How to Recreate Miley Cyrus’s ’90s Prom Updo for Everyday Wear

The ’90s are having yet another hair revival, and Miley Cyrus has just given us one of the most wearable throwbacks yet: a soft, prom-worthy updo that somehow feels totally everyday. Think fluffy volume, face-framing tendrils and a slightly undone finish – more off-duty cool girl than red-carpet pageant queen. It’s the kind of nostalgic look that’s trending across TikTok and London salons alike, and with a few smart tweaks, it can work just as well for the school run or a brunch date as it does for an evening event.

The Appeal of ’90s Prom Hair in 2025

From Pamela Anderson-inspired updos to bouncy supermodel blow-dries, ’90s hair is everywhere again. Miley’s take sits right in the middle: part glam, part grunge, and completely adaptable. In UK salons, stylists report that younger clients are bringing in screenshots of vintage prom shots and music videos, but asking for something that feels softer and less “done”.

What makes this style so current is the balance of polish and ease. The shape is sculpted – usually with pinned-up sections and height at the crown – but the finish is loose, with deliberate flyaways and wispy pieces. For British weather, that slightly imperfect texture is a blessing; a bit of drizzle or wind only adds to the lived-in charm, rather than ruining a rigid updo.

Many stylists also favour this look because it’s kind to the hair when done thoughtfully. Instead of tight, traction-heavy ponytails, the hair is gathered more loosely, secured in sections and supported with grips rather than relying solely on harsh elastics. For anyone with fragile edges or a history of breakage, this gentler approach is especially welcome.

Prep: Building the Perfect ’90s Base

Like most nostalgic styles, ’90s prom hair relies heavily on a good blow-dry and clever prep. The goal is controlled volume with movement, not a stiff helmet of hair. Before you start, consider your hair type and the UK climate you’re styling for – humidity, rain and central heating all affect how this look will last.

On freshly washed hair, many stylists recommend working with the following simple prep routine:

• Lightweight heat protection: Mist from mid-lengths to ends to help shield strands during blow-drying and tonging.
• Volumising product at the roots: A mousse or root-lift spray can help achieve that subtle crown height seen in Miley’s style.
• Smoothing cream or serum on lengths: Particularly for coarse or wavy hair, this helps keep the pinned sections looking sleek without losing body.

Blow-dry with a round brush, lifting at the roots and turning the ends under slightly to nod to that quintessential ’90s bounce. If you prefer to air-dry, you can still achieve the look by rough-drying the roots, then going back in with a round brush and hairdryer just at the crown and front sections for lift and polish.

In real life, this means setting aside 15–20 minutes to give your hair some structure before pinning – it’s the difference between an updo that collapses by lunchtime and one that stays chic until evening.

Step-by-Step: Recreating Miley’s Casual ’90s Prom Updo

The charm of Miley’s hairstyle lies in its effortless feel. It’s effectively a soft French-twist-meets-messy-bun hybrid, softened with tendrils and fringe pieces. You don’t need professional-level dexterity; just a mirror, some grips and a little patience.

• 1. Section the face-framing pieces. Before putting hair up, gently separate a few slim sections around your hairline – near the temples, just in front of the ears, and, if you have layers or a fringe, a couple of pieces at the front. Clip these away so they don’t get caught up.
• 2. Create a loose ponytail base. Gather the rest of your hair into a mid or high ponytail, depending on how prominent you want the shape at the back of your head. Secure with a snag-free elastic, but don’t pull it too tight – you want a bit of softness.
• 3. Add crown volume. Gently pinch and lift small sections at the crown to create height. If needed, lightly backcomb the underside of a few strands with a fine-tooth comb, then smooth the top layer over for a polished-but-full effect.
• 4. Twist and pin the ponytail. Take the ponytail, twist it loosely and wrap it around the base or fold it upwards as if starting a French twist. Secure with bobby pins or hair grips, anchoring into the thicker sections of hair. Aim for a shape that looks like a soft swirl or twist rather than a tight ballerina bun.
• 5. Create the “prom” texture. Gently tug small pieces of the twist to encourage volume and a slightly undone finish. If your hair is finer, you can lightly mist with a flexible hairspray and scrunch to encourage fullness.
• 6. Release and style the front tendrils. Unclip the face-framing sections. If you like, curl them loosely with a small barrel tong or straightener, turning away from the face for that distinctly ’90s, soft-styled look. Brush through the curls with your fingers or a soft brush to avoid tight ringlets.
• 7. Finish with flexible hold. Use a light-hold hairspray or texturising spray over the finished style. Many UK stylists prefer flexible formulas over ultra-hold lacquer, allowing the hair to move naturally while still keeping its shape.

