Competition Essentials – Hair Supplies

No dancer’s look would be complete without consideration for the hairstyle.  Competition hairstyles range from elegantly simple to strikingly complex.  To create those braids, twists, buns, ponies, or updos, you need an arsenal of hair supplies to prepare for every contingency.  You will definitely want to check with your studio owner, director, teacher, or a more experienced dance mom to learn of your school’s requirements, but many of these essentials should be kept on hand.

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Brush

Whether your dancer has short or long hair, a brush is an absolutely necessary piece of hair care equipment that should take up permanent residence in the dance bag.  While some prefer to keep a full-sized brush at their disposal, others are satisfied with a travel brush. For sleeker styles, stick with a brush that features boar bristles (and don’t let it turn you off if it’s labeled “men’s”). Whichever you choose, definitely give it a whirl before you pack it to make sure that it is comfortable and detangles well.  Be sure to clean it with a tool like this (or better, have your dancer do it) regularly, and inspect it often to make sure the bristles are in good shape.

Comb

More than likely, your dancer will need a fine-toothed comb to create those shiny, sleek looks.  Personally, I use these rattail combs all the time – the metal ends truly help with creating perfect, precise parts in the hair.  Typically, I buy the multi-packs so I can always have one handy (plus, I lose stuff pretty frequently, so…). 

Styling Product

To tame those locks into submission, and give them the neat, sleek, shiny appearance you’re probably looking for, you’ll need some form of product.  Whether you use a gel, cream, wax, etc., you’ll need to test it out on a trial run before you use it on an important day (like a competition).  Shine n’ Jam has worked wonderfully for us (and was recommended to me by another dance mom); experiment with a variety of products to see what you like best, and ask others in your dance mom tribe for their suggestions (Moco de Gorilla, or Gorilla Snot, also comes highly recommended). But my absolute FAVORITE NEW FIND for 2023? It’s this wax stick that tames flyaways while conditioning the hair!

Hairspray

You knew it had to be SOMEWHERE on this list, right? Put those locks on lockdown with a firm hold hairspray!  No matter what brand you choose, it should be a formula that doesn’t turn into those unsightly white flakes when you’re restyling the ‘do (there WILL be touch-ups happening). Obviously, it also needs to work with the texture of your dancer’s hair.  Personally, we use aerosol hairspray because I like the even coverage it provides.  We tend to use Aussie styling products (my girls have grown so accustomed to the smell that they are puzzled whenever I use another brand) and got2be Glued Freeze Spray; Tresemme Tres Two hairspray is getting great reviews as well. If you’re willing to spend more on a professional beauty product. Redken’s Control Addict has a great reputation in dance mom circles.

Mini Flat Iron

If your dancer’s hair is anything like mine, it dries with odd bends and waves in it when I don’t use a blow dryer.  That creates a problem when you need a straight, sleek style (like those popular low ponytails).  Keeping a mini flat iron in the dance bag is a smart move; this one comes with a heat-resistant bag for travel.

Elastics

Thick, thin, silicone, black, brown, blonde, or clear, elastics are an absolute must-have in your hair supply (not to be confused with the cool 80’s band, Air Supply).  Having a variety of different thicknesses, colors, and materials is a good idea; you never know what will work in a pinch. We prefer the ones without the little metal band in the middle (quite honestly, I can’t think of a situation in which you would actually want that metal in there).

If you’re using silicone rings, this handy tool can help you take them out with ease (and without ripping your kid’s hair out)!

Bobby Pins

Not only can you use bobby pins to craft the desired hairstyle, but you can use them to anchor down those decorative hairpieces as well.  You can get plain old bobby pins nearly anywhere, but I like to get the regular ones in bulk (with two dancers, that’s a given).  Also, I LOVE the jumbo curved ones by Diane; they conform to the shape of the head so they’re not sticking up everywhere (hello, Ms. Porcupine).  Again, having a variety of these makes sense, so grab a couple of different sizes and/or styles.

Hair Pins

This year’s new company hairstyle (which continues to make me feel badly about myself, as I explained in Hair-Do and Do Not) requires many, many hairpins.  Buying in bulk at the beginning of the season is the way to go.  Dancers shed hair pins like skin cells (I know, ew), so you’ll need a good supply to make it to the end of the season. 

Spray Bottle

It’s often easier to create polished-looking hairstyles when the hair is at least damp. You can grab an everyday spray bottle virtually anywhere, including dollar stores. We use a mister because it provides more continuous, even coverage.

Hair Finishing Stick

This was a find I didn’t think I needed, but I’m really glad I found this hair finishing stick.  In reality, it’s like a mascara wand with clear gel; simply brush the stray hairs down, and they seamlessly blend in with the rest of the ‘do. 

Hair Nets

Stray sections of hair are the bane of a dance mom’s existence on competition day.  When those chunks start peeling out of your dancer’s bun, corral those rebels with a fine mesh hair net.  These have lots of “give” and stretch nicely.  Need it tighter?  Simply twist it and wrap it around the bun again.

Extra Credit

Hair Pin Bracelet

How cool is this? When you’re doing your dancer’s hair, you need your supplies easily accessible. Rather than blindly scrambling to grab a hair pin, you can load up this bracelet so they’re at your disposal. This magnetic bracelet helps hold those pesky pins, and has a loop for elastics.

Sleep Bonnet

When time is in short supply on competition day, you might consider styling your dancer’s hair the night before (Thing 1 thrashes around wildly like a rabid honey badger in her sleep, so it doesn’t always work for us). To protect the style while your dancer dreams, a sleep bonnet is a worthwhile investment!  Experiment with different designs to see what works best.

Salon Cape

To protect the costume during hair and makeup touch-ups, throw a salon cape over your dancer.  Quick and easy to use, this is a great item to keep in the bag for mealtimes as well. 

Work hard, have fun! – Danielle

For more Competition Essentials – check out Costuming and Makeup Supplies!

Hopefully, your dancer will cooperate with you when you’re getting them ready, unlike this undependable gal: Feelin’ Cute.