Prom season is here and many girls are looking for stylish yet manageable hairstyles that work with shoulder length hair. While shoulder length hair may not provide as much flexibility as longer locks, there are still plenty of prom hairstyles you can create using just hair at this length. In this article.
We will provide 50 different prom hairstyles for shoulder length hair that are perfect for your special night. From ponytails to up-dos, braids to curls, you’re sure to find prom hair inspiration whether you want something sleek and polished or full of volume and texture. Keep reading to discover tons of prom hair ideas you can achieve right at your shoulder length hair.
2 Wavy Prom Ponytail
This hairstyle involves tying your shoulder length hair into two separate ponytails that have been curled into loose waves. Start by sectioning your hair down the center and curling each section with a curling iron or flexi rods. Tie each wavy section into a low ponytail near the crown of your head.
Ash Blonde Prom Ponytail
Get a prom look that highlights an ash blonde hair color with this easy updo. First, lighten your hair to an ash blonde shade for a romantic prom color. Pull your shoulder-length hair back into a low, sleek ponytail at the back of your head. Make sure fly away are slickly smoothed and secured with gel or hairspray.
Barbie Prom Ponytail
Channel your inner Barbie doll with this playful ponytail look. Start with very straight, smooth hair in a shiny blonde shade. Pull all your hair tightly back into the highest ponytail you can create right at the crown of your head. Make sure flyaways are slicked down using lots of hairspray for a super shiny effect.
Barbie Silk Prom Ponytail
Feel like a glamorous doll in this smooth ponytail! Begin with hair that’s been flat ironed straight and shiny, in a platinum blonde shade for an ultra-feminine look. Gather all of your shoulder-length locks into a high, silk-like ponytail secured with a satin ribbon. Ensure flyaways are slicked down with serum for a polished finish.
Blonde Curls Prom Ponytail
For a pretty prom ponytail with personality, curl your shoulder-length blond hair into loose, bouncy rings all over. Use large curling iron sections or flexi rods to give hair gorgeous body and movement. Pull the curled strands back into a low side ponytail, securing it with an elastic band. Let soft face-framing tendrils curl down naturally.
Blonde Messy Prom Ponytail
Go for an effortlessly cool look with this messy blonde ponytail. Start with beachy waves all through your shoulder-length locks. Pull strands halfway back and secure in a low, slightly off-center ponytail at the crown. Make sure a few wavy pieces escape the hair tie for practiced nonchalance.
Blunt Cut Prom Ponytail
Work a sharp ponytail with your blunt bob cut hair. Using a moisturizing cream, smooth your shoulder-length hair straight back from your face. Tie it tightly halfway up in a sleek low ponytail. Let straight horizontal bangs sweep across your forehead for a modern update to a classic style. This streamlined ‘do shows off your on-trend blunt cut ends to stunning effect!
Braid Knot Prom Ponytail
Spice up your shoulder-length hair with texture and dimension using this braided ponytail style. Starting at the crown, French braid one section tightly back and secure it with an elastic. Form the braid into a low, loose knot shape and pin it in place. Sweep the remaining hair smoothly back into a low ponytail underneath.
Braid Updo Prom Ponytail
Elevate your usual ponytail with this intricate braided updo. Backcomb the crown area for added volume. French braid the top layer all around into a circular shape and pin it upwards. Pull the remaining hair smoothly back into a low ponytail secured with an elastic. Tendrils soften the look—you’ll be the picture of elegance on prom night with this textured twist on an easy style.
Bridal Prom Ponytail
Feel like a bride on your special prom night with this elegant updo. Work in soft curls all through your shoulder-length locks with large curling iron sections. Sweep the curled hair back into a low, loose ponytail secured at the nape of the neck. Adorn with a shimmering hair comb for just the right touch of glamour.
Brunch Prom Ponytail
Look photo-ready for prom brunch with this easy ponytail hairstyle. Start by smoothing your shoulder-length hair with a glossing cream to a soft shine. Pull strands loosely back into a low, off-center ponytail secured with a patterned scrunchie. Let face-framing pieces fall naturally and finish with a spritz of texturizing spray.
Claw Clip Prom Ponytail
Dress up an everyday ponytail into prom-worthy style by accessorizing with a glamorous claw clip. Collect your straight shoulder-length locks into a low, sleek ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist and loosely knot the elastic-free strands for texture. Then clip back the top portion with a jewel-embellished claw clip.