If you’re new to updos, practise on a low-key day at home. The first attempt might feel fiddly, but after two or three tries, this can comfortably become a 10-minute style in your weekly rotation.

Making It Work for Your Hair Type and Lifestyle

Miley’s reference point is ’90s prom, but the beauty of this look is its versatility. With a few tweaks, it can suit almost any hair type and slot into your day-to-day routine – whether you’re commuting on the Tube or working from home.

For fine hair: Focus on building grip and volume. A volumising mousse at the roots and a light dusting of texturising powder through the mid-lengths can make pins hold more securely. Avoid overloading with heavy oils or creams that can cause the style to slide out.

For thick or coarse hair: Work in sections. Divide the ponytail into two or three parts, twist each separately, and pin them into a single sculpted shape. This gives more control and helps avoid bulky, unmanageable buns. A smoothing cream can help keep the twist sleek while still allowing movement.

For curly and coily hair: You can absolutely lean into your natural texture rather than straightening it out. Many stylists suggest defining curls with a curl cream or gel while damp, diffusing to dry, then gathering into the updo so that the twist is full and textured. The face-framing pieces can be left in their natural pattern or lightly stretched with a blow-dryer and brush for contrast. Just be sure not to pull too tightly around the hairline – especially if you wear protective styles or have a history of tension along the edges.

For fringes and grown-out bangs: Miley’s style pairs beautifully with any sort of fringe, from short curtain bangs to longer, face-framing layers. Blow-dry your fringe separately with a round brush, then style the rest of the hair up, letting the fringe sit softly over the forehead for that unmistakable ’90s feel.

From a practical standpoint, this is also a clever style for slightly greasy roots or second-day hair – the volume and tendrils disguise any lack of freshness. A quick spritz of dry shampoo at the crown before styling can revive your hair without a full wash day.

Key Takeaways

• Miley Cyrus’s ’90s-inspired updo blends prom polish with everyday ease, making it ideal for both low-key days and special occasions.
• Good prep – including heat protection, root lift and smoothing on the lengths – is essential for achieving long-lasting volume and movement.
• The style can be adapted for fine, thick, curly or coily hair with simple tweaks to tension, product choice and sectioning.
• Face-framing tendrils and soft crown height are what keep the look modern and wearable rather than costume-like.
• With a little practice, this updo can become a reliable 10–15-minute option in your weekly hair rotation, especially on second-day hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a ’90s prom-style updo without using heat tools?
Yes. If your hair has natural wave or curl, you can let it air-dry with a curl cream or mousse, then work with your existing texture. For straighter hair, overnight heatless curls – such as loose braids or foam rollers – can add shape without heat before you pin the hair up.

How do I stop pins slipping out of my updo?
Ensure your hair has enough grip: dry shampoo, texturising spray or powder can help, particularly for fine or freshly washed hair. Insert pins with the wavy side facing the scalp and cross them over for extra hold. Avoid placing grips only in very smooth, flat areas; aim for thicker sections for better anchoring.

Is this style suitable for short or medium-length hair?
Absolutely. If your hair is shoulder-length or just above, you may need to keep the updo a little lower and accept that some shorter pieces at the nape and sides will fall out – but that can add to the relaxed, ’90s feel. Strategic pinning and a touch of hairspray will help keep the overall shape intact.

Will a ’90s prom updo work with natural curls and coils?
Yes, and it can look particularly striking with natural texture. Focus on moisturising and defining your curls first, then gather them gently into the twist or bun. Leaving a few spirals loose at the front gives a romantic, soft effect. If you’re concerned about tension around the hairline, keep the base loose and avoid repeated tight styles through the week.

How can I make this look more formal for an evening event?
For something dressier, smooth down flyaways a little more, add extra pins to refine the shape of the twist or bun, and consider adding a simple accessory such as a slim clip or barrette. A slightly stronger-hold hairspray can give extra longevity without making the hair look rigid.