Dance season is just around the corner, which means we’re about to enter a world entirely focused on false eyelashes, orchid corsages, and elaborate homecoming hairstyles.
Although planning for a dance is mega stressful—we get it—it’s worth remembering that any hairstyle you feel comfortable in is ultimately the right one for you. You’ll only have so many high school dances, and do you really want to spend half the night readjusting clip-in extensions in the bathroom? Whether you’re working with chestnut hair color or dirty blonde hair, we have a style that’ll suit you.
Whether you’re tackling your mane solo or enlisting a professional stylist to do the job, we’ve collected some of the easiest, prettiest styles in the hair universe for your perusal. Get reading, girl.
Messy Waves with Extra Volume
Let’s start with the basics. Nothing is prettier than a frizz-free wave, particularly on hair with highlights or ombre.
Crown Braid with Bun
We love crown braids because of their versatility. Create a deep side part, then Dutch braid along your hairline and pin.
Bubble Ponytail
Our favorite hairstyle is the one that looks rocket scientist-level complex but takes almost no time to complete. If that’s your vibe, too, then take the bubble ponytail for a spin.
Wraparound Braid
If your dream aesthetic is “cartoon princess who has naturally full hair,” then the wraparound braid is a must-try for homecoming.
Twisted Chignon
We fondly refer to this style as “the easiest updo of all time,” and with good reason. To get your chignon flow on, divide hair into three strands. Create a sleek bun with the middle piece, then cross both side strands across the bun and under. Pin and hairspray the style to secure it.
Extra High Wrapped Ponytail
If you’re a self-described diva with an over-the-top dress, you deserve a hairstyle that’s just as extra as you are.
Fishtail Half Updo
Half updos are the ideal way to keep hair out of your face while posing and dancing while making sure your mane makes it into photographs. After curling your entire head, create two fishtail braids above the ears. Once they’re long enough to meet behind your head, secure the ponytail.
Curly Half Ponytail
Curly girls, don’t think we’ve forgotten you. Instead of battling with your hair, embrace its texture with a loose half ponytail. The tail should sit in the center of your scalp so that the ponytail frames your face.
Pompadour
To ensure this style doesn’t fall flat, backcomb your crown and coat it with a healthy amount of hairspray. From the L’Oréal portfolio of products, we love Matrix Biolage Freeze Fix Humidity Resistant Hairspray.
Half Top Knot with Curls
This is the same idea as the curly half ponytail, just for ladies with fine hair. After teasing at the crown, create a very high half ponytail. Shape a tight bun, pinning to secure it. Then, curl the remaining strands of your hair.
Wavy Lob
We’re of the belief that nothing is better than a lob. The style is bouncy and playful to the max.
Double Crown Braid
For another short hair styling idea, try on a double crown braid. Starting with a side part, braid across the hairline and pin the plait behind your ear. Then, add the second braid behind the first. With this style, you’ll have instant volume that lasts until the DJ plays that final slow dance.
Braid with Hair Accessories
Hair accessories are back in a big way. From tiny pearl pins to matte ponytail holders, we love the look of a dressed-up jewelry piece in your mane. We like the look of a wide fishtail braid with pins throughout. It dresses up any homecoming gown.
Faux Shaved Side Braid
Feeling like you’ll want to walk on the dark side for the homecoming dance? A faux shaved side braid is edgy and (best of all) simple. Section off a rectangular patch of hair over one ear, creating a tight French braid. Secure the style with a no-show elastic, styling the rest of your mane in your favorite way.
Rosette Half Ponytail
If you’ve already chosen a romantic dress for homecoming, this half ponytail style will only add to the glamour of the look. Sectioning off the top of your hair, divide it into several equal strands. Braid and secure each one. Then, twist each braid into a floral shape and pin.
Twisted Ponytail
To make a simple ponytail look more complicated than it really is, pull it through a space above your elastic for a single twist.
Bombshell Blowout
There’s one hairstyle that’s easier than the rest: the professional blowout. All you have to do is sit back and let a professional handle your hair, transforming it into cascading waves worthy of any celebrity. If you’ve been putting away a little cash from your after-school job, the blowout may be for you.
Short French Braids
Bobs and lobs may look chic, but the process of growing them out is truly awkward. A French braid (or two!) can disguise your length.
