Bridal Hair, Do’s & Don’ts

Do consult a hairstylist to assess what hairstyle would work best on your wedding day. You need to know your total look as your hairstyle, veil, and jewelry worn close to your face all need to work well together.

Do consider hair extensions to give yourself more options.

Do test you hairstyle in advance. Make a pre-wedding appointment so you’ll know what your hair will look like. You may even want to take some photos to show your bridal party to get their feedback.

Do wear your hair up if you want to focus on gown details around your neckline or draw attention to a spectacular necklace.

Do try to incorporate some texture into your hairstyle by using hair accessories, e.g., a simple freshwater-pearl headband or hair jewels.

Do wear a robe on your wedding day while working on your hair or applying your makeup and not something that needs to be removed over your head. Otherwise, you’ll disturb your hairdo.

Do consider long, soft, flowing curls or a relaxed, asymmetrical up-do, as both are very current.

Do keep hair products, styling tools, and a mirror nearby, both during the ceremony and the reception, so you can tough up your hairstyle periodically.

Don’t have any chemical processes done close to your wedding day. Schedule appointments at least a day in advance.

Don’t make any drastic hair color changes within a few months of your wedding.

Don’t get a haircut less than two weeks before your wedding day.

Don’t use hairspray after your veil is on your head! All hairsprays will yellow your veil.

Don’t use new hair products on your wedding day. You could have an allergic reaction.

Don’t be to concerned if your hairstyle relaxes a little at the reception, you’ll just look more playful.

Don’t choose a hairstyle that’s a stretch for your hair. Select wisely and you’ll be a picture perfect bride all day long.

Text By Norma-Jean Alt

Say “I do” to a Good Hairdo

Updos dragging you down? Flyaway curls taking over your world? Here are a few suggestions on what you – the stylish modern day bride– can do to ensure a fabulous wedding day hairdo! Deciding on the perfect wedding day hair is akin to shopping for a diamond ring – you must keep in mind 4 Cs: cut, color, condition, and curl… or straighten! (OK, let’s just call it “style”!!)

Make a list of what is important and not important to your overall wedding look, and think of the practicalities: veil vs. flowers vs. headpieces, beach wedding vs. church wedding – will you need to cover your head?

Depending on the type of girl you are, your cultural heritage, and your own personal fashion sense, you might opt for hair extensions, a neat, classic bun or French chignon, loose curls, blunt cuts, an extravagant updo… The sky is the limit!

CUT, COLOR, CONDITION and CURL

“Hair can be short, medium or long, and still look outstanding by adding a soft curl or making it sleek and shiny, exaggerating your part, or adding more body,” says Cyndi Isaac, Salon Director at Eveline Charles in Edmonton.

“Cut and color are definitely an essential part of the event,” says James Tse of Winnipeg’s Sets Salon, adding that when it comes to wedding day hair, his goal is shine, and luster.

Dylan Site, Creative Director of Civello Salon-Spas, agrees.

“Bridal hair should be shiny and healthy!” she says. “Have a series of in-salon conditioning treatments, like Aveda’s Damage Remedy Hair & Scalp Renewal, starting around 6 months before the big day. This will get your hair in top shape for the big day. Also, see your stylist every 6-8 weeks for regular cuts or trims in order to keep the hair healthy.”

She recommends that women with medium-length or long hair have their hair trimmed to look clean — with curls and waves used to add a touch of sophistication. “Short hair looks great pinned up with a slight wave,” she says.

There are, however, other options.

“Girls with shorter hair,” says Tse, “who wish to have their hair appear longer and have their hair up, can use hair pieces or temporary hair extensions.” Hair can then simply be set with rollers to achieve a soft look.

Clearly, girls with longer hair have more options. Tse suggests a sleek, smooth do that will turn you into a glamour queen, or tousled curls, to add a touch of sexiness.

It all depends on the bride, her dress, and her headdress!

Some of us favor a modern, edgy sexiness when it comes to wedding day attire, while many women choose that day to become the princess they always wanted to be, and feed their romantic fantasies.

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

“Your cut and color should reflect who you are,” says Isaac. “Looks that are not too extreme will stand the test of time more than super trendy and flashy looks.”

She suggests finding images of looks that you like – even if the front views and back views don’t match – and taking those to your hairdresser or stylist. Start gathering magazine images well ahead of your wedding day – give your hair some time to grow naturally, if need be. Plan ahead, scope out stylists well in advance, and do test runs.

Avoid tears, tantrums, and insecurities by not dramatically changing your cut, color or style at the last minute. “If you have a fringe,” says Site, “keep it on the longer side to allow for more styling options. Also consider wearing your hair up because it has less potential to look dated in photographs years later.”

In terms of color, try using subtle highlights or lowlights to add drama. “More than one tone in the hair often looks best when hair is styled up,” says Isaac, “and color can be strategically placed to flow with the updo.”

Work with your salon to find a look that will marry your own, usual style, and your wedding day dreams.

PLANNING AHEAD

“I usually suggest that my clients come for a consultation way before their big day,” says Tse, “just to find out what they like, what the dress looks like and most importantly, the hair length and condition.”

Cyndi Isaac agrees.

“Consult with your stylist in the weeks prior,” she suggests, adding that you need to prepare your hair to look its best. “Hair should be cut and colored two weeks prior to the big day.”

Use weekly conditioning treatments for a few months before the wedding, and do test runs of the cut, color and style. Be sure to tell your hairdresser about any veil, flowers, or hair accessories that you plan to wear on your wedding day. Small details, such as the color and texture of a veil, and the rhinestones, pearls or other ornaments used in a tiara, will have an impact on the final look of your chosen hairdo.

THE BIG DAY

When it comes to the big day, the best thing to do is to get an early start by washing your hair the night before, and avoiding the use of styling products altogether.

“Freshly washed hair will not hold a style as well and neither will hair that is too dirty and oily,” says Isaac.

Tse agrees. “Other than that,” he says, “just get a lot of rest and look your best.”

“Bring only those people that will help you relax,” adds Isaac, “and enjoy your day!”

By starting early and letting your stylist help develop your vision for your wedding day, everything will turn out beautifully – especially you!

Text By Andree Lachapelle