Your Complete Prom Prep Guide
What to Book, When to Book It, and How to Walk Into Prom Night Feeling Like the Best Version of Yourself
By the Blondie's Team · Columbus, Indiana
Salon Today Top 200 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, & 2025
Everything you need for prom is in our team's insider roadmap.
Prom is one of those nights that lives in photographs forever. The dress. The hair. That moment right before you walk in when you catch your reflection and think — yes, that's exactly right.
At Blondie's, we do every service you need for prom night under one roof: hair, makeup, lashes, nails, and spray tan. But here's the thing most people don't realize until it's too late — the secret to a flawless prom day isn't just who does your hair. It's knowing when to book each service, and in what order, so everything comes together without stress.
This guide is our team's insider roadmap. Follow it and you'll walk into prom night looking exactly how you imagined — and feeling completely calm about getting there.
The Prom Prep Timeline
The number one mistake we see every prom season? Waiting too long to book. Our calendar fills up fast — especially for group appointments — and once your preferred dates are gone, they're gone. Start here.
6-8 Weeks Out: Book Everything
This is your most important step, and it needs to happen before anything else. Book all of your prom services at once: hair, makeup, lashes, nails, and spray tan. If you're coming with a group, reach out even earlier — coordinating multiple stylists and rooms takes planning on our end.
When you call or book online, tell us:
- Your prom date
- If you need to be finished by a specific time
- The vibe you're going for (romantic, glam, natural, bold)
- Whether you're coming solo or as a group
Pro tip: The earlier you book, the more we can plan your entire look together. A great prom appointment starts with a great conversation.
4-6 Weeks Out: Inspiration Gathering
Start collecting your inspiration photos now. Pinterest, Instagram, screenshots from your favorite influencers — bring anything that captures the feeling you want. If you're planning an updo or a complex style, this is the time to schedule a trial run appointment.
A trial run isn't required, but it's worth every penny. You'll come in, we'll try your style, you'll see exactly how it looks with your face shape and hair texture, and you'll walk into prom day with zero surprises.
Pro tip: Avoid dramatic color changes within two weeks of prom. Plan any color services — especially highlights or a big color refresh — early enough that your hair has time to settle into its most beautiful, photographable state.
3-5 Days Out: Nails
Gel manicure, pedicure, nail art — done. We recommend scheduling nails three to five days before prom (not the day before) so you don’t have to worry about timing for your spray tan.
Bring a photo of your dress, or better yet, a swatch of the fabric. We'll help you choose a color that photographs beautifully and complements your entire look — not just whatever shade is trending that week.
Pro tip: Don't cut your own cuticles before your appointment. Let us handle that — it makes a significant difference in the final result.
2 Days Out: Spray Tan
This is the most timing-sensitive service on your entire list, and it's the one people most often get wrong. A spray tan needs 24-48 hours to fully develop and for the guide coat to rinse off — which means getting it done the day before prom is risky, and the morning of is a definite no.
Two to three days before prom is the sweet spot. Here's how to prep:
- Exfoliate thoroughly the day before your appointment
- Shave or wax at least 24 hours before (not right before)
- Pay attention to the cut of your prom dress. If it is backless, you will want to make sure you don’t wear anything up top (because tan-lines!)
- Don't moisturize the morning of your spray tan
- Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment — and home
- We provide free touch-ups after your first shower if you notice anything that isn’t quite right.
Pro tip: Avoid water, sweat, and tight waistbands for at least 8 hours after your tan. Plan your shower schedule before you book so the timing works with the rest of your day. If it’s raining the day of your appointment, wear a rain jacket and bring an umbrella.
Prom Day: Hair, Makeup, and Lashes
You made it to the main event. Here's how to set yourself up for the best possible appointment:
- Arrive with clean, dry hair — unless your stylist has specifically told you otherwise
- No heavy product in your hair the morning of
- Bring photos of your dress and jewelry so we can see the full picture. This helps us guide you on hairstyle and makeup choices.
- Eat a real meal before you arrive — you'll be in the chair for a while and we want you comfortable. We have drinks and snacks here if you forget.
- Wear a button-down or zip-up top that won't disturb your style when you change
Strip lashes are applied as part of your makeup service — our team will coordinate the timing seamlessly. No need to worry about the order unless you want Lash Extensions – those should be booked 1 week before prom.
