Check out these memorable celebrity styles for the influx of special occasion clients about to crowd your schedule.
by Jessica Galliart
April 8, 2013
4 min to read
It's the most wonderful hair time of the year--prom season!
If they're not already, prepare for every Saturday for the next three months to be booked solid with special occasion style appointments, which many stylists will hail as their absolute favorite appointments to take on. Though Pinterest has aided tremendously over the past year to helping clients enter the salon better prepared with photos of the looks they'd like to achieve, stylists still have some prep work to do to steer clients in the right direction with fresh, trendy styles. And this is where MODERN would like to help.
From funky to fabulous, here are 10 memorable celebrity styles that may be of interest to your special occasion clients seeking that standout look for their big night out this spring.
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Actress Nikki Reed (hair detail) arrives at the premiere of Summit Entertainment's "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2" at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Kate Middleton's Chignon
It's likely your younger clients will forego the hat with this look, but if Kate liked the idea of this updo enough to wear her hair up (a rare occasion), then it's sure to be a winner of a prom style.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 13: Julianne Hough arrives at The Weinstein Company's 2013 Golden Globes after party held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 13, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Julianne Hough's Pinned Pomp
Prom isn't just about updos--expect some requests from clients for styles with a bit of an edge and be prepared to offer up hair inspiration like this look from Julianne, which is ideal for ladies with locks on the shorter side or in between growth stages.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 13: Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez arrives at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 13, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage)
Rose Leslie's Knotted Updo
Romance in the front, drama in the back. Try out this seemingly subtle updo seen on the Game of Thrones star for a special occasion style that will keep your client feeling secure while she dances the evening away.
HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 24: Actress Reese Witherspoon arrives at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Amanda Seyfried's Sectioned Updo
As the gowns for proms and special occasions continue to amp up the drama, consider a modern take on a traditional almost-bridal look, like this one Amanda wore on the Oscars red carpet.
Waves are waves. So why were Reese's the talk of the town on the night of the Oscars? Fashion followers on social media were stunned by Reese's polish and texture on the red carpet, and this style is sure to be a big hit for special occasion season.
Ah, the deep side part. This look has been a big winner for many celebs, including Jennifer, Jessica Alba, Heidi Klum and Megan Fox. For the client seeking a more sultry look to complement her gown, test out the idea of this uber-glamorous Hollywood trend.
HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 18: Actress Rose Leslie arrives at the premiere of HBO's 'Game Of Thrones' Season 3 at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 18, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Nikki Reed's Sleek and Chic Bun
How could we forget the bun? Whether worn high or low, it's been the hottest and most wearable style of the past year, and clients will be eager to show off a more red-carpet-ready version of the style, like Nikki's, at their big event.
We love any style that allows for--and practically requires--a big, beautiful flower accessory on the side. Consider this ultra vintage updo perfected by the auburn-haired Bella for more of a classic look.
Because we figured we'd end this on a particularly colorful note. If your client isn't necessarily seeking a complicated updo or even the super-trendy Hollywood waves, consider color work--temporary or not--to add some punch and complementary style to her down 'do.
Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.
Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.
The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.
Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.
Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.
SalonCentric has announced its expansion into Alaska, marking the distributor’s presence across all 50 states and bringing additional access to professional beauty products, education and business support to licensed salon professionals in the region.
Though their Astronaut of Hope collection of brushes and clips, ERGO Styling Tools raises $33,000 to support HairToStay, the first and only national nonprofit dedicated to making scalp cooling treatments affordable for cancer patients.
At the America’s Beauty Show press conference—hosted in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago—these standout professionals were recognized for their contributions to the industry.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
amika's new Stylist Circle is a community-first model designed to reflect and support the full spectrum of today's working stylists. Find out how you can join.