Spring and summer are so much fun at the salon because of all the giggly teens coming in for prom updo's and graduation day sophistication. And right on their heels are all the brides. Don't forget the guys, who also need more than just a neck cleaning to please their ladies. All of the looks shown here are courtesy of the team at Fantastic Sam's.

get the color right first

Color adds drama, warmth and shine, while contrasting highlights provide the dazzle befitting the occasion. All skin tones and hair lengths are appropriate for color infusion. "The key is to find the client's perfect match," says Sherrie Booth, Fantastic Sams director of education. Recommend a refresh service every four to six weeks, and suggest a shampoo and conditioner formulated to keep color from fading, Booth adds.

stylist: Jennifer Walker, Louisville, Kentucky
products used: FantasticCleanse Color Care Shampoo; FantasticCondition Color Care Conditioner

do the updo

This elegant style isn't difficult, assures Fantastic Sams educator James LeMonnier. With a dime-sized amount of creme emulsified in your hands, scrunch the hair into curls. Pin the curls into place, choose a hair accessory, leave out some strands to frame the face and she's ready to rock and roll, walk down an aisle or pick up a diploma!

stylist: Amee Patel, Suwanee, Georgia
where you've see it: at the Emmy Awards on Virginia Madsen; Katherine Heigl of "Grey's Anatomy"; and Lisa Kudrow, former of "Friends"
products used: FantasticStyle Curl Defining Creme; FantasticStyle Shaping Spray

embrace the curl

Sometimes, it just makes sense to let the client's curly hair do what it does best and go for taming instead of straightening. Then the volume is built-in! Whether the client already has curls or you helped her to achieve them, close the cuticle with leave-in conditioner. Then apply a styling foam, shaping spray or curl-defining creme to ensure the volume is there. Don't forget to use a diffuser when drying curly hair; have the client bend forward while you dry.

A tip you can share with these clients: if they don't feel like washing their hair one day, they can spray it with water to revive the curls.

stylist: Cheryl Garrison, Orlando, Florida
where you've see it: all the time on Julia Roberts, Sarah Jessica Parker and Keri Russell
products used: FantasticCleanse Dry/Damaged Shampoo; FantasticCleanse Dry/Damaged Conditioner; FantasticCondition Leave-in Conditioner; finishing product can be FantasticStyle Styling Foam, FantasticStyle Shaping Spray or FantasticStyle Curl-Defining Creme

guys count, too

Whether he's a groom, a graduate or just arm candy for his lovely prom date, the man has to have a look, too. At Fantastic Sams, they're seeing less of last season's long, straggly hair and more short, simple, classic-yet-modern cuts that show off all face shapes. Fix this style by working a pea-size amount throughout damp or dry hair, and apply it in what Booth calls "an organized mess."

"This look is somewhat of a contradiction," say Booth. "It's clean and, at the same time, it's messy. It especially works well with a clean-shaven face and groomed eyebrows." That means a referral to your salon's best eyebrow wax artist!

stylist: Tiffany Crum, Suwanee, Georgia
product used: FantasticStyle Molding Mud;s