Half Ponytail With A Bow
If you’re stuck on what style to wear, create a large braid down the back of your head. Finish the braid with a short ponytail or bun for a spunky ‘do that still counts as an updo.
Textured Faux-hawk
Nothing makes way for statement jewelry quite like a pompadour. Divide hair into three even sections at the crown, the back of the head, and the nape of the neck and go from there.
Simple Waterfall Braid
Waterfall braids are just like their French cousins, with the small caveat that you drop a piece everytime you cross another strand over. If you have short hair, this style is just right for your dance ‘do.
Decorative Half Ponytail
Create a sleek half ponytail, then a clear elastics around it. To finish, add decorative rings or chains to your ‘do.
Accented Headband
Bring the ‘90s back with small twist-in pearls or other accessories right at your hairline.
Scrunchie Bun
If wearing your hair down on a sweaty dance floor doesn’t sound appealing, wrapping your hair into a loose bun. Finish it with an on-trend velvet scrunchie.
Voluminous Pigtails
Make the most of your curly hair’s incredible volume by tying your mane back into matching oversize pigtails.
Headband Braid
After creating a side part, you’ll French braid away from it along the hairline. Continue the braid around the back of the head, transitioning to a standard braid or ponytail just below your ear.
Mega Wrapped Ponytail
Push the boundaries of what a ponytail can do by wrapping your hair several inches down your tail. Make sure to backcomb the ends for extra volume!
Metal Clip
Not a stylist in the making? No worries. A beautiful hair accessory can make all the difference.
Hollywood Waves
Glamazon waves never go out of style, but they’re not the easiest to achieve at home. If you’re set on channeling an old-school glamour puss, book an appointment with your stylist.
Looped Faux Braid
There’s no actual braiding involved in this style—just a lot of pull-through ponytails.
Braided Halo
Skip the styling and choose extensions! A braided ponytail wrapped in a bun shape is beautiful and doesn’t take much time to style.
Accent Braids
Love your natural length? Create small braids on either side of your hairline and accent them with shiny cuffs.
Simple Twist
Embrace your natural texture by wearing an easy twist over one ear. If you love fresh flowers in hair, this is a great place to add them in.
Long Twists
Bring the drama with extra-long twists. To ensure they stay out of your face all night, opt for a loose half ponytail.
Feed-In Ghana Braids
Amp up your natural braids with added hair for a killer final look.
Pop Star Ponytail
The more length, the better! Use extensions to create a ponytail worthy of the stage—or your high school dance venue.
Reverse Headband Braid
Pull your hair back with a few simple braids. They can really help to dress up a simple half ponytail.
Braided Blend
There’s something to be said for combining many kinds of braids and placements. If you’re going for a bohemian vibe, try this style.
Ponytail With Accents
Girls who love ponytails: This intricately braided style is perfect for you!
Messy Chignon
What’s more put-together than well styled short hair? To make this look feel special, add waves with a curling iron before topping it all off with a sparkly hair accessory.
Mohawk Braid With Bun
Instead of a part, try a mohawk braid with a cuff! This is one of the coolest styles we’ve seen all year.
Scarf Chignon
If you bought a flirty ascot for summer, don’t let it go to waste during the fall! Tuck it into a chignon for a youthful take on an elegant style.
Rosette Bun
To make a rosette, just create a thin braid and roll it up on itself. Pin it in place, and you’re all done!
Mermaid Braid
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to clip hair extensions in, this oversize mermaid braid is it.
Floral Updo
Make like a model and dress up a minimalist hairstyle for the big dance.
Crown Braid With Flowers
Channel your inner goddess with this breezy, romantic updo.
Easy Pigtail Faux Crown Braid
Don’t worry about mastering the complicated crown braid. Let this lookalike version do all the work!
Embellished French Twist
Make the French twist feel a little younger with the help of an accent braid.
Fishtail Pony
This an extra high ponytail that sits smack in the center of your heads. Leave out one additional piece of hair to wrap around the base of your tail.
Twisty Half Ponytail
After spacing out elastics along your half ponytail, flip the tail through each section to create a flirty twist.
Space Buns
This cheery festival style can accent an otherwise serious dress.
Interested in confirming a styling session for the homecoming dance? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist near you.
