Flathead High School’s annual Prom Salon was well-attended this year for some pampering.

More than 30 students, whether or not they were attending the dance, could get their hair styled, nails painted and makeup done professionally at no charge by teams of stylists from Cheveux Salon, Mad Hair Day and Soucie Soucie, all located in Kalispell, in addition to Flathead staff members.

Additionally, volunteers shopped for jewelry and swag for the girls.

On prom day March 19, the Flathead library was transformed by an arsenal of curling irons, hair pins, hair spray, nail polish, makeup and lash extensions.

Every year, students are nominated and invited to attend the Prom Salon by Flathead staffers who feel they deserve a special day of primping, according to Tracey Johnson, a Flathead library assistant and one of the event organizers. The Prom Salon started several years ago.

“The idea was conceived when a few of us FHS ladies who thought about how fun it would be to have a glam day for girls who wouldn’t have that type of luxury [otherwise],” Johnson said.

Johnson said the Prom Salon goes beyond the hair, makeup and nails.

“The girls bond with each other,” Johnson said. “It’s about the connection.”

The increase in volunteer stylists made the growing event possible. What used to take a full day to accomplish in the past took about three and a half hours this year.

“Prom day is a big money-making day for these professionals, yet they take several hours to come to FHS and make magic happen,” Johnson said.

Johnson said Cheveux Salon has been volunteering for the past five years. Mad Hatter and Soucie Soucie participated for the first time this year.

Mad Hatter hairstylist Bree Malkuch was one of three from the salon and said she learned about the event from a friend who taught at the school.

“It seemed like a really awesome thing to be part of,” Malkuch said.

Soucie Soucie brought a team of five this year. Hairstylist and cosmetologist Alexis VanVliet said she helped with the Prom Salon last year before she started working at Soucie Soucie. This year, VanVliet wanted to extend the invitation to her colleagues to join in on the enjoyable experience.

“Everyone wanted to go and help the girls feel beautiful for a day,” VanVliet said, noting that supporting the community is a value embedded in the workplace culture at Soucie Soucie.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].