Your Countdown to Perfect Wedding Hair

With THAT wedding still fresh in everyone’s minds, many 2018 brides will be taking inspiration from the new Duke and Duchess!

There are so many things for a bride to consider before her big day and how to do your hair may be the last thing on what seems like a never-ending list, but for wedding specialist Anne Veck, it’s as important a decision as choosing the dress. Don’t worry though, as Anne has created a guide to help ensure you won’t have to worry about your hair on the big day, whichever style you choose.

Six months until your wedding: Find the right wedding hairdresser

Achieving the perfect wedding hair takes some pre-planning. The first thing that I would recommend you do is establish just how good your hairdresser is at wedding hair and up-dos. You may have been going to the same stylist for many years, but this is an important starting point, as some don’t enjoy creating up-dos, but if you establish this far enough in advance then you have time to find someone you are happy with and, perhaps even more importantly, is willing to travel to your wedding venue or home on the day.

Planning your wedding hair in advance will also allow you to work out your bridal hair budget. Think about your mum, any other family members and the bridesmaids, and ask yourself if you want everyone to be styled by your hairdresser.

Four months until your wedding: Choose your perfect wedding hairstyle

There are two main options for your big day. Either you stick to your natural style and simply enhance it with an accessory (a la Ms Markle, even if the ‘accessory’ is a tiara from the Queen!), or go all out with a classic wedding up-do. Whatever choice you make though, it is important to find a hairstyle that you’re happy with and will make you feel confident on your big day.

Your wedding dress will also play a big part in dictating your hairstyle and it is important to make sure your hairdresser knows what they’re working with. If you’re going for something Grecian, a half up or half down do that looks more relaxed is best. Likewise, a high neck or long-sleeved dress will look stunning with an elegant ballerina bun that shows off any intricate detailing on the dress.

TOP TIP: If you want an up-do but have short or fine hair, then you may wish to consider hair extensions. Whether they’re individual pieces or clip-ins, if you discuss with your hairdresser now, you’ll have enough time to find the right option.

Two months until your wedding: Step up your haircare routine

You’ll want shiny, glossy hair on your wedding day, so talk to your hairdresser about what products they would recommend and start to put the work in now and within eight weeks you’ll be able to see a noticeable difference. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to get rid of hair-dulling product residue and add a hydrating hair mask into your routine.

In addition, if you’re worried about your hair looking lifeless then it would be a good idea to invest in a scalp serum or hair thickening treatment.

One month until your wedding: Book your hair trial

Book your trial session with your stylist so you can try out as many different wedding day looks as possible. Bring along that all-important picture of your dress and take any accessories with you that you might wear on the day, such as a tiara, veil and earrings. Take pictures to check it from every angle and if you’re not happy, speak up. There’s still plenty of time to change your look or (heaven forbid) your hairdresser.

Two weeks until your wedding: Time for top-ups

Having a trim and colour touch up now will allow enough time for your colour and cut to settle. If you get your hair chemically relaxed, curled or straightened, this is also a good time to book in for the service as treated hair tends to look better after a fortnight.

TOP TIP: With two weeks to go until the big day, you may wish to consider an in-salon conditioning treatment to give your hair an extra hit of hydration.

On the day: Get ready for the styling session

Make sure you have discussed with your stylist whether you need to wash your hair the night before or on the morning of the wedding – often they will suggest the night before as freshly washed hair can be unresponsive, static and slippery.

Your stylist will also have told you how long you need for your hair prep (and for your bridesmaids and mum if necessary) but as a general rule, I would suggest that you allow two hours to perfect the look.

As the day unfolds, your hairstyle may loosen a little, but don’t worry, as I would suggest that you just ask a bridesmaid to keep some Kirby grips and a mini hairspray in their bag so you can easily fix those few strands that have come out of place and ensure your hair will still look perfect during your first dance.

I hope you have a wonderful wedding day.

Anne Veck