Dance season is just around the corner, which means we’re about to enter a world entirely focused on false eyelashes, orchid corsages, and elaborate homecoming hairstyles.
Although planning for a dance is mega stressful—we get it—it’s worth remembering that any hairstyle you feel comfortable in is ultimately the right one for you. You’ll only have so many high school dances, and do you really want to spend half the night readjusting clip-in extensions in the bathroom? Whether you’re working with chestnut hair color or dirty blonde hair, we have a style that’ll suit you.
Whether you’re tackling your mane solo or enlisting a professional stylist to do the job, we’ve collected some of the easiest, prettiest styles in the hair universe for your perusal. Get reading, girl.
Messy Waves with Extra Volume
Let’s start with the basics. Nothing is prettier than a frizz-free wave, particularly on hair with highlights or ombre.
Crown Braid with Bun
We love crown braids because of their versatility. Create a deep side part, then Dutch braid along your hairline and pin.
Bubble Ponytail
Our favorite hairstyle is the one that looks rocket scientist-level complex but takes almost no time to complete. If that’s your vibe, too, then take the bubble ponytail for a spin.
Wraparound Braid
If your dream aesthetic is “cartoon princess who has naturally full hair,” then the wraparound braid is a must-try for homecoming.
Twisted Chignon
We fondly refer to this style as “the easiest updo of all time,” and with good reason. To get your chignon flow on, divide hair into three strands. Create a sleek bun with the middle piece, then cross both side strands across the bun and under. Pin and hairspray the style to secure it.
Extra High Wrapped Ponytail
If you’re a self-described diva with an over-the-top dress, you deserve a hairstyle that’s just as extra as you are.
Fishtail Half Updo
Half updos are the ideal way to keep hair out of your face while posing and dancing while making sure your mane makes it into photographs. After curling your entire head, create two fishtail braids above the ears. Once they’re long enough to meet behind your head, secure the ponytail.
Curly Half Ponytail
Curly girls, don’t think we’ve forgotten you. Instead of battling with your hair, embrace its texture with a loose half ponytail. The tail should sit in the center of your scalp so that the ponytail frames your face.
Pompadour
To ensure this style doesn’t fall flat, backcomb your crown and coat it with a healthy amount of hairspray. From the L’Oréal portfolio of products, we love Matrix Biolage Freeze Fix Humidity Resistant Hairspray.
Half Top Knot with Curls
This is the same idea as the curly half ponytail, just for ladies with fine hair. After teasing at the crown, create a very high half ponytail. Shape a tight bun, pinning to secure it. Then, curl the remaining strands of your hair.
Wavy Lob
We’re of the belief that nothing is better than a lob. The style is bouncy and playful to the max.
Double Crown Braid
For another short hair styling idea, try on a double crown braid. Starting with a side part, braid across the hairline and pin the plait behind your ear. Then, add the second braid behind the first. With this style, you’ll have instant volume that lasts until the DJ plays that final slow dance.
Braid with Hair Accessories
Hair accessories are back in a big way. From tiny pearl pins to matte ponytail holders, we love the look of a dressed-up jewelry piece in your mane. We like the look of a wide fishtail braid with pins throughout. It dresses up any homecoming gown.
Faux Shaved Side Braid
Feeling like you’ll want to walk on the dark side for the homecoming dance? A faux shaved side braid is edgy and (best of all) simple. Section off a rectangular patch of hair over one ear, creating a tight French braid. Secure the style with a no-show elastic, styling the rest of your mane in your favorite way.
Rosette Half Ponytail
If you’ve already chosen a romantic dress for homecoming, this half ponytail style will only add to the glamour of the look. Sectioning off the top of your hair, divide it into several equal strands. Braid and secure each one. Then, twist each braid into a floral shape and pin.
Twisted Ponytail
To make a simple ponytail look more complicated than it really is, pull it through a space above your elastic for a single twist.
Bombshell Blowout
There’s one hairstyle that’s easier than the rest: the professional blowout. All you have to do is sit back and let a professional handle your hair, transforming it into cascading waves worthy of any celebrity. If you’ve been putting away a little cash from your after-school job, the blowout may be for you.
Short French Braids
Bobs and lobs may look chic, but the process of growing them out is truly awkward. A French braid (or two!) can disguise your length.
