How to Be Belle of the Ball

To look red carpet ready - even if you’re only treading the concrete path to the school hall - make sure your hair, makeup and nails aren’t an after-thought. You may not be at the Grammys, but you sure can be 'gram worthy. Whether you’re booking into a salon or makeup counter before the big night, or prepping at home, start with these fresh ideas.

HAIR

Kayla and Shannon, stylists at Servilles Newmarket, and Madhu, from Servilles Albany, work on plenty of ball looks and here they offer advice, with three different twists, on how to update the “do”.

What looks are trending this school ball season?
Kayla: Classic looks with a modern edge.
Shannon: Vintage glam with a bit of a rock vibe to modernise.
Madhu: I like textured braids worn off to one side or, for something a little softer but still modern, wear your hair loose with softly curled ends and a smooth, heavy middle-parting.

What are the celebrity or fashion influences girls most often cite?
Madhu: Kendall Jenner, she has effortless fashion sense as well as total hair envy.
Kayla: I loved the hair at this year's Met Gala Ball, particularly FKA Twigs and Janelle Monae.
Shannon: Straight off the runway! Accessorise with vintage brooches or headbands to add some individuality.

What would you like to see more of?
Shannon: Girls who will step outside the box, have some fun with their looks and express their individuality.
Kayla: More sleek up-dos, twists, modern French rolls and chignons.
Madhu: More texture, height and creative placements.

Less of?
Kayla: Boring curls ... We've seen so much of this over the years. You need to push the boundaries, be unique, go for styles that nobody else at your ball will have.
Madhu: Old-fashioned wedding hairstyles will instantly age your look.
Shannon: You should never work against your natural texture as it may require excess product and can result in a hard, over stylised look ... Work with what you've got!

Any advice on a fail-safe ball look for someone doing their style at home?
Kayla: A super high glam pony don't forget to wrap your hair around the hair tie.
Madhu: Use a curling tong for easy curls, and then brush them out for a softer look.
Shannon: Try a messy braided bun. Styles such as this that have more texture are easier to achieve at home than sleeker polished looks.

The one item you advise girls to carry with them to the ball is?
Kayla: Carry a small hairspray or shine spray to ensure your hair stays in place for as long as you're out and to control any fly-aways. (Sebastian does good travel size hair sprays for $15.) Pre-ball, invest in a good conditioner to keep your hair healthy.
Shannon: Extra pins! If anything slips while you're on the dance floor an extra pin or two is a lifesaver.
Madhu: Invisible pins are easy to use and will hold the hair in place.

• This season Servilles has launched a special package called Servilles Shine, Ball Season Collection, featuring six looks, with dry styling services for $60 for school students. For details see servilles.co.nz.

NAILS

Imogene Bevan from Pop Nails at Dry & Tea says her school ball trend picks include negative nail space, glitter accents and geometric prints. “An almond nail shape is very on trend as is lots of length. In terms of colours, burgundy, navy and a variation of nudes are key colours this ball season.”

She has come up with six ball season designs based on these key trends, while keeping the designs customisable. “The girls are asking for everything from French manicures to metallic foils to lace stamping. It varies with the ball theme and the girl’s gown colour choice. Nude colours have been popular, as have both square and almond shaped nails.”

• Services available by booking at Cityworks, see dryandtea.com.

MAKEUP

Sam Hart, Smashbox Pro Artist, says makeup’s focus is on the eye this season, or switched out with a dark lip.

What looks are trending?
This ball season is all about the coloured smoky eye. It's very popular as more girls are sticking to a simpler style dress and playing up their makeup. A navy or purple smoky eye is hot right now, also deep maroon/berry toned lips are very in, keeping the eyes simple and all the focus on the lips.
(Try Smashbox's new Double Exposure palette which Sam says has the perfect mix of shades for a more moody smoky eye.)

What are the influences?
We see a lot of makeup influence come from the awards nights like the Oscars and Grammys, which is a lot of fun. This is the chance to go a bit further with your makeup, and push the boundaries.

What would you like to see more of?
I would love to see a more natural look, sometimes when the dress, hair and makeup are all done, it can be a bit much. I love paring it back, focussing on perfect glowing skin, amazing brows and a simple eye. There is nothing more flawless in a photo than perfectly dewy, glowing skin. (Try mixing a little bit of Smashbox Halo Wand in with your foundation for a beautiful glowing finish.)

Less of?
Big plastic false lashes! If you want your eyelashes to look amazing invest in a pair of good quality lashes. I assure you it will make your photos so much better than if you were to wear a cheaper set of lashes.

What would you advise for someone who wants to party without being high maintenance on the makeup?
Definitely go for a bold smoky eye of some sort and pair with a nude lip. (Try the 24 Hour Smashbox Eye Primer, this, says Sam, will keep your eye shadow in place all night, no matter how crazy you get on the dance floor!)

The one item to take to the ball?
Your lipstick! Whatever lip product you have decided to go for make sure you have something to touch up with. (Try Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquer. It has the benefit of a lip stain and gloss, so the colour will stay put all night, and you can just touch up for a more glossy pout).

• Smashbox does school ball makeups for $70, for details see smashboxcosmetics.co.nz.