Prom Hair: Prom Up/Down Elegant Hairstyle

Introduction

Stylist: Barbara Lhotan Karen Marie Shelton

This dressy hairstyle offers the elegance of a modified updo style that is half up/half down. Although part of the hair is actually pinned up, the rest of the hair is allowed to cascade softly down around the shoulders and back.

Combining chic hair rolls with a hint of long smooth bangs, this gorgeous do was created on beautiful Model Stacy Jamaitus by Barbara Lhotan especially for HairBoutique.com and our media partner - Multi Media International.

Stylist: Barbara Lhotan Karen Marie Shelton

This style generally works best on hair that is shoulder length or longer with medium thickness.

Straight hair or any type of hair that has been pre-straightened is ideal since the look is about smoothness. If you wish to try this look on fine hair, be prepared for hair slippage with gel, strong holding spray and extra bobby pins.

Hair that is very long can adopt to the style by adjusting the size of the back rolls and allow more hair to flow freely down around the nape of the neck and the back.

Although some people may be able, with practice, to do this style on their own hair, it is recommended that you consult a stylist the first time you have the style created on your own hair.

Let your stylist guide you about the appropriateness of the style for your hair type and texture.

Step By Step Instructions

Stylist: Barbara Lhotan Karen Marie Shelton

This style works best on hair that is not freshly washed. When possible allow your hair to "age" at least 24 hours from your last shampoo. The natural hair oils will help the knots and parts hold tighter and last longer.

1. Start by using a soft boar's head brush or similar natural bristle brush on your hair. Make sure that all knots and tangles are completely removed. (All photos are the express copyright of HairBoutique.com & Multi Media International).

2. Working with individual sections that are about 1-2" in thickness, smooth all of the hair with a hot flat iron. Allow hair to cool completely before proceeding.

3. Using the tail of a rattail comb create a small side part that extends from the front of the hairline approximately 2 inches back to the crown of the head.

4. Brush all the hair from the part to the opposite side of the hairline and pull the newly created section of hair behind the ear. Continue

Stylist: Barbara Lhotan Karen Marie Shelton

to use your hands and a paddle brush to smooth the hair so that all random hairs are contained in the new section .

5. Temporarily clip the hair behind the ear. If desired, pull one small strand or hair from the newly created section (near the eyebrow) for a small accent piece that can be slightly curled or left straight.

6. Brush the other side of the hair until very smooth. Brush it behind the other ear and clip in the back temporarily.

7. Unclip each of the two back sections of hair one at a time (behind the ears) and separate each of the sections into equal top and bottom sections. Each section will in essence become two sections. Pull each bottom section into a loose ponytail to keep out of the way.

Stylist: Barbara Lhotan Karen Marie Shelton

8. Take the first of the two top sections and brush towards the middle of the back of the head. Roll into a soft fairly flat horizontal type of hair roll. Pin firmly and flatly into place against the scalp.

Note: Apply a light gel or setting lotion to each section for hair that is fine, slippery or does not hold styles well. This will help to anchor the hair better.

9. Take the remaining top section and roll to the middle of the back of the head making sure to slightly overlap the first newly formed hair roll. Pin the second roll so that it hides the first roll. Spray with hairspray to help hold the style in place.

10. Attach a flower, large decorated clip or other hair accessory to decorate and also disguise the overlapping hair rolls. Add a light sprinkling of glitter gel for added dazzle or jazz up the sides or back with hair jewels.

Stylist: Barbara Lhotan Karen Marie Shelton

11. Take remaining two ponytails and remove temporary elastic or clips holding them in place. Use a curling iron or hot rollers on the ends to give some soft bend to the ends.

12. Spray ends lightly only to hold.

Experiment with adding more or less sections of hair for different looks. For a different look try braiding the tails of each knotted section.

The possibilities are endless if you take the time to play with different variations of this classic style. This finished style if perfect for any special party, Prom, Wedding or other dressy hair event. Enjoy!

Credits

Hairstyles by Barbara Lhotan Make-up by Catherine Raffaele Hair jewelry provided by HairBoutique.com Jewelry provided by Alltherage.com

Barbara Lhotan is known as the "Personal Trainer" for stylists wishing to be experts with long hair. She is the Director of Education for Renaissance Salon in Smithtown, New York and a Senior National Educator for John Paul Mitchell Systems.

Barbara works on all types of hair from short to long and creates spectacular updos and styles for any event. She is also talented with hair extensions and color. Contact Barbara for a consultation at: (631-724-2386)

Eric von Lockhart was born in New York City but spent his early years traveling to exotic locales as a military brat. Sensing from an early age that “some form of art was his destiny”, Eric embraced his early gypsy life. He viewed his constant travels as priceless opportunities to observe life through many angles, ultimately training him to do the same with his beloved cameras. Eric has been perfecting his craft “all his life” which explains why he is one of the most sought after fashion photographers in America.

Over the years Eric’s unique eye, lightening wizardy and brilliant photographic images have been in hot demand appearing in an extensive list of fashion and beauty magazines including Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, Elle, Essence, Salon News, Modern Salon, Hype Hair, Inspire, Passion, Blacktress, Hair World, 101 Celebrity Hairstyles, Short Cuts and HairBoutique.com.

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Original Publication Date: 12/27/2003 - Revised Date: 04/21/11

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Social Media Network Information

Please follow us on Twitter at: https://Twitter.com/HairBoutique. I look forward to meeting new people from all walks of Twitter and learning from their Tweets.