Where to Get Your Hair and Makeup Done for Prom
You've seen the night play out in countless movies, heard tales from your siblings, and can't help but eavesdrop on the annual post-prom chatter from the senior class. Now, it's your turn to go to prom!
As if picking the perfect dress (not to mention your date) isn't hard enough, you need the prom beauty trifecta: hair, nails, and makeup. Because between pre-prom, prom, and the after-prom, you've got a long night ahead of you and the goal is to look your best for every last minute of it.
The issue? Finding a place near you that offers the services you're looking for—within your price range. We rounded up the best salons across eight cities that will help make your high school exit a stylish one. Let's make it a night to remember.
Photo: Courtesy of Kimara Ahnert1/9New York City
Housed in a cozy two-story townhouse on the Upper East Side, pro makeup artists will work one-on-one with you to achieve a picture-perfect look, that’s just enough wow factor without going overboard. To prove the salon owner knows her stuff, Ahnert shares her spot-on prom season makeup predictions. "It’s all about the eyes!" she says. "Go for a little shimmer and lots of individual lashes. If you want to make a major statement, apply liquid liner on top and pencil in your waterline." If you’re in the NYC area we should warn you to book your appointment ASAP—appointments at the salon book up faster than the blink of a lash-laden eye.
Photo: Courtesy of Kimara Ahnert2/9From lu beauty lounges to blowout bars that offer the most bang for your buck, your cross-country salon guide is right this way.
Photo: Courtesy of NailBar and Beauty Lounge3/9Miami
Attracting locals and celebrities alike, this eco-chic nail salon and beauty spa in midtown Miami is not limited to its full range of nail art services. If you’re looking for a one-stop prom shop, NailBar also offers brow grooming, lash extensions, and makeup application. Going green is the name of the game here, as the salon is committed to using chemically safe formulas (do-good brand Zoya is amongst its trusted 5-free roster of polishes), so you know you’re in good hands—literally!
Photo: Courtesy of DryBar4/9Washington D.C.
With a refreshingly simple concept: "No cuts. No color. Just blowouts."—and over 40 locations nationwide, Drybar has become the country’s top blowout destination. D.C.-ers (or residents of the DMV area), can head to the blow bar before the big night and choose from a menu of over seven different styles for a flat rate of $40. Can’t find one you like? No problem. The stylists are happy to modify the look to your liking. Those in search of a more laid-back bohemian vibe are also in luck as the salon just added braids to the menu this month! Book online and make sure to show up a few minutes early—every location is stocked with yummy snacks and drinks in their waiting area. Hey, a girl’s gotta eat.
Photo: Courtesy of Lucy Pop Salon5/9Nashville
Welcome to the dollhouse. With décor inspired by Wednesday Addams’s sense of style, this plush, purple dream house will impress and pamper you at the same time. The salon, which offers hair and makeup services, is also committed to using environmentally friendly and cruelty-free products to protect your health, the earth, and our furry friends. With a team of skilled technicians who have worked backstage during New York Fashion Week, best believe the stylists can create any look you dream up.
Photo: Courtesy of Andy Lecompte6/9Los Angeles
Nestled in the stylish neighborhood of West Hollywood, the salon is your one-stop-shop for all things prom. While you get your makeup, hair, and nails done, make sure to take in their impressive collection of modern art (from iconic artists such as Robert Rauschenberg and Marilyn Minter) and look out for celebs like Kylie and Kendall Jenner amongst other celebs known to saunter in for their beauty fis.
Photo: Courtesy of Warren Tricomi7/9Greenwich, Connecticut
This multi-city salon is known for its immensely talented founders, who have styled everyone from Mick Jagger to Scarlett Johansson, and a staff that has mastered the art of creating a good hair day. Be it an updo, a blowout, or an intricate pony, the stylists are proficient in all requests. (And don’t forget to take advantage of their student discount!)
Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Evan Salon8/9San Francisco
Located in the heart of San Francisco the hair salon is equipped with expert stylists who have worked on projects ranging from the latest Michael Kors campaign and Vera Wang runway shows, to Kate Bosworth’s TopShop campaign. Problems with frizz? Not anymore. The salon is known for its keratin treatments which promise to yield soft, shiny, wash-and-wear hair. Evan has administered over 12,000 treatments in 16 years—safe to say he knows what he’s doing.
Photo: Courtesy of DreamDry9/9Chicago
Co-founded by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and nestled on a charming brownstone-laden street, the 1600-square foot blow-dry mecca is your hair destination for your big night. If you’re committed to achieving the perfect do, you’re in luck as the salon just launched a DIY service, which allows you to recreate any intricate hairstyle inspiration by booking an extended and more personalized appointment—without blowing the bank. You’ll be ready and set to brave the Windy City.
