Texture and sculpture. This is the #1 ballroom dancing hairstyle trend of 2018 and you need to be doing it for your next comp. You could hire someone to do your hair at competitions. It’s easy, you don’t need to travel with anything. But at over $100 each time, that can add up. And what happens if you go to a comp where there are no attending hair vendors? Just learn how to do a couple of hairstyles for yourself! It may not look like Boyko did it for you, but with enough practice, it’ll be ok!
If you’re worried about staying on trend, that’s why SK Dancesport is here! And the best part of this trend is that it’s relatively easy. Ok, I know what you’re going to say. Nothing about ballroom hair is easy. And you’re right! But in terms of the overall difficulty, this trend is not so bad.
So what is it? One word: crimping. I recommend this crimper by Bed Head. In fact, it’s the one I use for myself. It’s small, only 7″ long, and takes up less space in my carry-on than a straightener. There are no temperature controls, but I don’t find that a problem for myself. In this case, I value the tool’s versatility to travel over its lack of options.
Why is this the #1 Ballroom Dancing Hairstyle Trend?
This tool has revolutionized the ballroom hair world. At first it only showed up in the hair of ponytails. It was a safer alternative to back-brushing, which can be highly destructive to your hair. Crimping the hair gave volume to the ponytail without making the hair frizzy. Once placed in the hairnet, the ponytail could be shaped and formed into an elaborate sculpture.
But then, someone decided to start using it on the hair not placed inside the hairnet. Paired with updo trends of braids and “milkmaid” styles, the result was nothing short of fabulous. The crimper has allowed hairstylists to create beautiful braids and twists that any wedding hairstylist would be jealous of. And because all of the hair is moving in one direction, unlike back-brushing, the hair looks smoother. Not to mention, crimping the hair gives the hairstyle a beautiful textured look.
How to apply this Ballroom Dancing Hairstyle Trend
As I mentioned earlier, applying this ballroom dancing hairstyle trend is fairly easy. Especially if you already know the basics of ballroom dancing hairstyles.
Start by portioning off the section of hair you would like to create volume and texture with. Keep that hair pulled aside while you create the rest of the hairstyle. Slick back the rest of the hair into a ponytail, work the ponytail into a hairnet, add fake hair as needed. I usually prefer to prepare the hair for the bun before I start crimping and shaping.
Once everything is prepared and in place, I take out the portioned hair and start crimping. Do it in small sections, holding the crimper on the hair for no more than 3 to 7 sections depending on your hair’s natural texture. Crimp the hair from root to ends, holding the lock of hair in the direction that you will eventually want the hair to lay.
After having crimped the hair, lightly spray and comb out those locks. Then, one small section at a time, work the hair into the desired direction and shape. I spray and smoothen out each section as I go, instead of shaping the entire thing and then trying to smoothen it all down. Use a hairdryer as you spray in order to minimize frizzies and flyaways.
The look is not supposed to be slick or shiny. However, I have seen girls use shine-sprays in order to create a deeper glisten to the hairstyle. For me, shine-sprays tend to oil up my hair too much, which destroys the light and textured look I’m going for when I use this technique. But for some others, it might work just fine. Everyone’s hair is different. You probably know what works best for you.
So give it a try! Having a simple hairstyle that applies this trend is a sure way to look on point at your next competition, without having to cry when there’re no vendors or having to plop down a $100.
Have you tried this ballroom dancing hairstyle trend?
I generally find this hairstyle trend to work best with Standard or Smooth hairstyles, although there are some options for how to use it for 10-Dance or Latin/Rhythm styles. If you’re not sure of the difference between the dance styles, click here to read my post describing all of Dancesport’s different styles. For more ideas of how to apply this trend, visit me on Pinterest! I have some great boards with hairstyle trends for Latin/Rhythm, Standard/Smooth, and 10-Dance!
If you’d like to give it a go, make sure to click the link above to pick up a great travel crimper. It’s inexpensive, travels easily, and does a great job crimping the hair just right.
Have you seen this hairstyle on the dance floor? What are your thoughts? Maybe you’ve tried it! Let me know by leaving a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
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