Homecoming is a special occasion that calls for a stunning hairstyle to complement your outfit and make you feel confident. Whether you prefer elegant updos, romantic braids, or flowing locks, we’ve got you covered with these 23 easy homecoming hairstyles. From classic looks to trendy styles, there’s something for everyone in this comprehensive guide.
Why Your Homecoming Hairstyle Matters
Your homecoming hairstyle is an essential part of your overall look. It can enhance your facial features, complement your dress, and boost your confidence as you celebrate this memorable event. Choosing the right hairstyle can make you feel like the belle of the ball, ensuring you’ll look back on your homecoming photos with fondness for years to come.
Quick and Easy Homecoming Hairstyles
Let’s dive into some quick and easy homecoming hairstyles that you can create without spending hours in front of the mirror:
1. Classic Chignon
The timeless chignon is a sophisticated choice for any homecoming event. This sleek updo keeps your hair out of your face while exuding elegance. To create this look, gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Add a decorative hair accessory for extra flair.
Pro Tip: For a more modern twist, try a “messy chignon” by loosening a few strands around your face and teasing the bun slightly for added texture.
Product Recommendation: Try the Goody Spin Pin for a secure hold without visible bobby pins.
2. Messy Fishtail Braid
A relaxed fishtail braid adds a bohemian touch to your homecoming ensemble. This style works well with medium to long hair and can be dressed up or down. Create a side part, divide your hair into two sections, and weave a fishtail braid. Gently pull the braid apart for a softer, messier look.
Pro Tip: Add small flowers or delicate pins along the braid for a romantic, garden-inspired look.
Product Recommendation: Use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to add texture and hold to your braid.
3. Hollywood Waves
Channel your inner movie star with glamorous Hollywood waves. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to keep their hair down while maintaining a polished appearance. Use a large barrel curling iron to create loose waves, then brush them out for a smooth, voluminous finish.
Pro Tip: Start with a deep side part for added drama and vintage appeal.
Product Recommendation: The T3 SinglePass Curl 1.25″ Professional Curling Iron is perfect for creating long-lasting Hollywood waves.
4. Half-Up Crown Braid
Combine the best of both worlds with a half-up crown braid. This style keeps your hair partially up while still showing off your length. Create a French braid along your hairline, wrapping it around your head like a crown. Secure the braid and let the rest of your hair flow freely.
Pro Tip: Incorporate small braids into the loose hair for added intricacy and bohemian flair.
Product Recommendation: Use Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and grip to your hair before braiding.
5. Sleek Low Ponytail
A sleek low ponytail is a modern and minimalist option for homecoming. This style works well with all hair textures and can be achieved in minutes. Smooth your hair back with a brush and gel, gather it at the nape of your neck, and secure it with an elastic. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it.
Pro Tip: Add a metallic hair cuff or a series of small elastics along the length of the ponytail for a unique touch.
Product Recommendation: The Ghd Platinum+ Styler is excellent for achieving a sleek, straight look before creating your ponytail.
6. Romantic Side-Swept Curls
For a soft and romantic look, opt for side-swept curls. This hairstyle is perfect for those with long hair who want to show off their length. Create a deep side part, curl your hair with a medium-barrel curling iron, and gently brush out the curls. Pin one side back for an asymmetrical touch.
Pro Tip: Use a texturizing powder at the roots to add volume and prevent the curls from falling flat.
Product Recommendation: The Drybar The Wrap Party Curling & Styling Wand is great for creating soft, romantic curls.
7. Braided Crown Updo
A braided crown updo combines elegance with a touch of whimsy. This style works well for medium to long hair and keeps your locks in place all night. Create two Dutch braids on either side of your head, then pin them up and around your crown. Tuck any loose ends underneath.
Pro Tip: Incorporate ribbons or thin metallic chains into your braids for a unique, eye-catching effect.
Product Recommendation: Use Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to keep your braided crown in place all night.
8. Voluminous Top Knot
A voluminous top knot is a fun and youthful choice for homecoming. This style works well for all hair types and lengths. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, tease the ponytail for added volume, and then wrap it around itself to form a bun. Secure with bobby pins and hairspray.
Pro Tip: Use a sock bun or hair doughnut to create a perfectly round shape and add extra volume.
Product Recommendation: The Conair Styling Essentials Hair Bun Maker can help you achieve a perfect top knot.
9. Retro Pin Curls
Channel vintage glamour with retro pin curls. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to make a statement. Create small, tight curls all over your head using a small-barrel curling iron. Pin each curl flat against your head and let them cool before gently brushing them out.
Pro Tip: Use a shine-enhancing serum after brushing out the curls for a glossy, vintage-inspired finish.
Product Recommendation: The Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron is perfect for creating tight, retro curls.
10. Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid adds a whimsical touch to loose, flowing locks. This style is ideal for those with long hair who want a partially-up look. Create a French braid along one side of your head, dropping pieces of hair as you go to create the “waterfall” effect. Curl the rest of your hair for a cohesive look.
Pro Tip: Weave small, delicate flowers or pearl pins into the braid for a romantic, fairy-tale-inspired look.
Product Recommendation: Use Ouai Wave Spray to add texture and enhance your natural waves.
11. Sleek Bob with Hair Clips
Short-haired beauties can rock a sleek bob adorned with trendy hair clips. This modern look is both chic and easy to achieve. Straighten your bob for a smooth finish, then add decorative clips along one side for a touch of sparkle and interest.
Pro Tip: Mix and match different sizes and styles of clips for a personalized, eclectic look.
