Contact:
Kate Gallagher/Ann Higby
Vi Nelson & Associates, Inc.
312-944-1262/fax 312-664-8380
kate@vinelson.com or ann@vinelson.com
The National Cosmetology Association
Gets Ready for Prom
The National Cosmetology Association recently asked some of their top
member hair stylists their opinions about teen trends, and what they are doing
in the salon to get ready for prom season this year.
Glamour is definitely back for prom night! And this year, there are so many
looks to choose from. Here’s what we’ve heard from across the country about
prom looks, teen trends and tips:
Gianni DiDomenico
Sculpture Salon, Kensington, CT
HairWorld 2002 Men’s Team World Champion
NCA USA Men’s Team
NCA USA Design Team Spring/Summer 2002
“On the teen market, I have seen a 50% + increase in the last five years.
For events like Prom, Father/Daughter Dance, Homecoming and Sweetheart
Dance, all great events for getting teens into the salon, I am doing soft roller sets
and soft barrel curls.”
“What’s hot? Extension pieces! The girls just want to have fun…they
want their hair to be a certain length, color and thickness.”
“Last year, I was doing up-do’s with twists, spiky pieces, and fringy
textured looks. This year the looks are more cascading with accessories like
ribbons, twine and jewelry. Popular again this season…zig-zag partings for long
straight hair, with a curl on the ends. On color, reds and browns are hot!”
“For guys, I’m seeing more mid-length natural looks. The hair is
approximately three inches all around and is ‘gelled’ and pushed back.”
Samantha Whiteside
Innovations Salon, Naperville, IL
NCA 2002 USA Men’s Youth Team member
“Girls are doing zig-zag partings in the front of the hair. The back is
twisted back. Overall, the look is loose with softness and is more fun then
elegant. I’m using gems, bobby pins with jewelry and hair jewelry that can
Velcro or stick onto the hair.
Pearls and flowers are always a nice accent for a romantic look. For
Guys: It’s often blonde highlights and a great haircut.”
-moreNCA teen trends/add 1
Stephanie Loy
Salon Impact, Raleigh, NC
Junior Ladies (Individual) Marcel Lamy Gold Medal Champion at
HairWorld 2002
“On trends—styles are moving away from the traditional French twist or
pile of curls on top of the head. Instead of curls, I’m seeing twists and knots and
more straight hair.”
“Prom tends to be more fancy/formal—homecoming tends to be more
casual and fun. For my clients (age 9-11), I’m using spray-on hair color (with
mom’s permission, of course). They are interested in spray glitter and spray gel
that will wash out.”
Stephanie is doing work for lots of proms and homecomings. She is
located in Raleigh, NC, a conservative area, so her work can tend to be
conservative. “NC does not go to extremes.”
Jessica Ellis
D.O.K Image Studio and Day Spa, Ogden, UT
NCA Design Team F/W 2001
Jessica always begins by asking the client about her dress for the
occasion. Together, they build the look from there. “The girls are interested in
messy hair, flat-ironed ends, zig-zag partings, and pinned up hair,” said NCA’s
Jessica Ellis.
“The guys are interested in shattered edges and messy hair. They all use
a ‘hard’ gel by Sexy Hair Concepts. Guys are coming in for perm services
where they will ‘chunk’ out sections. (i.e. Short in some sections, long in others--the hair is not curly, it just adds more body around the face).”
“My clients read hairstyling magazines for inspiring looks and how-to’s.
They’re really ‘plugged-in’ to what’s going on with style. Some of my coworkers do platform work and have clients who are open to trying new colors,
extensions and accessories. Clip in braids, curls and extensions are in.”
Brook Kearney-Thornley, D.O.K. Image Studio and Day Spa, Odgen, UT
HairWorld 2002 Ladies Bridal Hairstyling competitor
I am seeing three-strand and four-strand braids being used to achieve
interesting texture. Teen trends are allowing for more lines to create texture.
In the past, you saw only a round curl, only a straight line, or only a
singular shape. Now, the combination of line and texture allows the hairdresser
to compliment the client’s look better and more effectively. As an artist and as a
hairdresser, we are not limited!
-moreNCA teen trends/add 2
Brad Ballington
Salon A.B.C. Hair and Nails, Beaufort, SC
NCA Design Team F/W 2002
NCA HairAmerica member
“For prom, I am working on more non-conventional looks that are ‘up,’
but look is about cascading, or falling down. With my teen clients, I am doing
both conservative and avant-garde looks. What’s hot for guys and girls? Sprayon hair color that matches the suits and dresses, and washes out at the end of the
night.”
Steven Porter
NCA Design Team Spring/Summer 2003
Louisville, KY.
"Young people want younger-looking hairstyles. The looks this season are
more fun and playful (less structured) and provide lots of exciting options for girls
with mid-length hair.”
For information regarding membership in the National Cosmetology
Association, salon professionals can call the NCA New Member Hotline at 1866-871-0656, the NCA office at 312-527-6765 or email nca1@sba.com.
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The National Cosmetology Association (NCA) is the largest
organization of salon professionals in the world. Its mission, since its
inception in 1920, has been and continues to be to ensure that working salon
professionals have the tools and resources available to create career success
with integrity.