The different styles of homecoming updos can include wearing the hair in a traditional bun, spiraling it into a french twist, creating a bun of curls, or surrounding the head with braids. These basic updos can be altered to create more modern looks as well by incorporating gems, pearls, combs, and ribbon that transform the hair into a work of art. They can also be used on individuals with long hair by separating the hair into two sections and creating an updo that utilizes only half of the hair and leaving the rest down.
One category of homecoming updos includes those styles which pin the hair entirely up and away from the neck. The full-up updo may be classically inspired, or create a new twist on a traditional favorite. The most fundamental of these designs is based on pulling the hair into a full bun. The hair may be pinned low on the neck for a more mature and regal appeal, or can be placed high on the head to create a young princess look. Large, heavy curls may be left out of the bun to frame the face and soften the overall look of the updo. Small gem and pearl hair pieces can be twisted around the scalp or into the bun for a touch of elegance, or a flower can be pinned to one side of the hair for a bit of exotic flair.
Ladies with medium to thin shoulder length hair may prefer to wear the full updo of the french twist. This more sweeping version of the classic bun twists the hair into a spiral on the back of the head before tucking the ends in a spiral design beneath the layered hair. Long, jewel encrusted combs may be used to fix this hair style into place and create an aura of romance. The top of the spiraling twist may also be filled with a small sprig of flowers.
A faux bun can be quickly and easily created from a pony tail and artfully styled curls for a stunning and easy to accomplish set of homecoming updos. The hair is first pulled into a straight pony tail and fixed with a tight band that matches the color of the hair so as to blend in. The hair is then curled in sections using a large, very hot curling iron with a barrel setting of 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) or higher. Each section, as it is curled, is then pinned to the scalp with ends tucked towards the pony tail using bobby pins. The resultant look is a fountain of curls fixed into place on the back of the head that easily dresses up the basic bun.
Braided homecoming updos may also be used to pull the hair up and away from the face. Hair may be braided in sections to surround the head like a crown for a medieval feel and pinned with romantic flowers and strands of ribbon. The hair may also be pulled into a partial pony tail which is then surrounded with braids. Hair styled in this manner can expose long, trailing wisps of material or ribbon that are designed to match a young lady's dress.
An updo can also be featured in long hair styled half up and half down. Each type of updo, whether a bun, french twist, or fountain of curls, can be achieved using only half of the hair on the head. The remaining hair, worn down past the shoulders, can be straightened for a dramatic look, or curled using a small barrel curling iron, for a romantic and somewhat whimsical style.
Homecoming updos are hairstyles worn by teenaged young women attending an autumn school dance set to honor former school alumni. This dance is often held the evening following the school's homecoming football game, in which alumni return to visit with old classmates and support high school athletes currently representing their alma mater. Virtually any style of hair may be worn to the dance, and final selection is often determined by the dress.
