Prom Half Updos + Pictures & Advice

It doesn’t take a lot of work to get a great half up-do. If you can curl your own hair and put in a few pins, you can get a fabulous look with little stress. For Angelina’s style, after setting your hair in hot rollers and letting them cool, take the rollers out and let the curls fall. Comb everything on top towards the back, then pin the sides loosely in back. Use bobby pins that are the same color as your hair so you don’t have to worry about hiding them. When you’re done pinning it back use a small amount of finishing hairspray to set the style without making it stiff. Having your hair done this way will really open up your face and let your beauty shine. Glam up your eyes for the most drama, but be sure to keep the lips natural and subtle or you will end up looking overdone.

If Angelina’s look is too laid back for you, use a medium sized curling iron instead of hot rollers (or after them if you are going for more volume in your roots). Curl the bottom part of the strands for a longer, leaner look or curl them to the roots for bigger hair. To get the smooth but big look on top – add backcombing in the crown area and smooth over the top. Pin the ends of the curled strands from the top and sides in the middle of the back of your head. Spray with your favorite finishing hairspray and you’re done! If you really want this style to last til all hours of the night, use an aerosol spray. It will feel a little more helmet-like, but should still hold the curl til the next day. If you want a more natural look and don’t mind a little softening of the curls, use a pump hairspray with shine for a more polished but bouncy and free feel.

Not a curly girl? You can still have a fun time with the half up-do. There’s no rule that says you have to wear curls to your prom, so don’t feel obligated. If you’re more comfortable with straight sassy hair, opt for this playful look. Use a straightening product to get the shine and protection from heat and flat iron your hair flipping the ends out just a little bit. Put a small amount of root lift in your crown area and add in some backcombing. Smooth over the top then pull the sides back to the middle of the back of your head and twist strands together. Once they are twisted, flip them upside down and pin them in place. Turning them upside down will have the ends coming out the top instead of the bottom and give it a more feisty and fun appearance. Use a shine serum or spray to add sheen to the finished style and spray with your favorite hairspray.