The Do's and Don'ts of Prom Hair

Getting ready for one of the most exciting nights of your High School Career can be stressful. First it is finding the perfect dress, shoes, necklace, earrings, and makeup. Then you have to get your group organized and figure out where you are going to have dinner, who's house you have to be at and what time you have to be there for pictures, who is driving what, and who is riding with who. Then there is your hair. Should you have highlights or all one color, wear it up, down, or off to the side? The stylists at the Hair Shack in Dover MN (doverhairshack.com), would like to help clear up the do's and don'ts of pre-prom hair.

*Make your appointment NOW. Prom day fills up fast, no matter what Salon you go to, so if you want a specific time it is important to get your appointment scheduled as soon as possible.

*Dimension adds definition. Meaning, hair that is highlighted, low lighted, or both will show the details of your updo more that all one color hair will. The Hair Shack recommends having your hair colored, if you choose to do so, one to two weeks before your prom day.

*Hair accessories are usually an inexpensive way to add a hint of flair to your updo, especially if you have one solid color of hair.

*When deciding how you want to wear your hair, take into consideration the style of your dress. Having an open back dress will put emphasis on your back, you won't want to cover that up by leaving your hair down, a side pony updo or all up would be your best choice. A halter top dress looks better with your hair all up. A high back dress would look good with half up, half down updo. Bring a picture of your dress to your hair stylist. Your stylist can help you decide what updo would look best with your dress.

*Bringing in pictures of updos that you like won't hurt and can be very helpful, but go in with the understanding that your stylist is a Beautician not a Magician. Meaning, you can't expect the results of a updo that requires 18 inches of hair when you have 8 inches of hair.

*If you are not sure what you DO want, be sure to know what you DON'T want. After you have discussed what you like and dislike in an updo, trust your stylist. They know how your hair will look its best. Just remember, your stylist can not read your mind, if something is not looking rite speak up and let them know. It is much easier to change something on your updo before it is complete and needs to be taken down and redone.

*The day of your updo your hair needs to be COMPLETELY DRY. Many salons will charge you for every minuet they spend drying your hair before they put it up. It is true that dirty hair holds better but oily hair will not. If your hair is not oily, coming in with hair that has not been washed for 24 hours will hold curl better and last longer. If you need to wash your hair before your updo, put a mouse or gel in it when it is wet and stay away from any silicone products. Give your hair at least 12 hours to dry. Hair is like nail polish in the aspects of drying, it may look and feel dry but it isn't. Any moisture left in the hair will prevent your hair from holding a curl and as a result may not last through the end of the night.

*Wear a button up shirt to your hair appointment. The last thing you need to worry about is how you are going to get your shirt off without ruining your updo.

*Lastly, be considerate of your stylist and the other clients. On prom day everyone is on a tight schedule. Arrive at the salon 10 minuets before your appointment to keep things moving smoothly. If you end up not needing your hair done, cancel your appointment as soon as possible. Most salons have a waiting list and can get another girl in your spot. Just not showing up for your appointment is not only rude, it prevents some other girl from having her hair done.

Keeping these simple things in consideration will make the hair aspect of prom a whole lot less stressful, your salon visit more enjoyable, and hopefully help your prom day run more smoothly. Have a wonderful and safe prom.