Iowa State Cyclone Football Tailgate Hair & Beauty Guide
Ames, Iowa + Iowa State Cyclone football = fall is officially here. ❤️💛
There’s nothing quite like game day in Ames. The energy around town, the tailgates, the cardinal and gold everywhere you look, and that moment when you’re heading into Jack Trice Stadium ready to cheer on the Cyclones.
But before you grab your tickets and head to the tailgate, there's one very important question:
What are we doing with our hair?
Because game-day beauty has a job to do. It needs to look good for the tailgate photos, survive the Iowa weather and still be cute when you’re cheering from the stands.
Game-Day Hair That Can Handle the TailgateThe Soft Blowout
You really can't go wrong with a classic blowout.
Soft volume and movement give you that polished game-day look without feeling overly done. Add a little texture and you're ready for everything from morning tailgating to kickoff at Jack Trice Stadium.
The Half-Up Style
Want your hair down but don't want to constantly be moving it out of your face?
A half-up style is the perfect compromise.
Add loose waves, a little volume and maybe a cardinal-and-gold accessory for an easy Iowa State game-day hairstyle.
The Sleek Pony
Windy Ames day?
We've got you.
A sleek ponytail keeps your hair controlled while still looking polished. You can keep it simple or add a little volume and texture for a more elevated finish.
And let's be honest — sometimes the best football hairstyle is the one that stays put.
Fall Hair Color + Cyclone Spirit
Fall is also the perfect time to refresh your hair color before football season gets into full swing.
Some of our favorite fall hair color trends for 2026 include:
❤️ Dark Cherry Cola – A rich red-brown with a little extra drama.
💛 Golden Caramel – Warm, dimensional highlights that catch the light beautifully.
🤎 Toasted Chestnut – A cozy brunette with hints of amber, honey and copper.
☕ Glossy Espresso Brown – Deep, polished brunette with serious shine.
🍯 Teddy Bear Bronde – A soft blend of blonde, brunette, caramel and honey.
Not ready for a full color change? A gloss, face-framing highlights or a dimensional refresh can still give your hair that beautiful fall update.
Don't Forget the Makeup
Your Iowa State football makeup doesn't have to be complicated.
Start with fresh, natural-looking skin, add soft brown or espresso eyes, a little blush and your favorite lip color.
Then, if you're feeling festive, bring in a little cardinal and gold-inspired beauty.
Think subtle.
We're going for game-day glam, not “I painted my entire face before breakfast.” 😉
The Ames Game-Day Beauty Checklist
Before you head out to your Iowa State tailgate:
☑️ Hair styled
☑️ Lip color packed
☑️ SPF applied
☑️ Layers ready for changing Iowa weather
☑️ Hair tie in your bag
☑️ Phone charged for photos
☑️ Tickets ready
☑️ Cardinal & gold spirit activated
Get Game-Day Ready in Ames
Whether you're meeting friends for a tailgate, spending Saturday around Ames, Iowa, or heading into Jack Trice Stadium to cheer on Iowa State Cyclone football, fall game days are worth celebrating.
And looking good while you're doing it? That's just a bonus.
At Finesse Spa Salon, we're proud to be part of the Ames community and help our guests feel confident for all of life's moments — from everyday appointments to Iowa State game days.
Book your next hair, color, styling, makeup, nail or spa appointment at Finesse Spa Salon and get ready for fall in Ames.
Go Cyclones! ❤️💛
Where every guest becomes part of our legacy.