From The Great Gatsby to Romeo and Juliet, get prom inspiration from our fave films

Glam up with one of these iconic film hairstyles for your prom night!  

Spring is finally here, which means prom season is upon us! And as most of us already know, finding the perfect hairstyle to complement your outfit and makeup can be a pretty stressful task. The solution? To get inspired by these prom-perfect hairstyles from our favourite films, below.

Whether you want to wear your hair loose or braided, elegantly up or even just half-up, you really can’t go wrong with copying one of these Hollywood-approved hairstyles — especially if you want to feel like a star!

9 prom hair looks to steal from our favourite films

close up shot of carey mulligan as daisy buchanan, wearing a furry scarf, a flapper dress and a silver hairband hair accessory with pixie haircut, on the set of The Great Gatsby
Are you ready to make your mane shine? Credit: Warner Brothers via Sky Editorial Asset Centre

1. Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby

So, what is the best way to dress up short hair for prom? With snazzy hair accessories, of course — they never let us down!

This glitzy, prom-perfect ‘do from The Great Gatsby oozes glamour and sophistication, and will ensure you’re the Daisy of any ball. So, what accessory will you slay?

close up shot of clueless cast at the final prom scene
Make your box braids pop! Credit: Paramount Pictures Intl via Sky Editorial Asset Centre

2. Stacey Dash in Clueless

As soon as we set our eyes on Stacey Dash’s dazzling box braids hairstyle in Clueless, we knew it’d be the perfect prom look for box braid-queens everywhere. With its pretty floral clips and effortless boho charm, you’ll be feeling sweet and chic for your big night.

Next read: 11 beautiful boho box braids hairstyles you’ll want to try now.

close up shot of natalie portman with tiara and sleek low bun hairstyle, wearing all black with dramatic makeup on the set of black swan
When in doubt, rock a tiara! Credit: Twentieth Century Fox via Sky Editorial Asset Centre

3. Natalie Portman in Black Swan

Want to keep things sleek and simple for the event? You can’t go wrong with a low bun, similar to the one worn by Natalie Portman in Black Swan.

But if you really want to amp up the mane drama, you should consider pairing this minimal hairstyle with a pretty tiara. Why? Because you’re the prom queen and everyone deserves to know it!

Editor’s tip: The trick to creating a sleek bun? The TONI&GUY Flawless Sleek Creation Hairspray, as this will help you achieve the ultra smooth and sleek finish, while also firmly setting it in place!

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, with beehive updo hairstyle, wearing all black with pearls and posing in a cafe
You’ll own the prom with this look, darling. Credit: Paramount Pictures via Sky Editorial Asset Centre

4. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

When we think of iconic film hairstyles, it’s seriously hard not to mention Audrey Hepburn’s mane in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – after all, the beehive updo with micro bangs (and a jewelled barrette to boot) has become synonymous with elegance and refinement.

Pairing this sultry hairstyle with some swanky statement earrings and a little black dress is all you need to make you feel like a prom queen (with or without the crown). Doesn’t that sound amazing, darling?

close up shot of selma hayek as frida kahlo, with milkmaid braid updo with flowers in it, wearing drop earrings and floral outfit
Will you pick real flowers? Credit: Lionsgate Entertainment via Sky Editorial Asset Centre

5. Salma Hayek in Frida

Want your mane to look exactly like a masterpiece? Take inspiration from one of the most prolific artists in history, Frida Kahlo, by weaving ribbon, flowers or even a printed scarf through a milkmaid braid, for a look fit for a surrealist queen.

TRESemme Ultimate Hold Hairspray

Editor’s tip: Make your braids last by setting your style with the TRESemmé Ultimate Hold HairsprayThis strong yet lightweight formula will help lock your style in place, boost shine and tame flyaways, too.

close up shot of amanda seyfried as sophie, with half up curly hairstyle, viel and flowers, on the set of mamma mia
You’ll be the dancing queen with this ‘do. Credit: Universal Pictures via Sky Editorial Asset Centre

6. Amanda Seyfried in Mamma Mia!

Minus the wedding veil, Amanda’s Seyfried’s flowing curly half-up style in Mamma Mia! is the perfect hairstyle for anyone who wants to show off their natural textures.

Dealing with straighter tresses? This is how you can get prom-perfect wavy curls at home.

close up shot of kim basinger with vintage 1940s peeakabo waves, wearing silk blue dress on the set of l.a confidentional
There’s nothing wrong with borrowing beauty inspiration from the ’40s! Credit: Warner Brothers via Sky Editorial Asset Centre

7. Kim Basinger in L.A. Confidential

If you’re looking to make a memorable statement for the big event, Kim Basinger’s wavy vintage hairstyle from L.A. Confidential is destined for your mane.

This va-va-voom look is a great way to wear your hair down with an extra dose of Hollywood oomph! Just remember to set it with some shine spray, okay?

close up shot of claire danes with half-up, half-down hairstyle. wearing all white and staring at fish bowl on the set of romeo and juliet
This look was destined for your mane! Credit: Twentieth Century Fox via Sky Editorial Asset Centre

8. Claire Danes in Romeo and Juliet

Claire Danes’ hair in Romeo and Juliet is the perfect example of how a minimalist yet romantic a half-up, half-down hairstyle can be. Not only is this prom-ready ‘do easy to recreate, but it will also keep your lovely strands off your face.

But the best thing about it? It will allow you to get creative with accessories, braids, twists and even your favourite go-to top knot.

Editor’s tip: Lacking bounce? Create enviable movement with barley-there waves using the VO5 Wave Creation Hairspray and a curling wand.

close up shot of julia stiles with curly updo hairstyle with flowers in it, wearing all purple, standing next to heath ledger on the set of 10 Things I hate about you
You won’t hate this cute curly updo hairstyle! Credit: Disney/Touchstone Via Sky Editorial Asset Centre

9. Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You

A classic updo (a la Julia Stiles) is a fail-safe option for all hair types and textures. Whether it’s sleek and polished or loose and sexy, you simply can’t go wrong.

Prom Queen crown, we’re coming for you!

 

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