20 Prom Hairstyles for Medium Hair With Curls, Twists and Pretty Updos
Looking for prom hairstyles for medium hair with a little something extra? Think loose curls, twisted buns and tiny floral clips.
These pictures include medium-length looks plus longer styles to borrow details from, so you can pick out what you love without needing the exact same length.
You can keep things simple or go all out with a bow made from hair! If your prom hair medium inspiration folder is still looking a little empty, there’s plenty here to save and show your stylist.
Pretty prom hair ideas to save
side-parted waves
We’re starting off strong with these gorgeous sculpted waves. I love the deep side part and the way one side is tucked behind the ear to show the sparkling earring.
The hair here is long, but you can ask for the same sweeping wave pattern on your medium-length cut.
a bow made from hair
How cute is this bow? The half-up section forms little loops around a wrapped center, with long curls falling underneath.
Save this one for the bow detail if your hair is shorter. Ask your stylist whether a smaller version would work with your length.
low bun and loose tendrils
This low bun may just be one of my favorites here. I love the overlapping twists and those loose curls around the neck.
Keep a few front pieces out if you want to follow this look rather than pulling every strand back.
half-up pony and flipped ends
If you’re looking for something a little different from loose curls, this one is for you. The high half-up ponytail sits above a smooth, side-swept front section. Those flipped-out ends are so cute!
Read also: 20 Windy Day Hairstyles With Cute Braids, Buns and Scarves
Try a white curved clip at the side for the same little finishing touch.
sparkling clip and curls
Bring a little sparkle to your half-up hairstyle with a decorative clip. The swept-back sides meet beneath a silver-colored leafy accessory, with defined curls below.
I’d keep the clip near the center like this so you can see the whole shape from the back.
braids into a low bun
The braid fans are going to love this! Braided sections run along the sides and cross above a low, looped bun.
I especially love the loose curl beside the face. Ask to leave that little section out if you want the same finish.
full bun and sweeping layers
I am obsessed with this updo. The big folded sections at the back are so pretty with the loosely swept crown and long face-framing pieces.
Pair yours with decorative hoop earrings if you want to borrow that detail too.
high half-up loops
Don’t want to put all your hair up? No problem!
This style gathers the top into a cluster of loose loops while leaving the rest in long waves.
For a shorter version, keep the idea of a small looped bun up top with your ends loose underneath.
side twists and a tucked bun
This is another pretty way to wear your hair up. The side sections twist back above the ear and meet a loosely tucked bun near the nape.
The little curl beside the cheek is my favorite part. There’s no visible decorative clip here, so the twists get all the attention.
sleek ponytail with curved ends
If you’re looking for a hairstyle without braids or lots of accessories, go with this smooth ponytail. The sides sweep back neatly while the ends curve under.
Read also: 20 Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Short Hair Worth Saving
Keep a fine strand loose near your ear if you like that small detail.
curls over one shoulder
How gorgeous are these side-swept curls? The front sweeps across the forehead, with most of the hair gathered over one shoulder.
Try the same one-sided arrangement with shorter curls. I’d leave a little tendril on the opposite side, just like this.
pearl-dotted twists
If you are looking for an updo with lots of little details, then this one is for you. White pearl-like beads follow the swept-back sections and continue over the low bun.
I love the mix of smaller and larger accents. Ask for them scattered through the twists rather than lined up in one straight row.
double buns and bangs
How cute are these two little buns? The wispy bangs and longer pieces beside the cheeks make this feel different from the more formal updos.
For prom, you could add a small sparkling pin beside each bun. The pictured version keeps them undecorated.
bubble ponytail
Want something other than curls or a bun? This bubble ponytail gives you another idea to play with.
Small ties divide the long ponytail into rounded sections.
On medium hair, try fewer bubbles instead of copying the full length shown here.
looped top and bouncy curls
This half-up style is so pretty from the back. I love the little cluster of loops at the crown and the big curls through the ends.
Bring this picture along if you want a more detailed top section than a simple twist. Your stylist can help scale it to your length.
braided sides and tiny flowers
I am obsessed with this floral half-up look. The loose side braid meets tiny white flowers and green accents at the back, with curls sitting around the shoulders.
Read also: 20 Prom Hair Half Up Ideas With Curls, Braids and Pretty Details
Don’t forget the little flower cluster if that’s the detail you love. It makes this version feel especially sweet.
piled-up curls
If you want to go all out with your updo, save this one. There’s so much to love, from the large loops at the top to the spiral curls left loose at the back.
Read also: 20 Quinceanera Hairstyles With Curls, Crowns and Pretty Braids
I’d keep the curled front pieces too rather than asking for every strand to be tucked away.
simple crossover and curls
Don’t want to add flowers or a sparkling accessory? No problem there!
This half-up look has side sections crossed at the back above large, flowing curls.
Read also: 20 Prom Hair Down Ideas With Curls, Braids and Pretty Accessories
The pictured hair is long, but that simple crossover is a lovely detail to discuss for a medium-length version.
side twists and a leafy clip
This is another half-up look with a little sparkle, but the side twists are more pronounced here. I love how they meet around the small silver-colored leafy clip.
Ask for loose curls below the twists if you want to follow the same combination.
smooth side part
Last but definitely not least, we have this pretty shoulder-length hairstyle. I love the smooth side part and the rounded ends!
One side is tucked behind the ear, leaving the drop earring on show.
Save this one if you’d rather skip an updo and keep your hair simple.
