24 Updo Hairstyles For Prom With Bangs Ideas That’ll Make Everyone Do a Double Take
Let’s get real—prom night is basically a red-carpet moment, and your hairstyle? That’s your main event accessory.
You’ve picked the dress, the shoes, maybe even the nails. But now you’re staring in the mirror, wondering, “Okay… what do I do with my hair, especially with these bangs?” Been there.
Here’s the good news: bangs + updos are a match made in style heaven.
Whether you’ve got curtain bangs, blunt bangs, wispy ones, or a side-swept moment, the right updo can make your look go from “cute” to “holy wow, who’s that?”
So, if you’re ready for some serious inspiration (and a few friendly style opinions), here are 24 updo hairstyles for prom with bangs that are actually worth trying—and trust me, they photograph beautifully.
1. The Loose Low Bun With Curtain Bangs
If you’re going for that effortless, “I woke up glamorous” look, a loose low bun is a total winner.
Let your curtain bangs softly frame your face, and pull a few tendrils out for a romantic finish.
This style screams elegance without trying too hard—like the girl who shows up late but somehow still looks perfect.
2. The Braided Crown Updo
There’s something timeless about a braided crown paired with wispy bangs.
It’s giving fairytale energy—soft, whimsical, and totally prom-worthy.
Add some baby’s breath or pearl pins for a delicate, princess-like touch.
3. The Textured High Bun
Want volume and drama? Go for a textured high bun with bangs lightly curled.
It gives that high-fashion, editorial feel while keeping your hair out of your face for dancing.
Pro tip: a few loose waves in your bangs keep it from feeling too “tight” or formal.
4. The Messy Top Knot With Blunt Bangs
This one’s for the edgy crowd. A messy top knot paired with blunt bangs gives serious model-off-duty vibes.
It’s cool, effortless, and modern.
Bonus? You won’t have to stress about humidity ruining it.
5. The Side-Swept Chignon
If you’re into something more sophisticated, the side-swept chignon is your girl.
Sweep your hair to one side, secure it in a loose bun, and let your bangs fall naturally.
It’s a mix of Hollywood glam and soft romance—perfect for satin or off-shoulder dresses.
6. The Twisted Half-Updo
Half-up, half-down styles always win for prom, but add some twists and you’ve got magic.
Leave your bangs and a few face-framing pieces out, and curl the rest.
It’s flirty, easy, and pairs beautifully with statement earrings.
7. The Braided Ponytail Updo
Who says a ponytail can’t be prom-perfect? Twist it, braid it, pin it up—and suddenly, it’s an updo.
Bangs soften the look, giving it movement and balance.
IMO, this style is ideal if you want something comfortable yet still glam.
8. The Low Bun With Side Bangs
A sleek low bun with a side bang looks incredibly polished.
Think old-school elegance with a modern edge.
You can go full shine with a smoothing serum or keep it textured for a softer vibe.
9. The Fishtail Braided Updo
The fishtail braid gives texture and dimension that photographs beautifully.
Twist it into a bun or loop it around for a boho-inspired updo.
Pair it with curtain bangs, and you’ll look like you just stepped out of a romantic movie.
10. The French Twist With Fringe
Classic? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not.
A French twist with bangs is the ultimate elegant updo. It’s perfect for long gowns or dresses with dramatic necklines.
Add a few sparkly pins for a touch of modern glam.
11. The Low Pony Bun
Take your ponytail, wrap it around itself, and voilà—a low pony bun.
Let your bangs fall naturally and maybe curl them slightly for texture.
This look is sleek yet relaxed—like you didn’t try too hard (but obviously did).
12. The Romantic Boho Updo
If your dress has lace or a flowy silhouette, this is your moment.
A boho updo with loose braids, tendrils, and soft bangs gives that carefree, ethereal feel.
It’s ideal for outdoor or garden proms. Add some floral accents for extra charm.
13. The Sleek Top Bun
For those who love minimalism, the sleek top bun with bangs is pure perfection.
It draws attention to your facial features and pairs beautifully with bold makeup.
