What to do with your hair...
​
“Do I have to put my hair up for a gala?” For a long time the answer to that question was “yes” but not anymore. With so many sweet hairstyles for long and short hair, and other options including extensions, there are now many ways to think about party hair. I’ve done it all – up, down, natural, extensions and wigs – and I’ve loved most of them. The important thing is that your hair is clean, and well-styled, whether you do it yourself or go to a salon. And for me, it’s the event that helps me decide which way to go – the bigger, fancier, and more photographed events seem to ask for better hair. So let’s explore some options for hair.
Just my hair
Most women are comfortable styling their hair every day, and just going to a salon for cut, with maybe color or highlights. I travel a lot, so I’ve learned to use a curling iron, although not nearly as well as my stylist Alyssa, who is a true artist. So when I was in London and decided to go to a gala, it was up to me! If your hair is long enough that you can choose between straight and curly, invest in good hair tools, and learn a bit about managing your own hair. For me, it was frustrating at first, but I got the hang of it, and I’m sure you can do it!
Styles for long and short hair
If you google “party hair” or “gala hair” or “black tie hair” you can get lost in a sea of beautiful hairstyles. Straight or curled? Gathered or flowing? Up or down? Or you can buy a “hairstyles” magazine (there are several titles) and page through the options. I have picked a hairstyle at times from these resources and handed it to a stylist with some success, but it has to be a good stylist! So if you’re going to the same stylist regularly, you probably know whether she or he can handle it. My advice is to stick with something simple if at all possible, and to avoid something that requires a special cut which you may not like as well when the party’s over…..
Putting your hair up
Okay, I got carried away once and asked for a serious updo. 65 bobby pins later, I had it. It was sweet and the gala was really nice. My hair did feel like it was nailed to my head, but that was okay – I knew it wasn’t going to accidentally come down. I was a little afraid I might not find all the bobby pins when I went to take it down, but it was all good! But I decided, that for me, hair doesn’t have to be that elaborate. So if you're comfortable doing your own updo, just do it! And if you want "statement" hair, that's fine too!
What about extensions?
Many celebrities get extensions for special events. Extensions, properly done, look like your natural hair and are layered into your actual hair in such a way that they are not distinguishable from your natural hair. It’s a way to add length to your hair, but to start with, your hair has to be long enough and thick enough to both support the extensions and to make sure that the point of connection can be hidden. The cost varies widely depending on the quality of the extensions and the method of attachment which ranges from “clip in” at the low end to “fusion” at the high end.
“Clip in” is just what it sounds like. There are clips or pins on each extension (“weft”) that are attached to your natural hair. “Fusion” is using hot or cold keratin bonds on individual strands, and is good for extensions that intended to stay in while the hair grows out. “Tape in” and “Micro beads” are similar processes.
I went with “sew in” extensions. My hair was tightly braided to provide a base for the wefts to be attached. Then the wefts are sewn to the braids. This lasted for several weeks, and I liked the look except right after I washed my hair, there were places where you could see the attachment point (which disappeared after a good blow dry). As I’ve gotten older, my hair is a little thinner in some places, and won’t support/hide the extensions so that’s no longer an option for me.
Wigs
Dolly Parton has made wigs acceptable for women everywhere. She has an amazing collection of wigs and when asked how long it takes to do her hair, she replied, “How should I know? I’m never there.” Of course wigs come in a wide variety. The main distinction is synthetic vs. human hair. Synthetic wigs are pre-styled, and cannot be heat-styled. You can pick a color, length and style you like, as there are hundreds to choose from, and synthetic wigs are inexpensive. Human hair wigs also come in a variety of colors, lengths and cuts, and can be styled with heat, so they can be straight today and wavy tomorrow. No, you can’t perm your human hair wig, because in almost all cases, it has been treated for permanent color and the cuticle has been removed (a human hair wig with the cuticle intact is very pricey). A human hair wig requires more maintenance than an synthetic wig – the synthetic wig simply needs to be washed (generally in warm water and Woolite) while the human hair wig is like your own hair, and needs shampoo and conditioner, and styling.
I’ve worn both synthetic and human hair wigs, and they made me realize that hair is really your most important accessory, whether or not it’s your natural hair. My preference is for my human hair wigs, and I’ve learned to care for them. I actually wear them when I wash them. Many women wash them in a sink or tub, but I find it’s easier to keep them from tangling when the wig is on your head. I don’t blow-dry, but let them hang dry overnight. Alyssa can style my wig on my head or I can drop it off to be styled, but unlike Dolly Parton, I like to be there when it is styled so we can work together to get it just the way I want it.
Your hair can be long or short under a wig, but if it is long, you’ll want a wig cap to hold your hair close to your head. If I wear a cap, I pin it and then pin the wig. Keep the wig on a stand, not in a box, and don’t leave it on when you go to bed. A good wig, well maintained, can last for years.
Have fun!!!
As a social life developer, I know that no matter what you decide to do with your hair, the most important thing is that you are going to the ball to have fun and celebrate life!