Hair for an event in Miami Beach: blowout, curls or an updo?

For an event, most people choose between three styles at Hair Shak Salon Miami. A blowout starts at $128. Curling iron or flat iron styling starts at $55. An updo starts at $125. All of them are done by Shak at 300 Alton Road in South Beach, and you can book any of them on its own, without a cut or color.

If you're the bride, that's a different appointment, covered further down.

Choosing between them

A blowout gives smooth, full hair with movement, and it suits most events where you'll wear your hair down. Flat iron styling is for sleek and straight. Curling iron styling adds waves or curls, either on its own or on hair that has just been blown out.

An updo keeps hair off your neck and shoulders. It's worth thinking about for long nights, for outdoor events in Miami heat, and for dresses with a high neck or a detailed back.

If you can't decide, bring a photo of the outfit. The neckline often settles it in a few seconds.

Planning around Miami weather

Humidity is hard on any style that needs to stay perfectly smooth. Tell Shak when you book whether the event is indoors or outside, and roughly how many hours you need the hair to last. That changes what he suggests.

If frizz bothers you every day of the year, that's a different conversation. A Brazilian blowout is a smoothing treatment that takes two hours and costs $400 to $650. Ask about it well ahead of an event rather than the week before.

What to bring, and how to arrive

• A photo of the outfit, plus one or two of hair you like
• Anything you plan to wear in your hair, like a clip or a comb

Ask when you book whether to wash your hair that morning or the day before. For updos a lot of stylists prefer hair that isn't freshly washed, because it holds pins better, but it depends on your hair.

Weddings

Bridal hair and makeup is priced at a free consultation, because the price depends on what you want, how many people are getting ready and where. We can come to you, or you can get ready at the salon. Book as soon as you have a date. The details are on the bridal hair and makeup page.

When to book

There's one stylist, so the earlier you call, the more likely you get the time you want. The salon is open Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm and Friday 10am to 2pm, and closed on Saturday. If your event is on a Saturday, say so when you call and we tell you what's possible.

Call +1 305-494-7128, or see the styling prices on the haircuts page. Parking at 300 Alton Road is free for salon clients.