25 Gorgeous Homecoming Hairstyles to Turn Heads All Night Long

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Homecoming is right around the corner, and picking the perfect hairstyle can feel just as important as the dress itself. Whether you’re thinking of an updo, loose waves, or a sleek ponytail, your hair needs to stay in place all night without losing its shape. Don’t forget to prep your hair with a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray to give it volume and grip. Also, consider your hair type—fine hair might need more teasing, while thicker hair benefits from strategic layering. Adding in accessories like sparkly pins or a delicate headband can elevate any style. Ready for some hair inspiration that’ll make you feel your best? Let’s go through some gorgeous ideas!

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Messy bun with face-framing bangs for homecoming hairstyle

#1 Homecoming Hairstyle with Bangs

This messy bun with face-framing bangs is a gorgeous choice for homecoming. The loose tendrils and textured bun create a soft, romantic look. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this style adds dimension and keeps your look relaxed yet glamorous. The bangs help frame the face and soften the overall look.

Sleek high ponytail with a wrapped base for thin hair at homecoming

#2 Hoco Hairstyle for Thin Hair

This sleek high ponytail is a fantastic choice for thinner hair. The smooth finish and wrapped base create a polished look, while the height adds the illusion of volume. It’s perfect for those with fine hair who want a long-lasting style that holds throughout the night.

Wavy hairstyle for shoulder-length hair for homecoming

#3 Homecoming Hairstyle for Shoulder-Length Hair

This wavy shoulder-length style is ideal for homecoming. The loose, flowing waves add volume and texture, making it perfect for hair that hits just above the shoulders. This look is best for fine to medium hair, as the waves add body and movement without weighing it down.

Half-up twisted hairstyle with waves for brunettes at homecoming

#4 Homecoming Hairstyle for Brunettes

This half-up twist with soft waves is perfect for brunettes. The glossy finish highlights the rich brunette tones, and the relaxed twist keeps it modern and elegant. It’s an easy yet polished style, great for medium to long hair. Perfect if you want something simple that still feels special.

Voluminous curly updo for natural curly homecoming hairstyle

#5 Homecoming Hairstyle for Natural Curly Hair

This voluminous curly updo is stunning for natural curls. The high bun keeps the curls in place while allowing them to cascade freely, creating both height and movement. Ideal for medium to tight curls, this style works best for those with natural texture and adds a touch of drama to your homecoming look.

Half-up braided crown with loose waves for a pretty homecoming hairstyle

#6 Pretty Hairstyle for Homecoming

This half-up braided crown with loose waves is perfect for adding a touch of romance to your homecoming look. The soft waves create volume, while the braid adds detail without being too fussy. Ideal for medium to long hair, this style is great for those with thicker hair, as it helps hold the waves and braid beautifully.

Half-up twist hairstyle for straight homecoming hair

#7 Homecoming Hairstyle for Straight Hair

This half-up style with a simple twist is perfect for straight hair. The sleek finish and neat twist add a bit of interest while keeping it low-key. Ideal for medium to long straight hair, this style is great if you want something polished but easy to create.

Elegant low bun with twisted sections for homecoming

#8 Bun Hairstyle for Homecoming

This elegant low bun with twisted sections is a chic choice for homecoming. The twists add texture and detail, making it more unique than a standard bun. This style works best with medium to thick hair for fullness, and it’s perfect if you want a sophisticated updo that stays in place.

Long, wavy quick weave hairstyle with a center part for homecoming

#9 Quick Weave Hairstyle for Homecoming

This sleek, long, wavy weave with a center part is a showstopper. The smooth waves flow beautifully, adding volume and movement. It’s perfect for those looking for a glamorous, polished style that will last all night. Make sure to choose high-quality extensions for a seamless blend.

Half-up twisted hairstyle with waves for red hair

#10 Homecoming Hairstyle for Red Hair

This half-up twisted style beautifully enhances red hair, allowing the color to shine through with cascading waves. The loose twists are easy to create and keep the hair off your face while still leaving plenty of volume and movement. Ideal for long, wavy or curly hair types.

High curly puff with small base braids for short curly homecoming hairstyle

#11 Short Curly Homecoming Hairstyle

This high curly puff is ideal for short, naturally curly hair. The tight, defined curls on top paired with small braids at the base create a bold, stylish look. It keeps the curls controlled while giving volume and flair. Best for those who want an eye-catching, low-maintenance option that highlights natural texture.

Side-swept waves hairstyle with deep part for homecoming

#12 Homecoming Hairstyle to the Side

This vintage-inspired side-swept waves style is perfect for homecoming. The deep side part and glamorous waves create an elegant and polished look that works well with long hair. It’s especially great for straighter hair types, but adding soft curls will help keep the style in place throughout the evening.

Sleek ponytail with waves and wrapped base for homecoming

#13 Ponytail Hairstyle for Homecoming

This sleek ponytail with soft, voluminous waves is a timeless choice for homecoming. The hair wrap around the base adds a polished finish, and the loose tendrils at the front keep it soft and romantic. Great for medium to long hair, especially if you want a style that stays in place but still feels elegant.

