Ask Karen - April 2007

May 08, 2004 
Bridal Hairstyle Help?

Question

Dear Karen,

I am getting married in a few short months and am in a panic about how to wear my hair for my wedding.  Can you please give me all the information I might need to deal with my bridal hair? 

Thank you for your help.

Angelina

Answer

Dear Angelina,

When it comes to selecting your best bridal style I have listed some simple hair Dos & Don's below for you to follow:  

Bridal Hair Dos

• Plan
  
  Planning is the key to a fabulous bridal hair style. Take the time as soon as possible to sit down and write up a detailed wedding hair plan.  Take this as seriously as your reception seating layouts or your dress fitting schedules.  
  
• Identify Your True Bridal Attire Focus
  
  Pick your wedding day fashion focus and work from that base. 
  
  If your wedding gown is ornate, select a hairstyle that compliments but does not clash with your gown.  If you desire your hair or your nuptial headwear (veils, tiaras, etc.,)  to take center stage, select appropriate hairstyles that will show off that focus instead.
  
  Other factors to consider when selecting your bridal hairdo should include the design of your dress and whether an updo or downstyle would be better.  Consider the length, texture, color and condition of your hair, your face shape and other features including the size of your ears, length of your neck and shape of your chin.
  
  Although it is always great to consider celebrity brides as good examples, remember that unless you have the same type of hair and look exactly like your desired celebrity model, you may not be able to exactly duplicate the same finished bridal hairstyle.
  
• Select A Style With Your Future Husband In Mind
  
  If you know that your husband-to-be adores your hair worn a certain way, try to accommodate his preferences when selecting your wedding day hairdo.  After all, one of the goals of a bride is to look beautiful for her new husband. 
  
  Jessica Simpson, knowing that Nick Lachey loved her hair worn long and slightly curled, opted for a romantic style that wowed her hubby as she strolled down the aisle at their wedding in 2002.
  
• Practice
  
  Regardless of the hairstyle you select, whether the style will be crafted by a professional hairdresser or you do the style at home, practice a few target styles several weeks before your wedding.  Make your final style selection based on how it looks with your gown, how comfortable it will be to wear and how well it will photograph.  Take photographs for reference.
  
• Relax & Enjoy Your Bridal Hairstyle
  
  Once your wedding day arrives and your hair is styled, don't sweat the small strand stuff.  Relax and enjoy your big day and don't worry if a few tresses loosen.  Not only will renegade curls or waves give you a softer more natural look, it will add to your charm factor.

Bridal Hair Don'ts

• Avoid Styles That Are A Major Departure From Your Normal Look
  
  Keep in mind that your wedding photos will be with you for the rest of your life.  Avoid outrageous or overly done styles that won't age well in your wedding album over time.
  
• Avoid Drastic Style, Color or Texture Changes To Your Hair Right Before The Wedding
  
  What could be worse than a last minute perm, relaxer or new color that goes horribly wrong just days before your walk down the aisle?  Freeze any major hair changes 4-6 weeks before your big day.
  
• Never Use A Brand New Hairdresser On Your Wedding Day 
  
  In an ideal bridal world you would never have to resort to an emergency hair intervention from a hairdresser that has never worked with your hair before.  However, life happens and even the best laid plans can sometimes go awry.  If you find yourself in desperate need of hairstyling help and must turn to an unknown hairstylist, stay focused on your desired style and be sure to take all your planning hairstyle photos.
  
  Keep in mind that all professional hair styling and hair are appointments should be made many months in advance of your big day to prevent any last minute hairdresser cancellations or no shows.

Remember that the best thing you can do for yourself as a bride is to follow your heart and select a hairstyle that honors who you are and the overall look that you wish to project. Select a professional hairdresser that you like working with and who will respect your wishes.  Or make sure that you are comfortable doing your own hair in such a way that you will avoid adding any unnecessary stress on your very special day.

Congratulations and enjoy.

Best wishes,
Karen 

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