Prom hair needs to last all night and look good in every photo. Curls do both — and from one set of curls you can create five very different looks.
- Five looks, one curl base
- Which look suits which dress
- A touch-up kit for the night
Tutorial card
- Time: 20–40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
- Best hair length: Shoulder to waist
- Tools: cordless automatic curler, classic cordless straightener
What you need
- The cordless automatic curler
- The classic cordless straightener
- Heat protectant
- Sectioning clips
- A wide-tooth comb
Curlylooks Cordless Automatic CurlerFrom €32.99View productHow to do prom curls: step by step
- Curl the base. Small sections, alternating direction, pin to cool.
- Release and soften. Gently separate with your fingers.
- Choose your look. Pick one of the five styles below to match your neckline.
- Secure. Pins and a flexible-hold spray.
- Pack your touch-up kit. A cordless straightener, a few pins and a mini hairspray.
The five looks
- Hollywood waves — for strapless and one-shoulder dresses. See the full tutorial.
- Half-up with a bow — for high necklines and backless dresses. See half-up variations.
- Curly high ponytail — for halter necks and dancing. See the ponytail method.
- Side-swept curls — for V-necks and asymmetric dresses.
- Textured low bun — for elegant, open-back gowns. See the bun method.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Curls drop by the after-party | Pin to cool; flexible spray; touch-ups |
| Hairstyle fights the neckline | Match the look to the dress (see list above) |
| Ran out of time | Do a timed trial a week before |
Curlylooks Cordless Automatic Curler
€32.99
Blush pinkIvory whiteCharcoal blackAdjustable curl direction
Ceramic-coated chamber, adjustable temperature and curl direction, USB rechargeable — and it wraps the hair for you.
One curl base gives you five prom looks, and the curler wraps for you — useful when you're styling your own hair and your hands are full.
✦ Pairs well with: The classic straightener for the touch-up kit · Satin bow · Bobby pins
Best for: Prom, formals, graduation, school balls
Three ways to start
Get the kit for prom curls
Just this look
The cordless automatic curler is all you need for prom curls.
Curls and polish
Curl, then smooth the ends and front pieces — the Curl & Polish bundle puts both tools together.
Every look in this series
The Complete Collection covers all our tutorials: the curler plus both cordless straighteners.
Frequently asked questions
What hairstyle is best for prom?
It depends on your dress: waves for strapless, half-up for high necks, ponytails for halter necks, buns for open backs.
How do I make prom curls last?
Pin every curl to cool, use flexible hairspray, and carry a cordless straightener for touch-ups.
Can I do my own prom hair?
Yes — do a trial run first and give yourself plenty of time on the day.
Try it with cordless tools
Cordless, USB-rechargeable curler and straighteners — style anywhere, no socket needed.
Shop all styling tools →See the bundles →Keep reading
Safety note: heat tools get hot. Always follow the operating and safety instructions supplied with your device, use on dry hair only, keep heated parts away from skin and scalp, switch off after use and store out of reach of children.
