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Schools

Hot Hair Trends for Prom

Whether you're having your hair done professionally or you're doing it yourself, we have some great tips for prom. These looks also are great for weddings!

On Friday, students will step out in style to celebrate the end of their high school education and attend the senior prom.

While the guys tend to have it easy -- slapping on a tux and maybe applying a little gel to their hair -- the girls put in a lot of prep work to get ready for their big night.

Some of the essentials the ladies need to consider are the perfect dress, matching shoes and accessories.

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Then, of course, there is the hair.

For style advice on how to get the perfect prom hair, we turned to Harmony Salon in Pine.

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According to longtime stylist Patrice DeShantz, dancing the night away with a mound of curls tightly pinned to the top of your head is so last year. Instead, a soft and relaxed do is what’s in for 2011, she said.

“Girls are going for a much more casual look this year,” DeShantz said.

Prom season is one of the salon's busiest times of the year. This year, DeShantz said, she researched hot hair styles and educated the other stylists on what prom-goers may like.

This year's top trend is the Taylor Swift-inspired coifs that have been popping up all over Hollywood, she said.

“Relaxed, casual, soft waves, braids, side ponytails, messy buns as well as twists are all super-hot right now,” DeShantz said.

If you're not feeling as “Fearless” as the country crooner and want to stick with something a little more traditional, DeShantz said that’s OK, too. Instead of mimicking your favorite star, she suggested focusing on the dress.

“If your dress is strapless, halter, mermaid or super poufy, all these factor determine what kind of hairstyle you are going to want,” DeShantz said. “It also determines what, if any, hair accessories you are going to wear.”

Velvet and feathered headbands as well hair pins encrusted with crystal or pearls are very popular right now, DeShantz said. Available at any bridal boutique or accessory stores, these pieces can really make your look unique.

For the short-haired girls, DeShantz said there's no reason why your tresses can't be beautiful and romantic for the prom.

“You don’t have to have long hair for a formal event," she said. "There are ways to spice up short hair for a special occasion. It just all depends on the look you are going for.”

If you don't have the option of sitting in a stylist's chair to get primped for the prom, DeShantz shared a little secret that will help anyone to go to the prom with a stunning mane.

“Go on the Internet and search hairstyles on Youtube.com," she said. "There are a ton of step-by-step videos that allow girls to easily do their own hair for prom.”

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