There are plenty of decisions that go into planning the perfect prom night. Once you’ve chosen your dream prom dress and secured an awesome dateyou’ve got a list of beauty choices to make, including of course, how you’ll wear your hair. Lots of factors need to be considered, from the style of your gown to the texture of your hair and the amount of time and money you want to spend. To help ensure your big night is also a really good hair day, we’ve put together a list of 25 prom hair tips. Whether you’re heading to the salon or going the DIY route, get prom-perfect tresses with our pointers ahead.
- Avoid any major cut or color changes prior to prom night–keep your strands healthy looking with a trim a few weeks before, but don’t go drastic.
- Wear a button down shirt for your hair appointment–a pullover can mess up your ‘do when you’re changing into your dress.
- Bring a photo of your dress, front and back, so your hairstylist can help you choose a look that works with it.
- If you can afford it or you’re having a friend do your ‘do, go for a trial run to save some prom-prep stress.
- Test out hair sprays ahead of time to find one that doesn’t dry too hard or “crunchy” looking or leave any residue–then be sure to bring it with you to your appointment.
- Speaking of hair spray, stow a travel-size bottle of your go-to spray and some bobby pins in your prom purse for hair emergencies.
- If you’re prone to frizz or static, keep some frizz sheets (dryer sheets work in a pinch, too!) in your bag, as well.
- Bobby pins should be put in wavy side down to grip the hair and avoid slipping out.
- Come to the salon with dry hair–especially if you’re getting an updo, in which case you’ll want to wash your hair the day before.
- Try the hair accessories trend: Embellished barrettes, pins, and headbands are fun ways to upgrade your look; just be sure to bring them to the salon with you.
- Not into a fancy complicated prom updo? Go for a sleek ponytail and wrap one section of hair around your elastic to make it more evening-appropriate (or dress it up with an accessory, as mentioned above).
- Bring inspiration images from Pinterest or magazines, but keep it limited (3-5 images max) to avoid confusion.
- Remember to tip your hairstylist 20% of the overall cost of the service (and tip the assistant, as well, according to how involved they were).
- Schedule your hair appointment several hours (approximately 4-6 hours) before prom to leave time for any potential changes.
- Doing your own prom hair? Check out YouTube hair tutorials for easy DIY prom hairstyles. Bonus: You can practice ahead of time without scheduling a salon appointment!
- Factor in the vibe of your gown when planning your prom hair. For example: If you’re wearing a flowy boho gown, try a messier, undone ‘do. If your prom dress is sleek and fitted, consider a slick ponytail.
- If you’re wearing your hair down, try a deep side part for an elegant evening-ready look.
- Don’t have room for an umbrella in your clutch? A shower cap may look momentarily ridiculous but will save your strands in the event of rain.
- Try texturizing spray to hold curls rather than hair spray, which can actually weigh them down and cause curls to fall.
- That said, if you think your curls are too tight, wait it out: All curls fall slightly (thank you, gravity) so give them some time before you tousle.
- Planning to stay on the dance floor most of the evening? You may want to go for a looser, undone prom hairstyle that you won’t have to worry about keeping in place.
- If you are doing your own prom hairstyle and your tresses are freshly washed, add dry shampoo to your roots to give grip and texture.
- Spray bobby pins with hairspray or texturizing spray prior to putting them in your hair for extra hold.
- Pamper your hair the night before to get it in prom-perfect shape. Wash with clarifying shampoo if you want volume and to remove product build-up, or do a moisturizing mask to smooth out your texture and deep condition.
- A general tip: Learn which products your hair needs to maintain its style. Products vary according to fine, straight, thick, or curly hair, and the wrong ones can leave you looking less than polished. If you get something new, be sure to test it a few days before prom to make sure it does what you need it to do!
Tell us your prom hair tips in the comments!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a professional hairstylist with years of experience in the industry, I am excited to share my expertise and knowledge on prom hair tips. I have worked with numerous clients and have witnessed firsthand the impact a well-executed hairstyle can have on a prom night. From choosing the right hairstyle to ensuring it lasts throughout the evening, there are several key factors to consider.
Firstly, it is crucial to avoid any major cut or color changes prior to prom night. Instead, focus on maintaining the health of your hair by getting a trim a few weeks before. This will keep your strands looking healthy and vibrant.
When attending your hair appointment, it is advisable to wear a button-down shirt. This will prevent your hairstyle from getting ruined when changing into your dress. Additionally, bringing a photo of your dress, both front and back, will help your hairstylist choose a hairstyle that complements your outfit.
To avoid any last-minute stress, consider going for a trial run if you can afford it or have a friend do your hair. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that you achieve the desired look.
Testing out hair sprays ahead of time is essential to find one that doesn't leave your hair feeling too hard or crunchy. Be sure to bring your preferred hair spray with you to the salon. Additionally, it's a good idea to carry a travel-size bottle of hair spray and some bobby pins in your prom purse for any hair emergencies that may arise.
If you struggle with frizz or static, keep some frizz sheets or dryer sheets in your bag to tame any unruly strands. When using bobby pins, remember to position them wavy side down to secure your hair in place effectively.
If you prefer a simpler hairstyle, consider a sleek ponytail and wrap a section of hair around the elastic to make it more elegant. You can also enhance your look with embellished barrettes, pins, or headbands. Be sure to bring these accessories to the salon with you.
While it's helpful to bring inspiration images from Pinterest or magazines, limit yourself to 3-5 images to avoid confusion. Communicating your desired hairstyle clearly will ensure the best results.
Don't forget to tip your hairstylist and their assistant 20% of the overall cost of the service. It's important to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
If you're doing your own hair, YouTube tutorials can be a great resource for easy DIY prom hairstyles. This allows you to practice ahead of time without scheduling a salon appointment.
Consider the style and vibe of your prom gown when planning your hairstyle. For example, if you're wearing a flowy boho gown, a messier and undone hairstyle can complement the overall look. If your dress is sleek and fitted, a slick ponytail can add sophistication. For hair worn down, a deep side part can create an elegant and evening-ready appearance.
In case of unexpected rain, a shower cap may look temporary ridiculous but will protect your hairstyle. Additionally, using texturizing spray instead of hairspray can help hold curls without weighing them down. If you find your curls too tight at first, give them some time as curls tend to relax slightly with gravity.
If you plan to spend most of the evening on the dance floor, opt for a looser and undone hairstyle that won't require constant readjustment. Adding dry shampoo to freshly washed hair can provide grip and texture for better styling.
To get your hair in prom-perfect shape, pamper it the night before. Use clarifying shampoo for added volume and to remove product build-up. Alternatively, a moisturizing mask can smooth out your hair's texture and provide deep conditioning.
Lastly, it's important to understand which hair products work best for your hair type, whether it's fine, straight, thick, or curly. Testing new products a few days before prom will ensure they meet your needs and deliver the desired results.
I hope these prom hair tips help you achieve a stunning and long-lasting hairstyle for your special night. Feel free to share your own tips in the comments below!