Half Ponytail With A Bow
If you’re stuck on what style to wear, create a large braid down the back of your head. Finish the braid with a short ponytail or bun for a spunky ‘do that still counts as an updo.
Textured Faux-hawk
Nothing makes way for statement jewelry quite like a pompadour. Divide hair into three even sections at the crown, the back of the head, and the nape of the neck and go from there.
Simple Waterfall Braid
Waterfall braids are just like their French cousins, with the small caveat that you drop a piece everytime you cross another strand over. If you have short hair, this style is just right for your dance ‘do.
Decorative Half Ponytail
Create a sleek half ponytail, then a clear elastics around it. To finish, add decorative rings or chains to your ‘do.
Accented Headband
Bring the ‘90s back with small twist-in pearls or other accessories right at your hairline.
Scrunchie Bun
If wearing your hair down on a sweaty dance floor doesn’t sound appealing, wrapping your hair into a loose bun. Finish it with an on-trend velvet scrunchie.
Voluminous Pigtails
Make the most of your curly hair’s incredible volume by tying your mane back into matching oversize pigtails.
Headband Braid
After creating a side part, you’ll French braid away from it along the hairline. Continue the braid around the back of the head, transitioning to a standard braid or ponytail just below your ear.
Mega Wrapped Ponytail
Push the boundaries of what a ponytail can do by wrapping your hair several inches down your tail. Make sure to backcomb the ends for extra volume!
Metal Clip
Not a stylist in the making? No worries. A beautiful hair accessory can make all the difference.
Hollywood Waves
Glamazon waves never go out of style, but they’re not the easiest to achieve at home. If you’re set on channeling an old-school glamour puss, book an appointment with your stylist.
Looped Faux Braid
There’s no actual braiding involved in this style—just a lot of pull-through ponytails.
Braided Halo
Skip the styling and choose extensions! A braided ponytail wrapped in a bun shape is beautiful and doesn’t take much time to style.
Accent Braids
Love your natural length? Create small braids on either side of your hairline and accent them with shiny cuffs.
Simple Twist
Embrace your natural texture by wearing an easy twist over one ear. If you love fresh flowers in hair, this is a great place to add them in.
Long Twists
Bring the drama with extra-long twists. To ensure they stay out of your face all night, opt for a loose half ponytail.
Feed-In Ghana Braids
Amp up your natural braids with added hair for a killer final look.
Pop Star Ponytail
The more length, the better! Use extensions to create a ponytail worthy of the stage—or your high school dance venue.
Reverse Headband Braid
Pull your hair back with a few simple braids. They can really help to dress up a simple half ponytail.
Braided Blend
There’s something to be said for combining many kinds of braids and placements. If you’re going for a bohemian vibe, try this style.
Ponytail With Accents
Girls who love ponytails: This intricately braided style is perfect for you!
Messy Chignon
What’s more put-together than well styled short hair? To make this look feel special, add waves with a curling iron before topping it all off with a sparkly hair accessory.
Mohawk Braid With Bun
Instead of a part, try a mohawk braid with a cuff! This is one of the coolest styles we’ve seen all year.
Scarf Chignon
If you bought a flirty ascot for summer, don’t let it go to waste during the fall! Tuck it into a chignon for a youthful take on an elegant style.
Rosette Bun
To make a rosette, just create a thin braid and roll it up on itself. Pin it in place, and you’re all done!
Mermaid Braid
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to clip hair extensions in, this oversize mermaid braid is it.
Floral Updo
Make like a model and dress up a minimalist hairstyle for the big dance.
Crown Braid With Flowers
Channel your inner goddess with this breezy, romantic updo.
Easy Pigtail Faux Crown Braid
Don’t worry about mastering the complicated crown braid. Let this lookalike version do all the work!
Embellished French Twist
Make the French twist feel a little younger with the help of an accent braid.
Fishtail Pony
This an extra high ponytail that sits smack in the center of your heads. Leave out one additional piece of hair to wrap around the base of your tail.
Twisty Half Ponytail
After spacing out elastics along your half ponytail, flip the tail through each section to create a flirty twist.
Space Buns
This cheery festival style can accent an otherwise serious dress.
Interested in confirming a styling session for the homecoming dance? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist near you.