Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Charity
    • Career
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More Next
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More Next
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More Next
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity

    The 35 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty

    13 Steps You Can Take to Stop Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Experts

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this. 
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues

    Of Course Kamala Harris Is Ready to Be President

    The senator has been criticized for seeming too ambitious — but that's kind of the point.
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Charity
    • Career
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Hair Chevron Right
  3. 6 Celebrity-Inspired Updos to Copy on Prom Night

6 Celebrity-Inspired Updos to Copy on Prom Night

By Erin Lukas
Updated Apr 06, 2017 @ 7:00 pm
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage; Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty; Kevin Mazur/AMA2016

Prom season is in full effect. If you have your dress, shoes, and accessories locked down, the only thing left (other than a date) is the right hairstyle to complete your look for the dance.

While prom hair has come a long way from the stiff hair-sprayed and over-gelled upods you've seen in your parents' yearbooks, trying too get too intricate when doing your hair for the main event can go wrong quicker than tripping in your new heels.

To take some of the stress out of your prom planning, we've rounded up six simple celebrity-approved updos that you'll love, no matter your personal style. Keep scrolling to find which star's style you'll be dying to copy on prom night.

Start Slideshow

1 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Emma Watson

Credit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Emma Watson's tousled upo adorned with loose plaits and feathers is one of the most romantic hairstyles we've ever seen—and your date will agree. 

Watson's stylist Adir Abergel coated her layers with Leonor Greyl's Au Lotus Volumizing Mousse ($46; nordstrom.com) from mid-shaft to ends and rough dried it to bring out her natural waves. Next, he took a 3/4 inch curling iron to create loose waves at the ends of Watson's hair, and seperated them with Leonor Greyl Baume de Rose Styling Balm ($49; saksfifthavenue.com). While maintaing volume at the crown, Abergel created a few deconstructed braids all over and tied the star's hair into a loose chignon at the nape of the neck. He completed the look with his Adir x Lelet NY Gold Quill Halo ($688; leletny.com) and a shield of Leonor Greyl's Voluforme Styling Spray ($36; nordstrom.com).

1 of 6

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chrissy Teigen

Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty

If you're more indecisive about your hairstyle than you were picking out your dress, you can do no wrong with a retro-inspired low chignon like the updo Chrissy Teigen wore to the Oscars. 

Teigen's stylist Jen Atkin prepped her damp hair with Ouai's Wave Spray ($26; sephora.com) through the mid-ends and Christophe Robin's Instant Volumizing Mist ($39; sephora.com) at the roots. She blow-dried Teigen's hair using a round brush and Dyson's Supersonic Hair Dryer ($399; sephora.com) with the styling concentrator nozzle to build extra volume around the face. After adding in a hair piece for extra fullness, Atkin sprayed Ouai's Texturizing Hair Spray ($26; sephora.com) from roots to ends for texture, and curled Teigen's ends with the Beachweaver S1 Curling Iron ($130; target.com) to create natural bends. Letting the hair fall around Teigen's face naturally, the pro twisted her hair into a chignon and pinned it in place. A spritz of Rita Hazan's Root Concealer in Dark Brown/Black ($25; sephora.com) along the hairline and a veil of Kevin Murphy's Sesson.Spray Strong Hold Hairspray (kevinmurphy.com.au for salons) completed the look. 

2 of 6

3 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Olivia Culpo

Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty

A low pony may be your go-to when you only have a few minutes to fresh up after gym class, but adding a few extra details makes the style prom night-ready. 

To create Culpo's Oscars style, celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan prepped her damp hair with TRESemmé Extra Hold Gel ($4; target.com) at the roots and TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum ($5; target.com) at the ends, then blow-dried it using ghd's Air Hair Dryer ($199; sephora.com). For extra smoothness, Marjan followed by veiling Culpo's hair with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protect Spray ($5; target.com) and ran ghd's Platinum Styler ($249; sephora.com) throughout. 

While Marjan added extensions in for extra length, you can recreate the actual pony with all your own hair. The pro seperated the front and back sections of the hair and tied them into a low pony. 

After wrapping the base of the pony with velvet ribbon and pinning it, spray a clean toothbrush with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Hairspray($5; target.com) and brush the top for a flyaway-free finish. 

3 of 6

Advertisement

4 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chloe Grace Moretz

Credit: Tara Ziemba/WireImage (2)

Chloe Grace Moretz's undone ponytail looks effortlessly pretty, and it's actually simple to recreate, too. Before gathering your hair into a low pony and securing it with an elastic mid-way down the tail, spritz a volumizing spray allover like Living Proof's Full Dry Volume Blast ($29; sephora.com) to add body and grit to the style. 

4 of 6

5 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Zoë Kravitz

Credit: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty

A top-knot is always a good idea. It's simple to do, and vary rarely can you mess it up. If you love the updo but want to give the style a little something extra for prom night, look no further Zoë Kravitz's chic, braided knot. If you have box braid's like Kravitz's, divide them into three sections to create one, big plait before twisting them up. 

5 of 6

6 of 6

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Selena Gomez

Credit: Kevin Mazur/AMA2016

Selena Gomez's simple curled ponytail is proof that a minimalist look can still stand out on a dancefloor of updos. 

Gomez's haistylist Nikki Lee added a few extra details to her pony like a slick center part and curled the tail to elevate the style for the red carpet. To get your hair as glossy as Gomez's, wash your hair with a shine boosting shampoo and conditioner combo like Pantene's Ice Shine Glacial Glossing Complex ($5 each; walmart.com). 

6 of 6

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Erin Lukas

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 6 Emma Watson
2 of 6 Chrissy Teigen
3 of 6 Olivia Culpo
4 of 6 Chloe Grace Moretz
5 of 6 Zoë Kravitz
6 of 6 Selena Gomez

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
InStyle InStyle

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Accolades Licensing
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
InStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

View image

6 Celebrity-Inspired Updos to Copy on Prom Night
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.