Prom Planning Checklist for Hairstylists
Prom Planning Checklist for Hairstylists
Yes, I’m still thinking about formals, and I’ve written a little prom planning checklist for hairstylists. Weddings, prom, corsages, dresses…it’s so exciting! I’m guessing I won’t be so excited when it’s one of my girls getting asked to prom, but maybe by the time that happens I’ll have adjusted (yeah…right).
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase using the links I provided. All opinions are my own.
Prom Planning Checklist
When it comes to formal hairstyles and makeup in the salon, there are a few things that I can’t live without as a hairstylist. I went over the checklist for formal hair clients in a post a couple of weeks ago, but this little list will be for the folks behind the chair. I guess if I’m being honest, Formal Hair Checklist was for stylists, as well, because having the client educated about it helps us, too! But, I’d like to share the things that have really pulled me out of a jam on prom or wedding day, and helped me achieve my very best work when it comes to formals.
must haves for makeup
Makeup Removing Wipes
These makeup remover wipes are the best! Yes, readers, it’s true: People come in for a makeup appointment wearing full makeup. It’s the darndest thing I’ve ever seen! Of course, now that I’m over 40, I don’t much like to leave the house without a little something to even out my skin tone and open up my eyes. Granted, sometimes the client has been somewhere else first, and maybe just couldn’t muster up the courage to go bare-faced, but I’ve had some clients come straight from home and still need 3 wipes to get all the gloppy tar off of their eyelashes. The Neutrogena ones pictured are my favorite, because I know they are safe for sensitive skin, but also work like a charm.
New Mascara and Eyelashes. 
I DO NOT EVER use the same mascara wand on different clients, and I don’t like the little disposable applicators, so I actually ask my client to bring her own mascara for makeup appointments. I always by a new tube of mascara, though, just in case she forgets or hers is all dried out and clumpy. It’s only a few bucks (unless you just can’t stand Maybelline), and it’s saved me a few times. I send the mascara home with the client, and they feel like they got a little prize!
I also stock up on eyelashes before prom and wedding season, because I’ve been caught without them before when I didn’t expect anyone to want them, and had to run to the drugstore in the middle of wedding preparations. Not cool. I love this 4-pack by Ardell, available on Amazon.
Eye Makeup Eraser Pen. What a LIFESAVER!! I got my makeup remover pen on Amazon in a 3-pack, thanks to the ever affordable e.l.f. Cosmetics! No more beauty marks on the bridge of the nose! No more screwing up the whole face for one little smudge! YAY! I do always start each makeup look with the eyes, just in case I have fallout of eyeshadow on the cheekbones. This means that when I use my trusty makeup remover pen, I won’t mess up any of the expensive airbrush foundation that I use on my clients!
There is no shame in using an eye makeup eraser pen to achieve the glamorous results you are looking for, without flaws I’m telling you, this little jewel is a lifesaver!
must haves for hair
Redken Hot Sets. This little product is the difference between curls that stay in all night, and curls that stay in approximately 15 minutes after leaving the salon. I love it, and it’s one of the best hair products for prom on the market! If your client has hair that just doesn’t like to hold curl, mist the hair with this before curling and you will see a big difference. The curls are crisper, tighter, and even shinier. Remember…the real thing is only available in salons, but you can try your luck and order some from Amazon. And, no, hairspray is not a good alternative. I won’t even get into all the damage one could cause adding heat to hairspray!
click pic to buy!
Curling Wand. Here’s a link to buy the one I use. I’m adding this one with caution…have you seen the video of the cute girl trying to give us a wand tutorial, who then burns off a good chunk of her hair? Google it; I’m sure it’s on Youtube. A curling wand is not a necessity, but I do love the results when curling with a wand. I actually just recently ordered myself one, because it was on sale, and I love it! I know how careful one must be with a curling wand, because I accessorized for TWO YEARS with a pretty little round burn mark on my forearm. Shuh-Wanda procured herself a curling wand, we both used it on the same day (prom ’12), and we both burned our forearms in about the same spot. Then, I watched that little video, and I didn’t pick up another wand for a good while Shuh-wanda, on the other hand, has continued to use hers with great success. I have finally overcome my fear of the wand, and coveted those tight, springy curls, which resulted in my decision to order this one. I’ll keep you updated, and probably do an entire post on curling wand safety someday.
hair tools on etsy!
Magnetic Bracelet For Bobby Pins. The bobby pin bracelet has saved me so much grief during formal time!! I’ve had one for years that I purchased at a hair show, and I’ve used it on every formal occasion since. My old one is ugly, heavy and uncomfortable, so I made myself a new one (I made several, and you can get your own bobby pin bracelet in my Etsy shop). I’m not a stylist who likes to ask the client to hand me foils, hand me bobby pins, etc. If folks wanted to DIY, they wouldn’t be sitting in my chair.
This bobby pin bracelet is a lifesaver, because once I get the curls/strands where I want them, I can easily grab a pin off of my left wrist and poke it into the do with my right hand! I’d like to shake the genius’ hand that came up with this idea! It is a MUST FOR your prom planning checklist!
being prepared with etsy
These are the ‘can’t live without’ needs for my formal work in the salon, but any of these products would be great for you DIY hair and makeup folks, as well! Being organized and prepared for formals and weddings is a MUST, so be sure to add these items to your prom planning checklist!
One last thing that makes me happy this wedding season, which is not essential but more fun and stylish, is a new, cute salon styling cape! Once again, I have you (and your clients) covered! Visit AHairInMyBiscuit on Etsy to check out this up-cylced salon styling cape, and some others I’ve made. 
I made a couple for myself that will be perfect for formals this year, and some to list in the shop, as well. I hope you’ll give it a look!
prom planning checklist wrapped up
When it comes to dresses, shoes, and other accessories, my advice is to check out Etsy. Buying handmade is a wonderful thing, because you help small businesses succeed, have more beautiful designs to choose from, and can even find shops that do custom orders! Adding Etsy to your prom planning checklist as a shopping option is smart, and helps support small businesses, too. I’ve seen some gorgeous dresses, hairpieces, jewelry, and even shoes on Etsy that can’t be beat!
Time to go get organized! May your formal season go off without a hitch with this prom planning checklist, and may your prom clients be gorgeous this spring and summer!
And above all, HAVE FUN!
X,O,X,O Martie
April 2, 2015 @ 12:02 pm
Oh I love these beauty items! The magnetic bracelet is genius and the makeup remover pen would’ve come in handy yesterday when I smugged my eyeshadow on my nose right after I finished doing my makeup!
April 2, 2015 @ 1:45 pm
Amazon is the way to go…you can get 3 of those eye makeup eraser pens for around $16!
Thank you, I do love my bracelets. They’re my favorite so far, although the capes are a close second! I scored a pile of new fabric yesterday at a second-hand store!!