Prom Hairstyles 2012

The number-one rule for prom is you gotta look good, preferably sexy. And to look good, you have to get the hair and prom makeup right. We've handpicked hundreds of hairstyles for 2012 that aren't ugly, dated or wrong, wrong, wrong (tiaras, anyone? Leave that for the prom queen).

Most Popular Prom Hairstyle Trends for 2012

This year, prom is all about what works best with your personality -- and your dress. If your neckline would look best with an updo, do it. Some dresses actually look better with long, flowing hair. Others would be stunning with a high ponytail. 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.

Photos of the most popular prom trends for 2012

Trend No. 1: The Mussy Updo

Messy is trendy. These prom hairstyles are incredibly stylish, yet aren't shellacked in place. I have 5 galleries of casual prom hairstyles. Start with Gallery 1:

Messy Updos: 20 Casual Prom Hairstyles I Fell For

Trend No. 2: Pinned-back Prom Hair

Don't want to go all the way up or down? These pinned back prom hairstyles are gorgeous. There are 3 galleries in all, start with Gallery 1:

Pinned-Back Prom Hair

Trend No. 3: The Classic Prom Updo

Are you more classy than sassy, more mild than wild? These classic prom hairstyles include mostly updos featured on the celebrity red carpet.

Classic Prom Hairstyles
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 to inspire you for prom.

Photos of Short Hair for Prom

Trend No. 6: Keep Your Hair Down

Who says you have to put hair in an updo for prom? These long, wavy prom hairstyles are gorgeous and very hot for prom 2011. Sometimes an updo just won't do. Here are some non-updo prom hairstyle options for all hair lengths.

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: Headbands

These galleries feature updos with cool feather headbands, velvet headbands, ballerina bands, and gorgeous hairpins.

Headbands, Ballerina Bands, Feathers: Gallery 1 . Headbands, Ballerina Bands, Feathers: Gallery 2 .

Trend No. 8: Braids

Check out these prom hairstyles with braids. 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. 9: Fake a Bob

Most Popular Prom Photo Galleries

Most Popular Hairstyles for Prom
Most Popular Hairstyles for Prom 2
Most Popular Hairstyles for Prom 3

Trend No. 10: Edgy Prom Hair

Wild Prom Hairstyles 1
Wild Prom Hairstyles 2
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.

Black Prom Hairstyles

Funky-Yet-Cool Prom Hairstyles

These aren't your mama's prom hairstyles. Cool ribbons, wild updos, these looks will get you noticed.

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
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 2
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 3
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 4
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 5
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 6
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 7
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 8
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 9
Celebrity Prom Hairstyles 10

More Prom Hairstyles

Prom Hair Gallery 1
Prom Hair Gallery 2
Prom Hair Gallery 3

More Prom Resources

Gorgeous prom makeup ideas
Are 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