For students & parents
Prom and homecoming beauty budget planner for students and parents
Event beauty gets expensive when it's booked late and piece by piece. Decide what matters most, set a budget, and book four to six weeks ahead.
Decide what matters most
Pick one or two services to invest in (for many students, hair or makeup) and keep the rest simple. Photos remember the overall look, not every detail.
Budget worksheet
Total event beauty budget: $____ Hair / braids / cut ........ $____ Makeup (and trial?) ......... $____ Nails ....................... $____ Lashes / brows .............. $____ Grooming (cut, lineup, beard) $____ Travel / extra time fees .... $____ Tip (if you tip) ............ $____ Left for the outfit, tickets, photos: $____
Timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks before | Set the budget; save photos of looks you like |
| 4–6 weeks before | Book hair, makeup and nails; ask about trials |
| 2–3 weeks before | Makeup or hair trial; braids if they need time to settle |
| 1 week before | Lashes, brows, haircut; confirm every time and address |
| 1–2 days before | Nails, lineup; lay out what to bring |
| Day of | Leave buffer time — appointments can run long |
Questions to ask before booking
- How long will it take on the day?
- What's included, and what costs extra?
- Do you offer a trial?
- What's your cancellation policy?
- For students under 18: do you need a parent's consent, and can a parent come?
Ways to save
- Get ready with friends — some professionals offer group times.
- Choose a style that lasts (braids can carry from homecoming week through the dance).
- Skip extras you won't notice in photos.
- Book early to avoid last-minute premiums.
Booking event appointments on Nearest
Verified students can compare event services by price, see each professional's work, add optional extras and request a time; payment happens in the app after the professional accepts. Students 13–17 need a parent or guardian's approval to book.
Related guides
How students can save on beauty, grooming and self-care — without cutting cornersPractical ways for high school, college, trade school and online students to spend less on hair, nails, lashes, barbers and skincare while staying safe.A parent's guide to teen beauty and grooming appointmentsWhat parents and guardians should check before a teen books hair, nails, lashes or grooming: safety, consent, payment, communication and red flags.Student grooming on a budget: haircuts, fades, lineups and beard careHow students can keep a fresh cut for less — choosing a barber, timing cuts, maintaining between visits and what to look for in a safe, clean shop.