Crimped Prom Ponytail
Take your ponytail to retro new heights with crimped strands. Backcomb the crown area for lift and volume. Then use a flat iron to add defined crimps from root to tip all through your shoulder-length hair. Pull the textured locks smoothly back into a high ponytail secured with a glittery holder.
Crumbly Messy Prom Ponytail
Go for delightfully disheveled with this crumbly messy ponytail. Work a volumizing mousse into roots and lengths of your shoulder-length hair. Pull strands back into a low, loosely tied ponytail that sits off-center. Fluff and tease the base for exaggerated texture. Loose pieces left to wisp around your face finish the carefree slept-in look that’s perfect for prom.
Curly Afro Prom Style
Rock your natural curls with this fun and flirty prom hairstyle. Start by moisturizing and defining your shoulder-length curly afro with a cream. Lift the roots with your fingertips for extra volume. Pull the sides back into a low ponytail and secure with an elastic tie. Let the rest bounce freely in a curly halo around your face – you’ll shine brightly in your own style!
Dark High Prom Ponytail
Make a statement with this dramatic high ponytail look. Work your shoulder length dark hair back from your face with a flat brush for polish. Tie it securely high up towards the crown for an elongated neckline. Let face-framing tendrils curled under delicately soften the severity. Add a touch of gloss for an ultra glamorous effect – you’ll entrance in this bold prom ‘do!
Dragon Braid Prom Ponytail
Channel your inner warrior princess with this intricate braided updo. Backcomb the crown for lift, then section hair into two diagonal pieces from forehead to nape. Intricately French braid each section as if breathing fire. Secure loosely at the back in an X formation. Sweep remaining hair into a low ponytail beneath for a beautifully detailed look fit for a queen on prom night!
Drawstring Prom Ponytail
Take your ponytail up a fashion notch with a playful drawstring accent. Smooth hair straight back from your face and collect it tightly at the crown. Secure with an elastic threaded onto a ribbon drawstring for a whimsical bow. Let tendrils soften the modern look. This creative tied-up style is sure to charm at prom in a flirty, offbeat way!
Extended Prom Ponytail
Make a long night epic with this flowy extra-long ponytail. Work in a smoothing, nourishing cream to your mid-back length locks. Gather all pieces tightly at the crown into a lofty pony, securing well below the normal position. Let tendrils frame your face naturally. Spin and dance the evening away in this freely streaming ponytail that’s perfect for prom!
Fishtail Prom Ponytail
Spice up your basic ponytail with braided interest using this fishtail style. Backcomb the crown for lift and split hair into two sections. Intricately fishtail braid each piece together at the base and secure with an elastic. Sweep the remaining hair smoothly back into a low ponytail on top. Your elegant upswept braids will have all eyes on you at prom!
Formal Prom Ponytail
Look polished and poised for your most important night with this sophisticated ponytail. Use a smoothing cream to sleek your shoulder-length hair straight back without flyaways. Tie it high at the crown for a lengthened look. Tendrils curled under add romantic charm. A glittery accessory lends just the right formal touch – you’ll glow with grace in this elegant style.
French Prom Ponytail
Take your ponytail to the next level with added braided intricacy. Starting at the forehead, French braid one section tightly back toward the crown. Secure and wrap the braid loosely around the base of your ponytail. Gather the remaining hair smoothly into a low back position.
Glossy Prom Ponytail
Add shine and sultry allure to your locks for prom night with this glossy ponytail style. Work a smoothing serum through towel-dried strands to subdue frizz and flyaways. Collect your shoulder-length hair tightly at the nape in a low ponytail that sits off-center. Tendrils curling softly away from your face complete the polished yet playful look.
Half Updo Curls Prom Ponytail
Take your curls to new heights with this romantic half up style. Work large spiral curls throughout your shoulder-length locks with a curling wand. Pull the top half smoothly back into a low curled ponytail secured with a glittery tie. Let bottom curls cascade freely. Tendrils left out in soft spirals frame your face – you’ll be dazzling in this swept-up curled ponytail.
Invisible Prom Ponytail
Opt for an understated updo that lets your features shine with this invisible ponytail. Collect your straight shoulder-length hair tightly at the crown in an inconspicuous low pony. Leave face-framing pieces out naturally and sleek the rest back without visible holders. A few delicate pins disguise the elastic for a polished look where you remain the focus.
