SF - Prom season is here and getting the right hairstyle almost as important as the dress. ANGHARAD WILLIAMS finds out more about the latest looks for prom and gets a taste of what happens on the day.

THE prom has become a highlight of the school year, but it is a recent addition to the social calendar.

I didn’t get a prom when I finished my exams, but I did get to witness an all-American prom in 2001 when I watched from the side line as awkward teens attended their big night at the university I was attending in Indiana.

So when the opportunity came to delve into this glitzy industry I got to satisfy my inner prom queen and indulge in some glamour.

These days proms are big business in the UK and Gwent has embraced the end of year tradition. While the dress is one of the main considerations the hair is also high up on the list of priorities.

To experience just a small part of the prom preparation routine I made my way to Mizz Congeniality in Cwmbran for a hair makeover.

The appointment began with the washing of my hair and then a blow dry. We decided that the popular prom curls was the best option for my hair, so I sat back and relaxed while my hair was given a bit of bounce.

Appointments are less than a bride would have, although some girls will book a hair trial before the big day to see what style they want. Salon owner Neely Sulway says prom trails are in the region of £15 and hair on the big day is £25.

“Big bouncy barrel curls and waves would be very popular with girls going to their prom,” she said. “They want big hair for the summer months and they go for more natural, romantic hair. Half up, half down looks are also popular and some girls want the up style especially when the dress is backless or has back detail to show the dress off.

“Prom hair styles don’t tend to change from ear to year. Celebrity style does influence their look because a lot of girls would bring in pictures of the style they want. Some do send us photos on Facebook and ask if a style is possible and how long it will take. We base appointments on 45 minute slots.

“Girls stay safe with prom, they don’t want total dramatic change, because I do love doing something different. We would have between eight and 12 girls on the day of the prom, last year we started from 10.30am. We do get asked about bookings in January for hair, but we don’t open diary until May 1 because lots of people forget about their appointments.”

If a girl doesn’t have the locks for her dream hairstyle then she can have extra hair added, although not all salons will stock hair so some bring their own extensions to their appointments.

Nick Davies owns Q Studios Hair Salons in Ebbw Vale and Blackwood and says there is definitely an increase in business during the prom season.

“There isn’t one style that suits everyone,” he said, “it depends on the style of dress. We would ask for to see some photos of the dress, recommend trial run for the hair in their dress so they can see what will work. If they have a low neck dress their neck can look too naked and longer so we recommend they have their hair up. If they have a high neck we would say have it curled.

“At the moment scruffy up hair with different plaits and put up in different ways is popular. They like it pinned up in a distorted look that is a casual look that isn’t so structured.”

For more information about Mizz Congeniality visit mizzcongeniality.co.uk or for Q Studios Hair Salons visit qstudio.co.uk