Prom and Graduation Hairstylesfor 2027

The prom hairstyles 2027 is bringing forward are polished but personal: glossy waves, sleek high and low ponytails, soft half-up styles with ribbons, braided updos, and defined natural curls. For graduation, the best styles sit low so the cap stays on straight, such as loose waves, a low ponytail, or a low bun at the nape. Whichever you choose, plan a practice run and time any haircut for a week or two before the event.

Below are prom and graduation hairstyles grouped by type, with who each suits, how long it holds, and how to ask a stylist for it. There are options for long, medium, short, and curly hair, and for those who want a sharp cut rather than a styled look.

Glossy waves and hair worn down

Hollywood waves. Smooth, uniform waves brushed into soft S-shapes, usually with a deep side part. It is glamorous and photographs beautifully. It suits long hair, and oval, heart, and square faces. Waves can drop over a long night, so ask for a strong set. Ask for “glossy Hollywood waves with a deep side part, set to last.”

Soft, loose waves. A more relaxed version, brushed out for movement. It suits medium to long hair and almost every face shape. Ask for “loose, brushed-out waves with a center part.” Our soft waves guide has styling tips for doing it at home.

Sleek straight hair. Very smooth, glossy, straight hair with a sharp center part. It looks modern and minimal, and it suits long, straight or smoothed hair. Bring a small serum for touch-ups.

Sleek ponytails

High sleek ponytail. A smooth, tight ponytail at the crown, with the base wrapped in hair. It is bold, lifts the face, and holds up through dancing. It suits long hair and oval, heart, and diamond faces. Not ideal for graduation with a cap. Ask for “a high, sleek ponytail with a wrapped base and smooth sides.”

Low sleek ponytail. A smooth ponytail at the nape with a middle part. It is elegant and works for both prom and graduation. It suits most face shapes. Ask for “a low, sleek ponytail with a center part and a wrapped base.”

Bubble ponytail. A long ponytail split into sections with small elastics. It is playful and holds well. Ask for “a bubble ponytail with even sections, pulled out for volume.”

Half-up hairstyles

Half-up with a ribbon or bow. The top section tied back with a ribbon, with the rest in waves. Ribbons and bows are especially popular as accessories. It suits medium to long hair and most face shapes. Ask for “a half-up style, crown smooth, ends waved, tied with a ribbon.”

Half-up braided crown. Two small braids from each temple joined at the back. It keeps hair off the face for photos and dancing. It suits medium to long hair.

Half-up top knot. A small bun at the crown with the rest worn down. It is relaxed and youthful, and suits long, straight or wavy hair.

Updos and braided styles

Low textured bun. A loose, romantic bun at the nape with face-framing pieces. It suits medium to long hair and works with both prom and graduation. Ask for “a low, textured bun with a few loose pieces around my face.”

Sleek high bun. A smooth, tight bun at the crown. It looks sharp and modern and shows off earrings and necklines. It suits oval and heart faces.

Braided updo. Braids woven into a bun or crown. It holds through a long night and suits thick hair. Protective braided styles, like knotless braids styled up, are also a strong choice for textured hair. Ask for “a braided updo, braids woven into a low bun.”

Curly prom hairstyles

Defined natural curls look stunning for prom. A curly half-up style keeps curls off the face while showing them off. A curly updo gathers curls into a high or low bun with a few loose ringlets at the front. Defined wash-and-go curls with a jeweled clip are simple and striking.

Book a stylist experienced with curly hair, and do a practice run, since curls react to humidity. Our curly hairstyles for 2027 guide covers cuts that make styling easier.

Short hair and fresh haircuts for prom

For short hair, a sleek bob with a side part and a jeweled clip, a pixie with a little shine and a decorative pin, or a finger-waved bob all look polished.

For a fresh cut, popular prom options for men include a low taper with a textured top, a classic side part, and a textured crop. Book one to two weeks before, so the cut has time to settle and does not look freshly shaved in photos. Our men’s haircut trends for 2027 guide has more.

Graduation hairstyles that work with a cap

A graduation cap sits flat on the crown and needs to stay straight through the ceremony and photos, so the best graduation hairstyles keep volume low.

• Loose waves worn down. The cap sits on top and the waves frame the face in photos. Keep the crown smooth so the cap sits flat.
• Low ponytail. Neat, secure, and easy to keep tidy under a cap.
• Low bun at the nape. Polished and practical. Keep it small enough that it does not push the cap forward.
• Side braid. Falls over one shoulder and shows nicely in photos.
• Short hair. Smooth the sides and tuck them behind the ears so they do not flick out under the cap.

Avoid high buns, high ponytails, and lots of crown volume, which push the cap up. Secure the cap with two or three bobby pins crossed through the hair at the sides. If you have curls or braids, ask your stylist to keep the crown flatter for the day.

Planning your prom and graduation hair

Book early. Salons get busy in prom season. Book a trial and your appointment several weeks ahead.

Do a trial. Bring photos of your outfit, the neckline, and two or three hairstyle references from the front and back. Wear the trial style for a few hours to check how it holds.

Time cuts and color. Get a trim one to two weeks before. Get color done two to three weeks before so the shade settles.

Think about graduation caps. Keep styles low. Bring bobby pins to secure the cap through the hair.

Pack a small kit. Pins, an elastic, a mini hairspray, and a comb.

Prom hairstyles by face shape

Face shape is a starting point, not a rule. Round faces often suit height at the crown, like a high ponytail or a sleek high bun, plus face-framing pieces that fall below the chin. Square faces suit soft waves and loose pieces around the jaw. Heart faces suit low buns and side-swept waves. Oblong faces look good with volume at the sides, such as brushed-out waves. Oval faces wear almost any style.

If you are unsure which shape you have, the free face shape detector gives a quick read from a photo.

Related guides

• Valentine’s Day Hairstyles for 2027
• Summer Hairstyles for 2027
• Graduation Hairstyles for 2027 That Work With a Cap
• Easy Updos You Can Do Yourself in 5 Minutes

Try a prom look on your own photo

If you are choosing between a few styles, or thinking about a new cut before prom, it helps to see them on your own face first. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, see recommendations with a match score, and try hairstyles and hair colors in Style Studio. Save your favorites and bring them to your trial.

Preview these cuts on your own photo with Hairover.