10 Wedding Hair Tips You’ll Actually Use (and may laugh at)

Recipe

May 4

Because if you can’t laugh while planning your wedding, at least let your hair look fabulous while you cry into the seating chart.

1. Pick the Right Stylist

If your ride-or-die stylist loathes updos (and many do!), do not try to convince them they should still do it.

Trust me—this was a very awkward situation for one bride who came to me (only weeks before her wedding!) after finding this out the hard way. Luckily, her hair stylist was on board and encouraged her, after several unsuccessful attempts at creating an undo, to find a bridal hair stylist.

A bridal hair specialist spends every free waking hour obsessing over and perfecting bridal hair looks.

2. Veil or No Veil?

Veils are gorgeous… but a plastic comb is a no go! Metal combs are sturdier & comfier. Also keep in mind, is it going on top of the style or under the style? The combs for each are made differently.

Last, bigger is not always better. A four inch comb? Why!? It simply does not fit the round of the head. Keep it 3 inches wide max!

3. Clean Hair, Please!

For the love of all things bridal—wash your hair. Wash and dry it the night before. Grease belongs on pizza, not your roots.

4. Healthy Hair, Happy Hair

You know what a flat iron can’t hide? Fried ends. Deep condition, trim regularly, and baby those locks. Damaged hair will still look… damaged. Styled damage is still damage.

That being said, no masks or deep conditioning treatments the night before your wedding. A week before is best.

5. Limit the Peanut Gallery

Asking your 10 bridesmaids for their opinion will get you 10 different answers, plus maybe a fight about curtain bangs.

One or two trusted voices = less stress.

6. Stay true to yourself

Repeat after me: This is not the time for a drastic dye job. Brunettes—please don’t try to go blonde a week before your wedding. Stay true to what feels like you. Go brave and bold, if you have a hankering, AFTER the wedding.

PRO COLOUR TIP: The most flattering hair colour if you’re looking for change, according to celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan, is to return to your childhood hair (like 2-4 years old) colour for a natural, youthful look that harmonizes with your features.

7. Pinterest Lies (Sometimes)

AI aside. That dreamy, half-up-half-down photo you love? It probably involves extensions. Manage expectations: if you want that volume, you’ll need a little extra hair magic. We just so happen to rent out that magic in a variety of colours :)

8. Read the Prep Email

Yes, we actually write those for a reason. Shampoo and blow-dry your hair the night before. Avoid heavy masks or treatments right before the big day—save those for weekly TLC leading up to the wedding.

9. Face-Framing Pieces: The Math

If you want those wispy, chin-grazing curls, ask your stylist to cut them 1–2 inches longer than where you want them to fall. Curls bounce up, and nobody wants accidental bangs on their wedding day.

10. Don’t Overthink It

The best bridal hair is the one that makes you feel like YOU—whether that’s full glam, or just slightly-more-glam, sleek and bold or soft and romantic.

If you feel good, you’ll look good. End of story.

There you have it—10 tips to keep your hair (and sanity) in check before the big day.