Homecoming (also known as HOCO) is one of the most exciting times of the year for high schoolers.
It’s a chance to get all dressed up, go to the big football game, and dance the night away at the homecoming dance.
Finding the perfect hairstyle to rock at homecoming can be almost as much fun as the event itself!
The key is finding a style that’s comfortable, modern, and makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Homecoming hairstyles have changed a lot over the years.
When I was in high school in the early 2000s, it was all about the bumped, teased, and hair-sprayed updos.
They were intricate, stiff, and nearly impossible to DIY at home!
Nowadays, homecoming hair trends are much more relaxed and natural-looking.
The focus is on soft curls, loose braids, and effortless half-up styles.
Modern homecoming hair is just as gorgeous as the updos of the past, but in a fresher, more youthful way.
The styles are often more casual too, so they work great for both the football game and dance.
For each look, I’ll explain in detail how to do the style step-by-step.
I’ll also include my pro tips and tricks for getting salon-worthy results at home.
Soft Curls
Effortlessly bouncy curls are a homecoming staple.
They’re feminine, flirty, and beautifully frame your face.
I recommend starting with straightened hair and using a curling wand to add soft waves and curls.
Focus on creating movement and body throughout the lengths of the hair rather than tight, defined curls.
Here’s how to get this look:
1.
Start with clean, dry, straightened hair.
Apply a heat protectant spray to shield hair from damage.
2.
Section out the top layer of hair and clip up.
Curl the bottom layers first using a 1-1.
5 inch curling wand.
3.
Take 1 inch sections and wrap hair around the barrel.
Hold for 5-10 seconds then release the curl.
4.
Let the curl cool and fall naturally – don’t separate it.
Continue until bottom layer is curled.
5.
Release the top layer and repeat process, curling away from face.
Leave out the hair framing your face.
6.
Once cool, gently break up curls using fingers for a soft, touchable texture.
7.
Finish with a lightweight hairspray to lock in the curls.
Scrunch lightly to bring out bounce.
The key is to not over-curl small sections – this can lead to tight spirals.
Take large sections and leave a little looser curl.
Gently breaking up the curls creates flow for a gorgeous finish.
Half-Up Braided Crown
This half-up style is equal parts sweet and chic.
By pulling the front top section into a loosely braided crown, you keep hair out of your face in a romantic way.
Soft curled ends balance the look.
Follow these steps:
1.
Part slightly off-center and create a front section about 3 inches wide from temples back.
2.
Secure the section at crown with an elastic, leaving ends out.
Smooth flyaways with gel.
3.
Loosely braid the section, trying not to pull too tight.
4.
Pancake the braid by gently pulling width-wise to create fullness.
Tie ends with elastic.
5.
Curl bottom layers with 1 inch curling iron, leaving out hair framing face.
6.
Set braid with flexible hold hairspray.
Lock in curls with light hold spray.
7.
Gently pull at braid width-wise again to loosen.
Finish by arranging braid across front for a headband effect.
I recommend using a curling wand to add waves to the lower layers rather than tight curls.
This keeps the focus on the gorgeous braided crown.
A bit of height at the crown adds volume.
Low Pony with Fried Ends
This slicked low pony is edgy yet still sweet.
By leaving out face-framing pieces, you keep the look soft and girly.
Curling the ends creates a cool contrast against the sleek ponytail.
Follow my how-to:
1.
Smooth hair into a low ponytail using gel and a boar bristle brush.
Secure right at the nape of the neck.
2.
Curl ends of the ponytail away from face using a 1-1.
5 inch curling iron.
Alternate curl direction.
3.
Leave pieces framing the face straight and gently curl under using the iron.
4.
Finger through the ponytail to break up stiff curls into beachy waves.
5.
Pull out the ponytail holder and respray with flexible hold hairspray.
6.
Replace ponytail holder being careful not to smooth out texture.
Gently pancake ponytail.
The key is not to over-curl the ends – you want that contrast of sleek and messy.
Keep the hair framing the face soft and straight.
This creates an almost undone look that’s perfect for homecoming.
Fishtail Side Braid
For hair with long layers, a fishtail braid is gorgeous.
The overlapping pattern shows off dimension in the hair.
Pulling it over one shoulder creates an elegant, romantic vibe.
Follow these steps:
1.
Create a deep side part and gather hair over one shoulder.
Use gel to smooth flyaways at part.
2.
Take a 1-2 inch section at the nape of the neck and divide into two pieces.
3.
Begin fishtail braiding – take a small strand from one section and add to the other.
Repeat, alternating sides.
4.
Work up the head, taking small sections to add in.
Keep braid tight to scalp.
5.
When you run out of hair, seal ends with an elastic.
For extra hold, cross elastic over itself.
6.
Gently pancake the braid lengthwise with fingers.
Pull pieces out softly to create dimension.
7.
Mist with flexible hold hairspray.
Coil braid into a loose chignon at base of neck.
