The 2022 Oscars Prove Prom Hair Is Back

ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images Beauty The higher the hair... by Sam Neibart Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: March 28, 2022

Undone hair and beachy waves have ruled red carpet hairstyles in the recent era. Once a look that helped to modernize stuffy formalwear has become so ubiquitous that it has also become mundane. With award shows finally back in full swing in 2022, it seems that what was familiar now needs a change up. This year, more is more when it comes to beauty, with many celebrities choosing to elevate their gowns with meticulously styled updos. Whether the styles are low and wispy or tall and structured, they all call to mind the looks of ’90s and ’00s high school dances past when wearing your hair up was the only way to signify elegance and a special occasion. Up ahead the best updos of the 2022 Oscars that prove prom hair is back.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc/Getty Images Kirsten Dunst Kirsten’s low bun and softly waved bangs look effortlessly chic.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc/Getty Images Zoë Kravitz Zoë’s sleek double buns and short bangs make her look like a modern Audrey Hepburn.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images Zendaya Zendaya pulled back her curls into a messy updo as to not have her hair compete with her collared blouse.

Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images Megan Thee Stallion We love Meg’s voluminous bun and perfectly laid baby hairs.

Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images Lupita Nyong’o Lupita won tallest updo of the night with her architectural and braided style.

David Livingston/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images Maddie Ziegler Maddie tried out the original prom hair look with a high messy bun and face-framing tendrils.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images Vanessa Hudgens Vanessa’s ballerina-esque high and tight bun took her whole look to the next level.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images Nicole Kidman With loose face-framing stands and a piece-y bun, Nicole’s updo is relaxed yet refined.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc/Getty Images Tracee Ellis Ross Tracee’s slicked back hair puts all of the attention on her bold red lip color.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images Halle Bailey Halle had her long braids swirled up into a mega prom updo.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc/Getty Images H.E.R. H.E.R.’s ringlets poked out of her high bun to create a soft, wispy effect.

Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images Laverne Cox ’90s Pamela Anderson appears to be the inspiration for Laverne’s tousled bun with wavy bangs.

Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images Saniyya Sidney Saniyya looked every bit the ingenue with a tidy bun and straight bangs.

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