PROM FASHION
Prom Hairstyles
By: Sofia Blum
We all know that prom fashions change each year, but there are always a few classic looks that are always "in," and those includes certain prom hairstyles. These types of styles are obviously not worn for everyday wear. They are fancier and would normally be worn during occasions that are more formal, such as a wedding, formal, sweet sixteen, or prom.
Hair styles that may usually seem old fashioned in style may be the perfect prom hairstyle for you with just a little bit of more updating involved. Upsweeps are time-tested favorites. Even though they have been used since earlier than your grandparents were born, these classics can be upgraded to fit the millennium with a touch of glitter in the hair, rhinestones on the bobby clips, and clips with sparkles in them. From a perfect French twist to loosely pinned locks piled high on top of the head, upsweeps are very romantic, especially if a few curly tendrils frame the face and neck. Decorative pins and barrettes add to this charming style, and faux pearls, or tiny flowers and baby's breath are used to accentuate the look.
Another timeless look admired among the female prom goers, is the princess style. The princess look is recognized by its soft, spiral curls. This look is achieved by grabbing the hair from each side and pulling it back loosely, allowing a few tendrils near the hairline and the ears to escape. These tendrils are also softly curled and allowed to fall where they may. The hair that is pulled back is held in place with a decorative clip or a ribbon. The rest of the hair is curled then left to cascade over the shoulders. An updated version of the princess hairstyle would include a small tiara that would complete the look.
Decisions, decisions, decisions. The perfect choice from all those hair magazines at the salon, and prom portfolio of hairstyles has a lot to do with the style of dress that you are planning to wear. Cascading curls and tiaras are ideal for the strapless and full flowing dresses, like the Cinderella type ball gown, while upsweeps go beautifully with a sophisticated sheath, a slip dress, or an ankle length cocktail dress and a string of pearls. I don't think you want to wear your hair up in a bee hive, and have on a poofy full dress, this look will achieve you nothing but more baggage and pounds to your look, and that's the last thing you want to achieve on prom, is looking like a giant cupcake.
If your dress has an intricate and ornate neckline, choose among the simpler prom hairstyles. Consider a classic up do or something sleek if you have short hair, so your hairdo won't compete with your dress. If your dress is very contemporary, or is rather unusual, a classic style won't be as flattering. Prom hairstyles should compliment prom dresses.
If you are unsure of which hairstyle to choose, visit your hair stylist, open some magazines and see what the celebrities are wearing, and do your research on some hair websites, well in advance and look through some books that show detailed pictures of prom hairstyles. Finding sites online that offer pictures of everything from the latest prom hairstyles to classic hairdos is a great way to find the perfect look for you. Some websites even have a feature where you can put in your face type, the dress you are thinking of wearing and they can not only match what style looks best for you, but virtually show you how that style will look on your face and body. You may want to play around with a number of different hairstyles to see what looks best on you.
For those who decide to have their prom hairstyles created by professionals, make sure to book appointments in advance. Prom night will obviously be an extremely busy night for local salons, and they may not be able to squeeze clients in at the last minute. It is also a good idea to wear a button down top so you can easily remove it without mussing your hair when it's time to slip into your prom dress.
If you are planning to create a do by yourself, remember accessories are good, but too much of something is never a good thing. Keep it simple and to a minimum. You don't want to look like something that just came out of the play Hairspray. If by any chance you do decide to style your hair on your own without the help of a professional and it doesn't look good, it's not working out for you, and there is no time to redo it, here are some tips on what to do.
- Relax, don't worry everything will be ok.
- Don't panic, because panicking will get you no where.
- Take the hairstyle down and start all over again.
- If #3 doesn't work DON"T PANIC!
- If the do that you want doesn't work out or look good the second time you try, then another hair style.
- If you are panicking at this point because your date is downstairs and the limo is honking the horn take out a blow dryer, or a hot iron, and straighten your hair. This type of hairstyle is always a safe route to take because not only is it fast, but it is also elegant, sophisticated, and will go with EVERY gown and face shape.
- If you want to spice up your straight blown out hair, then put some accessories in it, like rhinestone hair clips, or glitter, and make a side part in your hair for that ultra sleek classy look!













