The Best Hair Style & Makeup For Prom

Nazy Rafaeil
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Last updated 2 months ago.

Stepping into the spotlight at a prom, wedding, or special event is a moment that deserves to be unforgettable. While the perfect dress is undoubtedly important, your hairstyle can be the key to completing your look and making it uniquely yours. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of hair types and lengths, unraveling the mystery of which hairstyle pairs best with your chosen dress silhouette. Whether you have straight, curly, wavy, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to discover the art of selecting the ideal hairstyle to make you shine on your special day!

red dress with red lipstick

You’ve selected your dress and perfectly paired it with matching shoes, accessories, and a clutch. Now, the spotlight is on makeup and hairstyling for your upcoming prom, and you find yourself pondering the ideal hairstyle to complement your outfit. Choosing between an updo, sleek and straight locks, loose waves, or a practical ponytail may seem Overwhelming. However, it all boils down to two essential factors: your personal preference and the characteristics of your chosen dress.

Your style plays a significant role in this decision, which depends on your chosen dress. Consider how your dress fits and the unique attributes it presents. Do you have an alluring open back that you’d like to showcase, or perhaps you prefer using your hair to elegantly drape over it? 

The decision to leave your hair loose or secure it in a ponytail depends on your comfort and the desire to ensure a hassle-free evening without needing constant touch-ups, especially when dancing or moving around.

Furthermore, the length of your hair opens up a world of possibilities. Long hair offers versatility, allowing you to wear it down, style it straight, or create playful curls. However, if your hair is shorter, a well-executed cut can result in a stylish look that complements your dress beautifully. 

If you want long hair for the event, don’t worry; you can try using extensions or adding braids or ponytails. These can be found online or at beauty salons and hair stores, although online purchases may require extra effort to ensure a perfect color match. Consider visiting a beauty salon a few weeks before prom night, where experts can assist you in ordering the most suitable piece. While human hair extensions can be pricey, synthetic options are budget-friendly and serve their purpose well, mainly if you use them only once or twice for a special event.

Your hairstyle can make or break your look for a special event like a prom, wedding, or party. We’ll guide you through different hair types and lengths and the best ways to style them to complement your dress.

Section 1: Hair Types and Lengths

A. Straight Hair:

Straight hair is sleek and elegant. It complements a range of dress styles that are plain and simple.

  • Silhouette 1: A-line dresses & Ball Gowns
    • Recommended hairstyle: Straight hair left down or pulled back into a low ponytail.
  • Silhouette 2: Sheath dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Straight hair with a center part or a simple updo.

B. Curly Hair:

Curly hair adds a touch of romance and flair to your look. Pair it with these dress silhouettes:

  • Silhouette 1: Ballgown dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Cascading curls or an updo with loose curls.
  • Silhouette 2: Mermaid dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Soft, side-swept curls or a half-up, half-down curly style.

C. Wavy Hair:

Wavy hair strikes a balance between straight and curly. It’s versatile and can match various dress styles:

  • Silhouette 1: Empire waist dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Loose waves with a floral accessory for a boho look.
  • Silhouette 2: Tea-length dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Beachy waves or a wavy ponytail.

D. Ponytail:

Ponytails are chic and practical. They work well with modern, sleek dress silhouettes:

  • Silhouette 1: Bodycon dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: High, sleek ponytail with a statement hairpin.
  • Silhouette 2: Two-piece dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Low, side-swept ponytail for an edgy look.

E. Updo:

Updos are timeless and sophisticated. They complement classic dress silhouettes:

  • Silhouette 1: Princess-cut dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Classic chignon or a French twist.
  • Silhouette 2: Vintage-inspired dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Gibson tuck or a retro updo with victory rolls.

F. Half Open, Half Closed:

This style combines the best of both worlds. It pairs well with dresses that have unique features:

  • Silhouette 1: One-shoulder dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Half-up, half-down with loose waves.
  • Silhouette 2: High-low dresses
    • Recommended hairstyle: Half-open, half-closed with braided elements.

      short hair

Hairstyle Recommendations for Different Dress Styles:

When choosing a hairstyle to pair with a specific dress style, it’s important to consider how the hair complements the dress’s unique features. This guide categorizes various dress styles and provides tailored hairstyle recommendations for each, ensuring that your overall look is harmonious and enhances the dress’s distinctive characteristics. Whether you’re wearing a backless dress, a beaded gown, a dress with a distinctive neckline, or a strapless ensemble, these suggestions will help you choose the perfect hairstyle to complete your look. Each category focuses on hairstyles that either accentuate the dress’s key elements or create a balanced aesthetic, allowing you to look and feel your best for any occasion.

 Backless Dress:

  •  Elegant updo to showcase the backless design.
  • Recommended Hairstyles: Side-swept curls add a touch of allure while highlighting the back.
  •  Use a low ponytail or bun to keep the focus on the dress’s back.