Don’t add too much hair in when braiding – thin sections are key to the fishtail effect.
Pancaking versus pulling too wide prevents frizz.
Adding a chignon finish keeps it polished.
60s-Inspired Beehive
This beehive with flipped ends embodies retro 60s glam.
It’s perfect for homecoming if you really want to wow.
Use plenty of products like mousse and hairspray to get exaggerated height and hold.
Follow my pro beehive tips:
1.
Section hair straight back into two low ponytails.
Mist with firm hold hairspray and tease the lengths.
2.
Twist the teased ponytails and coil into buns against the head, one on each side.
3.
Pin the bun tails in place, crisscrossing pins.
Use strong hold gel to slick down flyaways.
4.
Tease hair at crown straight up to create height.
Smooth sides with gel.
5.
Gently tug length of ends under to flip them at bottom.
Hairspray well.
6.
Mist hairline edges with firm hold hairspray and use fingers to swoop them up diagonally.
7.
Finish by spraying all over with heavy hold hairspray.
Fan briefly to set.
This style definitely takes some work to get the height and polish.
Don’t be afraid to really tease and spray to get that proper beehive effect.
The key is creating loads of volume.
Mermaid Waves
Long, flowing mermaid-style waves are gorgeous for homecoming.
Whether your hair is naturally curly or straight, you can get this tumbling look.
Focus waves mid-lengths down to ends and leave roots sleek.
My pro wave-making steps:
1.
If hair is curly, start by smoothing roots with gel to elongate curl pattern.
2.
Take 1 inch sections mid-lengths down.
Curl with a 1-1.
5 inch iron away from face.
3.
Once cool, gently pull curls straight down lengthwise to form waves.
Continue all around head.
4.
If hair is straight, loosely braid sections first.
Unbraid and pull straight while warm to wave.
5.
Allow waves to cool completely, then lightly rake fingers through to break up uniformity.
6.
Flip head over and spray with sea salt spray.
Scrunch gently with hands to boost texture.
7.
Mist with lightweight hairspray for memory and finish by arranging waves over one shoulder.
Whether your hair is naturally curly or straight, resist over-curling small sections – it can lead to crimped spirals instead of soft waves.
Gently breaking them up is the trick.
Faux Bob
Faux bobs create the look of a short cut while allowing you to still put hair up.
It’s a great homecoming option if you want styles like braids or curls.
Use bobby pins and products to tuck hair under at neckline.
Follow these faux bob steps:
1.
Blow dry hair with round brush until very smooth.
Part how you will wear the bob.
2.
Pull hair straight back as if into a ponytail.
Where you want bottom of bob to fall, wrap an elastic 1 inch wide.
3.
Mist ends thoroughly with firm finish hairspray and smooth down with gel.
4.
Coil ends under base of ponytail and pin tightly in place, covering elastic.
5.
Pin in any spots needed to keep ends tucked under.
Mist again with firm hold spray.
6.
Soften part and around edges of bob with light gel and fingers.
Set by misting hairspray.
This gives you the polished look of a bob while still allowing you to style the bottom lengths for the dance.
Be sure to pin and spray the tucked ends very securely to keep them hidden all night.
Top Knot Bun
This ballet-inspired top knot bun works for all hair lengths and textures.
Pulling hair up top elongates your neck for a super flattering look.
The trick is to backcomb the hair before smoothing into the bun shape.
Follow my how-to:
1.
Mist hair with texturizing spray and backcomb the crown area thoroughly.
2.
Pull hair straight back and up as high as possible.
Smooth flyaways neatly into ponytail.
3.
Twist ends of ponytail until they coil into a tight bun shape.
Bend head forward.
4.
Wrap an elastic tightly around bun shape.
Secure tightly with bobby pins in an X shape.
5.
Hide elastic by wrapping a 1 inch piece of hair around bun base.
Pin to blend.
6.
Pull gently at edges of bun to loosen and create fullness.
Mist with firm hold hairspray.
7.
Let any short tendrils or layers fall softly around face and neck.
Backcombing is essential to building volume and height for this ballerina bun.
Resist the urge to over-smooth – embrace the tousled texture.
Pulling the bun high helps elongate your neckline.
Twisted Low Bun
For hair too short to pull into a ponytail, a twisted low bun is perfect.
It works on medium length hair or bobs and keeps your look sleek.
Using your finger helps coil hair neatly into the bun shape.
Follow these twisted low bun instructions:
1.
Smooth hair back with gel until very slick.
Part to one side.
2.
Take an inch wide section horizontally along lower hairline.
Twist ends upward into a coil using finger.
3.
Wrap elastic tightly around twisted coil ends against head forming bun shape.
4.
Smooth remaining hair around bun and mist with firm hold hairspray.
5.
Insert bobby pins horizontally into bun to reinforce security.
Push them in sideways.
6.
Cover elastic by wrapping a 1 inch piece over base of bun.
Pin and mist with hairspray.
