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Homecoming is your school’s big kickoff event of the year. From the themed spirit week to the football games, to the big dance on Saturday night, it’s the time of year when the energy is super high. Making a lasting first impression at your homecoming dance from head to toe is imperative, and finding a glam hairstyle to wear on the big night will make your look unforgettable. Whether it’s a party ponytail, loose waves, or a formal updo, complete your look with one of these 17 gorgeous homecoming hairstyles (that you can do yourself)!
1. Soft Waves with Hair Clips
Click to shop; Image via Erin Ryser
For a look that’s effortless, flirty, and fun, combine cascading waves with a set of sophisticated hair clips. After curling it into gentle waves, part your hair in the center, pull back the section in front of the ears, and add in your clips to complete the style. (See the full tutorial)
2. Boho Headband Braid
A headband braid is a perfect way to add a cute, boho touch to your homecoming hairstyle. It may look complicated, but it’s surprisingly easy to do this adorable look yourself. Just take a section of hair on each side, braid your hair, then pull them over your head and tuck the ends behind your ears. (See the full tutorial)
3. Low Updo with Hair Pins
Effortlessly “messy” and elegant at the same time, thislow updo is homecoming-ready. Gather your hair into a low ponytail, pull at the crown for volume, braid the pony, and pull on the braid for texture. Then, just twist the braid into a simple bun and add as many hair pins or clips as you like! (See the full tutorial)
4. 90’s High Ponytail
The 90s high ponytail is making a huge comeback and is the perfect option for a special occasion. Section your hair into a side part, keep a small section of bangs out to tuck behind your ear, pull your hair into the ponytail, then finish it off by wrapping a piece of hair around the hair tie. (See the full tutorial)
5. Elegant Updo
For those who have homecoming dances that are more on the formal side, this elegant updo is a perfect choice. The style is simple, sleek, and classy. When paired with the crown-like headband it will leave you looking like a queen. Smooth and gather the top sections of your hair, twist, and pin from both sides, then take the rest of your hair from underneath and roll it through. (See the full tutorial)
6. Flat Iron Waves
Click to shop; Image via Erin Eyser
Beachy flat iron waves can give you that relaxed, sun-kissed look any time of year. Perfect with a middle, side, or deep side part, these windblown waves are easy to achieve. After ironing each section of hair while angling away from the face, twist it around your finger to complete the curl. (See the full tutorial)
7. Messy Bun
A cute, messy bun is a perfect go-to party style. However, if you don’t have those long locks, getting it into a bun can be difficult. This tutorial has you covered on how to put your lob into a gorgeous messy bun for homecoming by pulling your hair halfway through an elastic and pulling the outer sections into place. (See the full tutorial)
8. Old Hollywood Waves
For another gorgeous throwback hairstyle, try these retro-glam Old Hollywood waves. Curl all your hair in the same direction, put in a side part, and complete your timeless style by adding in some vintage-inspired hair clips. (See the full tutorial)
9. Low Ponytail with Romantic Twist
Romantic, dreamy, and a little bohemian, this is the perfect spin on the classic low ponytail. Create a rope braid, secure your low ponytail, add face-framing pieces, then twist the braid around your elastic, and you’ve instantly achieved a swoon-worthy hoco look. (See the full tutorial)
10. Low Textured Bun
A low bun is always special occasion-appropriate! This one’s got a textured twist that’s fun, unfussy, and basically screams ‘homecoming hair.’ (See the full tutorial)
11. Boho Half Up, Half Down Hairstyle
You’re going to want to rock this boho half-up hairstyle long after homecoming is over. Check out that peek-a-boo braid (swoon)! (See the full tutorial)
12. Pinned Party Ponytail
There are endless options when it comes to hair clips and works with any kind of style, from long hair to short bobs. For some great ways to showcase your hair clips, consider pairing them with a fun mid-height pony. Just pull down face-framing pieces, pull on the hair at the crown for volume, wrap hair around the elastic and add clips or pins. (See the full tutorial)
13. Braided Half-Up Hairstyle
Combining a dreamy braid with flowing hair, this stunning half-up option has it all. This laid-back hairstyle is a quick and easy way to complete your cute homecoming look. First, curl your hair into waves, then rope braid a section an inch from the back on each side, bring them together, and secure them with bobby pins. For a more intricate look, consider styling your hair into a fishtail braid, or dutch braid. (See the full tutorial)
14. Fake Bangs with High Ponytail
Do you love the idea of bangs but can’t quite commit to the style? This simple hairstyle will give you gorgeous, face-framing curtain bangs without requiring a trip to the salon. After putting up your high ponytail, use bobby pins to pull your faux bangs into place to finish off your look. (See the full tutorial)
15. Glam Waves with Gilded Headband
For those looking for another headband hairstyle, this combination of soft waves with a gorgeous sparkly headband is sure to shine on your homecoming night. Just curl your hair, brush it out with your fingers, then add in your headband; your style will be dazzling, romantic, and elegant all at once. (See the full tutorial)
16. Cute Headband Hairstyle
Chic and easy, headbands are great hair accessories that will instantly put your look together. Whether you pair your headband with loosely curled hair, a dainty low ponytail, a french braid, or an elegant bun, it’s sure to take your hoco look to the next level. (See the full tutorial)
17. Simple Chignon
Want to keep your tresses timeless and chic? Go for a classic updo like this simple, sleek, low chignon. (See the full tutorial)
How are you styling your strands for the big night? Show us your homecoming hairstyles on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus! Still looking for the perfect homecoming dress? Check out our entire selection in our Homecoming shop!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new content.
