Prom night is one of the most memorable nights of your life. You want a hairstyle that looks amazing, stays secure, and shows off your beautiful thick hair. Up do hairstyles for prom thick hair are the perfect solution. They keep your hair off your neck, showcase your dress, and last through dancing, photos, and celebration.
I know the struggles that come with thick hair. Maybe your hair is so heavy that updos fall out after an hour. Or you have so much volume that bobby pins just slide out. Perhaps you have tried styles that look great in photos but feel like a weight on your head. Or you simply don’t know which styles work best for your hair type.
I have been there, and I am here to help.
The good news is that thick hair is perfect for updos. It holds shape beautifully and creates stunning volume. The key is choosing the right style, using the right tools, and securing everything properly. Braids are your best friend. They distribute weight evenly. Textured styles hide bobby pins. And the right accessories add sparkle.
This guide breaks down 20 gorgeous up do hairstyles for prom thick hair. You will find braided buns, top knots, chignons, French twists, and textured updos. I will share exactly how to create each style. Plus you will get pro tips on managing thick hair, keeping your updo secure, and choosing the perfect accessories.
Let us get you prom ready.
Braided Up Do Hairstyles for Prom Thick Hair
Braids are a thick hair’s best friend. They distribute weight evenly, stay secure for hours, and look absolutely stunning. These braided updos are perfect for prom.
1. Braided Side Bun with Large Bohemian Plaits
Description: This bohemian side bun features large, chunky plaits swept to one side and gathered into a low bun. The braids are thick and textured. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is bohemian, romantic, and very trendy.
Why It Works: The large plaits show off your thick hair beautifully. The side bun keeps hair off your neck. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor proms, beach proms, or bohemian themed dances.
Pro Tip: Create three large Dutch braids and sweep them to one side. Gather the ends into a low bun. Use texturizing spray for grip. The side bun should be secure and comfortable.
2. Classic Dutch Braid Updo with Pearl Drop Earrings
Description: This classic updo features a Dutch braid that wraps around your head and tucks into a low bun. Pearl drop earrings complete the elegant look. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a smoothing serum. The vibe is classic, elegant, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The Dutch braid keeps every strand secure. The low bun is comfortable and elegant. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or black tie events.
Pro Tip: Create a Dutch braid from one ear to the other across your nape. Tuck the ends into a low bun. Pair with pearl drop earrings for a classic finish.
3. Elegant Low Chignon with Side Dutch Braid
Description: This elegant low chignon features a side Dutch braid that flows into a smooth, polished bun. The style is romantic and sophisticated. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a smoothing serum. The vibe is elegant, romantic, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The side Dutch braid adds texture and visual interest. The low chignon is comfortable and secure. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or evening ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Create a Dutch braid from your temple diagonally to your opposite nape. Gather the remaining hair into a low chignon. Use a smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways.
4. Intricate Woven Multi-Braid High Bun
Description: This intricate high bun features multiple small braids woven together into a full, voluminous bun at the crown. The style is detailed and dramatic. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is intricate, dramatic, and very high fashion.
Why It Works: The multiple braids distribute weight evenly. The high bun adds height and drama. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for proms, pageants, or any time you want a dramatic look.
Pro Tip: Create six to eight small braids throughout your hair. Gather them into a high bun at your crown. Use texturizing spray for grip. The woven bun should be secure.
5. Romantic Braided Updo with Intertwined Pink Ribbon
Description: This romantic updo features braids intertwined with a soft pink ribbon. The style is feminine and whimsical. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and pink ribbon. The vibe is romantic, whimsical, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The pink ribbon adds a personal, romantic touch. The braids keep thick hair secure. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for spring proms or romantic themed dances.
Pro Tip: Weave the pink ribbon through a Dutch braid as you create it. Gather the braids into a low bun. The pink ribbon should be visible throughout.
6. Classic French Braid Wrapped into a Low Chignon
Description: This classic updo features a French braid that wraps around your head and tucks into a low chignon. The style is timeless and elegant. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a smoothing serum. The vibe is classic, elegant, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The French braid keeps every strand secure. The low chignon is comfortable and elegant. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or black tie events.
