Homecoming Hairstyles: Popular Hairstyles You Can DIY

Your school’s homecoming marks the first major event of the year, filled with cherished traditions and social gatherings. From the themed spirit week to the football games and the grand dance on Saturday night, this season is all about excitement and enthusiasm. It helps create a sense of community and identity at your school, while also promoting fun and togetherness.

It’s your chance to show off your style on the dance floor! Whether you’re dancing with your date or friends, the homecoming dance is the perfect opportunity to make an impression, and your hairstyle is key. Choose a glamorous look—like a chic ponytail, flowing waves, or an elegant updo—to ensure you stand out. Here are some stunning homecoming hairstyles you can easily create yourself!

Updos

An updo is sophisticated and formal, making it ideal for a polished, romantic homecoming outfit. Make sure to have plenty of hairpins and bobby pins on hand, along with your favorite styling products! Adding sparkly combs and other accessories will give your homecoming hairstyle an extra touch of glamour.

Low Updo with Hair Pins

Combining a relaxed “messy” look with elegance, this low updo is ideal for homecoming. Gather your hair into a low ponytail, add volume by pulling at the crown, braid the ponytail, and gently pull on the braid for texture. Twist it into a bun and fasten with plenty of hairpins or clips!

Sophisticated  Updo

If your homecoming dance is more formal, this classy updo is ideal. The style is sleek, simple, and elegant. With a crown-like headband, you’ll look regal. Smooth the top sections of your hair, twist and pin them from both sides, then roll the lower sections underneath.

Messy Bun

A messy bun is an ideal choice for a party hairstyle. However, if your hair isn’t long, it can be challenging to achieve this look. To make one, begin with slightly unwashed hair, pull it back into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic, then twist the ponytail into a bun and use bobby pins to hold it in place. Gently tug at the crown for added volume, adjust the bun for texture, and finish off with accessories for a fun touch!

Low Textured Bun

A low bun is always suitable for special occasions! This particular style features a textured twist that is playful, effortless, and perfect for homecoming. You can enhance it with hair clips or keep it simple for a sweet, natural look.

Messy Low Updo

Messy styles have a unique charm. Whether you’re aiming for an edgy or laid-back vibe, these hairstyles can elevate your outfit and make a statement. This DIY updo is ideal for your special night!

90s Updo

The '90s are far from over! You’ll look fabulous sporting a '90s-inspired bombshell updo at homecoming. This style is perfect for a retro-themed event and was popular enough to make a comeback during the Y2K era as well!

Low Braided Bun

For a cottagecore look at homecoming, a braided bun adds a delightful and romantic touch! Boost the look with a gorgeous barrette or hair comb to add a touch of refinement.

Curly Girl Updo

For those with natural hair, embrace your beautiful curls with this amazing hairstyle that emphasizes their texture. Sparkling accessories enhance the look, but it's the lively bounce of your hair that brings it to life. All you need are a couple of hair ties and some pins to secure it!

Easy Chignon

One of the most classy hairstyles for homecoming is an elegant chignon, and it’s astonishing how this glamorous updo can be completed in just a few minutes.

Ballet Bun

The beauty and grace of the balletcore aesthetic make it an excellent choice for the fun of homecoming. This low bun is perfect for those with curly hair, turning every dance into an award-winning showcase.

Braided Bun

This elegant updo is easy to achieve if you know how to make a ponytail and a 3-strand braid!Perched on your head like a crown, this hairstyle is perfect for homecoming and highlights your favorite earrings beautifully.Don’t forget to fluff the braids for optimal results!

High Neck Hairstyle

Need hair inspiration for a halter or high-neck dress for homecoming? This classy, elegant style has you sorted! The smooth knotted effect is made with an easy rope braid.

Short Hair Updo

You can totally rock an updo with short hair! This playful style features a bun perched high on your head, securely fastened with bobby pins for the ideal positioning. Incorporate lightly curled strands to soften the overall look, and you’ll have a beautiful hairstyle that enhances your outfit.

French Twist

The French twist is the perfect hairstyle for a backless dress, offering a chic and stunning look that matches your style. It might take a bit of practice, but once you get it, this style adds effortless charm and sophistication to your homecoming outfit. 

Half Up Hairstyles

For those who want homecoming hair ideas that let some hair hang down but still provide the lift of an updo, a half-up style gives you the best of both worlds!

Barbie-Inspired Half Up Hairstyle

You may not have grand plans for homecoming—just a big bash with your friends, choreographed moves, and a personalized song. If that’s you, get inspired by the iconic fashion world and try this half-up Barbiecore hairstyle. Pro tip: using a Topsy Tail tool can help with the ponytail flip!

Boho Half Up, Half Down Hairstyle

This boho half-updo is something you’ll want to keep rocking even after homecoming. That peek-a-boo braid is absolutely swoon-worthy!

Half Up Bun

Caught between an updo and leaving your hair down? This lovely hairstyle allows you to enjoy both options! It looks fantastic on any hair texture or length and takes only minutes to do yourself.

Effortless Half Up Hair

While this hairstyle is simple to create, it certainly doesn’t look that way. Soft, sweeping curls come together at the back with a bold twist that adds instant, effortless charm. It’s elegant, delightful, and looks stunning.

Half Up High Pony

Feel like a star with this chic hairdo! The half-up high pony gives a gorgeous cascade effect, ensuring you look fabulous without much work.

