Homecoming season is here, and you’re probably thinking about the perfect dress, shoes, and of course – your hair! But here’s the thing: you don’t need to spend a fortune at the salon to look absolutely stunning. These 10 gorgeous Homecoming hairstyles are totally DIY-friendly and will have you looking like you stepped off the red carpet.
Whether you’re going for romantic and soft or bold and glamorous, we’ve got you covered with Homecoming hairstyles that work for every hair type and skill level. These Homecoming hairstyles are perfect for creating that special night look without breaking the bank. Grab your curling iron, some bobby pins, and let’s create some magic!
1. Romantic Side-Swept Curls
This classic Homecoming hairstyle never goes out of style and ranks among the most popular Homecoming hairstyles for good reason. Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse from roots to tips. Using a large barrel curling iron, curl sections away from your face, then gently brush through the curls to create soft, romantic waves. Sweep everything to one side and secure with bobby pins behind your ear.
Best for: Medium to long hair Time needed: 20-30 minutes Pro tip: Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep those curls bouncing all night long.
2. Textured Low Bun
Give the classic bun a modern twist with this effortlessly chic style. Create loose waves throughout your hair using a curling wand, then gather everything into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around the base, securing with bobby pins. Gently tug at the bun to create that perfectly imperfect texture.
Best for: All hair lengths Time needed: 15 minutes Pro tip: Leave a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer, more romantic look.
3. Half-Up Crown Braid
This Homecoming hairstyle combines the best of both worlds – showing off your hair’s length while keeping it elegantly styled. Start by creating a Dutch braid along your hairline from ear to ear, then secure with a clear elastic. Curl the remaining hair in loose waves and finish with a texturizing spray.
Best for: Medium to long hair Time needed: 25 minutes Pro tip: Pancake the braid by gently pulling it apart for a fuller, more dramatic look.
4. Sleek High Ponytail
Sometimes simple is stunning, and this sleek high ponytail proves it. Start with freshly washed hair and apply a smoothing serum. Blow-dry your hair straight, then gather it into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it and secure with a bobby pin.
Best for: All hair types Time needed: 15 minutes Pro tip: Use a boar bristle brush to get that salon-smooth finish.
5. Bohemian Loose Waves
Channel your inner boho goddess with these effortless waves. Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair, then braid it into 2-3 loose braids. Sleep on them overnight or blow-dry with a diffuser. In the morning, gently separate the waves with your fingers and scrunch with a texturizing cream.
Best for: Medium to long hair Time needed: 10 minutes (plus overnight or drying time) Pro tip: The messier, the better – this style is all about that undone, effortless vibe.
6. Twisted Side Updo
This elegant updo looks way more complicated than it actually is. Part your hair deeply to one side, then create loose twists on both sides, bringing them together at the back of your head. Secure with bobby pins and leave the ends loose for a romantic finish.
Best for: Medium to long hair Time needed: 20 minutes Pro tip: Tease the crown slightly before twisting for extra volume and height.
7. Retro Victory Rolls
Bring some vintage glamour to homecoming with these iconic victory rolls. Section off the front portions of your hair and tease them for volume. Roll each section backward and secure with bobby pins. Curl the remaining hair for a complete retro look.
Best for: Medium to long hair Time needed: 30 minutes Pro tip: Practice this style beforehand – it takes a few tries to get the rolling technique down pat.
8. Fishtail Side Braid
This intricate-looking braid is actually easier than it appears. Sweep all your hair to one side and divide it into two sections. Take a small piece from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right section. Repeat on the other side, continuing until you reach the end. Secure with an elastic and gently tug at the braid to loosen it.
Best for: Long hair Time needed: 15 minutes Pro tip: Start with slightly dirty hair – it gives you better grip and texture for braiding.
9. Glamorous Hollywood Waves
Channel Old Hollywood glamour with these stunning finger waves. Apply a strong-hold mousse to damp hair and create deep side part. Using a large round brush, blow-dry your hair in sections, rolling the brush away from your face. Finish by setting each section with a large hot roller for 10 minutes.
Best for: Medium to long hair Time needed: 45 minutes Pro tip: Use clips to set the waves while your hair cools down for longer-lasting results.
10. Messy Top Knot
Perfect for those who want an effortlessly chic look. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, leaving some pieces loose around your face. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base, securing with bobby pins. Gently pull at the knot to create that perfectly imperfect texture.
Best for: All hair lengths Time needed: 5 minutes Pro tip: This style actually looks better when it’s a little messy, so don’t worry about making it perfect!
Final Thoughts
The key to nailing any of these Homecoming hairstyles is practice and the right products. Don’t wait until the day of the dance to try your chosen style – give yourself time to experiment and find what works best for your hair type and face shape.
Remember, the most important thing is that you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you choose romantic curls or a sleek updo from these Homecoming hairstyles, you’re going to look absolutely stunning. Have fun with it, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
Essential Tools You’ll Need:
- Curling iron or wand
- Bobby pins (lots of them!)
- Hair elastics
- Texturizing spray
- Hairspray
- Boar bristle brush
- Wide-tooth comb
Now go ahead and practice these gorgeous Homecoming hairstyles – your perfect hair day is just a few steps away!