High ponytail with wrapped locs for homecoming

#14 Loc Hairstyle for Homecoming

This high ponytail with wrapped locs is a stunning option for homecoming. The height adds drama, while the wrapping around the base adds a polished finish. Ideal for long or medium-length locs, this style shows off both texture and volume, making it perfect for a bold, statement look.

Fun braided crown with low wavy ponytail for homecoming

#15 Fun Homecoming Hairstyle

This playful braided crown with a low, wavy ponytail is both stylish and practical for homecoming. The thick braid adds volume and detail, while the ponytail keeps the look low-maintenance. Ideal for medium to thick hair, it works best with longer hair lengths to show off the full braid and ponytail.

Half-up braided hairstyle with loose waves for homecoming

#16 Half Up Braided Homecoming Hair

This half-up style features a chunky braid wrapping around the crown with loose waves cascading down. The braid is perfect for adding texture and detail, while the waves keep the style soft and romantic. Works well for medium to thick hair, and adding pearl accents can elevate the look.

Easy low messy bun homecoming hairstyle with loose tendrils

#17 Easy Hoco Hairstyle

A low, messy bun with a few loose tendrils is an effortless yet stylish homecoming look. This style is perfect for medium-length hair, offering a relaxed vibe that still feels chic. It works best with naturally textured or slightly wavy hair to keep the bun looking full. Just pin as you go for a more lived-in feel.

Half-up homecoming hairstyle with a chunky side braid and wavy long hair

#18 Hoco Hairstyle For Long Hair

This wavy, half-up style with a chunky side braid is perfect for long hair. The braid adds interest while still letting those soft waves take center stage. It’s an easy way to pull your hair back without sacrificing movement. Great for thicker hair types, though adding a bit of texture spray will help with hold.

Glossy, voluminous curls with face-framing tendrils for homecoming

#19 Homecoming Curls Hairstyle

These voluminous, defined curls are perfect to show off your natural hair texture. The curls are glossy and full, with face-framing tendrils adding softness. This style works great for long, curly hair, but using a curl cream will help enhance definition and prevent frizz. Perfect if you want a natural but polished look.

Short hair styled in a boho updo with pearl accents

#20 Homecoming Hairstyle on Short Hair

This short hairstyle is a fun, boho-inspired updo with soft twists and pearl accents. Perfect for shorter hair, it gives the illusion of an updo without needing much length. The pearls add a sweet, trendy touch, making it great for those who want a unique look that’s still easy to style. Works best with textured, wavy hair.

Cute homecoming hairstyle with a loose boho braid down the back

#21 Cute Hoco Hairstyle

This loose, boho braid down the back is an adorable and trendy option for homecoming. The chunky braid is great for thick hair and can be easily pulled apart for more volume. It’s both youthful and practical, making sure your hair stays in place all night while still looking cute.

Simple homecoming hairstyle with long waves and a twisted braid

#22 Simple Hoco Hairstyle for Long Hair

Here’s a simple but stunning style for long hair. The soft waves give it a romantic feel, while the twisted braid at the crown adds detail without being too fussy. Great for long, thick hair to show off its natural length and volume. If your hair is finer, add a texturizing powder for a fuller effect.

Braided updo with a low bun and loose tendrils for homecoming

#23 Updo Hairstyle for Homecoming

This braided updo is perfect for homecoming! The thick side braid wraps into a low bun at the nape of the neck, adding both elegance and structure. It works best for medium to thick hair types, as the density helps give volume to the braid. If you have fine hair, teasing beforehand or using extensions can give it that fuller look. It’s ideal for those with longer hair, and a few loose tendrils frame the face, keeping it soft and romantic. Keep in mind that it requires some patience to create and will hold better with texture spray.

Half-up hairstyle with beachy waves and a knotted twist for medium-length hair

#24 Homecoming Hairstyle for Medium-Length Hair

This half-up style features loose, beachy waves with a knotted twist at the back. It works beautifully for medium-length hair, adding texture without looking overly styled. This is perfect if you want something effortless but still special. Just make sure to add a bit of wave-holding mousse to help those curls last through the night!

Sleek high bun with curled face-framing pieces for Black women’s homecoming hairstyle

#25 Black Women Homecoming Hairstyle

This sleek high bun with voluminous curls and face-framing pieces is a stunning choice for homecoming. The bun’s height adds elegance, while the soft, curled tendrils create a romantic look. Ideal for medium to thick hair, it works best with straightened or blow-dried hair for a smooth finish. A great option if you want to highlight your features without too much fuss.

Half-up, half-down hairstyle with soft waves and a twisted knot

#26 Down Hairstyle for Hoco

This half-up, half-down style is perfect for homecoming. Soft waves add movement, while the twisted knot at the crown keeps it playful. Best for medium to thick hair, the natural texture holds the style well, but finer hair may need added volume through a texturizing spray. It’s a great choice if you want a more relaxed but polished look.