Pro Tip: Create a French braid from your crown to your nape. Tuck the ends into a low chignon. Use a smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways.
7. Intricate Rose-Style Bun with Pearls and Side Braid
Description: This intricate bun is shaped like a rose with pearl accents and a side braid. The style is artistic and glamorous. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and pearl hair pins. The vibe is artistic, glamorous, and very high fashion.
Why It Works: The rose shape is unique and beautiful. The pearl accents add sparkle and elegance. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or red carpet events.
Pro Tip: Use a strong hold gel to create the rose shape. Wrap sections of hair around each other to form petals. Insert pearl hair pins throughout the bun.
8. Smooth Low Bun with Dutch Braid and Baby’s Breath
Description: This elegant low bun features a smooth finish and a Dutch braid accented with fresh baby’s breath flowers. The style is romantic and natural. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and baby’s breath flowers. The vibe is romantic, natural, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The smooth low bun is comfortable and secure. The baby’s breath adds a fresh, romantic touch. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for spring proms or garden themed dances.
Pro Tip: Create a Dutch braid from your temple to your opposite nape. Gather the remaining hair into a low bun. Tuck small sprigs of baby’s breath into the braid.
9. Tousled Boho Low Bun with Loose Braid and Floral Accents
Description: This bohemian low bun features a loose braid and fresh floral accents. The style is relaxed and romantic. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and fresh flowers. The vibe is bohemian, relaxed, and very romantic.
Why It Works: The loose braid adds texture without being tight. The fresh flowers add a personal, romantic touch. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor proms or bohemian themed dances.
Pro Tip: Create a loose Dutch braid and sweep it into a low messy bun. Tuck fresh flowers into the bun. Use texturizing spray for grip.
Bun & Top Knot Up Do Hairstyles for Prom Thick Hair
Buns and top knots are classic, elegant, and perfect for showing off thick hair. These styles keep your hair secure and look amazing in photos.
10. Textured High Bun with Sculpted Waves
Description: This dramatic high bun features textured volume and sculpted waves at the crown. The bun sits high on your head. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a curling wand. The vibe is dramatic, voluminous, and very glamorous.
Why It Works: The high bun adds height and keeps hair off your neck. The sculpted waves add texture and elegance. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or red carpet events.
Pro Tip: Use a curling wand to create sculpted waves before gathering your hair. The high bun should be secure at your crown. Use bobby pins that match your hair color.
11. Voluminous Top Knot with Velvet Ribbon Detail
Description: This voluminous top knot features a velvet ribbon woven through the bun. The style is playful and elegant. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a velvet ribbon. The vibe is playful, elegant, and very trendy.
Why It Works: The top knot adds height and keeps hair off your neck. The velvet ribbon adds a luxurious, trendy touch. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for winter proms or evening dances.
Pro Tip: Gather all your hair into a high ponytail at your crown. Twist it into a top knot. Weave the velvet ribbon through the bun.
12. High Voluminous Top Knot with Braided Crown
Description: This dramatic top knot features a braided crown that wraps around your head and flows into a high, voluminous bun. The style is bold and beautiful. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is bold, voluminous, and very glamorous.
Why It Works: The braided crown keeps hair off your face. The high top knot adds height and drama. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or red carpet events.
Pro Tip: Create a Dutch braid along your hairline from ear to ear. Gather the remaining hair into a high top knot. Use texturizing spray for grip.
13. Sleek Chignon with Symmetric Side Braids
Description: This sleek chignon features symmetric side braids that flow into a smooth, polished bun at the nape. The style is elegant and balanced. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a smoothing serum. The vibe is elegant, balanced, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The symmetric side braids add texture and visual interest. The low chignon is comfortable and secure. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or black tie events.
Pro Tip: Create two small Dutch braids, one on each side of your head. Gather the remaining hair into a low chignon. Use a smoothing serum for a polished finish.
14. Elegant Swirled Chignon with Side-Swept Bangs
Description: This intricate high bun features multiple small braids woven together into a full, voluminous bun at the crown. The style is detailed and dramatic. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is intricate, dramatic, and very high fashion.
Why It Works: The multiple braids distribute weight evenly. The high bun adds height and drama. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for proms, pageants, or any time you want a dramatic look.
