31 Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair, Inspired by Your Favorite Celebs (2024)

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If you're looking for prom hairstyles for short hair, you're just in luck! So many of our favorite celebrities have had major haircuts recently, giving us seemingly endless inspo for short prom hairstyles. Our Instagram feeds have been full of short hairstyles like Millie Bobby Brown's slicked-back strands, Alexa Demie's cropped look, and of course, who could forget BLACKPINK's Lisa in her iconic bob and bangs.

These hair transformations always give us ideas for prom, so we've rounded up some of our favorite short hairstyles that would be perfect for the night. And, we've got a little bit of everything. There's cropped, chin-length, and shoulder-length prom hairstyles in the mix. (Plus, everything in between.) So, scroll on to find the perfect short prom hairstyle for you. And as you go, just remember to make sure you're taking care of your short strands with hair masks, heat protectant spray, and of course, gentle hands!

1. Saweetie's Subtle Curls

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.

Saweetie's Grammy red carpet look was stunning for more reasons than one, but we still can't get over her chic short hair. Simple but elegant, the the look showcases her strands that curl at the ends, right at the nape of her neck. For this look, try a sea salt spray.

2. Ariana DeBose's Volume

Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images.

Ariana is on a roll when it comes to awards, and also hairstyles. We're obsessed with her signature short hair in general, but this look in particular is perfect for prom. To add some volume to your hair too, try using a flat iron or a large curling wand. If you want to skip the heat, try some good, old-fashioned teasing with a comb.

3. Halsey's Side Part

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We know it has been a a while since the debates between middle parts and side parts took over TikTok, but Halsey just made some great points. To get their look, you can use a tail comb to part your hair to the side and gel or hairspray to slick it down. Halsey's stylist happened to use both TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Gel and TRESemmé Hairspray.

4. Coco Jones' Middle Part

Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Teen Vogue.

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If you're still wholeheartedly devoted to the middle part, Coco Jones has you covered. Looking angelic, she gave us the perfect prom hair inspo at the Teen Vogue New Hollywood party. To recreate her look for yourself, use a tail comb to make a straight part down the middle of your hair and flat iron your hair on each side.

5. Millie Bobby Brown's Slicked-Back Strands

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Of course, Millie Bobby Brown knows how to rock short hair. This chic look in particular is perfect for a more formal event like prom. Just gel your strands towards the back of your head.

6. Selena Gomez's Tousled Curls

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Selena's major chop took us all by surprise, but went straight to our Pinterest boards. This choppy style with tousled curls is perfect for prom. We'd suggest using a large curling wand or creating loose curls with your flat iron and giving your hair some body with a little shake.

7. Billie Eilish's Flicked Bob

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For her picturesque Grammys look, Billie went with a flicked bob and you can too for prom. If you're using a flat iron, curl the ends of your hair upwards. For those who are more into blow outs, just use a brush over the top of your hair and curl upwards.

8. Hunter Schafer's Half-Up Bun

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For a cute and easy prom look, channel Hunter Schafer. Take your front strands and tie them back into a bun, leaving out strands underneath and to the side.

9. Lisa's Pinned Bangs

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You may know BLACKPINK's Lisa for her signature short hair with bangs, but for this look, she slightly curled and pinned them to the side. This style would be perfect to DIY for prom as well. Use a flat iron to create slight waves and finish by curling the ends of your hair upwards. If you have bangs too, you can also curl them to the side and towards your face with a blow dryer and brush. Then, just complete the look with your favorite clip!

10. Megan's Curled Ends

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Megan went blonde for a minute, and we loved it, especially with those curled ends. This look would be an elegant and timeless hairstyle for prom that can be achieved with a wide curling wand (or rollers if you're skipping the heat.)

11. Lucy's Curtain Bangs

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If you have curtain bangs like Lucy Hale, try giving them a slight curl for prom. Use wide rollers or a flat iron to create loose curls, and brush them out for a tousled look.

12. Daisy's Side-Swept Crop

Photo by Jacopo Raule/Getty Images.

If you're looking for something quick and easy, Daisy Ridley has the perfect example for you. Use styling gel to sweep back your bangs or money pieces, giving them a slight curl upwards at the ends.

13. Seo-Yeon's Soft Waves

Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images.

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If you like to follow the seasons, you'll love this short hairstyle worn by Seo-Yeon of fromis_9. With soft waves, the look is perfect for a spring or summer, which happens to be when prom often takes place. Try this style by using a flat iron to create soft waves or curls, brushing them out to get your preferred look. To avoid using heat on your hair, you can try leaving in braids for a few hours or overnight.

