Prom Hairstyles: Paris Hilton Tips

Introduction

Love her or not, Paris Hilton definitely knows how to wear her hair so that it looks fantastic for any type of dressy occasion. Not only does the young heiress select styles that are harmonious with her face shape, hair length and hair type, texture and length, she knows just the right hairdo to select to match the event.

(Paris Hilton wearing a modified twist updo at Fox TV White Hot Winter Network Party at Meson G. Restaurant, LA 01-17-05 - Photo by David Edwards - DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved).

Modern Twist - Audrey Hepburn Updated

Even when there are rumors that Paris is having a "hair crisis" she still manages to work her hair into a stunning look. In her style above, Paris wears her hair in a Modern Twist that is right in fashion with the latest runway trends of more oomph at the crown. Her style steals from the best of all worlds. She has a long uneven fringe that softens the front of her forehead will highlighting her gorgeous eyes and face. The crown is backcombed for height but smoothed enough to give a sleek sexy appearance. The back of the style ends in a softly messy updated version of the traditional French Twist.

Steal Paris' Look - Ideal Hair Length, Texture & Type

Although this updo works best on hair that is medium in length, it can work on any hair that is long enough to be pulled back into a full ponytail. Although the optimal length is for shoulder length tresses, the style can be modified for hair that is longer. Keep in mind that Paris is no stranger to hair extensions, half wigs and add-on strands. If necessary borrow this secret from Paris and get temporary extensions.

Paris is wearing bangs that are swept to one side and pinned close to the head, If you prefer, full bangs can also be worn with this style.

This sassy style works best on strands that are naturally straight, chemically or temporarily straightened. If your own hair is tightly curly or extremely wavy, you may want to rethink this updo as your ideal style.

Before Your Start

The style was created on previously washed, dried hair that was “aged” so that the hair’s natural oils had time to build up slightly. Natural hair oils help the updo hold tighter and last longer.

Before you start make sure that you have all the proper tools including plenty of hairpins, a good brush and comb. If you wish to add hair accessories be sure you have them ready to be added to the style at the end.

Remember to use good styling creams, gels, sprays or similar products to give hair instant texture and stylability. While less may be more, when it comes to creating dressy updo related styles, too little may not enough.

Tools: Boar's bristle brush, wide tooth comb, tailcomb for backcombing, medium sized straightening iron, Blax or Bungee cords, bobby pins the same color as your hair, styling products depending on hair texture & condition (gel, mousse, hairspray).

Special Notes: This style can be created at home after some practice with mirrors of with the help of your best buds. If you prefer that a professional hairdresser create the style, consider going for a "practice appointment" and lock down your Prom day appointment as far in advance as possible.

Apply bobby pins in X configuration to hold them firmly in place.

Step By Step Instructions

This style works better on "day old hair" or hair that is not newly washed or overly soft. Plan to shampoo your hair the day before or at least 12 hours before attempting this style.

Keep in mind that freshly washed hair may be overly soft and slippery, making it challenging to style, which would add time to the creation of this updo. If you prefer to work with newly washed hair limit your use of conditioners or other products that make strands slippery soft.

Step 1: Begin by using a soft boar’s head brush or similar natural bristle brush to make sure that all knots and tangles are completely removed from all strands.

Note: The Mason Pearson brush is a favorite of many of the celebrity hairdressers)

Step 2: Use Robert Hallowell’s Super Volumizing Tonic and spray each individual section lightly. Then run a traditional or ceramic barreled flat iron through the tresses to straighten.

Working from side to side with individual sections that are about 1 to 2 inches in thickness, smooth all of the hair with a medium barrel hot flat iron.

After you run the iron through each section the “hair will get sort of crunchy and flat, flat, flat” according to Robert. If you elevate each piece high above the ears while ironing it you will achieve a super straight effect with lots of volume on the ends, which is one of Robert’s straightening secrets that he uses on his many celebrity clients.

Allow hair to cool completely before proceeding. Note: Super Volumizing Tonic is actually very good for your hair because it contains no alcohol and lots of Vitamin B. It also adds instant shine and manageability.

Step 3: Using a rattail comb or brush, part off your desired section of fringe hair from the rest of the crown section. Clip out of the way. If you like, part them on the side ala Paris and gently backcomb for fullness. Or wear in your most favorite style.

Note: Avoid using any type of heavy gels, mousse or other styling products on the front of your bangs. Heavy product use will result in a floppy fringe that attracts oil and may leave you with limp bangs and an oily forehead.

If you wish to use a hairspray on your fringe area, consider using a product that is very light but will dry with a good hold. Products to consider: Jessica Simpson’s favorite Phytolaque Soie made with real silk or Paves Professional.

Step 4: Using your hands in conjunction with a comb or brush, gather a small section of hair approximately 4 inches in thickness at the top of the crown in the back section.

Step 5: Hold the ends of the new section straight out from the scalp with one hand. Use a fine-toothed comb or small brush with the other hand to backcomb the hair towards the base in sharp sweeping strokes.

