It should come as no surprise that we’re already booking hair appointments for various proms in Richmond, Sugarland and Katy. Prom is a big deal for a high school student. And especially for young ladies in their senior year, prom is one of the last important moments of your teen years. So it’s no wonder girls want their prom look to be absolutely perfect.

Many girls want to look like models, and their willing to pull out their wallet to make this happen. A recent article found that American families spend an average of $919 on their teen’s prom expenses. This may include the dress (often the biggest expense), hair, makeup, a spray tan, nails, flowers, shoes, undergarments, a purse, jewelry, a limo (or other forms of transportation) and tickets to the prom.

But what’s more important on this big night to great all dolled up? Is it the dress you buy, the way you do your makeup, or the way your hair is styled? And do you want to look timeless — with a look that your children and even grandchildren will admire — or do you follow the trends (even if you may grimace with regret when going through prom photos in a few years)?

The Dress

Many girls begin shopping for dresses months before the prom, and nobody wants to play the “Who wore it best?” game, so many dress stores now registries of which dresses they have sold to students at specific high schools to help ensure no two girls wear the same dress to the same big event.

Our best advice is to find a dress in a style and size that fits your body and your personality perfectly. The color, fabric, length and bodice of the dress (including whether or not it has straps or sleeves) are all important factors for finding the perfect prom dresses. Just remember — these dresses are usually only worn once, so think carefully about how much money you spend!

Trends for 2018 include:

• Illusion details — Show off a hint of skin while maintaining a sophisticated and super glamorous look. Many long formal dresses feature illusion tops with sleek, body conscious designs, while short illusion dresses often include lace or beaded embellishments with twirl-ready fit and flare skirts.
• Two-piece gowns — Crop top dresses are as popular at prom as they are on the red carpet. For a youthful yet elegant vibe, try a princess ball gown with your cropped formal top.
• Open back — These daring gowns are a great, head-turning choice if you’re feeling flirtatious, fun and fabulous. Steal the spotlight in a look that makes you feel confident.

The Face & Hair

So obviously, the dress is a big deal. But in all your close-ups and selfies, what you’re really going to see is your makeup and hairdo, so don’t skimp in either of these areas. With your face, prom night is the right time to pull out all the stops — brows, lashes, contouring, big lips — but be careful to make sure your look is camera ready. Consider doing a test run or having your makeup done professionally.

For hair, a professional up-do or blow-out is the way to go. Your stylist has the right tools, products and most importantly — expertise — to create a hair-do that will last all night. Don’t end up with sagging curls, a frizzy mane or limp strands at the end of the night. If you haven’t done so already, book your appointment now to ensure your hair is perfect for prom!