Prom Hairstyles for Medium Length Thick Hair: 12 Elegant Stay-Put Styles

Prom night is special. Your hair should be too. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair need to be elegant, secure, and able to handle your density. Thick hair is a blessing, but it can also be heavy and hard to pin. The right prom style works with your thickness instead of fighting it. Medium length hair (shoulder length) is perfect for prom – long enough for updos, short enough to manage.

What makes a great prom style for thick hair is structure and security. You need strong pins, good products, and a style that distributes weight evenly. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair should avoid styles that pull at your scalp. Braids, twists, and low buns work beautifully. Half-up styles keep some length down while getting hair off your face.

The 12 styles below range from elegant updos to romantic half-up looks. Some use braids to control thickness. Others use twists and buns. All are designed for thick, medium length hair. Let us explore these prom-ready styles.

12 Prom Hairstyles for Medium Length Thick Hair

1. Low Braided Bun

Create a low ponytail at your nape. Braid the ponytail. Wrap the braid into a bun. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a low braided bun are elegant and secure. The braid controls thick hair. The bun stays in place all night.

2. Half-Up Twisted Crown

Take two sections from your temples. Twist each toward the back. Pin them together at your crown. Leave the rest of your hair down in soft waves or curls. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a half-up twisted crown keep hair off your face while showing off your length.

3. Dutch Braid Updo

Create two Dutch braids starting at your hairline and going back. Gather the braids and remaining hair into a low bun. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with Dutch braids and a bun are intricate and secure. The braids control thick hair beautifully.

4. Side-Swept Curly Pony

Gather your hair to one side at your shoulder. Secure with a decorative elastic. Curl the ends. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a side-swept pony are romantic and asymmetrical. The side placement is flattering in photos.

5. Textured Low Bun

Gather your hair at your nape. Twist it into a low bun. Pull out small pieces for texture. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a textured low bun are elegant and soft. The texture keeps the bun from looking too severe.

6. Half-Up Bubble Pony

Gather the top half of your hair into a ponytail. Add elastics every 2 inches down the ponytail. Gently pull each section to create bubbles. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a half-up bubble pony are playful and trendy.

7. French Twist (Short Version)

Gather your hair to one side at your nape. Fold it upward and inward. Pin along the fold. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a French twist are sophisticated and classic. The twist works on medium length thick hair.

8. Braided Headband

Create a Dutch braid along your hairline from ear to ear, like a headband. Tuck the end under. Leave the rest of your hair down in soft curls. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a braided headband are boho and romantic.

9. Low Ponytail with Ribbon Wrap

Gather your hair into a low ponytail. Wrap a ribbon or decorative scarf around the elastic. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a ribbon wrap are simple but elegant. The ribbon adds a pop of color or sparkle.

10. Curly Half-Up with Pearl Pins

Gather the top half of your hair into a half-up style. Secure with pearl pins or decorative clips. Leave the rest in loose curls. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with pearl pins are elegant and timeless.

11. Twisted Low Bun

Divide your hair into two sections. Twist each section. Wrap the twists around each other into a low bun. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a twisted low bun are textured and secure. The twists control thick hair.

12. Accessorized Simple Bun

Gather your hair into a low or mid bun. Add a statement hair accessory – jeweled clip, floral pins, or decorative comb. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with an accessory draw attention to the bun. The accessory does the heavy lifting.

More Info: Making Prom Styles Stay on Thick Hair

Products for hold are essential. Use a strong-hold gel or mousse on damp hair before styling. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair need grip to stay in place. Finish with strong-hold hairspray. Do not skip the hairspray – thick hair is heavy and needs extra hold.

Pin technique matters. Use bobby pins that match your hair color. Cross two pins in an X for secure hold. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair need more pins than you think. Insert pins at an angle, not straight in.

Practice before prom night. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair often take 2-3 tries to perfect. Practice a few days ahead. Time yourself. Have a backup style ready. Bring extra pins and hairspray to prom for touch-ups.

What to tell your stylist: I have thick, medium length hair. I need a prom style that will stay all night. I want [an updo/half-up/braided style]. Please use strong products and enough pins. Show me how to touch it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my thick hair from falling out of an updo? Use strong-hold products and cross your bobby pins. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair need extra pins. Have a friend check the back before you leave.

What is the easiest prom style for thick hair? A low bun or a side-swept pony. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair with a low bun or pony take 10 minutes and stay secure all night.

Can I do my own prom hair with thick hair? Yes – with practice. Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair like low buns, half-up styles, and side ponies are achievable at home. Watch YouTube tutorials for your specific style.

Final Thoughts

Prom hairstyles for medium length thick hair are elegant, secure, and designed to handle your density. From braided buns to twisted crowns to side-swept ponies, there is a style for every prom dress and personality. The key is strong products, enough pins, and practice. Find a style from this list. Practice it. Then enjoy your prom night without worrying about your hair.