From Prom to Galas: Choosing the Right Hairstyle for Your Big Night Out

Every week, I have clients sit in my chair at Bokaos Aveda, phone in hand, scrolling through photos. They'll show me a picture and say, "I have a big event coming up, can you do this?"

My first question is always the same: "Tell me about the event."

A hairstyle for a fundraising gala in San Marino is completely different from a fun, modern look for prom. And what looks amazing for a holiday party might not translate well for a professional headshot. It's not just about creating a beautiful style. It's about creating the right style that feels perfect for the moment, lasts all night, and makes you feel completely confident.

I'm Angelica, one of the stylists here, and after years of getting people ready for their most important moments, I've learned a thing or two. Let me walk you through how to choose the perfect hair for whatever you have coming up.

Prom & Formal Dances: Trendy, Timeless, and Totally You

Prom season, which really kicks off around March here in Pasadena, is one of our busiest and most exciting times. We see so many students from La Cañada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, and right here in town who are so excited for their big night.

The number one thing teens want is a style that looks amazing on Instagram. The number one thing their parents want is for it to be age-appropriate and not fall out on the dance floor. My job is to find that perfect balance.

We focus on looks that are sophisticated but still youthful. Soft, textured updos. Beautiful braided styles. Elegant half-up looks that show off long hair. We can create something that feels current without looking like you tried too hard.

Last April, a girl named Maya came in for her prom hair. She showed me this incredibly intricate updo from Pinterest with about fifty bobby pins. I looked at her hair, which was really fine and slippery, and I knew that style would fall out halfway through the night.

I said, "Maya, I can do that exact style, but I'm being honest with you, it's not going to hold in your hair type. Let me show you something similar that will actually last."

She was disappointed at first, but we created a softer, textured updo that had the same vibe but worked with her hair instead of against it. She texted me the next day with photos from the end of the night. Her hair still looked perfect. She said, "Thank you for being honest with me. All my friends' hair fell apart."

Here's what helps prom go smoothly:

Book early. Our appointments for April and May fill up months in advance. I always suggest booking two to three months out.

Consider a trial if you're nervous or have a very specific look in mind. It takes all the stress out of the big day.

Come as a group if you want. Many friends love getting ready together. We can often accommodate small groups if you coordinate and book in advance. It makes the day feel even more special.

Styling for updos and formal looks ranges from $75 to $120. It's an investment in feeling incredible for a night you'll always remember.

The Gala & Black-Tie Affair: Effortless Elegance

Pasadena has a wonderful culture of philanthropy and community events. We often have clients coming in for a big fundraiser at The Huntington or an awards ceremony near City Hall. For these black-tie occasions, the goal is timeless elegance.

This isn't the time for an experimental trend. You want a style that complements a formal gown and looks polished from the first photo to the last dance. Classic Hollywood waves. A sleek chignon. A sophisticated French twist. For a more modern take, a low, textured bun can be absolutely stunning.

I had a client named Catherine who came in for a museum gala last November. She wanted something modern and edgy. I created this really cool asymmetrical updo. When she looked in the mirror, she loved it. But then she put on her dress, which was a very classic, elegant gown.

It didn't match. At all. I could see it on her face.

I said, "Catherine, I love this style. But it's fighting with your dress. Give me ten more minutes."

I redid it into a classic low chignon with a soft side part. When she looked in the mirror again, everything clicked. The hair, the dress, the whole look came together. She said, "Oh my God. This is it. This is what I needed."

That taught me to always think about the complete picture, not just the hair in isolation.

Because these events are usually in the evening, we make sure to have afternoon appointments available. You can come in, relax, and let us handle your hair so you can focus on your evening.

Holiday Parties & Festive Gatherings: Shine Bright All Season

Once October hits, the holiday party invitations start rolling in. Suddenly you have three different events in one week and need a look that can keep up.

Holiday styling is all about festive glamour that's also practical. You need a style that holds up through hours of mingling and looks fantastic in all kinds of lighting, from cozy fireplaces to bright camera flashes.

We love creating soft, romantic updos with a little sparkle, or bouncy waves that feel celebratory and fun.

The key is versatility. A beautiful blowout with some volume can work for a corporate holiday lunch, and with a few pins and a pretty accessory, it can be transformed for a more formal evening party.

My client Jennifer uses this strategy every December. She comes in for a blowout in the afternoon, goes to her work party, then comes back for a quick touch-up and pins before her evening event. She said, "It's the most efficient way to handle back-to-back parties without paying for two complete styling sessions."

We always finish these styles with a light, flexible hold hairspray from Aveda that keeps everything in place without feeling stiff, so you can enjoy your night without worrying about your hair.

Ready for Your Close-Up: Styling for Photoshoots

I've worked with so many local professionals, actors, and influencers who need hair for a photoshoot. What most people don't realize is that hair for the camera is a completely different game than hair for everyday life.

The camera tends to flatten things out and can add visual weight that isn't there in person. Because of that, we often have to build in more volume and structure than you might think you need when you're looking in the mirror.

I learned this the hard way years ago. I had a client, an actress named Lauren, getting headshots done. I did her hair exactly how she described: soft, natural, minimal. She looked beautiful in person.

But when the photos came back, her hair looked completely flat and lifeless. She was disappointed, and honestly, so was I. I should have known better.

Now when I do hair for photoshoots, I always build in extra volume and structure. It might feel a little big in the chair, but on camera, it looks just right.

We understand how hair interacts with professional lighting and how certain styles can highlight your best features for a headshot. Whether it's for a new LinkedIn profile or an acting portfolio, we create looks that are clean, professional, and photograph beautifully.

Your Questions About Event Styling

How far in advance should I book?

For prom season (March through May) and the holidays (December), I'd say 2 to 3 months in advance is safest. For other events, 3 to 4 weeks is usually enough, but popular weekend spots always go first.

Do I really need a trial run?

I highly recommend it for any major event, especially if you're trying a style you've never worn before. It ensures we're on the same page and makes the actual day completely relaxed and predictable.

How should I arrive for my appointment?

Typically, we ask clients to come with clean, completely dry hair. Day-old hair can sometimes be easier to work with, but we'll give you specific instructions when you book based on the style you want.

Can I bring my own hair accessories?

Please do! We love incorporating pins, clips, flowers, or any other accessories you have. Just bring them with you to your appointment and we'll work them into your final look.

Let's Get You Ready

Your special events are moments to celebrate, not stress over. Having a professional handle your hair takes one major thing off your to-do list and guarantees you'll look and feel your absolute best.

Whether you have a clear vision or need some guidance, we're here to help you create the perfect look.

Give us a call at Bokaos Aveda Salon. We're located right in Old Town at 52 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103. You can reach us at (626) 304-0007 or book your appointment online.

I can't wait to help you get ready for your big day.