There are so many different options available when it comes to an updo that it can seem impossible to choose just one when you have a special occasion. Following your natural hair texture and knowing what you like is usually a good start but here are some tips that might help:
Highlight Your Best Feature
Have gorgeous, full lips? Make sure you’ve pulled your hair back from around your face and let them stand out. Better known for having stunning eyes? Don’t hide your baby blues behind bangs. Pick the feature you most want to highlight and let that be the centerpiece of your hair.
Match the Top to the Bottom
So you’ve already picked out the dress or outfit and are now deciding on the hair? Updos look great with dresses that have a lot going on around the neckline (accents, jewelry, funky straps) and let your face take center stage. Some updos, especially those with loose pieces around the face or those pulled back closer to the neck, help to accentuate a strapless dress. Think of what will look best with what you’re wearing and keep things balanced. Busy on the body goes best with simple on the head, and vice versa.
Leave Your Hair Dirty
Dirty hair, hair that hasn’t been washed in one or two days, always works best for updos. Because of the natural oils in next-day hair, it is easier to manipulate and stays in place much better than freshly washed hair. If you’re planning a visit to the salon to get your hair done up, skip your morning shower.
The latest hot updos are definitely a lot less stiff than ones from the past. Loose chignons, low ponytails with a twist, pompadour styles, all with purposely disheveled pieces look classy yet touchable. Some of the biggest hits today are simple and elegant, and don’t require too many pins. Accessorizing with a flower, headband, or pin, can take your updo from simple to stunning.
In some cases, a more elaborate hairdo is called for; weddings, prom, the Academy Awards, but soft and subtle is preferred over stiff and shellacked.
Prom Hairstyles
Almost every high school girl can’t wait for her prom. There’s the fun of picking out the perfect dress, shoes, accessories, and of course, the date. With all the thought that goes into the planning, you need a great hairstyle for your special night.
As prom is a very formal event, most girls choose an equally formal hairstyle, usually a professional updo of some kind. Depending on your preference, you can sweep up your hair into an elaborate and intricate updo or keep it simple with a chic low-swept chignon. Adding accessories that match your dress will help accentuate your outfit as well as your facial features. It’s not necessary to go too fancy for a formal, sometimes just styling your hair in a funky way will work just as well as a salon updo, but will be unique to you.
If you prefer wearing your hair down, you might want to try something new on prom night without necessarily putting your hair up. Curling your straight hair into romantic curls or straightening your waves into a sleek style can give you a nice change without the cost or time needed to get an updo at a salon. If you prefer to wear your hair down, you can easily “dress up” your hairstyle with a barrette or headband that matches your dress.
Whether your hair is short or long, you can find the perfect prom hairdo for you. The easiest way to glam up shorter haircuts for prom is to add two things: shine and volume. Using a blowdryer and a round brush to add lift to the roots and a light touch of shine pomade wax will give you a cute, dressy look. Although you won’t have as many options as mid-length or long-haired girls, there are plenty of choices and you can see some of them just by looking on Hollywood’s red carpet.
With medium length and long hair, there is always the question of “up or down?” The best thing to remember about prom night when picking out your style is to feel comfortable…so pick what you love.