Kinky Curl Prom Ponytail
Work your natural texture into bounce and volume with this kinky curled ponytail. Scrunch a moisturizing cream into damp coils from root to tip. Gather the top loosely into an off-center ponytail and secure with a soft elastic. Let tendrils frame your face naturally in tight ringlets. You’ll dazzle the dance floor in your own curly crown of glory!
Long Prom Ponytail
Let your long locks shine with this sweeping ponytail. Smooth a serum from root to tip past shoulder length hair. Gather all pieces tightly at the crown into a lofty ponytail sitting low. Tendrils curled under and stray pieces softly framing your face lend femininity. Spin and twirl the evening away with your flowing locks streaming out behind you in carefree style.
Messy Prom Ponytail
Go for playfully imperfect style with this purposefully messy ponytail. Work a texturizing cream through roots and lengths, leaving hair air-dried for natural wave and body. Sweep strands back into a high ponytail secured with a thin elastic, leaving pieces purposely out. Tendrils curl softly around your face to complete the casual-chic look that’s so on trend for prom night fun.
Messy Twist Prom Ponytail
Channel bohemian flair with this carefree twisted updo. Lightly backcomb roots for lift before sweeping pieces to one side. loosely twist the section away from your face and secure at the base of a low off-center ponytail. Strands left out frame your face naturally. Spin in your handmade crown all prom night long in freespirited style.
Party Prom Ponytail
Make a joyful entrance in this playful ponytail look. Gather shoulder-length hair tightly high at the crown for height and drama. Working from the front, backcomb adding volume. Leave sweeping tendrils framing your smiling face. A dash of sparkling accessories completes the whimsical vibe – twirl the night away in celebratory style!
Pineapple Prom Ponytail
Bring tropically sweet flair to prom in this pineapple-inspired style. Working from the nape up, twist strands around each other like swirling pineapple fronds. Secure loosely on top of your head in a fruit-like shape. Let tendrils escape freely to frame your smiling face. You’ll be the sweetest date there in this uniquely whimsical ‘do!
Puff Ponytail Prom Style
Take your pony to playful new heights with volume on volume. Backcomb roots for lift before sweeping hair back into a high poofy ponytail. Secure with multiple elastics for extra puff and dimension. Tendrils soften the front while fluttering pieces around the base. Dance the night away with bounce and flair in this carefree puffed up style perfect for prom!
Red Blunt Cut Prom Ponytail
Dazzle with fiery scarlet locks in this blunt cut ponytail. Freshly dyed shoulder-length red hair falls in one blunt line. Sweep straight back from your face and gather tightly at the nape in a low ponytail. Let wispy tendrils softly frame hazel eyes. You’ll ignite the dancefloor beauty in this bold cherry shade perfectly accented with a simple yet stunning style.
Short Prom Ponytail
Keep your cropped cut looking polished for prom night with this sleek short ponytail. Smooth a cream through textured layers and sweep back from the face. Tie strands high at the crown into a neatly tapered puff keeping it bouncy not severe. Strand left out in front adds flirty framing to your features – a simply gorgeous ‘do showing off your modern cropped cut.
Short Swoop Bangs Prom Ponytail
Make a statement with this edgy updo enhanced by face-framing layers. Razored ends brushed to one side give choppy movement. Gather the top into a tight high ponytail for sleek structure. Swooping side-swept bangs perfectly accent strong features. Rock the night with rebellious edge in this short and sassy style.
Side Fringe Prom Ponytail
Add an air of intrigue to your prom ‘do with this stylishly tousled side bang updo. Work texture cream throughout shoulder-length layers. Sweep your fringe dramatically to one side and secure strands in a low messy ponytail. Tendrils softly framing your features complete the effortlessly chic look. Your cool side part and playful strands are sure to turn heads all night long.
Side Part Prom Ponytail
Channel timeless appeal with this polished side-parted ponytail. Create separation with a dramatic side part, sweeping hair neatly behind one shoulder. Gather strands loosely at the nape in a low ponytail. Wispy tendrils bring out your features’ beauty. You’ll glow with sophistication in this subtly elegant style perfect for prom celebrations.
