WHERE DO I START?!
Items you need:
Hair ties that match dancers hair color
bobby pins/hairpins (that match dancers hair color)
Hair spray (strong hold)
Gel (a wax stick can be used as well)
Small tooth comb (find one that has the sharp needle end which will help you create a clean hair part)
Hair Brush (a fine bristle brush will help with flyaways and give you that smooth look). Larger bristle brushes that are used for detangling will CREATE more bumps :)
1) Start with Wet Hair
Moderately wet your dancer’s hair before styling (you want to get the hairs underneath too not just the top layer). Damp hair is easier to manage and helps achieve a smooth, slicked-back look with fewer flyaways.
2) Apply Gel First
Use gel while the hair is damp to slick it back into a bun or ponytail. This gives hold and structure before securing it with pins or elastics.
3) Seal with Hairspray
Once the hairstyle is complete, use strong-hold hairspray to set the look. This helps control frizz and keeps everything in place through rehearsals and performances.
High Bun vs. Low Bun
This can very based on what the teacher may want but universally a high bun is at the crown of the head (the flat part) and a low bun is at the nape of the neck (right underneath the knob of the skull).
HAIR NETS (do I need one?!)
Hair nets are used for buns to keep all of the little hairs neat and tidy, especially if you have a quick change from a ponytail into a bun (the hairnet will be your lifesaver).
Use Hair Nets for a Clean Bun
If your dancer is wearing a bun, cover it with a hair net that matches their hair color. This keeps the bun tidy and helps hold in shorter layers and flyaways.
”But the hair net is so BIG and has extra material, what do I do?!”
this is normal, you should keep wrapping the hair net around the bun to secure the bun and then just pin the excess material into the bun (it won’t be seen from stage)
Bobby Pins Vs. Hair Pins (There’s a difference!? yup!)
Bobby Pins vs. Hair Pins
Use bobby pins to secure the base of the bun or hold flyaways flat against the head.
Use hair pins (U-shaped) to anchor and shape the bun itself. Hair pins are best for securing the actual bun in place without flattening it.
Reminder: Dancers with short hair should still have their hair slicked back and out of their face.
Please reach out if you're unsure how to best style your dancer’s hair based on their length or texture.