Wedding Hair Without a Care

Years from now when you look back at your wedding photos, the last thing you want is to think“why did I choose that hairstyle?” That’s why Lifestyle Magazine sat down withChristi Jordan, a hairstylist and owner ofCA Looks Salon in Visalia, for some hair tips and tricks. As a hairstylist for more than 30 years, Christi has seen trends come and go and is here to help us save you from years of wedding hair regret.

What’s Out, What’s In?

Out. Gone are the days of the bird’s nest; you know the look — it’s the one where a bride’s head is transformed into1,000 wispy spirals of overly hair sprayed strands. This whimsical look worked well for the rustic-styled weddings of yore, but today’s brides are exchanging cowboy boots for a sleeker look. Besides, it’s not every bride’s dream to spend half the wedding night carefully removing each painfully placed bobby pin (nor is it the groom’s).

Also out: The poof. The bump. The “what-the-heck-is-under-that” mountain of hair. While this look left the realms of style more than 10 years ago, along with bedazzled jean pockets and boots-with the-fir, we still see it, especially here in Tulare County. It’s no secret that New York Fashion Week trends take their sweet time pioneering out to the Central Valley, but it’s time to deflate the bump! Last, but not least, prom hair. We all love a nice up-do, but ringlets pulled into a tight bun on top of your head isn’t the most flattering look for your face. And while some trends suggest that tiaras and elaborate headpieces are back in, we’re not quite convinced. Leave the crowns for royalty.

In. Today’s trends can be summed up in three words: Simple. Elegant. Soft. Brides are choosing styles that take the spotlight away from their hair while bringing balance to their entire wedding day look. A prime example from a recent pop culture wedding is Meghan Markle’s understated and elegant low chignon, which made national headlines for its simplicity.

This less-is-more approach is seen in a variety of styles, from a low bun with several wispy tendrils to a long, natural blowout. Some brides are even electing to stick with their everyday look of beach waves or loose curls with the addition of a simple hair jewelry clip or comb. For an extra touch of romance, we’re also loving the vintage Hollywood glam waves; the dramatic side part combined with silky curls complement any face shape while accentuating the bride’s best features. In the Words of Christi: “Stick with something that shows the best version of yourself and enjoy your day. Some people do too much with the big eyelashes and makeup and over-the-top hair, and then they look back at their photos and think ‘that’s not me.’ You want to be the best version of yourself.”

Invest in Your Look

With wedding expenses stacking up as the big day approaches, it can be tempting to skimp when it comes to wedding hair and makeup costs. In the long run, choosing an amateur hairstylist or a friend to do your wedding hair to save a few pennies could be a mistake. As the bride, this is the one day when all eyes will be on you; it’s no secret that each bride wants to look and feel her very best on what is most likely going to be the most important day of her life, so investing in your hair will pay off in the end.

When you consider a hairstylist, do research and make sure that he or she is well-trained in wedding hair; just because your personal stylist is an excellent colorist doesn’t mean that they know how to create chignons or the perfect wave that will stay all day.

Products are also important to consider. What kind of product does the stylist use? Do they understand how different products will work with or against the texture of your unique hair? Will your curls keep all day without looking stiff?

In the Words of Christi: “A lot of people spend all this money on their photographer and nice pictures, but they don’t pay to get their hair done. Then they get their pictures and don’t put them up on the wall because they hate their hair. Invest in your hair.”

Plan A-“head” and be Pre-“haired”

One way to know if a hairstylist is right for you is by doing a trial run several months before the wedding. Pick one or two hairstyles that you like and schedule several hours with a potential wedding hairstylist. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of each look so you can go back and compare the style or have it replicated on the day of your wedding. Another major consideration: What is the weather going to be like? Are you getting married in the summer or winter? Outdoors or indoors? Is there a chance of rain or wind? Is it humid or dry? If your wedding is outdoors on a beach, there’s about a 99 percent chance of a disruptive breeze, so consider a style that is easier to maintain.

If you know that there’s a chance of your hair getting ruined during the ceremony, make sure to invite your hairstylist to the wedding so he or she can do touch-ups throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to have your stylist do your hair the evening before for your rehearsal as a pre-wedding day trial. That way, your stylist can see what products will or won’t work with the weather and conditions.

Last, but not least, plan to stick with a hairstyle you know works for you. If you prefer to wear your hair down because you like the way it frames your face, why would you opt for a high up-do on the most important day of your life? Stick with what you like.

In the Words of Christi: “I always say go with someone that you trust, you like their style, and they know your hair. One problem is people go with someone who doesn’t know their hair, or they don’t do a trial run and they hate their hair. It’s OK to use a friend if you like their style, but because it’s a super stressful day, you want someone you can be comfortable with telling them, 'No, I don’t like that' or 'Can you change this?'"

Wedding Hair Etiquette. Yes, It’s a Thing.

As brides, it’s easy to fall captive to the notion that it’s unquestionably “my wedding day, and I can do whatever I want,” so much so that you forget to consider the proper do’s and don’ts of working with vendors. While, yes, absolutely, this is your day and you should create your perfect wedding, there are proper procedures to follow to not take advantage of hard working vendors.

For example, if you are having a destination wedding and ask your hairstylist to do the honor of your hair, don’t expect them to pay their own way (even if they are a close friend). Unless they insist, it’s your responsibility to pay for their travel expenses, including lodging.

It’s also important to understand that your wedding hair is going to cost more than your usual visit to the hair salon. Doing hair offsite creates extra expenses for a hairstylist and often takes them away from a day of business inside their salon. Consider the time it takes for them to pack up their supplies and products and make the trip to come to you. It’s a lot more work and effort than you may think, so be considerate of their time, labor and expenses.

In the Words of Christi: “If you want a hairstylist to come to you on your wedding day, you have to expect it to cost more. It’s also a good idea to have two stylists, one for the bride, the mother and the maid of honor, and another for all of the bridesmaids and flower girls. That way, no one is rushed and stressed out on the wedding day.”