Half Up, Half Down Curly Hair

This stunning curly hairstyle combines a half-up, half-down look with a satin bow, making it a fantastic accessory choice. It’s perfect for anyone who adores Bridgerton and Regencycore themes.

Braided Half-Up Hairstyle

This gorgeous half-up hairstyle blends a whimsical braid with loose hair, making it the perfect choice. It’s a simple and effortless way to finish off your adorable homecoming outfit. Start by curling your hair into waves, then create a rope braid on each side about an inch from the back, gather them together, and pin them in place with bobby pins. For a more elegant look, consider a fishtail or Dutch braid.

Ponytails

We hear you, girl. You want your hair up and away from your neck, but you also want it to sway as you dance. Enter the elevated ponytail. These lovely styles are not just for workouts—they’re sophisticated enough to attract attention.

90’s High Ponytail

The high ponytail from the 90s is back in style and ideal for events like homecoming! Start by creating a side part, leaving a small piece of bangs to tuck behind your ear. Gather your hair into a ponytail, and wrap a strand of hair around the hair tie to complete the look.

Low Ponytail with Romantic Twist

This classic low ponytail gets a romantic, dreamy, and bohemian twist. Start by making a rope braid, securing your ponytail low, adding face-framing pieces, and wrapping the braid around the elastic for an effortlessly stunning homecoming look.

Pinned Party Pony

You have countless choices with hair clips, suitable for all styles, whether long or short. To highlight your clips, try a playful mid-height ponytail. Let some face-framing strands fall, tease the crown for added volume, wrap the hair around the band, and finish with clips or pins.

Fake Bangs With High Ponytail

Love the look of bangs but hesitant to go for it? This simple hairstyle provides stunning curtain bangs that frame your face, all without needing a trip to the salon. After styling your high ponytail, use bobby pins to secure your faux bangs in place.

Cute Headband Ponytail Style

Trendy and hassle-free, headbands are perfect hair accessories that instantly enhance your look. Whether worn with softly curled hair, a pretty low ponytail, a French braid, or an elegant bun, they’ll take your homecoming style up a notch.

Barbiecore Ponytail

No doubt about it: the Barbie craze is still alive post-movie and will likely continue through your homecoming. (Here’s hoping it sticks around! Hail Barbie!) If you’re sporting a pink dress, Barbie hair is a must-have accessory.

Sophisticated Low Pony

There’s nothing ordinary about this elegant swirl ponytail! It’s refined and stylish, perfect for a homecoming event. The solution is a flipped ponytail combined with enough styling product to fend off frizz and stray hairs.

Rhinestone Ponytail

Rhinestones give your outfit an eye-catching sparkle and flair. This hairstyle is a great fit for any sparkly or metallic dress. Be sure your hair is smooth to let the rhinestones really pop without being hidden by stray hairs.

Retro High Ponytail

With a swoop that frames your face and a claw clip, you’ll effortlessly channel a rom-com It Girl vibe. This ponytail is inspired by the casual styles of the 60s and 70s, bringing a fun, laid-back attitude to your look.

Pearl Headband Side Braid

Want a style that’s perfect for your royalcore look or need to prepare for a chance at homecoming queen? This chic braid is just what you need! A pearl headband adds even more sparkle.

Down Hairstyles

Definitely, wearing your hair down at homecoming is a great choice! Down styles are romantic and feminine, letting you highlight your gorgeous hair. You can spruce them up with clips or hair jewelry for some extra shine, or keep it simple to showcase your hair's natural beauty.

Old Hollywood Waves

To achieve a beautiful retro hairstyle, consider Old Hollywood waves. Curl your hair uniformly, add a side part, and accessorize with vintage-inspired clips for a timeless finish.

Flat Iron Waves

Year-round, beachy flat iron waves offer a chilled, sun-kissed aesthetic. They complement any hair part—middle, side, or deep. To create these effortless waves, angle the flat iron away from your face and twist each section around your finger for a polished finish.

Glam Waves with Gilded Headband

Those seeking a charming headband look will love this blend of soft waves and a gorgeous sparkly headband, ideal for homecoming. Curl your hair, gently brush it out, and pop in the headband for an elegant, dazzling, and romantic vibe.

Mermaid Waves

For those who enjoy beachy waves but seek a sleeker option for homecoming, mermaid waves fit the bill. All it takes is a crimping iron or similar hot tool, along with the proper method.

Sleek Middle Part Hairstyle

Looking for an elegant yet straightforward homecoming hairstyle? Opt for this easy middle part! The delicate curls frame your face, and the polished crown along with the straight part exude understated charm.

Classic Curls

For a truly feminine appearance, soft curls create an elegantly gentle aura that enhances any outfit. To keep your curls intact while dancing, use the cool setting on your hairdryer!

Hair Clips and Soft Curls

Let your personality shine through your hair accessories! Soft curls bring a sweet charm, and you can have fun with your choice of hair clips. Combining different materials adds a playful touch, while coordinated metals offer a sleek, refined look. Embrace the chance to try new styles! 

Boho Headband Braid

For a stylish, boho flair at homecoming, a headband braid is an excellent choice. It looks complicated, but you can easily create this adorable hairstyle yourself. Simply take hair sections from both sides, braid them, and position them over your head, tucking the ends behind your ears.

What hairstyle are you rocking for the special evening? Post your homecoming styles on Instagram or TikTok! Looking for the perfect dress for homecoming? Explore our full range of Homecoming Dresses!