Ballroom hair can seem daunting…especially when doing hair for your own children or students! Check out tutorials on our favorite styles and learn why we think they work so well!
Seashell Bun
The go-to basic ballroom hairstyle. Worn by pre-teens and pros alike, you can’t go wrong with this simple but effective style. It can be styled with any part, although middle parts are very popular for this hairstyle at the moment. It is also easy to adapt - once slicked, the bun can be shaped in different ways, or a section of hair can be left out of the front for design purposes.
Low Pony
A great options for girls with longer hair that want to show it off! Slick on the top and culminating in a sleek ponytail, this keeps hair out of your dancer’s face.
Braid
Sleek and efficient! Gel works great to help maintain flyaways when creating this hairstyle. For longer hair, we highly suggest pinning the braid to your dancer’s costume so their dance partner isn’t within braid-smacking distance!
Learn a Braid: Begin with a low or high pony and apply gel generously to the hair of the ponytail. Begin to braid hair with a three-strand braid or other braid of choice. Add more gel to tame flyaways, spray with hairspray after tying the braid off.
High Bun
A great option for dancers who want their hair up and off of their neck/back. Slicking the hair up high can be tricky, especially with thick hair, and it is important to watch out for puckering pieces/flyaways in the back, making sure it is very slick! Like a seashell bun, this style opens up many doors to play with different styles once the high pony is set. The addition of many hairnets can allow the hairstylist to play with the hair.
Quick Tips
Get everything you need in one place before you start! Kids (and all of us, sometimes!) can be fidgety and the more efficient you can be, the happier everyone will be!
Create a go-to hair kit that is stocked and ready to bring at each competition/performance. Restock after each event! Some of our go-to items may include hairspray, gel, combs and brushes, hair pins, bobby pins, hair ties, hair nets, glue, rhinestones, hair appliqués.
Simple and secure beats complex and unsteady every time! Kids have a lot of nerves at dance competitions, so make sure hair isn’t one of these worries by pinning deliberately and using enough hairspray.
Spray hair outside, if possible! Hairspray isn’t good for any of our lungs, especially those that are still growing!
Involve kids in the process of selecting and practicing their hairstyles. This can be a great parent/child activity or even coach/student activity! This helps build confidence and develop autonomy for our youngest dancers.
What is your favorite ballroom hairstyle for your children or your students? We would love to hear all about it at info@dancevision.com.
YouTubeYouTube | Janel Williams
Seashell Bun Tutorial (Ballroom Dance)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6HlPlcNPc
YouTubeYouTube | RickieT.Beauty
Perfect Dancesport Ponytail Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXeke8UrFVg
YouTubeYouTube | Irina Kazurova
How to make a hairstyle for ballroom dancing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuDgtDXN9Uc
