I've handpicked 100s of prom hairstyles for 2012 that aren't ugly, dated or wrong, wrong, wrong (tiaras, anyone? Leave that for the prom queen). In this article, I break down below the 10 most popular prom hairstyle trends for 2012, but here's a sneak-peak:
Photos of the most popular prom trends for 2012
Most Popular Prom Hairstyle Trends for 2012
You want to make sure your prom hairstyle and your prom makeup works with your dress. Hair trends this year include short, funky styles, long, flat-ironed hair, long waves pinned back into half-dos, fishtail and other braids, romantic, soft buns and unique headbands:Trend No. 1: The Mussy Updo
Messy is trendy. These prom hairstyles are incredibly stylish, yet aren't shellacked in place. These styles work best with a bit of wave or curl:
Gallery 1: 20 Casual Prom Hairstyles I Fell For
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Trend No. 2: Half-up/Half-down Prom Hair
Guys love to see your hair, that's no secret, but wearing your hair down can be too boring for prom. These half-up/half-down looks are particularly sexy because they feature both your skin and your hair.
Gallery 1: Pinned-Back Prom Hair
Gallery 2: Pinned-Back Prom Hair
Gallery 3: Pinned-Back Prom Hair
Trend No. 3: The Classic Prom Updo
These classic prom hairstyles include mostly updos featured on the celebrity red carpet. Choose between a variety of classic hairstyles, a roundup of chignons and a gallery of ballerina buns.
Classic Prom Updos: Gallery 1
Classic Prom Updos: Gallery 2
Classic Prom Updos: Gallery 3
Classic Prom Updos: Gallery 4
Chignon prom hairstyles
Ballerina buns
Trend No. 4: The Ponytail
A sleek ponytail or the super trendy side ponytail can set you apart from the crowd at prom this year. Paired with the right dress and jewelry, a ponytail can be your best prom hair option.
Side Ponytails for Prom
Sleek Ponytails for Prom
Trend No. 5: Short Hair for Prom
Who says you have to go long at prom? Short hair is sassy and sophisticated. With the right dress and jewelry, even a pixie cut can look dressed up. Here are my favorite short hairstyles for prom.Trend No. 6: Keep Your Hair Down
Who says you have to put hair in an updo for prom? You can go straight and sleek, or opt for bouncy curls or beachy waves. Just don't show up at prom looking as you do every day at school:
Prom Hairstyles Non-Updo 1
Prom Hairstyles Non-Updo 2
Prom Hairstyles Non-Updo 3
Prom Hairstyles Non-Updo 4
Prom Hairstyles Non-Updo 5
Trend No. 7: Sideswept Hair
It seemed every celebrity wore a side bun or sideswept hair on the red carpets of 2011 and 2012, so of course I had to name it a trend for 2012 and oh boy are these hairstyles amazing. Check out the side buns, the side ponytails and the sideswept hair galleries below and stand out from the other girls at prom:
Side Buns
Side Ponytails
Sideswept Hairstyles
Trend No. 8: Headbands
There are so many cool headbands out there to dress up your hairstyle. Here are just a few red carpet ideas to inspire you:
Headbands, Ballerina Bands, Feathers: Gallery 1
Headbands, Ballerina Bands, Feathers: Gallery 2
Trend No. 9: Braids
Braids are more popular than ever. Try a bun wrapped in a braid, a braid as a headband or curly hair loosely braided into a romantic updo.Prom Braids: Gallery 1
Prom Braids: Gallery 2
Trend No. 10: Fake a Bob
This look has been around the red carpet for awhile and done right can be absolutely adorable. Everyone will think you cut off your hair!Wild Prom Hairstyles
A rule for prom is to pick a hairstyle that fits your personality. If you are zany, alternative or known for your fun outlook on life, then why not go a little wild for prom?
Wild Prom Hairstyles 1
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Wild Prom Hairstyles 3
Wild Prom Hairstyles 4
Prom Hairstyle How-Tos
Step-by-step instructions on how to create several classic updos.Prom How-To 1
Prom How-To 2
Prom How-To 3
Prom How-To 4
Prom Hairstyles for Black Hair
These looks, mostly inspired by the red carpet, are super cool for prom.Funky-Yet-Cool Prom Hairstyles
These aren't your mama's prom hairstyles. Cool ribbons, wild updos, these looks will get you noticed.Most Popular Prom Photo Galleries
Most Popular Hairstyles for PromMost Popular Hairstyles for Prom 2
Most Popular Hairstyles for Prom 3
Celebrity-Inspired Prom Hairstyles
Perhaps there's no better inspiration for a formal event than the red carpet. Look for your favorite celebrity here to see if you want to mimic her look.Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 1
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Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 3
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Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 7
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Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 9
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 10
More Prom Hairstyles
Prom Hair Gallery 1Prom Hair Gallery 2
Prom Hair Gallery 3
More Prom Resources
Gorgeous prom makeup ideasAre You Curvy, Busty or Petite? Prom Hairstyle Dos & Don'ts
Forget the Hair for a Second: Prom Makeup Dos & Don'ts
10 More Prom Makeup Tips
About.com's Complete Guide to Prom: Dresses, Accessories & More
How to Look 10 Pounds Thinner in Prom Photos
Prom Hairstyles Forum
Where to Buy Tiaras