7.
Gently pull on bun coils to loosen and create fullness.
Define part with more gel.
Twisting the hair before coiling it into the bun is the trick to creating this smooth chignon shape.
For added polish, wrap a thin strand over the elastic band to conceal it.
This is a sleek look that also works for formal events.
Southern Belle Curls
Big, bouncy, retro-inspired curls evoke a romantic Southern belle style.
For homecoming, this is gorgeous with a full-skirted dress.
Teasing the base adds exaggerated body and volume.
Follow my tips:
1.
Mist dry hair thoroughly with volumizing spray and backcomb at roots to tease.
2.
Part deeply to one side.
Smooth teased crown lightly with brush.
3.
Take 1 inch sections and mist hair with firm hold hairspray.
Then wrap around a 1-1.
5 inch curling iron.
4.
While hair is warm, gently unroll curl and reform shape using fingers to create tight, defined curl.
5.
Set curls immediately using cool blast option on blow dryer.
Coat with hairspray.
6.
Arrange curls from part to cascade over one shoulder.
Leave a few pieces loose to frame face.
These curls need plenty of backcombing and teasing at the roots to achieve that volume.
While hair is still warm, you can shape the curl pattern using your fingers.
Blast with cool air to quickly set.
Flower Crown Braid
A braided flower crown gives this romantic, boho look.
It keeps hair off the face while still allowing bottom layers to cascade freely.
Tiny elastics are needed to segment the crown.
Follow my how-to:
1.
Take a horizontal 1-2 inch section at front hairline.
Split into three even strands.
2.
Begin regular 3-strand braiding back along part line.
Make braid tight.
3.
Continue all around head, working in a circle.
When back to start, elastic end of braid.
4.
Begin pancaking the braid, gently pulling each section outward using fingers.
5.
As you fluff the braid, use tiny elastics every few inches to hold flower shape.
6.
Mist carefully with hairspray to set.
Leave ends loose and wavy.
7.
Gently pull on edges of each flower to create fullness and shape as needed.
Be cautious not to pancake the braid too much or it loses its defined shape.
The tiny elastics are key for keeping those flower-like segments perfect all night long.
Elegant Chignon Bun
The chignon bun gets an elegant makeover by surrounding the base with a braid.
This works beautifully for formal homecoming dresses and events.
Use shine serum for extra polish.
Follow my pro instructions:
1.
Brush hair back smoothly and secure in a low ponytail slightly off-center.
2.
Split ponytail into two sections.
Begin a regular 3-strand braid downward toward ends.
3.
When you reach ends, wrap braid into a flat coil against head to form bun base.
4.
Begin coiling ponytail hair over the braid wrap to create the chignon shape.
5.
Smooth hair tightly and mist with firm hold spray.
Insert pins.
6.
Wrap a thin piece of hair over base of bun to hide elastic.
7.
Gently pull around edges of bun to loosen strict lines and add fullness.
8.
Set style with hairspray.
Add pretty hairpins if desired.
Winding the braid around the base really elevates this classic bun.
Take your time smoothing the hair over the coil and pinning for security.
Top with a dazzling hair clip or glittery pins!
Half-Down Twist
For curly or wavy hair, this half-down look is gorgeous.
Pulling back the front top section twists elegantly back into the cascade of texture.
It’s a easy, pretty way to keep hair out of your face.
Follow along:
1.
Leave a 2-3 inch section loose at the front hairline.
Split into two even sections.
2.
Twist back gradually toward crown in a rope braid effect.
Smooth with gel as you twist.
3.
Just before reaching the back crown, secure ends of twist with a tiny elastic.
4.
Mist twist lightly with hairspray to set.
Gently pancake twist to add fullness if desired.
5.
Leave remaining hair down in natural texture – curlier the better!
6.
Enhance texture of down hair by scrunching in salt spray and finger twirling pieces.
7.
Finish with medium hold hairspray applied lightly to curls.
The key with this look is keeping the twist itself sleek.
Let the hair down get big and bouncy!
Embrace natural waves and curls rather than fighting them.
There you have it – 13 gorgeous homecoming hairstyles to inspire your perfect HOCO look!
Homecoming hair should feel special and glamorous but also stay comfortable all night long as you dance and cheer.
Make sure to prep hair properly by starting with dry, clean hair and using products like heat protectant sprays as needed.
Timeless styles like soft curls or a chic updo work year after year for HOCO.
But you can also modernize looks with texture techniques like beachy waves, messy braids, or piece-y flips.
I hope this gives you lots of gorgeous inspiration and takes some stress out of styling your homecoming hair at home.
Spend time practicing and finding what makes you feel most confident and beautiful.
The key is not overdoing it – the hair should complement your natural beauty rather than overwhelm it.
Stay true to who you are and the right hairstyle will reflect that inner glow.
Have an absolutely amazing homecoming!
I hope your hair looks fabulous and that you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Enjoy every magical moment!
