They sell a couple different kinds and they're all relatively in expensive.  Also, I would definitely invest in a hair net or 2 incase you accidently put your fingers through it and rip it! Don't stress you'll get the hang of it, all in good time, all in good time. But if this is your first competition or heck, even just your first year for your twirler to compete on the competition team then there are few things you should know. 

 

First: When traveling away from home for our competitions you're going to want to bring a curling iron, hair spray, make up, a bun maker of some sort, a hair net and lots and lots of bobby pins. I would also recommend having an additional pair of nude tights for those "just in case" moments. 

 

Second: Bring cash or a good amount of snacks and a some lunch. If your twirler is competiting in the teams AND the open events then it's going to be a long day. You'll be there through at least two meals if not all three and then of course you'll need a snack and a drink. Sometimes I bring a small cooler with drinks, almonds and a sandwhich. Other times I just make sure I have cash. Most of the competition venue's are near some sort of fast food or grocery store and there is usually time in between events to go snag something for you and your twirler. I like to buy something from the vendors at the competition because I know it a fundraising event for whatever team is hosting and I want to support them, just like I want them to support us when we host our event in March. 

 

Third: Be aware of your twirlers number in every lane. It will help you gauge just how much time you have between events. And FYI the twirling community for some reason thinks its awesome to go from team events (hair in bun) to modeling events (hair down and curled) to solor and march events (hair in bun). So be prepared to put your twirlers hair in a "perfect" bun and then take it down and curl it to perfection only to put it back on top of her head again! It's maddness I know. If we're early in our lane for modeling I usually go and start curling hair immediatley after the team performs.  And then of course you have to touch up the make up. 

 

Fourth: You want to arrive at the school early the morning of the competition (we usually leave all together) so that you can go claim "a plug" for your twirlers hair gadgets. There are typically lots of teams and lots of girls coming to these events and we all need a plug for our hair gadgets. If you have a multi plug outlet that you can bring, I would suggest you do that and then we can all share :)

 

Fifth: Don't freak out if your twirler is scheduled to be in two different lanes at the same time. If that's the case you can just let Ms.Stacy know and she will let the judges know and all will be fine with the world. I promise. 

 

I'm sure there are more things but those are the ones that come to me first. One thing I can tell you is that if you can try and remain calm then everything will go more smoothly than you imagine it will. I tell myself frequently that I need to stay "cool" because I know my daughter is under enough stress as it is. She's the one twirling and putting her skills out there to be judged, not me. So even when all the lanes seemingly run together, and my daughters curls start falling because she doesn't know how to sit still, and the modeling and march music are making me crazy, I just grab a snack from the concession stand, take a breath and tell myself I'm here so my daughter can showcase her skills, I'm here because I love my twirler, I'm here because she's going to need a shoulder to cry on when she either drops her baton or places top 3 for the first time. I'm here...because of her! And then, well then it's all worth it.