Think: highlighter, winged liner, and a confident smirk. 🙂
14. The Curly Updo With Bangs
Natural curls? Don’t hide them—embrace them.
Gather your curls into a loose, curly updo, and let your bangs blend naturally in the front.
It’s soft, fun, and full of personality. Plus, it holds up surprisingly well all night.
15. The Retro Beehive Updo
Want to channel vintage energy? Go for a bee-hive style bun with wispy or blunt bangs.
Add a headband or ribbon to really sell that retro look.
This one’s bold and unapologetically fabulous—just like it should be.
16. The Side Braided Bun
Combine a side braid with a bun for a hairstyle that’s elegant but not stiff.
It’s especially flattering with side-swept bangs.
This style keeps everything secure, so you can actually dance without worrying about touch-ups.
17. The Rope Twist Updo
A rope twist updo looks intricate but is surprisingly simple.
Wrap two twisted sections into a low bun and let your bangs do the face-framing magic.
It’s understated, clean, and works for any dress neckline.
18. The Half Braided Updo
If you can’t decide between down and up, meet in the middle.
Braid the top half, secure it into a soft bun, and let the rest fall naturally.
Curtain bangs make this one especially pretty—it’s soft, girly, and super photogenic.
19. The Space Bun Twist
Okay, hear me out: space buns for prom can work.
Go for small, low-positioned buns with a soft twist, add texture, and leave some bangs and strands loose.
It’s playful, unique, and perfect if you want to stand out (without going full cosplay).
20. The Waterfall Twist Updo
A waterfall braid twisted into an updo gives an illusion of layers and flow.
It’s gorgeous with side-swept bangs and works best with highlights or balayage tones.
It’s basically the hairstyle equivalent of a rom-com glow-up montage.
21. The Messy Low Twist
If structured updos feel too formal, try a messy low twist.
It looks organic, soft, and artsy—perfect if your vibe leans effortless chic.
Spritz on some texturizing spray and embrace a few flyaways. They’re part of the charm.
22. The Knotted Bun
This one’s sleek, modern, and super trendy right now.
A knotted bun gives your updo visual interest, while bangs balance the boldness.
It’s ideal if your prom outfit already has a lot of sparkle—you won’t compete with it.
23. The Twisted Ponytail Bun
Twist your ponytail into a bun for a look that’s both structured and romantic.
It’s great with wispy or layered bangs, especially when paired with subtle waves.
This one also scores high on comfort—no bobby pin headaches by the end of the night.
24. The Hollywood-Inspired Low Roll
Channel your inner starlet with a vintage rolled updo and side-swept fringe.
It gives total red-carpet energy without being too stiff.
Add a rhinestone clip or comb for that old-school glam finish.
Bangs + Updos = The Perfect Prom Pair
The beauty of bangs is how they can completely change the vibe of an updo. They soften sharp styles, balance sleek ones, and frame your face beautifully in photos.
And honestly? Prom hairstyles don’t need to be complicated to look stunning. You just need a style that matches your outfit, personality, and confidence level.
Quick Tips Before You Style:
- Always prep your hair with heat protectant and texture spray—it makes a huge difference.
- Do a trial run. Nothing’s worse than realizing your bun collapses mid-dance.
- Play with accessories. Hairpins, ribbons, and clips can make a simple style look editorial.
- Don’t overthink it. Sometimes the messier, the better—it looks natural and lived-in.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your prom hairstyle should make you feel like you—but extra fabulous. Whether you go sleek, messy, braided, or twisted, the goal is simple: to have fun and feel confident.
Because trust me, when you feel good, it shows.
And when your bangs and updo are working together like a dream, everyone else will be wondering, “Who’s her stylist?”

Hi, I’m Ashley Miller, a wife, a busy mom, and someone who loves to share all the things that make life a little more fun and beautiful.
From easy DIY projects, delicious recipes, and chic hairstyles to nail ideas and home decor tips, I share everything I’ve learned and love.
My goal is to inspire other women to explore their creativity and make their homes even more special.