Best Prom Hairstyles for Short Hair

A sophisticated blow-out and lots—lots—of volumizing products can create a feathered bob like Nicole Richie's, says Nicholas Penna Jr., head stylist and owner of Salon Capri in Newton, Massachusetts.

How to do it: Start with a great, layered cut a few weeks before prom (if your daughter likes this 'do, show the stylist the picture). The layers are necessary to create the "feathers," or floaty flips of hair. To get the look, blow-dry hair with a volumizing mousse and round brush, then work in a texturizing product with a bit of hold. Curl strands outward with a large-barrel curling iron. Spritz with hairspray so the wisps don't fall during the night.