As prom approaches, stress levels for girls are higher than normal. The constant planning and prepping never ends. It feels like it’s forever away and then you only have a week to go. You worry about the tan, the nails, the dress, the hair, the jewelry, and the restaurant. Putting so much time, effort, and money into a dance that only lasts a few hours may seem crazy to some people, but it is a very important part of high school for most of us. Prom is the best event of the school year. Prom is that special night for someone.

The process of prepping is the most exciting yet worst time. You have so much fun getting ready and buying what you need, but your brain is exploding at the same time because you think you forgot something.

I have been to prom both my ninth grade and tenth grade year and I will be going this year as well. Believe me when I say that it’s a long process, but I think I have it mastered now.

Tanning:

If you are lucky enough to have that natural glow, flaunt it girl. If you need a bit of a push to get that glow, try these…

Self-Tanner: If you need a tan just for this special night and don’t want to spend a lot of money, buy some self-tanner. Even the cheapest brand can get the job done. Try applying it a week or so before the prom to see how it will look, and if you like the look do it again 1-2 days before the prom.

Spray Tan: A spray tan is a popular choice for events like prom. If you want your tan to look nice and make sure you didn’t miss any spots, consider a spray tan. Make sure that a spray tan is for you by going 3-4 weeks before the prom for a trial tan. If you like the look, go 2-3 days before the prom for the best results. You don’t want to go any earlier because it may begin to fade or get blotchy.

Tanning Bed: The most frowned upon option is the tanning bed. Tanning beds can give you the most natural looking tan without any dyes that will bleed, however, this option is the worst for your body. If you want a real skin tan and you don’t mind the early wrinkles this is the best way. Tanning beds can be cheap for single sessions or pretty pricey for monthly sessions so you’d be spending anywhere from $20-$100. It all depends on where you go and what level the bed is.

The Color Wheel: If dying your skin or frying your skin do not sound like things you’re interested in, the color wheel is where you should turn. Try avoiding all the extra money and time, and look for dress colors that compliment your skin. You are beautiful just the way you are, and you know what colors you can rock.

Nails:

Whether they’re short, medium, or long, nails are a big part of the prom process.

Acrylics: My go to for nails is acrylics. They give your nails the perfect shape and they really stand out. Do not make them too long though. Less is more when it comes to fake nails. The funky colors to match your dress or the pretty designs are fine, but if your nails are longer than your actual finger, you’re overdoing it. Be careful with acrylics though because after the fun is all over and you want them off, they can really hurt and damage your real nails. For professional acrylics nails you’ll be spending anywhere from $30-$55 depending on the place.

Gel: Gel nails are very smooth and turn out great. Whether you use your real nails or have fake ones on does not matter. The gel is a gel polish. It is a smoother version of nail polish that dries quickly and lasts longer. If you go to a professional, you will be paying somewhere around $25-$35. You can also buy gel polish at the local drug store and do them yourself.

DIY regular polish: Save some money and buy your own polish. Pick a color that matches your dress and do your own nails. Find at least an hour in your day the day before prom and evenly apply two coats of polish to your nails. Let each coat dry for five minutes and then after the second coat is on let them dry for 30 minutes at the least before touching anything.

Your toes: I have two words for you and they are French tips. French tips are the easiest most elegant thing to put on the toes, considering you don’t really see them much. If you do a solid color, it would be fine, but be careful because too much of your dress color can clash.

Hair:

Hair is probably the easiest part of prom. You find the style you like and do it! However, here are a few tips to help…

Tip 1- If there’s a lot of detail on the top of your dress, try an updo so that your hair doesn’t cover up the pretty designs. If there is more detail on the bottom and your hair is longer, try leaving some if not all of it down or do some type of long ponytail. Just be creative!

Tip 2- Know your hair! Make sure you know what your hair can and can’t hold so that your fancy do holds all night long.

Jewelry:

Here are the rules ladies…

Rule 1- If your dress has lots of detail on the top and/or has a high neckline or halter top, avoid wearing necklaces, chokers, etc.

Rule 2- If you want bracelets, don’t go overboard because your corsage is the main décor.

Jewelry is easy because it’s all about what you like.

Today marks a week until prom. My advice to you ladies is to try and stay as calm as possible. Follow the steps above and start to buckle down. Take care of your body and drink water. You’ve got this!