help in discreetly accentuating the style.
3. Half-Up, Half-Down with Braids
Combine the best of both worlds by braiding the top half of your hair while letting the rest flow freely.
Styling Tip: Create a single, neat braid starting at the hairline and secure it with elegant hairpins.
Product Recommendation: Use The Inkey List Shine Therapy Serum to add gloss and finish with Scunci Crystal Hair Clips for a delicate sparkle.
4. Soft, Low Bun with Effortless Waves
A low bun grounded in softly curled hair exudes timeless sophistication.
Styling Tip: Curl your hair loosely before gathering it at the nape for a relaxed yet refined look.
Product Recommendation: Enhance your curls with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finishing Spray and gently secure the bun with Scunci Elastic Coated Hair Ties.
5. Twisted Crown Braid
Wrap a delicate braid around your head to create a crown-like effect that is both edgy and elegant.
Styling Tip: Secure the braid with clear bobby pins, leaving a few wispy strands free.
Product Recommendation: For extra hold, try a subtle application of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, and accentuate with floral hair pins from Lush Hair Accessories.
6. Messy Top Knot with Cascading Locks
Embrace an effortless vibe with a messy top knot that lets soft, cascading locks escape for a playful touch.
Styling Tip: Tease the hair at the crown before twisting it into a bun.
Product Recommendation: A dab of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel will keep your look fresh throughout the night.
7. Side-Swept Curly Bob
Enhance your natural curls with a pronounced side-sweep to create a dynamic, face-framing effect.
Styling Tip: Define your curls using a curl-enhancing cream and gently blow-dry with a diffuser.
Product Recommendation: DevaCurl Styling Cream works wonders for curly hair and leaves your bob looking bouncy and refined.
8. Soft Beach Waves with Chic Hair Accessories
For a relaxed yet sophisticated look, style your hair in soft beach waves and complement the style with chic accessories.
Styling Tip: Create tousled waves with a wand and secure stray pieces with delicate pearl hair clips.
Product Recommendation: Enhance the texture with Moroccanoil Treatment Light and pick up some stylish clips from Scunci Mini Bobby Pins.
9. Sleek Straight Look with a Center Part
Go for a modern, minimalist look by straightening your hair to a sleek finish with a clean center part.
Styling Tip: Use a flat iron for a crisp look and a lightweight serum to combat frizz.
Product Recommendation: Moroccanoil Treatment is excellent for taming frizz, while Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer makes straightening effortless.
10. Bohemian Braided Crown
For a boho-chic appearance, weave delicate braids across your head to create a braided crown that exudes natural elegance.
Styling Tip: Integrate small braids into a loose updo and pair with a headband.
Product Recommendation: Enhance the style with Oribe Superfine Hair Spray and consider a bohemian headband from Anthropologie Hair Accessories.
11. Chic French Twist with Volume
The classic French twist is timeless. Add volume by teasing the crown before rolling your hair into a sophisticated twist.
Styling Tip: Ensure the twist is anchored firmly with discreet bobby pins for a smooth finish.
Product Recommendation: For optimal lift, try Big Sexy Hair Powder Play and a flexible hold hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray.
12. Half-Up Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid adds an intricate detail to a half-up hairstyle.
Styling Tip: Divide a thin section from the front, braid it carefully, and secure behind your ear.
Product Recommendation: Use The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair as a styling aid and secure with Scunci Clear Elastic Hair Ties.
13. Classic Updo with Romantic Curls
Embrace timeless elegance with a classic updo featuring soft, romantic curls framed around your face.
Styling Tip: Curl your hair softly and pin it elegantly into a low bun.
Product Recommendation: A light touch of It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product and Oribe Superfine Hair Spray will ensure your curls stay soft and defined.
14. Textured Ponytail with Side Part
Transform a simple ponytail into a statement look by adding texture and a defined side part.
Styling Tip: Tease your hair at the crown before gathering it into a low ponytail.
Product Recommendation: Enhance volume with John Frieda Luxurious Volume Root Booster and secure with Scunci Elastic Coated Hair Ties.
15. Layered Waves with Hair Pin Accents
Play up your natural layers with soft waves accented by strategic hair pin placements for an extra hint of sophistication.
Styling Tip: Use a curling iron to create loose waves and place decorative pins along your hairline.
Product Recommendation: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is superb for texture, and Bosley Professional Hair Clips add an elegant touch.