14. Rachel's Bumped Bob

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.

Short, straight hair can have plenty of volume, as proven by Rachel Zegler. For this look, part the front of your hair down the middle and leave the back going straight down, giving the illusion of a bumped look. You can also slightly curl the ends or your hair outwards.

15. JoJo's Curly Strands

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If you have cropped hair like JoJo's recent cut, you can still do curls for prom. Just curl your longer strands with a thinner curling wand or flat iron, making the curls tighter towards the ends.

16. Zoë's Catwoman Bob

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Zoë Kravitz has worn a lot of different short hairstyles throughout the years, but most recently, we've been loving her long bob for her portrayal of Selina Kyle, or Catwoman. The simple yet chic look can be recreated by parting the hair to the side and tucking the hair behind your ear on the opposite side, giving the illusion of bangs.

17. Lili's Wet Waves

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If you're ready to go high glam for prom, Lili Reinhart's wet waves are the perfect source of inspiration. To get this elegant look, opt for some smaller waves or curls and slick your hair back with a styling gel.

18. Bretman's Half Pony Tail

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We love a fun, effortless hairstyle for short hair, especially this one on Bretman Rock. To recreate this for prom, all you have to do is take the top half of your hair and pull it back into a ponytail. If you're feeling fancy like Bretman, you can also use an accessorized hair tie.

19. Kourtney's Bouncy Bob

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Short hair can be just as dynamic and full of movement as any other haircut as exemplified by Kourtney Kardashian's bouncy bob. You can get this hairstyle at home by parting your hair to the side curling the ends of your strands in towards your face.

20. Naomi's Low Ponytail

Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images.

If your main objective for prom night is dancing, a low ponytail like Naomi Scott's is the perfect way to keep your hair out of your face. Just part in the middle and secure with a hair tie at the nape of your neck. To avoid fly-away strands, use some gel and bobby pins to keep everything in place.

31 Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair, Inspired by Your Favorite Celebs (1)

Goody Bobby Pin Box With Magnetic Top

21. Kiernan's Half-Up, Half-Down Look

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For those who are indecisive or love a little bit of everything, Kiernan Shipka's hairstyle is perfect for prom. She opted for curls in her half-up, half-down look and parted her bangs for a fun look with many elements.

22. Kristen's Shaggy Cut

Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.

Kristen Stewart has worn a plethora of short hairstyles, but this one in particular just fits the cool girl vibe so well. If that's your aesthetic too, just use a texturizing spray on your strands and opt for a more casual, natural part instead of a super straight line.

23. Emilia's Chic Curls

Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images.

If you're looking for something unique but understated, Emilia Clark's curls are a fun twist on a classic look. For this look, curl your hair on both sides of your face in the same direction. That way, you'll have curls that go both inwards and outwards for a unique but cohesive look.

24. Demi's Finger Waves

Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for OBB Media.

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Finger waves are a classic look, but you can give them a trendy flair (a Euphoria-themed one) with gems like Demi Lovato's.

25. Ella's Statement Headband

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If you're still looking for a short hairstyle for prom and you find that your outfit could use an extra accessory, just look to Ella Purnell. Statement headbands are a major trend right now, but they're also classic chic so your prom photos will feel timeless.

26. Nancy's Angled Bob

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Sometimes super straight hair can feel like it falls flat. To give your prom hair a little bit of definition, try angling your strands towards your face like Nancy from Momoland.

27. Maude's Dazzling Clips

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You accessorize your outfit, so why not your hair? Try putting clips on both sides of your hair for a fancy and fun look like Maude Apatow's.

28. Iris' Bow

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When it comes to short hair, the Apatow sisters have you covered. If clips aren't your thing, try a bow like Iris.

29. Doja's Old Hollywood Glam

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Doja Cat opted for some old Hollywood curls, proving that you don't need long hair to do the look. Though its a a major throwback, this iconic style will never go out of style which will be perfect for those who want to look back on their prom photos through the years.

30. Kaia's Feathered Bob

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A bit of definition can go a long way, especially if you'll be taking plenty of photos on prom night. So, a feathered bob like Kaia Gerber's would be perfect, and you can also tousle your strands a bit before photos too.

31. Flo Milli's Slicked-Back Finger Waves

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This chic and elegant look from Flo Milli combines two of our favorite prom hairstyles. Her classic finger waves are slicked back towards the name of her neck for an elevated feel, perfect for those who want their prom hairstyles to have an edge.