Pro Tip: Create six to eight small braids throughout your hair. Gather them into a high bun at your crown. Use texturizing spray for grip. The woven bun should be secure.
15. Sleek Polished Low Bun with Thick Side Braid
Description: This sleek low bun features a thick side braid and a smooth, polished finish. The style is elegant and sophisticated. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and a smoothing serum. The vibe is elegant, polished, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The thick side braid adds texture and visual interest. The low bun is comfortable and secure. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or evening ceremonies.
Pro Tip: Create a thick Dutch braid from your temple to your opposite nape. Gather the remaining hair into a low bun. Use a smoothing serum to eliminate flyaways.
Textured & Messy Up Do Hairstyles for Prom Thick Hair
These updos are more relaxed and effortless. They are perfect for thick hair because the texture hides volume and looks amazing in photos.
16. Airy Messy Updo with Wispy Face-Framing Strands
Description: This airy updo features messy texture and wispy face framing strands left out around your face. The style is soft and romantic. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is soft, romantic, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The messy texture hides imperfections and looks effortlessly beautiful. The wispy strands soften your features. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor proms or bohemian themed dances.
Pro Tip: Use texturizing spray to add grip. Leave out thin strands on each side of your face. The messy updo should look undone but secure.
17. Intricate Curly Updo with Dimensional Highlights
Description: This intricate updo features bouncy curls and dimensional highlights that add depth. The style is glamorous and eye catching. You will need bobby pins, a curling wand, and a shine spray. The vibe is glamorous, dimensional, and very red carpet ready.
Why It Works: The bouncy curls show off your thick hair beautifully. The dimensional highlights add depth and interest. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or evening dances.
Pro Tip: Use a curling wand to create bouncy curls before pinning. The dimensional highlights need a purple shampoo once a week. Use a shine spray for a glossy finish.
18. Romantic Tousled Updo with Cascading Tendrils
Description: This romantic updo features tousled texture and cascading tendrils left out around the face. The style is soft and feminine. You will need bobby pins, a curling wand, and texturizing spray. The vibe is romantic, soft, and very feminine.
Why It Works: The cascading tendrils soften your features. The tousled texture hides imperfections. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for spring proms or romantic themed dances.
Pro Tip: Use a curling wand to create loose curls on the tendrils. The tousled updo should look soft and undone. Use texturizing spray for grip.
19. Textured French Twist Updo with Jeweled Hair Pins
Description: This elegant French twist features textured volume and jeweled hair pins for sparkle. The style is classic and glamorous. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and jeweled hair pins. The vibe is classic, glamorous, and very sophisticated.
Why It Works: The French twist is a timeless updo. The jeweled hair pins add sparkle and elegance. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for formal proms or black tie events.
Pro Tip: Create a French twist with your thick hair. Insert jeweled hair pins randomly throughout the twist. The French twist should be tight and secure.
20. Messy Textured Updo with Chunky Boho Braid
Description: This bohemian updo features a chunky boho braid and messy, textured volume. The style is relaxed and beautiful. You will need bobby pins, a tail comb, and texturizing spray. The vibe is bohemian, relaxed, and very trendy.
Why It Works: The chunky boho braid shows off your thick hair. The messy texture hides imperfections. This style works on long thick hair of any texture. It is perfect for outdoor proms or bohemian themed dances.
Pro Tip: Create a chunky Dutch braid and sweep it into a messy bun. Use texturizing spray for grip. The messy updo should look undone but secure.
Conclusion
Prom night is a celebration you will remember forever. Your hairstyle should make you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to dance the night away. Up do hairstyles for prom thick hair are the perfect choice. They stay secure, showcase your beautiful volume, and look amazing in photos.
I hope these 20 up do hairstyles for prom thick hair have inspired you for your big night. The best advice I can give is to schedule a trial run with your stylist a few weeks before prom. Bring photos of exactly what you want. And practice dancing in your updo to make sure it stays secure.
Now I want to hear from you. Which of these 20 up do hairstyles for prom thick hair will you try for your prom? Do you have a question about how a certain style would work with your hair length or texture? Drop a comment below. I read every single one and I am happy to help you find your perfect prom look.
