Game Day Hair - Marissah
Marissah goes through her game day hair routine, gives the insider scoop on her time as an NBA dancer in LA, and shares her journey of becoming an LA Laker Girl.
“Hey guys - I am here to talk to you about game day hair. I know that is the biggest challenge for everyone, just keeping those curls looking good and clean after hours of dancing and sweating - trust me I have been there. I just want to give you guys my tips and trick on things that have worked for me along the way.”
Sideline Secrets insider: We started following Marissah when she was with the Laker Dancers back in 2016 because to put it simply - she has incredible hair! She was the hair inspiration for my own personal game day hair journey - the curling iron size, the fullness, and the style.
We hope that if this is a look you are going for - that this can give you tips and pointers for your own game day hair journey as well!
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Marissah’s Game Day Hair Essentials
Hot Tools - Curling iron/wand - 1 inch
Before I started with the Laker Dancers I had no idea how to use a barrel curler so this thing has become my best friend. I invested in one after my very first season.
I had been using a $20 Conair curler from Walgreens but then I upgraded to a Hot Tools curler, which I really recommend. It just seems a little bit healthier for your hair and I just wanted an upgrade - all of the girls were using it so I just wanted to have it!
Dove - Dry Shampoo - Fresh Coconut
I don’t know about everyone else but we had court rehearsals before every game. I would come with my hair uncurled because usually it would get a little sweaty from practice on the court.
If it did get sweaty I always brought some dry shampoo. I love to try all different brands and just see what works best for me. Right now I am using Dove Fresh Coconut because I love coconut! I just spray a little bit right on my roots, especially if my hair is a bit damp.
I honestly think that when you spray a bit of the dry shampoo it give you a little volume - which is always good for game day!
TRESemmé - Hairspray - Extra Hold
Sometimes I will do a spritz of hairspray - just your typical TRESemmé Extra Hold. It is a dance hair product go-to.
TRESemmé is always the best! Sometimes if I am feeling like my hair is sticky, heavy, or I know it is having a hard time curling, I do a little spray upwards at the bottom.
There were times I would use a lot of hairspray and I was like, “Oh yeah it is going to look bomb, I am going to have so much hairspray in my hair.” Then I felt like it actually just weighed my hair down. So always go light on the hairspray at first.
CHI Silk Infusion - Hair serum
If I were going to do an appearance or something where my hair does not necessarily need to be super curled or I am not worried about the curls falling, I always use the CHI Silk Infusion hair serum. It smells really good and makes your hair really shiny.
I like it because I naturally have very dry and coarse hair so it does not shine at all. Use a little dime size amount, rub it in, and always start back to front. I used to always start from the front, put too much, and regretted it. So just touch the back a bit, go all the way down to the bottom, and feather it out to the front. Avoid the roots because it gets too greasy.
And now you are game day ready!
Thank you guys so much - I really appreciate you going through my game day hair routine with me! I am not an expert so if you have different tips and tricks, please let us know! This is what has worked for me in the past and I actually really miss doing it! Thanks so much for hanging out with me! - Marissah
Instagram: marissahsimonini
Becoming an LA Laker Girl
Marissah shares her journey to becoming a part of the iconic Laker Girls
“When I first auditioned for the Laker Girls in 2014, I did not even pass the first round! I had just moved to LA from my hometown and since I had trained so much throughout high school, I stopped paying attention to my body and my technique. I stopped taking classes and I was not as focused on my physical health as I had recently graduated.. I just wanted to have fun!
After the embarrassment I felt not making the first round of auditions, I knew I needed to step up my game to become a professional dancer. I needed to put some effort in to my technique and get myself back in shape to be able to feel confident the next time I auditioned. I started eating healthier (while still enjoying treats and fries of course), I took more dance classes, took part in some charitable activities, and got myself a great job in the fitness industry to keep busy and build up my resume.
In 2016, I went in to the audition with hopes that I would JUST make it through the first round. I prayed so hard that I could at least get to round 2 and be able to show off my dance ability.
I MADE IT TO ROUND 2!
I was freaking out but just kept calm and said, “Okay now we just gotta make it to round 3.”
MADE IT TO ROUND 3!
Now I was actually sweating and thought, “WOW this is real, I can actually do this!” That first day, we went through 4 rounds and my number was called when they announced the finalists. I seriously could not believe it and I knew the time and effort I put into it had really paid off.
That next week after finals, we got THE CALL Sunday to let us know if we made the team or not…
LONGEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!
I sat by the phone all day and could not focus on absolutely anything else. My roommates tried to keep me busy but I think they were equally as anxious as I was. When I finally got the call and heard the words:
“We are excited to tell you that we have a spot for you on the team!”
I was on top of the world and felt so many emotions of joy and excitement and relief!
I have been dancing since the age of 3 and being a part of a team made up of strong women who represented so much more than just a group of girls dancing in a sparkly dress and bobby-socks, was one of the proudest moments of my life. I worked hard, I stayed humble, checked myself, focused on my mental health, and I ended up getting the best job I could ever have. I am so grateful that I did not let the embarrassment I felt during that first audition get me down or make me not want to get back out there. There is always a second, third, fourth chance out there, you just have to want it bad enough!
“I am so grateful that I did not let the embarrassment I felt during that first audition get me down or make me not want to get back out there. There is always a second, third, fourth chance out there, you just have to want it bad enough!”
