CurlyTeen Scene is a column especially for curly teens. Julia Rizzo is a teenager living in Central New York. When not writing, she enjoys acting, reading and snow skiing. She has loved writing as long as she can remember, and plans to pursue a career in English. She hopes her column will provide encouragement and inspire girls to love their curly hair.

Once again, it’s prom season! I’ve found a beautiful dress, great shoes, and a matching clutch. I’ve picked out beautiful jewelry, and I even have a date. The final touch — one of my favorites — is great accessories for my hair!

Hair accessories are a great way to add a splash of originality and creativity to your prom look. Whether you’re doing your hair yourself or getting it done at a salon, there are many options.

Flowers

For a spring formal, wearing flowers in your hair is fresh and romantic. Craft shops usually have a huge array of beautiful silk flowers. You can find wonderful colors to go with your dress, and since the synthetic flowers are more durable, you can bobby pin them into almost any style. Real flowers are also an option. But be sure to talk to a florist to see what’s in season in your area. Also, take into account how long they’ll last, if they can tolerate the heat, and how fragrant they are. Flowers that are used in corsages generally do well.

Barrettes

I use plain, plastic barrettes all the time in my everyday hairstyle, but a hairstyle can go from casual to opulent with the right barrette. They come in a variety of sizes, from small ones (great for holding back a few stands of hair”> to large ones suitable for even the curliest hair; although they do tend to get a little harder to find as they get bigger. When shopping for a barrette, look for one that complements your jewelry and hair color.

Combs

Combs are truly timeless, and look great with classic or vintage styles. They can be used to hold hair back, anchor buns, or anchor a twist. They’re also great for keeping your hair out of your face if you’re wearing it down. Combs range from simple gold and silver to ornate filigree and crystals.

Hair Sticks

Hair sticks, with a little bit of practice, can be used to craft truly unique up-dos. Traditionally hair sticks were only practical for girls with long hair (past shoulder length”> but new shorter hair sticks — measuring about four inches — are great for girls with shorter or thinner hair. Curly hair usually has texture and body that is ideal for the types of styles hair sticks help create.

Floating Accessories

Floating accessories are usually crystals, jewels, or small designs that seemingly “float” in your hairstyle. They add texture and sparkle to a style, but don’t hold your hair in place. French pins are very easy to find; they are small bobby pins with a crystal design on the rounded end. Another option is hair magnets, which work great in textured or thick hair, making them perfect for curly girls. If your hair is thinner, choose smaller magnets, which are less likely to slip out. Hair snaps are even more secure.

And One More Thing

The possibilities are limited only by your creativity! If you make your dress or have your dress shortened, you can use the same fabric for a headband. If you really want to shine at prom, use your ingenuity to make yourself the belle of the ball!

Check out CurlMart for a great assortment of accessories.

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Email your questions/comments to Julia