10 Cute Medium Length Prom Hairstyles

Whether you chose a shoulder-length or any other mid-length hairstyle for practical or fashionable reasons, one of the first questions that comes to mind when giving a long mane the chop is: how can I switch styles with this length? Nobody wants to be bound to having the same hairstyle throughout the year - especially when festival season is ahead, followed by holiday season shortly after. And with summer approaching, there’s one special occasion that marks the end of the school year… Prom night!

Luckily, middle length hair is versatile enough for you to play around with updos, half-up hairstyles, braids and more. Do I have your attention? Then let’s dive in and discover 10 cute prom hairstyles for medium length hair to make your ball night unforgettable!

1. Waterfall Braid

This hairstyle is simpler than it looks, but the final result is gorgeous and sophisticated. Perfect for any formal occasion, the waterfall braid is rapidly gaining popularity - if you’d like to look romantic and trendy at the same time, then look no further than this video tutorial to achieve a beautiful, breath-taking waterfall braid.

2. Braided Half-up, Half-down

Half-up, half-down prom hairstyles for medium length hair are all the rage, and if you intend to leave a mark and look effortlessly magical all you need to do is add a braid! The braided half-up, half down hairstyle has a lot to offer in its simplicity: not only it’s the perfect combination between an updo and a flowing mane, but it also adds drama and romance with the braided strands in the back of your head. It can be worn as it is, or with a hair jewel to finish the look with glitz and glamour.

3. French Twist

The lovechild between a retro diva and a modern princess, the French twist keeps things balanced between fierce and elegant. Also known as the French roll and French bun, this hairstyle is also a popular choice for weddings and other formal events - and it’s easy to see why!

4. Retro Curls

If you’d like to channel your inner old Hollywood diva, then look no further than a set of vintage soft curls, a la Marylin Monroe - one of the best curly hairstyles for prom for medium length hair! You can easily achieve this look at home with a decently sized curling iron, or even better: velcro rollers or flexirods! If you’d like to know more about how to curl your hair without a curling iron, check out our blog: The Ultimate Velcro Rollers Guide. 

5. Curly Bun

The curly bun (worn both low or high) is a timeless classic when it comes to prom night, and not only; it’s a vastly picked option for weddings, romantic dinner dates and more. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, am I right? If you’re lacking the volume necessary to have a full bun and to leave out some romantic, curly tendrils - then add a few seamless clip-in hair extensions to get the ‘do of your dreams.

6. Retro Ponytail

Brought to fame by Bella Hadid, the retro pony broke the internet for a while - making its way on everyone’s Instagram feeds for a while thanks to other celebrities and influencers that decided to give it a go. The hairstyle itself is a nod to the 90s casual updos with the sleek, shiny look typical of these days. Need some help with the ponytail? If your hair isn't long or thick enough to achieve a full ponytail, you can always resort to a clip-in ponytail hair extension.

7. Spiky Bun

Another hairstyle made popular by our queen Bella Hadid, the spiky bun (also known as feathered bun) is yet another late 90s/Y2K hairstyles making its comeback. Adopted by singer Dua Lipa too, it’s an easy yet effective updo that will keep your outfit interesting and trendy, no matter what your dress of choice is. If your vibe is more lowkey than extra, this updo is a must-try!

Discover more in our How To Do A Spiky Bun Blog. 

8. Bow Bun

I remember seeing this hair on Lady Gaga first, back in the days; somehow, it has now turned into a lowkey but still elaborate updo to try for a formal occasion. Warning: not for the faint-hearted, especially as you may get a lot of comments about it. A real showstopper (mostly for its apparent intricacy)! If your hair isn't long enough, you can still create the bow with hair extensions and secure it on your hair with bobby pins.

9. Side Braid

If you’d like to keep your hair down but don’t want to miss out on looking like you at least made a little effort, then you can always resort to a trusty side braid - quick and easy to realise, pinned just behind your ear this simple plaited hairstyle can go a long way. Perfect for a subtle, boho-chic look.

10. Beach Waves

Who said that the best hairstyles for prom have to be intricate, plaited, twisted and whatnot? Sometimes less is more - and peppy beach waves will keep things interesting whilst looking effortlessly natural and beautiful. If you have highlighted hair, this is the look that will make you look expensive without even trying.