Hello! My name is Natty Jackson, Bridal Specialist and Stylist at Bombshell Salon. Fall is fast approaching and, if you have a teenaged daughter, this means it's time to start shopping for homecoming! When I was a freshman in high school, homecoming was one of the most-anticipated events of my year. It was an opportunity to dress up and feel like a princess with my friends, a chance to wear the makeup and hair of my dreams AND having a reason to do so! What girl doesn't like to feel a bit like royalty every now and then?! From shopping for the perfect dress to trying out different hairstyles that tie the look together, homecoming can be a ton of fun. So, let's talk GLAM.
Basic rules for "tying a look together":
- If the dress is intricate, elaborate, or "busy" in terms of texture, fabric, or design, keep the hair simple! Top knots, sleek ponytails, or a soft, bouncy blowout let the dress speak for itself. Conversely, if the dress is more simple, go with a more sophisticated hairstyle- braids, big volume, hair pieces, accessories, etc.
- If a bright lip is being worn, keep the eye softer, less dramatic. When I was a teenager, my mother wanted my makeup to be very minimal. Sometimes a bit of black liner on the top lid and a pop of color on the lip is enough to feel glam. A rich red is timeless, but for more fun, a matte magenta is a great choice.
- For longer hair, wear it down! Beach waves a very popular this season and go well with longer, bohemian-style dresses or shorter tea-length numbers. They are very versatile and pair well with small braids. To achieve the look, take a curling wand and wrap the hair in small sections away from the face, holding the ends away from the hot iron. When the head is entirely curled, flip over and spray with a medium hold hairspray. Flip back and spray once more. It's ok if it’s a little disheveled! For even more fun, go to your local craft store and pick up some fake rose buds. Weave a bobby pin through the base and push the pin up and into a braid at the crown of the head. This is a look Lana del Rey would be proud of.
- Always remember that homecoming is more casual than prom, but more glam than graduation. Wearing hair completely down is perfectly acceptable, so long as its polished. If you're picturing something more classic, an upstyle is your best bet. Though YouTube is great for tutorials, you will be much happier booking an updo or style at a salon to ensure it holds, it's professional, and it's exactly what you want for the big night. It's easier to style CLEAN hair, so whether you book with a stylist or choose to do your own, remember to start with a fresh canvas and use plenty of hairspray.
- For the edgier ladies, tape-in extensions are a fun addition to any style. It's an easy, harmless, and temporary way to add length or color to any style. Ask your stylist what they offer in terms of extensions and this might help you find the perfect look (even if it's not totallyyour own!) Think hot pink ends or purple peek-a-boos. Very cool.
Last, but not least, have fun with this! This isn’t a competition and there's always homecoming next year, so keep some ideas for the future. Don't stress and always ask questions! If you need advice or want to book a style for your homecoming, call me at 804/342-0051. Bring pictures of your dress and open up with your stylist about what you have in mind, even if you think its wild and crazy. Good luck with your school year, kittens! And always remember- HAVE FUN.