 Beaded Dress:

  • Recommended Hairstyles:
  •  Sleek and straight hair for a modern and sophisticated look.
  •  A classic updo to keep the attention on the intricate beadwork.
  •  Soft waves create a harmonious balance between the dress’s shimmer and your hair’s texture.

Neckline Dress:

  • Recommended Hairstyles:
      • A chic updo with a deep side part to accentuate the neckline.
      • Loose curls or waves to frame your face and complement the V-shape.
    • Use a half-up, half-down hairstyle to maintain a balanced and flattering look.

Strapless Dress:

  • Recommended Hairstyles:
      • A sleek ponytail or bun will highlight the shoulders and neckline.
      • Loose waves or curls for a romantic and feminine touch.
    • A classic updo to create an elegant and timeless appearance.

 Essential Makeup Tips and Color Matching for Your Dress:

Choosing the right makeup for your prom night complements your dress and enhances your natural beauty. Here are some tips and tricks for selecting the perfect makeup look for prom:

Matching Makeup to Dress Color: The color of your dress greatly influences your makeup choices. For instance, if you’re wearing a red dress, choose a subtle and warm makeup shade, like gold eyeshadow and a nude lip. With a white dress, you have more freedom to experiment. You can either go for an ethereal look with light, shimmery eyeshadow, and dewy skin or choose a bolder makeup look like a neutral smokey eye. A black dress pairs well with a classic red lip or a fun-colored metallic eyeshadow with a neutral lip color. Green dresses look great with neutral and warm shades.

Eye Makeup Based on Eye Color: To make your eyes stand out, choose eyeshadow colors that complement your eye color. For blue eyes, navy and cobalt shades can be striking, while emerald eyeshadow enhances green eyes. Brown and hazel eyes look stunning with chestnut and cocoa shades.

Skin Tone Considerations: Select makeup shades that flatter your skin tone. Gold and bronze eyeshadows create a beautiful glow for dark skin tones, while light pink and peach blushes and eyeshadows can benefit fair skin tones.

Natural and Simple Makeup Options: If you prefer a more natural look, focus on subtly enhancing your features. Use thin layers of foundation, a soothing eyeshadow color, and a light touch of mascara. Simple prom makeup can be achieved with neutral-toned eyeshadows, thin-lined eyeliner, and a touch of lipstick and gloss.​

Long-Lasting Makeup Techniques: To ensure your makeup stays fresh throughout the night, use a primer before applying makeup, set your makeup with powder, and finish with a setting spray. This helps to maintain a flawless look and prevent smudging or fading.

DIY vs. Professional Makeup: Deciding whether to do your makeup yourself or go to a professional depends on your budget, skill level, and the look you’re aiming for. Doing it yourself allows for more control and cost-saving, while a professional can provide expert knowledge and high-quality, photography-friendly makeup.

Trial Runs and Preparation: It’s a good idea to try out your makeup before prom night. This will help you decide what works best for you and avoid any last-minute surprises. Prepare your skin well in advance by cleansing, moisturizing, and clearing any blemishes for a smooth base.

Based on the latest trends from Jovani for their 2024 prom dress collection, there are several popular colors and styles to consider when choosing the right lipstick shades. Here are some recommendations for matching lipstick colors with popular Jovani prom dress colors:

Prom Glam: Perfect Lipstick Matches for Trending Jovani Dress Colors:

  1. Apricot Crush Dresses: This warm, peachy-orange hue is elegant and playful. For lipstick, choose shades that complement this warmth, like coral, soft peach, or even a subtle nude to keep the focus on the dress color itself.
  2. Electric Blue Dresses: With this bright and bold color, you could opt for a more subdued lipstick shade like a soft pink or mauve to balance the look, or go bold with a contrasting color like a deep red or berry shade.
  3. Lilac Dresses: This soft and feminine color pairs beautifully with nude or light pink lipstick. For a monochromatic look, you can also try a subtle lavender shade.
  4. Coral Dresses: This vibrant color works well with nude or peachy lipstick shades. Avoid overly bright or red lipsticks that might clash with the dress color.
  5. Emerald Green Dresses: Rich, luxurious emerald green dresses look stunning with classic red lipstick or a deeper shade like burgundy. For a more understated look, you can also try nude lipstick.

When choosing your lipstick, also consider your skin tone. For warm skin tones, earthy or warm reds and corals are flattering. Cool skin tones look great in jewel tones like royal blue and emerald green and cool pinks like fuchsia. Neutral skin tones have a broad spectrum but should avoid overly bright or neon shades​.

Remember, the key to a perfect prom look is balancing your makeup with your dress and ensuring it complements your style and skin tone. Feel free to experiment with different shades to find the one that makes you feel the most confident and beautiful on your special night!

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