Pro tip: Never schedule prom photos immediately after your appointment. Give yourself a buffer — 30 minutes at minimum — so you're not rushing, you have time to get dressed calmly, and everything is exactly right before a camera is in your face.
Service-by-Service Guide
Here's everything you need to know about each service — what to expect, how to prepare, and what makes the difference between a good result and a great one.
Hair Styling
Best timing: Book 6-8 weeks out · Trial run recommended for complex styles
Whether you're dreaming of a romantic updo, effortless waves, a sleek low bun, or a classic Hollywood blowout, our stylists build your look around your specific hair texture, face shape, and dress. We don't do one-size-fits-all prom hair — we do your hair, at its best.
What to bring:
- 3-5 inspiration photos (having options is better than one specific reference)
- Your dress color and neckline silhouette
- Any hair accessories you plan to wear
What to avoid:
- Heavy oils or treatments the night before — they make styling harder
- Trying a brand new shampoo or conditioner the week before
Makeup Application
Best timing: Prom day · Allow 60 minutes
Our makeup artists build your look around your dress, your skin tone, and the inspiration photos you share with us ahead of time. We use professional products formulated to photograph beautifully and last through every slow dance, every hug, every candid photo.
What to bring:
- Your inspiration photos
- A note of any skin sensitivities or allergies
- Clean, moisturized skin — arrive fresh-faced
What to avoid:
- Trying a new skincare product in the week leading up to prom
- Applying any foundation or concealer before your appointment
Lash Application
Best timing: Prom day · Applied during your makeup service
Lashes are the finishing touch that makes every photo pop — and the difference between a good photo and a great one is often whether the eyes are framed properly. We'll help you choose between natural, dramatic, wispy, or something in between based on your eye shape and your overall look.
What to bring:
- Make sure your lashes are clean, completely free of mascara or lash serum
- An open mind — we'll guide you toward the style that photographs best
Pro tip: If you've never worn false lashes before, mention it when you book. We'll choose a style that feels comfortable and looks completely natural — no cartoon lashes, we promise.
Gel Manicure + Pedicure
Best timing: 3-5 days before prom
A chip-free, glossy gel manicure that lasts — and looks exactly right with your dress. We'll help you navigate color choice based on your dress, skin tone, and the overall vibe of your look. If you're unsure, bring us a swatch and let us weigh in.
What to bring:
- A photo of your dress
- Any nail art inspo if you're doing something beyond a solid color
What to avoid:
- Cutting your own cuticles before your appointment
- Booking nails the day before prom
Spray Tan
Best timing: 2-3 days before prom
Our spray tans are fully customized to your skin tone. We match depth and undertone to look natural on your skin — never orange, never streaky, never awkward. A good spray tan changes how you carry yourself in your dress. There's something about that warmth and glow that just makes everything photograph better.
Prep checklist:
- Exfoliate head-to-toe the day before your appointment
- Shave or wax at least 24 hours before (not right before)
- No moisturizer the morning of your tan
- Wear loose, dark clothing — something you don't mind getting tan solution on
After your tan:
- Avoid water, sweat, and tight waistbands for 8+ hours
- Plan your first shower carefully — you want the guide coat to rinse off, not your tan
- Moisturize daily after your first rinse to extend the life of your color
Bringing Your Squad? Here's How Group Booking Works
Prom prep with your best friends is an experience in itself — and we genuinely love hosting groups at Blondie's. Here's how to make it run smoothly:
- Book early. Book as early as possible.
- One point of contact. Designate one person to communicate with us.
- Stagger arrivals. Be flexible on arrival times for large groups.
- Know your services. Know everyone's services in advance so we can build the right schedule.
Pro tip: Group appointments require coordinating multiple stylists, rooms, and service timelines. The more notice you give us, the better we can keep everyone together and on time.
Your Prom Day Checklist
Screenshot this and look at it the morning of:
- Arrive with clean, dry hair (unless told otherwise)
- Eat a real meal before your appointment
- Bring inspiration photos on your phone
- Wear a button-down or zip-up top
- No heavy product in hair
- Skin is clean and moisturized — no heavy oils
- Spray tan is fully developed
- Nails are done and fully hardened
- Allow buffer time after — don't rush
- Charge your phone
- Enjoy every single second
Ready to Book Your Prom Appointment at Blondie's?
We'd love to be part of your prom story. Our team is booking prom appointments now — and group spots fill up before individual ones. Don't wait until the week of to reach out.
Book online, or call us directly and mention you're booking for prom. We'll take it from there.