Q. What are you seeing as the hottest ways to do hair for the prom or a wedding? I am in both in May.

A. According to trade magazines here are the latest trends in formal hair:
The braid is all the rage this year for everything from weddings and proms to beach wear. There are loads of variations on the braid with fun styles and options. For a formal looking braid, tease the top to give yourself some height then pull your hair to the side like you were going for a side pony and make your braid. The hottest formal look for braids is the fishbone braid; somewhat flat and similar to a fishbone neck chain. A professional stylist should be able to give this to you. A popular variation on this theme is the side pony. This look gets sleek if you smooth over your bangs to the side and add loose, not tight, curls in the long free hair. Be sure to tease and get height on top. For a more casual look the half up style is still popular this year. Pull just the top of your hair up and pin it back then curl the back in soft loose curls. The classic up-do bun is never out of style either. There is always some trendy popular version of this style and the classic ballerina bun will never be out, especially for brides. To get the most current look for this classic try a side part. If you have straight bangs, leave them down. Get the teased up volume for the top and then work the back into any version of a bun you want. If you can afford a professional stylist you will not regret it. You can then relax and let an expert do your hair. Always remember that the most important part of any event is that you are comfortable. Choose a hairstyle that you feel good in and then relax and have fun!