You've got the dress, the shoes and the jewelry. You've even got the date. But the right hairstyle can make or break the outfit! Should you go with an updo or tousled waves? French twist or low bun? There are just so many choices! Luckily, we spoke with Redken Session Stylist David Cruz to bring you the absolute best styles for the big night. Read on and you'll be sure to discover which one is best for you!
Tips To Get You Started
Prom-perfect hair doesn't have to be scary or tricky! Cruz has a couple very important rules for you to follow.
1) "Try not to overdo it," he says. "Have fun -- chose a style that isn't super-fussy. Simpler styles tend to be cooler."
2) Haven't met with a hairstylist yet? That's okay, says Cruz ... but, "it is a great idea to bring pictures with you."
Trust Your Hairdresser!
Your stylist is there to help you. Curious about what style will work the best? "If you can, bring a picture of the dress along with the pictures of hairstyles you like," Cruz recommends. That way, you'll be sure to have a hairstyle and dress that complement each other! You can even schedule a consultation and trial run with your stylist before the big day. Many times, consultations are free -- but be sure to check with your salon to make sure.
Don't Overdo It
The number one rule this season is not to make your hair look too done. Cruz thinks the tousled updo -- like this one seen at the Spring 2008 Alberta Ferretti show, left -- is "a big hit this season!" This means face-framing layers, roughed-up waves, and loose buns. Worried about creating this style on your own? Don't be -- it's simple, thanks to these fabulous tips from Cruz!
1) Take a comb and draw a clean side part, and then pull your hair back into a ponytail. Curl the ponytail with a curling iron -- one with a 1" barrel, like the Supreme 10 Cermaic Curling Iron from Conair, left ($7.50 at walgreens.com) will give you fantastic Shirley Temple style curls! Then pin them up randomly to create a soft, pretty bun.
2) Cruz recommends leaving bangs or face-framing layers out, and spraying them with hairspray to create a rough texture. While blowdrying, you can spritz your tresses with Redken Fabricate 03 Heat-Active Texturizer, right ($12.95, redken.com for store info) -- this spray will make your locks really manageable. Ever heard of the screen siren Brigitte Bardot? She was famous for always having the perfect, tousled bed hair. That's the look you want to go for!
A Little Polish
Classy, elegant, sophisticated ... the French twist never goes out of style. This look is actually super-simple to do at home, and will definitely step your whole ensemble up a notch. Simply create a side part, pull hair into a low ponytail and twirl inward with your fingers. When hair starts to buckle, just secure it with hair pins and voila! A glamorous look that's ready for any red carpet. Cruz loves the idea of making the twist a bit messier. "You can also rough up the hair slightly with your fingers before pulling it back," he says, "it'll make some voluminous texture." This look from Vanessa Hudgens at a recent red carpet event incorporates the chic updo with a mass of curls to create a tumbled, rough look that's still glamorous enough for prom!
Above all, have fun! Prom is meant to be the time of your life. So while you want your hair to look perfect, don't forget to dance the night away! And just in case you need a little touchup during the night, Redken Quick Dry 18 Instant Finishing Spray, left ($12.95, redken.com for store info) is available in a handy mini size that fits right into your clutch!
Tips To Get You Started
Prom-perfect hair doesn't have to be scary or tricky! Cruz has a couple very important rules for you to follow.
1) "Try not to overdo it," he says. "Have fun -- chose a style that isn't super-fussy. Simpler styles tend to be cooler."
2) Haven't met with a hairstylist yet? That's okay, says Cruz ... but, "it is a great idea to bring pictures with you."
Trust Your Hairdresser!
Your stylist is there to help you. Curious about what style will work the best? "If you can, bring a picture of the dress along with the pictures of hairstyles you like," Cruz recommends. That way, you'll be sure to have a hairstyle and dress that complement each other! You can even schedule a consultation and trial run with your stylist before the big day. Many times, consultations are free -- but be sure to check with your salon to make sure.
Don't Overdo It
The number one rule this season is not to make your hair look too done. Cruz thinks the tousled updo -- like this one seen at the Spring 2008 Alberta Ferretti show, left -- is "a big hit this season!" This means face-framing layers, roughed-up waves, and loose buns. Worried about creating this style on your own? Don't be -- it's simple, thanks to these fabulous tips from Cruz!
1) Take a comb and draw a clean side part, and then pull your hair back into a ponytail. Curl the ponytail with a curling iron -- one with a 1" barrel, like the Supreme 10 Cermaic Curling Iron from Conair, left ($7.50 at walgreens.com) will give you fantastic Shirley Temple style curls! Then pin them up randomly to create a soft, pretty bun.
2) Cruz recommends leaving bangs or face-framing layers out, and spraying them with hairspray to create a rough texture. While blowdrying, you can spritz your tresses with Redken Fabricate 03 Heat-Active Texturizer, right ($12.95, redken.com for store info) -- this spray will make your locks really manageable. Ever heard of the screen siren Brigitte Bardot? She was famous for always having the perfect, tousled bed hair. That's the look you want to go for!A Little Polish
Classy, elegant, sophisticated ... the French twist never goes out of style. This look is actually super-simple to do at home, and will definitely step your whole ensemble up a notch. Simply create a side part, pull hair into a low ponytail and twirl inward with your fingers. When hair starts to buckle, just secure it with hair pins and voila! A glamorous look that's ready for any red carpet. Cruz loves the idea of making the twist a bit messier. "You can also rough up the hair slightly with your fingers before pulling it back," he says, "it'll make some voluminous texture." This look from Vanessa Hudgens at a recent red carpet event incorporates the chic updo with a mass of curls to create a tumbled, rough look that's still glamorous enough for prom!
Above all, have fun! Prom is meant to be the time of your life. So while you want your hair to look perfect, don't forget to dance the night away! And just in case you need a little touchup during the night, Redken Quick Dry 18 Instant Finishing Spray, left ($12.95, redken.com for store info) is available in a handy mini size that fits right into your clutch!






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