You can create your own elegant prom style. All it takes is a little practice and a few tricks. The following are some tips for using a curling iron to create your own professional looking curls that will dress up any updo and even many short hair styles. The first curl I'll discuss is the spiral or ribbon curl. It's a natural appearing, loose curl.

Begin by using a shampoo and conditioner designed to build body and formulated for your texture of hair. Towel-dry and apply a firm hold hair gel or mousse to the entire length of hair from root to end.
TRICK After drying your hair thoroughly, spray lightly with hair spray. This givies 'staying power'.
For an updo, style your hair into a twist or roll according to the instructions in Creating a Roll or Twist.
Create your first curl. Section off a one inch strand of hair. Any size strand will work, however a smaller strand will curl easier.

TRICK Clamp the iron onto the strand at the base- next to your head-not the ends!
TRICK Turn the iron over - making a curl- while allowing the hair to flow into the iron working the ends in as you turn it. Wind the hair onto the iron while keeping it close to your head. You will be winding the hair in a spiral pattern so that the ends of the strand are at one end of the curling iron barrel (down in the picture)and the base of the strand at the other.

TRICK When you pull out the curling iron, release the clamp so that you don't pull on the hair. Keeping the hair in position will prevent the curl from loosening while it is still warm.

TRICK As you create the curls, turn some of them in one direction and others in the opposite direction, creating your own personalized pattern. This will give a natural tosseled look. Continue to place as many of these ribbon-like curls as is necessary for your perfect look.
TRICK If your hair is very long or does not hold curl well, you may have to pin the curl to keep it in place. Allowing it to drape naturally and loosely, slide a bobby-pin into the end of the curl to hold it down.

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EBook - Updos for Every Occassion
Updos for parties, proms, weddings or the office. Follow these simple instructions to begin creating them yourself!