25 Prettiest Prom Hairstyles for Black Girls for 2024

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Prom hairstyles for black girls
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Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Prom is a time when all young ladies want to look and feel amazing, and it all begins with beautiful hair.  There are many prom hairstyles for black girls to choose from that are edgy, classy, or simple.

Whether you like updos, braids, or styles with added color, remember prom is a special time, so make sure your hair rises to the occasion!

These prom hairstyle ideas will inspire you to rock your hair for your special day. Remember, you can mix styles to achieve the look you are going for. The key is to wear what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.

This is a night to remember, so try something unique and allow your individualism to be expressed. Have a great time!

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#1: Protective Braided Updo

This cute updo with braids makes sophisticated prom hairstyles for black hair. Try EcoStyler brand gel, spritz, and edge control for black prom hairstyles that look good all night. You can also achieve this ponytail style with a weave.

Picture of a black girl with deep part waves
Instagram @tarynmarinhair

#2: Deep Part Waves

No need for an updo if you’re proud of your stunning hair when it’s let down. The wavy layers and deep side part give it a voluminous and deep result.

#3: Chic Braided Updo

It’s a twisted-puffs, elegant updo. What I like most about it is that I have taken our two strands twists, which most of us probably wore as a child growing up, and paired them with gorgeous puffs to create this elegant look—plus paired with the ad hoc diamond partings.

It’s one of those styles that would last a few days and looks great on most level 3 to 4 hair types. What’s great about it is that it’s off the face, which shows off your beauty and keeps you cool if you’re out celebrating an occasion. All you need to achieve this is edge control, shine spray, and Marley braid hair extension if you need to add length.

Sexy Full Sew-In with Body Curls hairstyle for a black girl
Instagram @socheyhair

#4: Full Sew-In with Body Curls

This look is a full sew-in with body curls. I love these hairstyles for prom, especially if they’re natural. This look is a great style for clients who want to protect their hair from overheating but also want to add length and thickness. Or color their hair. It’s also ideal for those who want to take a break from wearing their natural hair.

Make sure you choose commercial hair that matches your natural hair texture so that the finished look looks natural. Stay away from styling products such as oils, hairsprays, and serums. Styling products will weigh the commercial hair down and cause it to look oily. A person with a very active lifestyle can easily pull this hair up into a twisted bun, a loose ponytail, one side it, or wear it with a suit every day. This look is very versatile for many lifestyles.

Naturalista Updo hairstyle
Instagram @loveleyshair

#5: Naturalista Updo

I would describe this look as a “Naturalista Updo.” It is a very low-maintenance but elegant style for a girl with natural hair. It’s also considered a protective style, which is my favorite. This low-upkeep style is amazing because you can wear this look without damaging the hair while still feeling pretty. I advise anyone considering this look to make sure the style is done on moisturized hair so that when the look is taken out, your hair will still feel very amazing. I recommend doing the style on wet hair, using a moisturizing mousse or a curling cream.

This look is a great choice for anyone with a tight curl pattern because it will hold the twist tightly and not loosen. This style is perfect for anyone who is sporty, active, and likes versatility because this style gives you multiple looks in one. The top crown portion of the twists can be unraveled and worn as a free twist out, giving you an updo with a look of loose curls at the top. Or, once you are ready to take the whole style out, all of the twists can be unraveled and worn as a twist, giving your hair great texture and definition.

A black girl with a simple and Distinguishable hairstyle
Instagram @beaute_royale05

#6: Simple & Distinguishable

This is an easy and quick look to achieve because it is both simple and distinguishable. What I like the most about this look is that it preserves breaks, protects brittle hair, and helps regrow it. I highly recommend these braided black girl prom hairstyles to on-the-go clients because it is easy to maintain with simple products like olive oil, coconut oil, or gel.

Trendy Lemonade Braids hairstyle for prom
Instagram @lesbene_styles

#7: Trendy Lemonade Braids

This look is known as “lemonade braids.” These are freestyle cornrows that demand creativity and a lot of time. It’s a type of style that has been around for a while, and the price varies based on the length and size a customer may want. My favorite thing about these braided hairstyles for black girls is the unique design. With this style, I have to ensure the pattern I create is neat and presentable. I love doing this style because clients are always satisfied with the designs I come up with. Even though it takes up to six to eight hours to get them done, it is worth the satisfaction!

Protect these braids before going to bed. This step is very important to help maintain the style longer and keeps it neat for the next day. Secondly, moisturize your scalp because they lose its shine when these braids get old. Any hair (natural or relaxed) can wear these braids, but I don’t recommend this style to anyone with short hair. Also, keep your edges safe by not keeping the braids in for too long because they can be pulled along with the braids.

