The Long and Short to Amazing Bridal Hair

Perfect bridal hair compliments and completes your personal wedding style. Not only does
the ideal hairstyle accessorize and enhance your beautiful features, it also offers you a chance
to create a dramatic sophisticated look as your bridal image

By Sara Daly

This wonderful American tradition started more than 50 years ago being first attested in 1953.

April Desabrais, Cosmetologist and Owner of Manestream Salon in Middlebury, Vermont offers these bridal hair tips after years of experience with wedding hair for brides, grooms, and attendants.

Deciding Your Style

There are many considerations when choosing a hairstyle that will work for you. The first and most important is to be realistic with what your hair can do. If you have fine hair, a thick full updo may be more difficult. The setting and formality of your wedding should be taken into consideration. Is the wedding inside or outside? What does your dress look like? Is it strapless, or what type of straps does it have? Are you wearing a veil? Are you wearing a tiara? Where is the veil going to sit? Do you plan to take the veil off after the ceremony? Check to see if the style you have chosen is age appropriate. Does the hairstyle compliment your attitude? Looking through wedding magazines and cutting out photos of what you like are extremely helpful to stylists.

Hair Preparation

It is not necessary to grow your hair out for a year prior to your wedding! Trim your hair a half inch every three months for healthy hair that is easier to work with. If you are interested in a different cut, please cut your hair a month before the wedding. You may decide that hair extensions would help you create the perfect look. Talk with your stylist about extensions 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding date so that she can color match your hair and get you started on the process. Extensions are a fantastic way to create volume and length in a fun non-permanent fashion. If you color your hair, schedule all color services 2 weeks prior to the wedding day.

Consultation

The consultation is everything: it is a chance to decide how to style your hair on the date! Most salons require a bride to have one or more consultations before the wedding as a practice run. Tips for your consultation include:

• Come in with shampooed, dry, clean hair.
• No waxes, hairspray, or gel in your hair.
• Wear a button up shirt.
• Bring a camera to take photos from every angle.
• Bring veils and headpieces.
• Bring photos of styles you prefer.
• Bring a friend.
• Have fun!

The first consultation is a test run to see which styles you prefer and what you feel comfortable in. The second consultation will show you a finished product including placement of your veil.

Current Hair Trends

The loose, romantic look is popular now according to Ms. Desabrais. She has seen many brides asking for the half up/ half down, slightly wavy style. There has also been a resurgence of brides incorporating braids into their styles. The sleek sophisticated updo with a side bang has never gone out of fashion.

Grooms

Although not as apparent, the groom’s hair cut is essential. Men should have their hair cut 1-2 weeks before the wedding, not the day before. Men should not try a new style a day before the wedding. Products are a must for men on the wedding day. If men have been using a camouflaging color, this should be done 2 weeks prior to the event.

Bridesmaids

The bride is the captain of the hair team. Although many brides give their attendants the ability to choose a style, a bride should be given the choice to recommend a style that better suits the setting and feel of a wedding. Most bridesmaids do not have a consultation, but are encouraged to have one if they are having a more difficult style, or if added decorations such as fresh flowers are being used.

Children

The bride should be the one deciding what hairstyle her flower girl is wearing. Many flower girls mirror the bride’s style, for example they each have a tiara. Children do not typically have consultations. They should arrive at the salon with shampooed, dry hair. Children are restless, so letting them go first can get them done and happy.

Moms

Many mothers of the bride and groom state they do not need to have their hair done, and then regret that decision when they get to the salon with their daughters. The suggestion we give is to book your mom and plan it for her. She will be so pleased and will feel wonderful for the photos. Ms Desabrais recommends a simple shampoo and blow dry, or perhaps a quick set to make her hair shine. Don’t forget Grandmas too! Some of the most fun we have had with makeup and hair has been for the grandmothers of the bride.

Where to Have your Hair Done

It is recommended that you choose your stylist based on many factors, but your first choice should be the stylist you have seen regularly. Many brides are coming to Vermont and do not have a relationship with a salon and need guidance. We recommend you search a wedding directory such as the one in Vermont Bride to see which salons can cater to wedding hair. They will be able to see you and your attendants in less time if they have more stylists. Ask for referrals from wedding consultants, or at a spa, florist, or photographer. It is recommended that you have your hair done in a salon or spa as the stylists work best in their environment with their tools. Lighting, mirrors, electrical outlets, and access to materials are important during a high-energy affair such as a wedding. And as a plus, is usually less expensive to have your hair done at the salon then to have them travel to you.

Price

Prices for hair vary by salon. The average price for bridal hair is $100 and up for the bride and $50 and up for attendants. Consultations may or may not be added into the price. Ask the salon what their policies are so that you understand their pay structure. Deposits are generally required, and often you pay prior to the wedding day to ensure a smooth day without stress. The bride’s mother often pays for the group as a wedding gift. Otherwise, it is common for individuals to pay for their hairstyle. Expect to pay $500-$1000 for 6+ attendants and the bride.

 

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Sara Daly

Middlebury Spa

Sara Daly is a Physical Therapist, Massage Therapist, and owner of Waterfalls Day Spa located at the historic Middlebury Inn in downtown Middlebury, Vermont

www.middleburyspa.com

Read for free online "Spa Corner: Relaxation Takes Practice" by Sara Daly
from the Summer 2010 issue of Vermont Bride Magazine

Read for free online "Spa Corner: Plan Your Pre-Wedding Massage" by Sara Daly
from the Summer 2011 issue of Vermont Bride Magazine

Read for free online "The Long and Short to Amazing Bridal Hair" by Sara Daly
from the Spring 2011 issue of Vermont Bride Magazine

 

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