Step 6: With the other hand, run the comb down the length of the hair from the end towards the scalp in short sharp strokes. Continue to backcomb the section until the desired volume is achieved. Spray this teased section with a firm hold hairspray. Note: Backcombing should only be done for special events since the teasing of tresses can be stressful or potentially damaging for the ends.

Step 7: Once the first section is completely teased, pick up the next section of hair and repeat the process until all of the back hair has been completely backcombed.

Step 8: Use a firm hairspray to completely spray all of the teased hair.

Step 9: Using both hands carefully smooth the teased hair making sure there is fullness and height at the crown.

Step 10: Brush hair smoothly back from the hairline. Using your hands in conjunction with the brush, gather the back section of hair up into a mid-back ponytail making sure that the top section of the crown is pushed up to maintain maximum fullness and volume.

Step 11: Secure the ponytail with a “hair friendly” Blax, Bungee or other elastic band preferably in the same color as your natural hair. The gathered base of the ponytail should rest approximately 6-8" up from the base of the head.

Step 12: Once the first section is completely teased, pick up the next section of hair and repeat the process until all of the back hair has been completely backcombed.

Step 13: Use a firm hairspray to completely spray all of the teased hair. (Ones to try, Paves Professional Convertible Proof Hairspray or Rene Furterer Instant Hairspray).

Step 14: Using both hands carefully smooth the teased hair making sure there is fullness and height at the crown.

Step 15: Brush hair smoothly back from the hairline. Using your hands in conjunction with the brush, gather the back section of hair up into a mid-back ponytail making sure that the top section of the crown is pushed up to maintain maximum fullness and volume.

Step 16: Secure the ponytail with a “hair friendly” Blax, Bungee or other elastic band. The gathered base of the ponytail should rest approximately 6-8" up from the base of the head.

Step 17: Starting at the top of the ponytail near the base, lift a 1-2” thick strand of hair from the newly formed ponytail. When in doubt use thinner rather than thicker strands that give a "ribbon" effect. Backcomb lightly to get a firmer texture to the ribbon strand.

Step 18: Using your fingers or a round brush, carefully form a smooth open loop around your fingers. For extra hold, use a good setting gel like Phytofix or similar, to prepare each chunk of hair before forming the ribbon loop. To add extra volume to each curled section, use Phytovolume Actif Spray or Robert Hallowell’s Super Volumizing Tonic and spray each individual section lightly before looping.

Step 19: Position the newly formed loop against the scalp and anchor at the tail section with bobby pins in the same color as the hair.

Step 20: Spray the first loop with firm hold hairspray.

Step 21: Working in a uniform direction from the top of the pony towards the bottom, continue to form a series of 1-2” loops that nestle softly into each other in a well-balanced circular formation. If desired, pin a few of the loops near the middle section of the strand allowing a “tail” to protrude freely from the curled configuration creating a flirty splay of hair. Or make the loops pronounced so they spike up slightly against the back of the crown.

Note: The key to this look is uniformity. Strive to make all the loops the same size and tightness. Experiment with the number of loops that are created. Also experiment with crossing strands over or under other strands to get a fuller look.

Step 22: When all the loops are completely formed and arranged, spray well with a strong hold hairspray.

Step 23: Release the fringe area. Lightly backcomb, spray and pin into a side swept position against the forehead.

Step 24: Apply a drop or two of a shine serum like Phyto's PhyoLisse, Rene Furterer's Spray Gloss or Robert Hallowell's Love That Shine Drops to the palms of your hands.

Step 25: Rub the serum into the palms and then lightly glide over the top of the style to add instant shimmer and shine. Spray well with hairspray like Phytolaque or Jessica Simpson’s favorite Phytolaque Soie made with real silk.

Step 26: Attach any desired hair accessory. Remember to always attach accessories last after all styling products have been applied to avoid damaging delicate accessories.

For a sleeker look, use a brush to gently break up the curl pattern and arrange the curls into a sleek curtain of waves.

For extra special shimmer, apply a tiny bit of shine serum (one to try - Paves Professional - FLAWless in the spotlight) or gloss (Rene Furterer Gloss Spray) to the palms of your hands and lightly rub over the top of your beautiful style. Viola!

Summary

What's Paris' secret to scandalous but versatile hair? Great hairdressers, great products and an in-your-face attitude.

This updo style is free and easy but can morph from casual chic to over the top elegance with the addition of accessories. To keep the style fluid and funky, add a dash of metallic or sterling silver with a choker, earrings and hair sticks. To glam it up, pin on a sequined or silk flower and wear a matching choker and earrings.

(Hairsticks shown - Mei Fa - Hairstyx™ - Kimono Silver 5.75" Hairsticks - (Set of 2)

Go for an over the top elegant look by adding Austrian or Swarovski crystal hairpins, necklace and earrings. (Shown to the side - Michele Busch - Necklace - Three Strand Wine Pearl w/Sterling Silver Flower). The beauty of this easy updo is that it can scale up or down depending on your fashion or whims.

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