How to Prep Your Hair for the Wedding Day

10 February 2017

So you’ve booked your venue, found the most perfect gown, and now it’s time to put your glam squad together!

Next to the dress, hair and makeup are probably the most important bridal details on your wedding day. When it comes to doing your research and booking these services, you want to know and feel 100% that you’ve found the most amazing people for the job! Read all about my top tips below.


wedding hair
Image by Narrative of Love

How to Pick the Perfect Hairstyle

Before you choose a hairstyle, have an idea of what your ‘theme’ is, and what details on your dress that you would particularly like to show (i.e. a beaded bodice or dainty straps). Your hairstylist should have a thorough consultation with you before beginning your trial in order to help you choose the most amazing style that will suit your hair, your theme, and your dress.

A few suggestions for what hairstyles suit what wedding themes:

  • Formal or black tie – Glamour waves, Chignon, French roll
     Boho or Beachy  – Tousled waves, half up/half down, Braids 
    Relaxed or Rustic – A romantic soft bun, or curled and pinned to the side   

 

wedding hair
Image by Perry Trotter Photography

Pre-Wedding Hair Tips

  • I recommend getting a trim every 8-12 weeks to maintain the shape and keep your hair in great condition. Avoid having a haircut a month before the wedding, especially if your desired hairstyle requires extra length.
  • I always suggest that you have your hair coloured 2 weeks before the wedding. That way if any further changes are needed there is enough time to do so. If you’ve never dyed your hair, talk to your stylist about adding highlights, they bring a gorgeous texture to braids and up-dos.
  • Treat your hair once a week with either a conditioning hair mask that will help restore dryness or Olaplex that will help to bond breakage in the hair.
  • I think it’s very important for both the bride and hairstylist to know exactly what style the bride is after as well as the wedding morning schedule. A trial is the safest way for brides to avoid having mismatched expectations on the day. It also helps things run smoothly, as the hairstylist may have bridesmaids, the mother of the bride and others to work on. We need to ensure we plan everything correctly so the bride has enough time to be ready and out the door on time.
  • Usually, your hairstylist will prefer you wash your hair the day before, this can help avoid the hair being limp, and also saves time on the day washing and drying the hair.

 

wedding hair
Image supplied by Hare & Hunter

Bonus Hints

  • Rather than booking a makeup artist that can ‘do hair’, have a look at booking a separate hairstylist to your makeup artist. It’s a wise idea to book people who specialise in their particular field – this will avoid disappointment and ensure you look your very best!
  • Make contact with your desired stylist at least 5-6 months out from your big day, especially if you’re getting married in peak season. I have weddings booked through to winter 2018! So many stylists get inundated with bookings and you want to make sure you don’t miss out on having the best of the best. 
  • Pay your deposit ASAP. Usually, your date won’t be secured until this has been paid, and you don’t want someone else to snap up your date!
  • Once you’ve paid the deposit have a chat about booking in your trial. I always suggest to my brides to book it in on a day that they have plans, maybe your hens' party or an event you may have on? Don’t want to waste that gorgeous hairstyle!
  • Live by my motto: when you look good, you feel amazing! Book a professional hairstylist that specialises in hair, book a makeup artist that focuses on wedding makeup and have the peace of mind that you’ve booked the best team for your big day. Happy hunting to all you beautiful brides-to-be! May your glam squad be amazing.

 

wedding hair
Image by Amy Kate Photography