i’m so excited to introduce make up artist Rachel of color me beautiful. Rachel is a regular here at Pink Owl, always working her magic on my seniors for their senior pictures! Today she is going to share her favorite hairstyles for Prom 2013!

With prom season quickly approaching I know the question on every teen girls mind….” Okay – so I have my dress, my shoes and my jewelry…but WHAT am I suppose to do with my HAIR?!?! “ . With so many options for prom hairstyles it is certainly hard to settle on just one, and when you finally do chose the style that you just LOVE how do you know that it will compliment your dress, your makeup? Will it work with the length and texture of your hair? Let’s face it , not every hairstyle works for every girl.  Your look for prom should be as individual as you are, and bring out your best features. 

I have taken to liberty to make the process a little less painful. I will go over the top 5 hair trends for the 2013 prom season, and will note what type of hair it will work best on as well as how you can mix it up a little to make your look unique. Additionally I will mention styles of dresses that the particular hairstyle would work best with. 

1. Bejeweled Braid – This fun and loose hairstyle works best on long hair of course. You can add volume by teasing your hair at the crown and smoothing it back down for a polished look. Keeping earrings very minimal, you can individualize this look by weaving strands of fun beads or small chains into the braid. This hairstyle will work best with a dress with a flowing skirt. 

2.  Ballerina Bun – Although this look is not for the faint of heart, when pulled off correctly it can make a bold and confident statement. Be sure to wear large enough earrings, possibly with a pop of color to balance out the look. This high bun hairstyle works best for medium to long hair and you can always add one of the new “bun helpers” for added volume. It looks great with a variety of dresses, make sure to take lots of pics looking over your shoulder to achieve the bold look of seeing the entire hairstyle and not only from the front.

3. Glam Braids – Braids can always add a touch of fun to hairstyles, but combining a braid with a more glamorous updo is the ultimate combo for 2013.  This style will work best with shoulder length to medium hair and compliments a fun short dress, particularly a new peplum or cut-out style!

4.  Romantic Waves – Soft and flowing curls are ALWAYS in. The great part about this look is it can work with most hair types, and is the easiest hairstyle to pull off at home! Be sure to apply a root boosting spray for added volume, and finish with a flexible hairspray to avoid the “crunchy” look. Personalize by adding jeweled pins or small flower pins to hold top pieces or bangs out of your face. To continue the “romantic” feel, pair with a fit and flair dress or a flowing skirt. 

5. Glamorous Bob – This hairstyle is for all of the short – medium length girls out there. Who says just because you have short hair you can’t have a fun prom do? Creating volume is key in this look and using a 1” curling iron to curl pieces away from your face. Run your fingers through after curls are cooled for a relaxed and funky look. Don’t skimp on the hairspray and finish with a shine spray to keep the look polished and clean. This short do works well with many different accessories such as jeweled head bands or fun beaded pins.  One shoulder or strapless dresses will set this fun hairstyle apart and leave you feeling like posing for pics all night!

Remember ladies…if at all possible it is best to consult with a professional hair and makeup artist for your big event. After all, you don’t want to look back at your prom pics years down the road with regret . Skimping on professional hair/makeup and letting your bff have control of your look from the neck up doesn’t make much sense after spending all of that money on your gorgeous dress!

-Rachel Edwards

Professional Makeup Artist/Hairstylist

Owner of Color Me Beautiful Makeup Artistry in Louisville,KY