Pre-wedding hair prep

So you’re getting married, huh? Bet you’ve got a-million-and-one things on your mind, let alone your to-do list. And if you’re anything like the brides-to-be I’ve known, I’m going to guess that ‘wedding hair’ is pretty high up on your current list of pre-wedding preoccupations/anxieties, right? Thought as much. (I’ve been a bridesmaid nine times you see, so it’s safe to say I know brides-to-be inside-out and back-to-front!)

Well, just like any good bridesmaid, we’re here to help take some of the stress off your shoulders. The tress stress, in this particular case. Here are three sure-fire tips that’ll ensure your hair looks as incredible as you’re going to feel come your wedding day…

PRE-WEDDING HAIR TIP #1: Secure your hairstylist early

There’s nothing more stressful than realising a week before your wedding that your favourite hairdresser isn’t available to do your hair. Not only will you have the added pressure of finding a stylist last minute (and remember, popular wedding days – Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – are also the busiest salon days) but you’ll probably also be anxious on the actual day that Last Minute Stylist won’t be able to do your hair as well as Usual Favourite Stylist. And who needs that drama come their big day?? To minimise stress and disappointment lock your hairdresser in as early as possible – trust us, they’re used to it, so they won’t think you’re a Bridezilla if you book them in six months in advance!

PRE-WEDDING HAIR TIP #2: Get your style sorted in advance

Once you’ve got your hairdresser booked, it’s a good idea to start brainstorming style ideas with them just in case your wedding day hairstyle requires a longer lead-time in preparation. Things like getting a bit of extra length on your hair, growing out a fringe or shorter layers, or adding highlights/lowlights for extra dimension all take time, so make sure it’s on your side! It’s also a wise idea to get your preferred wedding day hair colour down pat in advance too, as this will ensure you don’t walk down the aisle sporting a hair colour you hate. Likewise, if you know your hair is at its best a week or two after it’s cut, work backwards from your wedding day and book in your cut accordingly. Oh, and since we’re on the topic of getting organised in advance, it always pays to have a few hair trials with your stylist beforehand so that they know exactly how you want your hair done on the actual day.

PRE-WEDDING HAIR TIP #3: Take care with your hair

So you know how you occasionally treat your hair a little bit roughly, yanking and tugging at it and the like? Or perhaps you forfeit your heat protector spray when you’re pushed for time? Or how about those times when you think, “gosh my hair is damaged, I have to really start using a treatment as of tomorrow” – and then you never do? Well, beauties, if it’s the lead-up to your wedding day, that’s all gotta change. To ensure your hair looks its healthiest, most shiniest, most volumised version of itself on your wedding day, you have to treat it with respect in the lead-up, coz if you don’t…well, we don’t have to tell you how hard it is to style damaged hair. Or how bad frazzled ends look in photos. So commit to the cause of respecting and repairing your hair by a.) using a good quality shampoo and conditioner that actually suits the needs of your hair (this is hardly the time for an ‘anything will do’ attitude), b.) investing in (and using) a hydrating treatment mask once a week, and c.) NEVER, EVER heat-styling your hair without a proper protectant!! In fact, if your hair is severely damaged or thinning, you might want to cut down on the heat styling in general in the weeks before your wedding.

Need some bridal hair inspiration? Check out our gallery to help you pick your favourite bridal hairstyle…

Did you have a pre-wedding hair plan before you got married? If not, did you wish you did? Do you have any other hair tips for brides-to-be to take into consideration?