Easy Hairstyles for Homecoming

A Glamorous Affair

Formal hairstyles can be quite complex, as anyone who's attended a major event can attest to. An elegant, put-together style to complement that gorgeous dress, those sky-high heels and the glittering jewels is something every woman strives to perfect on her big night.

Prom and homecoming are considered dressy events for high school students. Young women do their best to go all out and look their best. They may focus their efforts on finding the best dress and heels at reasonable prices, and they may not want to spend much more beyond that.

If that's the case, a practical, easy hairstyle that can be achieved in the comforts of home is much more preferable to a salon visit. Perhaps the level of skill one receives in a professional setting won't be matched, but there's something to be said for saving a little money and having some fun getting dressed up for this memorable occasion! Fortunately, there are a number of easy hairstyles for homecoming that any young woman can take advantage of.

Before Choosing a Hairstyle

Although it's tempting to put the cart before the horse and immediately decide what sort of hairstyle you want to wear, you may want to use this opportunity to exercise some patience. Unless you already have your dress, making a decision about your hairstyle (and subsequently setting your heart on it) can become a minor point of stress.

This is quite simply because dresses typically end up defining every other part of the ensemble, including accessories, shoes, and hairstyles. If your dress is over-the-top trendy, for example, you may not want to wear a classic, romantic hairstyle. Likewise, if your dress is on the low-key, elegant side, you probably won't want your hair done in anything too loud or funky. This is why it's important to choose the gown first; once that's done, you'll have more confidence in selecting a style that best complements the look.

Easy Hairstyles for Homecoming

Whether you prefer to wear your hair up or down, there's a lovely style perfect for you. While many of the looks may seem daunting to anyone who doesn't exactly specialize in hairstyling, the beauty of all of these great styles is in their simplicity and longevity. You'll be able to dance the night away and look great the entire time.

Long and Loose

If you're wearing a long, Cinderella-style dress, your hair will look fabulous worn loose and simple around the shoulders. To achieve a smooth look that lasts, separate your hair into sections with clips and blow it dry with a round brush. Be sure to face your dryer downward to encourage a sleeker finish. As you brush down, curl the ends under just slightly to create a soft inward curve. Once your hair is straightened, gather a small section at the center part in front and fasten it with a small, bejeweled clip that complements your dress.

Alternative: Want to try something different than the usual? Put a fresh spin on this look by curling the ends outward and prop a sparkly tiara on your head in lieu of the clip.

Fabulous, French and Fast

The always-classic French Twist is a stunning style that complements almost every woman. This style is complex looking but requires very little handiwork. To achieve it, spritz your hair with a thickening spray (a budget-friendly choice is John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Spray, available at most drugstores and grocery stores). Then, back comb your hair at the roots to boost volume – this is an unusual maneuver but will amp up your hair and give your twist the height it needs to look its most glamorous. Finally, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it, taking care to secure the ends inward. Use jewel-adorned bobby fins for a dressy look.

Alternative: Instead of twisting your hair, wind it around into a low bun, securing it at the nape with a large, dramatic clip. You can also wear the hair in a high ponytail, curling it with a large barrel to add voluminous, bouncy ringlets.

Fresh and Youthful

Gals with curly hair should feel comfortable showing those ringlets off on this special occasion! Let your hair air dry naturally and use a curling iron to add a bit of extra curl to the mix. Leaving a few tendrils to frame the face, gather the rest of your hair into a low, side ponytail, using an elastic band to keep it in place. Follow by taking a section of your own hair and wrapping it around the band to keep it concealed. If you want to add an even more playful element to the look, use a large flower clip or a small sprig of fresh flowers to adorn your hair.

Alternative: Girls without curls can also sport a side ponytail. Give it some island flair by gathering the hair into sections of micro braids and securing them with a cornucopia of shimmering barrettes.

Short Hair

Part your hair at the side and run a shine serum through it to add extra smoothness. Comb it back severely, allowing the shine to dominate your look, and add a few gleaming clips to secure hair. Do, however, leave a few strands loose around the face to balance it with a softer finish.

Some Helpful Tips

Though these easy hairstyles shouldn't pose a problem, it's always more fun to get ready with friends! If you feel more confident having your pals around, throw a girls' night out before the event and help each other with hair and makeup. It's just another way to make the night even more enjoyable!