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31 Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair, Inspired by Your Favorite Celebs (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest hair for prom? ›

You can never go wrong with a straight hairstyle. It's a low-maintenance hairstyle that looks sleek and sophisticated. This hairstyle is sure to hold up through all the dancing you'll be doing on prom night! Incorporating a braid into any natural hairstyle is the perfect way to add an interesting element.

What hairstyle makes me look younger? ›

Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.

Should I wear my hair up or down for prom? ›

"If it's off the shoulder, a sweetheart cut or strapless, wearing your hair down would look the best," said Lathan. "For those that have a lot going on along the neckline or have a lot of jewelry, try an updo. When you spend $300 on a dress, you want to be able to see the details."

What is the number 1 hairstyle? ›

What Are the Numbers in Haircuts? If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch.

What is the most unhealthy hairstyle? ›

  • Not all styles are equal when it comes to healthy hair. Tight, high updos, extensions, and straightening are all risky choices. ...
  • Tight ponytails. ...
  • Tight buns and knots. ...
  • Overzealous braids. ...
  • Extensions gone wrong. ...
  • Super straight styles. ...
  • Overly long hair. ...
  • Wet styles.
Dec 3, 2023

What is the biggest hair trend right now? ›

10 Hair Trends You'll Be Seeing Everywhere in 2024
  1. Jellyfish Cut. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images. ...
  2. Italian Bob. Cindy Ord/VF23/Getty Images. ...
  3. Shaggy Pixie. Julien Hekimian/Getty Images. ...
  4. Step Mullet. The Chosunilbo JNS/Getty Images. ...
  5. Curtain Bangs. Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images. ...
  6. Blowouts. ...
  7. Soft Waves. ...
  8. Super Side Part.
Jan 5, 2024

What short hair makes look younger? ›

"A lived-in pixie that has a little length around the face is a flattering style for short hair. It's particularly youthful because it's a no-fuss hairstyle," says Zinno. He adds it works on many face shapes, and is particularly low-maintenance, which means you don't have to stress about styling it every single day.

Does short hair age a woman? ›

Short hair can age you if it is an unflattering length or exposes flaws. Crops that are too short can be aging on the wrong face shape or with very small features. Severe undercuts and pixies emphasize harshness and sternness in angular bone structure.

What hair part makes you look older? ›

This is a very common hair mistake that can actually be ageing you. The perfectly situated part for a youthful appearance is slightly off-center. Adam Bogucki, owner of Chicago's Lumination Salon, contends that a "middle part looks like you're trying too hard, and severe side parts can just look off."

What looks good with short hair? ›

Sweetheart, strapless, and off the shoulder tops and dresses look great with short hair. Wearing strapless lets the outfit flaunt your short hair, neck, and focus on the face. Large earrings, statement necklaces, and headbands can add a feminine touch and balance out your look.

What clothes match short hair? ›

Clothes that are most complimentary for someone with a shorter hairstyle are those that create the illusion of height, such as vertical stripes, high-waisted pants or skirts, and V-neck tops. Avoiding clothes with horizontal patterns or low-waisted pants can also help to elongate the appearance.

What styles look best on short girls? ›

A-line skirts and wrap dresses with a higher hemline are particularly flattering, as they add volume to your lower body without overwhelming your petite frame. For trousers and jeans, consider styles that end just above the ankle.

What is the best hairstyle for prom? ›

Classic updos, for example, are always cute prom hairstyles, as are romantic curls or glamorous braided hairstyles. Half-up hairstyles or side-swept hairstyles can also look very elegant.

What hair type is easiest to style? ›

Medium Hair

Medium thick hair tends to hold hairstyles better than fine hair and has more volume. It is also less prone to breakage. It is not only the most common, but also the easiest to work with texture. This texture is well-known for its ability to keep styles in place.

How to do simple prom hair? ›

Half up, half down

Add a volumising mousse to give your hair some body and movement before roughly blow-drying. Then simply pull hair into a half ponytail, spray a little Volume Lift Hairspray into roots, and massage in for volume. For a short bob updo, you might need a smaller pony for a more balanced look.

How should I have my hair for prom? ›

Wear your hair sleek and straight, or pull it into a high ponytail that hangs down your back or off to the side. Style your prom hair in a high or low bun. Curl or wave your straight hair with curling irons, hot rollers, foam rollers or flat irons.

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