Bridal Party - Hair Preparation
How to prepare your hair for the morning of the wedding is one of the things I get asked the most about. Not just from the Bride, but most often from the bridal party too, as they can be a little worried as they don’t want to get it wrong on the actual wedding day and cause any delay.
How to prepare your hair is pretty much the same for the bride and the bridal party in general, the only difference being that I may give the Bride/Weddee some more personalised advice and instructions, depending on the chosen hairstyle, at their trial.
The most important things to remember are:
Ensure your hair is bone dry when you come to have your hair styled.
Shampoo your hair twice to remove build up of oils and any product.
When it comes to inspo pictures, please note that it may not be possible to create exact versions of the photos due to differing hair thickness, type and colour. For Brides we can see what your hair can do at the trial and work around, where needed, to create the hairstyle you love. Clip in hair extensions are a possibility too.
When to wash hair
It's an old myth that your hair is easier to style if its a little dirty and or second day washed. Usually, it is best to wash on the morning of the ceremony, especially for naturally oily hair. This helps the hair to look and feel fresher and lighter throughout the day and night. However, if you only need to wash your hair every few days or it can be on the dryer side, then it would be best to wash the day before. This gives your hair time to rest from any heat and blow drying and regain some natural oils.
I do recommend using good quality shampoo and conditioners on the lead up to your wedding day. You can research products online that are suitable for your hair type and that are ideally silicone and sulphate free (which in the long term can dry out and damage hair). You can find great products on the high street and online.
Life…..
Please follow these guidelines as much as you are able. Preparing your hair for styling, as advised, will really help me to create the style you would like on the day, but there are so many amazing hairstyling products available now to help create the desired texture from root to tip. None of my products are tested on animals, meaning their ingredients are often much more natural and smell lovely too.
Life happens and can be so busy, and if you have been unable to wash your hair or prep as above - all will be fine. We will figure it out and make your hair gorgeous ready for your celebrations.
Hair preparation guide, by hair type…..
Straight to Wavy Hair
You will need to arrive with clean and totally dry hair - I advise shampooing your hair twice, add some heat protector and a little cream or mouse then please blow dry as straight as possible using a brush. Please do not use any heavy oils or leave in conditioners. When you’re blow drying remember to have your parting in place where you would like it to be for your style on the day.
Curly Hair
For curly hair, how you prepare your hair depends on the style you are having on the day. If you would like your natural curls styled into a curly style then please let your hair dry naturally and use the products you would usually use and like. Please do not use any heavy leave-in oils. Sleeping in a satin hair wrap or bonnet after washing would be great too to help with frizz and softness too.
I can then prep and go over your curls a little more if needed with tongues and styling product to ensure they are all smooth and ready to style.
If you have curly hair and are having a straighter style or would like me to wave or curl, please arrive with hair blow dryed straight, as above.
Textured Hair
If you would like your natural curls and hair styled into a curly style or updo then please let your hair dry naturally or diffuse as usual. Please ensure your hair is dry for our appointment and use the products you usually use, such as oils and deep conditioners that you like and that you know works well for your hair. Sleeping in a satin hair wrap or bonnet after washing would be great too to help with frizz and softness.
We can then discuss how we can prep to create your desired style.
Flower girls
For little ones, following a chat with family when I am there, I will use minimal product (all cruelty free and high quality) and style the hair gently to create a beautiful soft style they will love. Again, ideally hair is shampooed twice on the morning or the day before, with no heavy conditioners left in and bone dry when it’s time to be styled.
Common Questions and Worries - (please don’t worry)
My hair doesn't hold curl?
More often than not, it does - with the right technique and product and some double wrapping with tongues. If your hair is exceptionally stubborn to curls, we may be best to tweak the style and type of curl or wave a little bit to suit your hair type, especially if wearing hair down or half down.
I have really thin hair?
I can create a really lovely texture and thickness through prepping techniques and product to create a fuller look, if required, for your final style. You do not need to have extensions, of course you can if you want to, but your hair will look beautiful without too!
If you would like to use hair extensions and have some you would like to use that are suitable then please bring to your appointment. I can also advise at hair trials on buying new ones. I reccommend Clip Hair extensions and have a sample kit to ensure we get the right shade to match your hair.
So many baby hairs…..
So many people worry about baby hairs, but they are so common and very natural. We can easily minimalise them into your hairstyle.
I have curly hair and the bridesmaid inspo photo is straight?
What would you feel most comfortable with, your natural texture and curly hair prepped into your desired style, or do you fancy something different and having your hair prepped and set to the straighter style? You should go with what will make you feel the most comfortable and at your best. See the guide for curly hair prep above too.
Can I have my hair professionally blow dried the day before ?
Definitely, some people have a pre wedding party, ceremony or meal the day before and may get their hair blow dried for this. It actually really helps me with the styling as the hair will be prepared, blowdried at the roots and hair cuticle smoothed. The products used usually keep the roots fresh too.