Discover the perfect look for you with this guide to homecoming hairstyles inspired by our favorite celebrities. From polished curls to sleek ponytails, we've got you (and your hair texture) covered.

 

Extra Undone Braid

 

 

“Paper Towns” star Cara Delevingne contrasted her sequined dress with an easygoing hairstyle at the movie’s New York premiere. To recreate her look, braid loosely curled hair down your back, leaving face-framing pieces out of the braid to keep the style looking laid-back.

 

Natural-Looking Waves

 

 

Messy, “I woke up like this” styles like Sabrina Carpenter’s are a major hair trend for fall. If you have naturally wavy locks, embrace your hair’s texture by applying a defrizzing cream and letting hair dry overnight. For straighter hair types, use a curling wand on the ends of your hair to create undone waves.

 

Braided Topknot

 

 

A simple bun can be your go-to homecoming style if you have braided locks. Bonus: You can easily show off your favorite statement earrings with this look, as “Dope” actress Zoë Kravitz did.

 

Sleek Ponytail

 

 

Vanessa Hudgens breathes edgy-chic with this slicked-back ‘do and sexy backless dress. Pull hair back into a ponytail at the nape of the neck, and use a firm-hold hairspray to lock stray hairs in place.

 

Fishtail Braid

 

 

We love how “Scream Queens” star Emma Roberts rocked a relaxed fishtail braid while promoting her new show. Check out this tutorial for a step-by-step guide to creating this braided hairstyle.

 

Tousled Waves

 

 

We love how model Gigi Hadid paired a sparkly jumpsuit with soft waves. Recreate this hairstyle by using a flatiron to curl 1-inch pieces of hair. Run fingers through your curls to loosen them.

 

Simple Blowout

 

 

Straight-haired girls, rejoice! You can take advantage of your natural texture when you turn to Kendall Jenner for inspiration. Create her shiny red carpet ‘do by adding a lightweight serum to your strands before blow-drying hair with a large round brush.

 

Slicked Back

 

 

For short hair, we love how Miley Cyrus created an edgy yet formal style by slicking back her locks. You can do the same by applying a lightweight gel before brushing hair away from the face.

 

Natural, Half-Up

 

 

Love your natural texture? So does Zendaya! To keep hair out of your face while dancing, pull face-framing layers back into a sleek half-up style.

 

Classic Updo

 

 

A feminine updo like Anna Kendrick’s is a foolproof option for a formal affair like a homecoming dance. Make sure to leave a few pieces hanging around the face to keep this style soft and undone.

 

Super-Loose Braid

 

 

Yes, Shay Mitchell’s casual braid is red-carpet– and homecoming-worthy. When you pair a casual hairstyle with a formal dress, it adds an interesting contrast. But note, we do love how Mitchell added a little bling to the bottom of her braid.

 

Curly Updo

 

 

How cute does Maisie Williams look with this curly ‘do? Start by creating ringlets with a curling iron all over your head to add body, and then create a simple bun, leaving curled, face-framing layers.

 

One Side Tucked

 

 

A quick fix that instantly makes a hairstyle look more formal is to pin one side back behind an ear, as Lea Michele did here. Keep the rest of your hair curled for a sweet and feminine look, or straighten your strands to keep things edgy.

 

Retro Curls

 

 

Blake Lively is known for her luscious blonde locks, so who better than Blake to give hairstyling inspiration? For old-Hollywood glam waves, use a curling iron to curl your hair toward your face, as demonstrated in this tutorial.

 

Braided Bangs

 

 

If you hate having bangs in your face while dancing (we hear you), then look to Shailene Woodley for an easy-to-achieve style that will keep your hair flyaway-free.

 

Half-Up Bouffant

 

 

Victoria Justice rocked this retro ‘do at the 2015 MTV Movie Awards, and we fell in love. Contrast this sleek and formal half-up style with a sparkly dress featuring a modern design.

 

Flower Crown

 

 

Stand out at homecoming by adding a flower crown to your look. Choose one that matches your dress, as supermodel Karlie Kloss did, for a trendy, monochromatic approach.

 

Cool & Complex Bun

 

 

This style is definitely a case of “business in the front, party in the back.” For a polished look like Sarah Hyland’s, embrace a deep side part.

 

Milkmaid Braids

 

 

Milkmaid braids have made a serious comeback in the hairstyling world, and Debby Ryan makes these traditionally cutesy braids look edgy. Learn how to create this style with our step-by-step guide.

 

High Ponytail

 

 

Iggy Azalea proves that red-carpet (or homecoming) hairstyles don’t have to be super-intricate to look put-together. Make sure to wrap a strand of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the elastic. Secure the end of the strand in place with a bobby pin.

 

Oversized Bun

 

 

Chanel Iman looks stunning in this risky white gown, and her larger-than-life bun adds even more drama. For those who don’t have super-thick hair, consider adding volume with hair extensions.

 

Classic Topknot

 

 

She’s our go-to gal for a good laugh, but Amy Schumer’s also been stepping up her style game. If all else fails, don’t overthink your hairstyle—just go for a simple, polished topknot.