Wedding Hair Prep Guide

Dear Bride, Bridesmaid, Family Member or Friend,

If you’re getting your hair or makeup done for a wedding, this prep guide is for you.

My goal is for everyone who sits in my chair to feel as pampered & beautiful as can be by the time we’re through with your services. And with a bit of proper preparation, your hair & makeup with look even better & last even longer – guaranteed. I cannot overemphasize how much of a difference proper hair & skin prep makes!

(But If you absolutely really truly don’t have time to read this, please just read these four words: CLEAN. DRY. HAIR. ALWAYS. That’s the #1 rule. Thank you)

Okay… onto the rest!

WHEN & HOW TO WASH YOUR HAIR

  • When to wash: Make sure you wash your hair within 24 hours of getting it styled.
  • How to wash: I’ve been told I change lives when I share this advice… it’s important to shampoo twice! Once to remove any product and once to remove the oils on your scalp. Massage your whole scalp with the pads of your fingertips to deeply cleanse & improve circulation for better scalp health. Apply conditioner on the mid-lengths to ends of your hair – you don’t need to condition your roots!

STYLING & DRYING

Use only minimal products once you’re out of the shower & blow dry based on hair type.

  • Fine, flat hair
    • Towel dry hair & spray It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Lite from the ears down. Comb through.
    • Apply Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer from root to ends. Apply 2-3 pumps on your hair section by section until your entire head is saturated.
    • Blow dry hair upside down or with a round brush. You’re trying to achieve a straight yet voluminous result.
    • Do not use any hairsprays, texturizing sprays, etc. prior to your appointment.
  • Coarse or frizz-prone hair:
    • Towel dry hair before applying Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray. This should be the only product you use!
    • Apply from roots to ends section by section on damp (not wet) hair. Comb through. You want the hair to be fully saturated in the product.
    • Blow dry your hair straight using tension. You can use a round brush & blow dryer or a blow dry brush.
    • Do not use any hairsprays, texturizing sprays, etc. prior to your appointment.
  • If you’re a curly girl & want to utilize your natural texture, just style your hair as normal. As long as it’s been washed within the last 24 hours, I’m happy!
  • Alternatively, you can book a professional blowout the day before your wedding. Request a smooth, bouncy blowout with minimal product (especially no hairsprays or texture sprays).

CLIP IN EXTENSIONS

  • I am in favor in anyone and everyone who wants a down style or half up wearing clip ins! Please just make sure I am aware of them prior to the wedding day & be advised there is an additional $35 fee for applying/styling them.
  • Make sure any clip in extensions have been washed & dried prior to use. This applies to brand new hair as well – new extensions are bathed in a chemical coat that hinders its ability to hold a curl.
  • If you want to buy clip-ins, please avoid Amazon & instead choose a brand like Zala or Bellami. I promise it's worth the extra $$!

INSPIRATION PHOTOS: Have everyone getting their hair styled have 1-3 inspiration photos pre-saved to their phone. This will save a ton of time on the morning of!

  • I always recommend going on Pinterest and searching for styles on models with the same hair color & type you have.
  • Try to find some photos of the front of the hair so I know what you like.
  • Some keywords you might find helpful for sparking Pinterest inspiration: classic, boho, sleek, clean, loose, piecy, fluffy waves, glam waves, bangs, long/short hair, half updo, braid, twists

CHOOSING BETWEEN AN UPDO & A DOWN STYLE

  • Consider the weather & location. If you’re having a wedding outside in the humidity, an updo will mean you don’t have to worry about curls falling.
  • Consider your neckline. The traditional rule is to choose an updo with a higher neckline & a down style if you’re showing more skin up top.
  • Consider your hair texture & type. If you’re worried about curls falling or hair frizzing, an updo may bring peace of mind.
  • Consider what makes you feel most confident & work it! Choose the style that will make you feel most like yourself on your wedding day. If you wear your hair down every day, maybe consider doing the same for your big day.

HAIR TIMELINE

  • CUT/COLOR: I recommend getting your color & a trim about two weeks prior to your wedding day. I know you want length, but we don’t believe in crispy ends in this house! If that makes you nervous, book a trim six weeks prior so you can get used to it and just do a color refresh the week of. All you really need is a dusting (trimming off just the split ends) and making sure you have your face framing cut how you want it! And of course fresh color, grays covered, & no roots (or whatever floats your boat ).
  • EXTENSIONS: If you want extensions professionally installed, I recommend doing that at least eight weeks prior so you can get used to them. Book a move up appointment a week or two prior to the wedding – whenever you get that color refresh & final trim!
Note: As you can see, I have a few Amazon links scattered throughout. I do receive a *very small* commission if you choose to purchase through these links, but that has in no way influenced what I choose to recommend. All opinions are my own & are truly what I believe to be the best products! I mainly include the links for your convenience.