Product Recommendation: Try the Kitsch x Justine Marjan Rhinestone Bobby Pin for a touch of glamour.
12. Twisted Low Bun
A twisted low bun is an elegant and timeless choice for homecoming. This style works well with all hair textures and keeps your hair secure throughout the night. Divide your hair into two sections, twist each section, and then wrap them around each other at the nape of your neck to form a bun.
Pro Tip: Add a sparkly hair vine or comb to elevate the look for a formal event.
Product Recommendation: The Jen Atkin x Chloe + Isabel Bun Cuff can add instant glamour to your twisted low bun.
13. Boho Braided Headband
Create a bohemian vibe with a braided headband hairstyle. This look works well with both straight and wavy hair. Create a small braid along your hairline, wrapping it around your head like a headband. Secure the braid at the back and let the rest of your hair flow freely.
Pro Tip: Incorporate colourful threads or thin ribbons into your braid for a fun, festival-inspired look.
Product Recommendation: Use Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo to add texture and volume to your hair before braiding.
14. Messy Low Bun with Tendrils
A messy low bun with face-framing tendrils is a romantic and effortless option. This style works well for those who want an undone look. Create a low bun at the nape of your neck, leaving it slightly messy. Pull out a few strands around your face for a soft, romantic touch.
Pro Tip: Use a curling wand to add subtle waves to the face-framing tendrils for a cohesive look.
Product Recommendation: The Drybar Southern Belle Volume-Boosting Root Lifter can help add volume to your bun and tendrils.
15. Slicked-Back Ponytail
A slicked-back ponytail is a sleek and modern choice for homecoming. This style works well with all hair types and lengths. Use a strong-hold gel to smooth your hair back, then gather it into a high ponytail. For extra polish, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic.
Pro Tip: Use a boar bristle brush to smooth your hair for a super sleek finish.
Product Recommendation: Try R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel for a strong hold without stiffness.
16. Braided Updo with Flowers
Add a touch of nature to your homecoming look with a braided updo adorned with flowers. This romantic style is perfect for outdoor events. Create several braids and pin them up into an updo, then tuck small flowers or floral pins throughout for a whimsical touch.
Pro Tip: Use silk flowers for a long-lasting look that won’t wilt throughout the night.
Product Recommendation: The Anthropologie Garden Bloom Bobby Pin Set offers delicate floral pins perfect for this style.
17. Side-Swept Fishtail Braid
A side-swept fishtail braid is a chic and intricate option for homecoming. This style works best with long hair. Create a deep side part, then weave a fishtail braid starting at the nape of your neck and draping it over one shoulder. Gently pull the braid apart for a fuller look.
Pro Tip: Add small, delicate hair rings along the braid for a boho-chic touch.
Product Recommendation: Use Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème to tame frizz and define your braid.
18. Textured Pixie Cut
Short-haired gals can rock a textured pixie cut for a bold and edgy homecoming look. Use a texturizing product to add volume and definition to your pixie cut. Style the longer pieces on top for a tousled, effortless appearance.
Pro Tip: Add a small sparkly hair clip or pin on one side for a touch of glamour.
Product Recommendation: The Bed Head Manipulator Matte Cream is perfect for creating texture in short hair.
19. Half-Up Bubble Ponytail
A half-up bubble ponytail adds a playful touch to your homecoming hairstyle. This unique look works well with medium to long hair. Create a half-up ponytail, then use small elastics to create “bubbles” along the length of the ponytail. Gently pull each section apart for a fuller appearance.
Pro Tip: Use clear elastics for a seamless look, or match the elastics to your hair colour.
Product Recommendation: The Scünci No Damage Elastic Bands are perfect for creating bubble ponytails without damaging your hair.
20. Sleek S-Waves
Sleek S-waves offer a modern take on vintage glamour. This hairstyle works well with medium to long hair. Use a flat iron to create S-shaped waves throughout your hair, then smooth it with a shine serum for a polished finish.
Pro Tip: Use hair clips to set each S-wave as you go, allowing them to cool for longer-lasting results.
Product Recommendation: The GHD Classic Flat Iron is perfect for creating smooth S-waves.
21. Braided Mohawk Updo
For an edgy yet elegant look, try a braided mohawk updo. This style works well with medium to long hair. Create a French braid along the centre of your head, then pin the sides up and under to create a faux-hawk effect.
Pro Tip: Add small, edgy hair accessories like studded pins along the sides for a punk-inspired touch.
Product Recommendation: Use Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray to keep your braided mohawk in place all night.
22. Twisted Side Bun
A twisted side bun is a sophisticated and asymmetrical option for homecoming. This style works well with all hair textures. Create a deep side part, twist your hair along one side, and then wrap it into a low bun. Secure with bobby pins and add a decorative hair accessory for extra glamour.
Pro Tip: Use a texturizing spray before twisting to add grip and prevent slipping.
Product Recommendation: The Jennifer Behr Violet Bobby Pin Set can add a touch of elegance to your twisted side bun.
23. Beachy Waves with Hair Scarf
For a relaxed yet put-together look, opt for beachy waves accessorized with a hair scarf. This versatile style works with all hair lengths. Create loose waves using a curling wand, then tie a colourful scarf as a headband or around a low ponytail for a pop of colour.
Pro Tip: Choose a scarf that complements or matches your homecoming dress for a coordinated look.
Product Recommendation: The Madewell Bandana comes in various colours and patterns perfect for accessorizing your beachy waves.
Conclusion
With these 23 easy homecoming hairstyle ideas, you’re sure to find the perfect look for your big night. Remember, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles before the event to find the one that suits you best.