Glitz and glamour: Behind the brush of neat hairstyles

Summer Do

Varsity sideline cheerleader sophomore Carys Tuason adjusts her hair in preparation for an upcoming football game. “I feel [that] looking neat and looking put together is something that judges look at and other teams look at, even on game days,” Tuason said. “It is important to have our hair up because it’s also a safety thing and it can affect performance.”

From hair gel and sprays, to curling irons and straighteners, it takes a lot of effort for the arts program to shine so brightly at events.

Despite the range of hairstyles across organizations like Cheer, Dance Team and Rhapsody in Blue, each performer spends time and effort at home perfecting their high slick back ponytails, braids and buns. The styling doesn’t stop at uniformity, as each group’s performance theme and choreography often plays a role in the specific hairstyle they choose.

“[The hairstyles] are based on our choreographer. She plans and picks what type of hairstyle we want to have or we’re [going to] use,” Rhapsody in Blue dance captain junior Kiersten San Diego said.

Before every competition and performance, hairstyles vary from 15 minutes to an hour to complete. Many say that the hardest part is slicking back their hair smoothly without any bumps or loose strands. Like in any skill, practice is crucial in making it perfect.

“I don’t try anything new and it just comes out faster every single time,” varsity cheerleader senior Ivanna Juarez said.

In preparation of a slick-back ponytail, Rhapsody in Blue starts by curling their hair and pushing their hair back, usually using a comb or brush. On the contrary, girls from Cheer and Dance Team skip this step, moving right to the gelling process, which usually takes the longest to do. Hair products vary from hair pins and hairspray, giving each performer the freedom to pursue their own artistic desire and creation.

“Personally, I use Ego gel. Then I use hair ties, and I use a slick back brush. I love that. It works really well and keeps [the hairstyle in place] lasting the whole [entire] night,” San Diego said.

Whether it is a slicked-back ponytail for Cheer and Rhapsody in Blue, or a simple bun in Dance Team, a neat hairstyle brings a sense of preparedness and confidence to the performers. For many of them, the hairstyle isn’t just about strict guidelines and rules but also the team’s reputation altogether at competitions against other schools.

“A cohesive hairstyle and having everything look neat really affects our reputation and how we’re judged,” varsity cheerleader sophomore Carys Tuason said.

Hairstyles often do more than just finishing a look, as they can bring everyone closer together as a whole. Those who struggle with styling their hair can look up to those who can help, creating a bond within the performance group itself.

“I think there’s definitely a bond with our team [from helping each other out],” Tuason said.