Perfectly Effortless Braids hairstyle
Instagram @braidqueen_

#8: Perfectly Effortless Braids

The one word I can use to describe this style is effortless. If this style is braided correctly, it can frame any shape face perfectly. My favorite thing about this hairstyle is that everyone and anyone can wear it. It does not matter what age you are, your hair texture, or your profession. Anyone can rock this style while looking elegant but not boring.

The tools needed to create this hairstyle are a comb, elastic band, hair grease, edge control, Kenekalon hair, and someone with hair. Any hair texture can do this style. It does not matter if your hair is short or long, as long as it is catchable.

Daring, Flirty and Feminine hairstyle
Instagram @raina.bee

#9: Daring, Flirty, and Feminine

If I had to choose three adjectives that come to mind when creating this style, daring, flirty, and feminine. My favorite thing about this style has to be the lightly layered fringe. To recreate/maintain this style, I would suggest using a lightweight oil to provide shine and a product with a medium hold to provide longer staying power. I recommend this look for the slightly edgy woman with at least 30 minutes daily dedicated to refreshing/styling her hair. In my opinion, this style best suits women with an oval head shape.

Oversized Bun Updo
Instagram @opaglamz

#10: Oversized Bun Updo

This elegant look proves natural hair can be tamed to look put together. Finish with a crystal piece for added grace. Such black girl hairstyles work great not only for prom but for any formal events.

#11: Gorgeous Naturally Curly Down Hairstyle

Save your time styling your hair with this glamorous curly high ponytail. You deserve to feel free and extra on your special night with natural hairstyles.

Sleek Side Part Bob
Instagram @bobbiboss_hair

#12: Sleek Side Part Bob

Look chic and fashionable with this straight and glossy caramel brown hair paired with a popular bob cut. Simple yet sophisticated!

Fancy Side Braids Updo
Instagram @klipshaircare

#13: Fancy Side Braids Updo

Cornrows and flowers are the perfect combo to produce a sophisticated updo. Flaunt your natural hair for prom with confidence in a soft, romantic look!

Long Curls with a Middle Part
Instagram @sw33tlypss

#14: Long Curls with a Middle Part

Ideal for short and round faces, these center-parted strands look neat and fabulous, especially on lengthy waves! It’s fresh, elegant, and an easy-to-do hairstyle!

#15: Cute Crochet Updo

This formal, soft updo is the ideal style if you want to put attention and brighten your face. For natural hair, prom hairstyles accessorized with a white floral barrette create a neat and polished look that’s an eye-catcher!

cute mohawk side cornrows for prom
Style by Shontelise Crutch, FabStylez Hair and Braid Studio, Columbia, SC

#16: Cute Natural Mohawk

This cute style features a curly mohawk and side cornrows. To style, try incorporating extensions for a fuller look. This style suits almond and heart face shapes.

soft and pretty curly bob
Style by Alfonso Hart, Dudle Beauty College, Charlotte, NC

#17: Soft n’ Pretty Curls

This style features an all-over curly look on short to medium-length hair. To style, use a heat protectant to minimize heat damage and apply a curling hold product for lasting curls. This look can also be achieved with rollers.

diva wave long style
Style by MARCUS DOSS, Marcus Doss Salon, Fayetteville, NC

#18: Diva Wave

Beautiful waves adorn this long style for a prom diva look. Use a holding spray to keep your curls looking fresh. Your long look can also be achieved with extensions.

first lady sophisticated bob hairstyle for black girls
Style by Tanisha Higgins, A Heavenly Place In Hair, Walton Beach, FL

#19: Side Swept Bangs

This simple and elegant bob style will make you the most sophisticated girl at the prom! Use holding spray and heat protectant for a picture-perfect do.

lovely dawn updo with flower
Style by TIFFANY CUNNINGHAM, Pucci’s Salon, Decatur, GA

#20: Lovely Dawn

A sweet updo featuring a long side bang and flower accessory. You can add extensions if you need more length for this style.

ombre queen curls
Style by MARCUS DOSS, Marcus Doss Salon, Fayetteville, NC

#21: Ombre Queen

The ombre look is in this season and is a great spring prom look. Use heat protectant and edge control for a beautiful look. For a healthier option, use a natural hair dye.

ladybug bun prom look
Instagram @adannamadueke

#22: Lady Bug Bun

Elegant buns and swoops are a timeless prom look. Try EcoStyler brand gel, spritz, and edge control for a style that will look good all night.

goddess beehive half and half style
Style by Karen Chavez, Lady of Grace, Peoria, AZ

#23: Goddess Beehive

This half-up and half-down with a hump is a prom classic that any young lady can effortlessly rock! Use heat protectant for thermal protection.

glamorous comb over with curls
Style by ERMA STEPHENS, Head’s Above, Crestview, FL

#24: Glamorous Comb Over

This hairdo features a combover with lush curls.

poetic justice prom hair for black girls

#25 Poetic Justice Braids

Long braids are super popular now and make an edgy statement for prom. This style is done best by a professional braider.