Sleek Prom Ponytail
Look polished to perfection in this smooth ponytail style. Blow dry hair straight as arrows and smooth a serum from root to tip. Collect your locks tightly into an arrow-straight high ponytail. Not a hair out of place completes the neat finish. You’ll shine with effortless elegance all night long in this fuss-free style.
Sleek Silky Prom Ponytail
Embody poise and glamour with this ultra-polished ponytail. Start with pin-straight strands that flow like silk. Gather all pieces tightly above the nape for a long clean line. A few kiss curls left out in front add classic romance without disrupting the pristine finish. You’ll be the epitome of sophisticated beauty in this high-shine, perfectly poised look.
Stitch Braid Prom Ponytail
To create this hairstyle, take a shoulder length ponytail and separate it into two even sections. Take small pieces from one section and braid them over to the other section to create a stitch pattern all along the ponytail. Make sure to braid each small piece tightly to keep the pattern neat.
Straight Hair Prom Ponytail
For straight-haired girls, a sleek high ponytail is the perfect prom hairstyle. Take your straightened hair and brush it all back to tie into a smooth ponytail at the crown of your head. Make sure there are no bumps or flyaways by brushing it thoroughly. Use some hair spray to keep the flyaways in place all night long.
Summer Prom Ponytail
For your summer prom, go with an easy yet elegant ponytail that won’t make you feel hot. Start with clean, air-dried hair and gather it into a high ponytail secured with an elastic hair tie. Add some bounce by backcombing small sections of hair around the hairline. Lightly spray the style with hairspray to maintain the bounce all evening.
Swishy Prom Ponytail
Create volume and movement with this swishy ponytail style. Shake your head from side to side as you tease the crown area to add body and lift. Smoothly gather your hair into a high ponytail, but don’t pull it too tight. Let some extra hair remain loose around the hair tie for texture. Finish by spraying the style with a volumizing spray to encourage bounce and swish.
Textured Prom Ponytail
For your textured prom ponytail, start by backcombing sections of hair at the crown to add volume and dimension. Gather your hair into a high ponytail and purposely leave some sections of hair uncombed or wavy near the hairline. Lightly finger comb these pieces for texture. Finish by curling loose strands softly around your face with a curling iron.
Tights Wing Prom Ponytail
Create a sleek ponytail look with winged edges for prom. Comb hair back from the temple in a wing shape towards the tight ponytail. Pull hair smoothly back and upward into a high ponytail. Secure tightly at the back of the head. Use hairspray to set the winged edges in place all night. Curl any loose pieces dangling from the ponytail under for polish.
Top Knot Prom Ponytail
For this trendy ‘do, gather your hair into a high ponytail on the top of your head. Tightly twist the hair around itself to form a neat knot shape. Secure it with bobby pins all around so it stays put throughout your prom night. A few curled strands can frame your face. Finish by spraying the style with a firm hold hairspray.
Top Wavy Prom Ponytail
Create volume and movement at your crown by backcombing the top layers of hair. Gather the rest of your hair smoothly into a high ponytail. Leave out face-framing pieces and add loose curls and waves with a curling iron. Spray the style with a flexible hold hairspray to keep the texture.
Upper Braid Prom Ponytail
Start with a high ponytail secured near the top of your head. Take a small section from the right side and begin a loose French braid across the ponytail. Add hair into the braid as you go along. When you reach the other side, fasten the braid securely. Let strands soften the braid’s look.
Voluminous Prom Ponytail
Backcomb sections of hair at the crown and sides to build fullness and lift. Smooth hair into a high ponytail, incorporating the teased hair. Use a stiff brush to sleek flyaways. Finish by spraying thickly with a strong hold hairspray, focusing on the roots. Let a few curled pieces frame your face.
Weave Prom Ponytail
Part your hair on the desired side and secure half in a low ponytail. Weave the loose strands from the other side in and out of the elastic to create an intricate pattern. Make sure each weave is smooth and flat against the scalp. Spray the finished style with a strong hold spray and admire the elegant details. This woven ponytail adds beautiful texture for a prom look that will impress.
Conclusion
There are endless stylish updo options for shoulder-length hair this prom season. From braided details to voluminous textures, these ponytail ideas showcase creativity and polish. Whether you crave simplicity or intricacy, you’re sure to find an elegant ‘do to complement your dress and own beautiful smile. Experiment and have fun bringing these trendy tales to life for an entrance-making prom night.