16. Voluminous Wavy Fringe with a Low Bun
Combine voluminous wavy fringes with a low, relaxed bun for a dynamic yet balanced look.
Styling Tip: Tease your fringe gently before pinning the bun at the nape.
Product Recommendation: A light root lifter like John Frieda Luxurious Volume Root Booster pairs well with a finishing mist such as Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finishing Spray.
17. Asymmetrical Side Braid
An asymmetrical braid creates visual interest and adds a modern twist.
Styling Tip: Braid a section of hair from one side and secure it loosely to maintain an effortless look.
Product Recommendation: Use a small amount of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to tame any frizz while keeping your braid neat.
18. Modern Pixie-Slice with Soft Layers
For a daring yet feminine look, blend a pixie-slice with soft, medium-length layers for added texture and dimension.
Styling Tip: Shape the layers with gentle highlights and finish with a light wax for defined separation.
Product Recommendation: A styling wax like American Crew Defining Paste works perfectly for this style.
19. Fauxhawk Updo with Braids
Make a bold statement with a fauxhawk updo that incorporates thin braids along the sides for an edgy, urban vibe.
Styling Tip: Secure the central portion into a fauxhawk while letting the braids frame your face.
Product Recommendation: American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel provides robust hold, and a touch of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray adds texture.
20. Curly Half-Up Do with Floral Accessories
Embrace your natural curls by gathering the top section into a half-up style and adorning it with fresh or faux floral accessories.
Styling Tip: Enhance your curls with defined, bouncy styling using a diffuser.
Product Recommendation: Try DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel for curl definition and complement with delicate floral clips from Flower Hair Accessories.
21. Sleek and Polished Low Chignon
For a sophisticated, red-carpet-worthy look, opt for a sleek low chignon that emphasizes smooth lines and elegance.
Styling Tip: Comb back your hair into a refined chignon and fix stray ends with bobby pins.
Product Recommendation: A classic mist of L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray will ensure your style remains intact throughout the night.
22. Elegant Twist and Pin Style
A refined twist paired with subtle pinning creates an understated yet chic hairstyle perfect for prom.
Styling Tip: Twist a section of your hair and secure it at the nape with discreet pins.
Product Recommendation: Use TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray to hold the style firmly and finish with a balancing leave-in conditioner.
23. Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
An effortlessly chic messy bun that leaves soft, face-framing pieces adds a touch of spontaneity without sacrificing elegance.
Styling Tip: Pull your hair into a slightly undone bun and allow loose strands to fall naturally around your face.
Product Recommendation: Tame flyaways with Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil for a smooth finish.
24. Braided Half-Up with Loose Curls
A harmonious blend of braiding and loose curls offers the sophistication of structured style with the softness of natural curls.
Styling Tip: Braid the upper section and let the remaining curls frame your face gracefully.
Product Recommendation: Enhance curl definition using a curling cream like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream and finish with a light hold hairspray.
25. Layered Middle-Parted Waves
A clean middle part showing off layered, flowing waves creates a balanced and harmonious look with a touch of modern flair.
Styling Tip: Use a curling iron to add soft waves and part your hair evenly for symmetrical volume.
Product Recommendation: Enhance the natural texture with Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer, perfect for maintaining bounce and shine.
26. Curled Side Part with a Low Bun
Mix sophistication with a hint of drama by curling your hair with a defined side part and securing a low bun for an elegant silhouette.
Styling Tip: Add loose curls around a deep side part before gathering them into a polished low bun.
Product Recommendation: Achieve brilliance with a smoothing serum like CHI Silk Infusion and finish with flexible hold hairspray for a lasting look.
27. Sleek High Bun with Statement Hair Accessories
Cap off your prom look with a sleek, high bun that exudes modern confidence and pairs perfectly with bold hair accessories.
Styling Tip: Comb your hair into a high, tight bun and accentuate it with statement combs or glittery pins for a dramatic flair.
Product Recommendation: Incorporate Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer for that extra lift, and choose standout accessories from Kate Spade Hair Accessories to complete the look.
Conclusion
Medium-length hair offers an incredible canvas for creative and stunning prom hairstyles. Whether you prefer soft romantic waves, intricate braids, or sleek updos, these 27 styles provide endless inspiration to help you stand out on your special night. With a few reliable styling products and accessories to enhance each look, you’re well on your way to a prom hairstyle that speaks volumes about your personal style.
Which of these 27 looks resonates with you the most? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to try some of these expert-recommended products to perfect your style!