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Prom is a beloved American tradition in both movies and real life, and it’s become amecca forthelatestfashion and beauty trends. With so many promgoers wanting to put their best foot forward and racking their brains for the best prom hairstyles, prom has become the metaphorical Met Gala of American high schools.
Prom hair trends have come and gone. From the huge teased hair of the ‘80s to the ringlet curls of the ‘90s, there’s a quintessential prom hairstyle from every decade. But in 2024—whennostalgic fashion and beautyhave reigned supreme—it only seems right that our prom hair trends come straight from the’90s and Y2K. Gen Zhas alreadyreclaimedbaggy low-waisted jeansandpencil-thin brows.Now, they’re resurrecting noughties prom hair.
It doesn’t matterwhether yourprom is coming upor yourschool dancedays are long gone—noughties prom hair is the kind of thing anyone can enjoy. Y2K beautyisn’t going anywhere, and thatprom updoyou used tocringeat is nowthelatestit girl hairstyle. ThinkAriana Grande’s curly updo at this year’s Oscarsor Hailee Steinfeld’s elegant bun at the Golden Globes.Fashion tastemakers are wearing2000s prom hairstyleseverywhere—to bars, restaurants, and awards shows alike.
Best of all, promhair isfun—it’s a symbol of youth and feeling your absolute best.And with all theflat hairstyles we’veseen on recent red carpets, it’s refreshing to see hair inspo that’s as playfulas it isglamorous. Because at the end of the day, formal updos will always be fashionable. Even though 2024 is the year of the “I didn’t even try” look, wanting to look your very best at a formal event will always be a thing. Thanks to this resurgence of dressed-up prom hairstyles, the cool girls are going all out for prom.
Curly Updo
The curly updo was once a huge prom hair trend. Think Kat Stratford’s prom hair in 10 Things I Hate About You or Rory Gilmore’s dance look in Gilmore Girls—the curly updo was a huge staple for formal events. Ariana Grande brought it back at this year’s Oscars, and it provided the perfect amount of glamour and femininity. While the curly updo seems complex to do yourself, all you need to do to get the look is put your hair up and curl pieces to your liking. For Ariana Grande’s look, use pins to hold the curls in place.
Beachwaver
Buy Now $99
To get the perfect Y2K curls, use the TikTok-viral Beachwaver. With an easy-to-use 1-inch barrel, your prom-ready updo will be done in no time.
Spiky Bun
What’s the 2000s without a spiky bun? The Y2K-inspired hairstyle has quickly become a favorite among celebrities at red carpets, although it was once worn by prom queens of past decades. It’s easy to do while still looking chic, which makes it a perfect prom hairstyle. Simply pull your hair back, and after twisting it into a bun, allow the ends to stick out. Apply gel for the slicked-back look and to keep your baby hairs at bay.
Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel
$8Buy Now
Got2b’s Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel is the holy grail for getting your Y2K hair to stay in place. If you’re on the dance floor all night long, you need your hair to hold up—this gel does just that without making your hair feel crunchy.
Elegant Updo
The elegant updo is a timeless hairstyle. Promgoers have opted for this look for years because of how simple yet formal it is. Not to mention, it quite literally goes with anything you’re wearing and draws attention to your shoulders and neckline, which is perfect for any formal event. To complete the look, try adding face-framing pieces like Hailee Steinfeld and Lily Rose Depp.
Diane Ionic Anti-Static Pin Tail Comb
$4Buy Now
A good comb is a necessity for updos. This Ionic Anti-Static Pin Tail Comb is perfect for parting your hair and combing it back to perfection.
Half-up Half-down
The best compromise when you can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down? Both! The half-up half-down hairstyle is a prom favorite, and so many celebrities have sported their own take on the Y2K trend. Whether you’re hair is long like Bella Hadid’s and Jung Ho-yeon’s or short like Hunter Schafer’s, the half-up half-down look is a versatile way to dress up your hair. Try using the same technique as the curly updo to pin half of your hair up, or opt for spiky buns like Hunter Schafer.
Bumble and Bumble Spray De Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray
$36Buy Now
Once your half-up half-down hairstyle is to your liking, lock it in place with this Spray De Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray. After all your hard work, the last thing you want is your hair to fall.
