Bridal Hair: Up or Down, Fine Hair, Extensions and the Veil
How to choose a wedding hairstyle that suits your dress, your hair and the weather, and keeps the veil in place.
Your hairstyle frames the face, the neckline and the veil. It also has to survive a long day, wind, maybe a lake breeze and a lot of hugs. These are the questions brides ask me most, and how I answer them.
I do both bridal hair and makeup. If I do both for you, plan a little more time, since it is one person doing everything. If you prefer a separate hairstylist, that is fine too, and I am happy to recommend one.
Up or down?
- Strapless or sweetheart necklines love both: waves down to soften the shoulders, or a low bun to show them.
- High necklines and lace backs look best with hair up, so the detail of the dress is visible.
- Open backs are made for a sleek bun or a half-up style.
- Hot summer days are easier with hair up or half-up; hair down in heat needs more structure.
Fine or thin hair
Fine hair needs texture before volume. A good preparation, some backcombing at the roots and a soft, loosely pinned style give it body that lasts. Small clip-in extensions can add fullness without looking fake.
Do I need extensions?
Only if the style you love needs more length or fullness than your hair has. Bring them to the trial so we can blend and place them. Never buy extensions in a colour you haven't seen in daylight next to your hair.
Natural curls and texture
Your natural texture is an advantage, not a problem. Curly hair holds pins and shape better than straight hair. We work with it instead of fighting it, and the style looks like you.
Placing the veil
The veil is pinned into the structure of the style, not just into the hair on top, so it stays put in the wind and through the ceremony. If you want to take it off after the ceremony, I plan the style so it still looks finished without it.
Hair and weather
In humidity, soft waves drop and frizz appears. For lake and summer weddings, I use more hold and a style that still looks good as it softens. If rain is forecast, we choose a style that can handle it rather than hoping for the best.
Questions
Should I wash my hair the day before?+
Usually the evening before. Hair that is a day old holds a style better than freshly washed hair, but we decide at the trial.
Can I do my hair trial and makeup trial together?+
Yes, and it is the best way to see the full look at once.
Will my hairstyle last all day?+
Yes. It is built with structure and set for the conditions of your day.
Not sure what suits your dress? Send me a photo of it and I will suggest a few styles.
