Wedding Hair: Timeline and Tips for Brides
Your wedding day hairstyle should make you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. Achieving that perfect bridal look requires planning, preparation, and proper timing. This comprehensive timeline will help you navigate the journey to stunning wedding day hair.
6-12 Months Before: If you're considering a significant color change or growing your hair for the wedding, start now. Schedule a consultation with a stylist who specializes in bridal hair to discuss your vision, assess your hair's health, and create a plan. Begin researching styles that complement your dress, venue, and overall wedding aesthetic.
3-6 Months Before: Book your wedding day stylist and schedule a trial run. Bring your hair accessories, veil, and photos of your dress to ensure the style coordinates perfectly. This is the time to experiment with different looks until you find "the one." Start a hair care regimen focused on strengthening treatments to ensure your hair is in optimal condition.
1-3 Months Before: Get a trim to eliminate split ends while maintaining length. If you color your hair, schedule a refresh about 2-3 weeks before the wedding for the perfect balance of fresh color without looking too newly done. Consider a deep conditioning treatment to enhance shine and manageability.
1-2 Weeks Before: Have your final trim if needed—just enough to clean up the ends without changing the shape. Avoid any new treatments or significant changes at this point. Confirm timing details with your stylist and verify they have all necessary information about your location and schedule.
Day Before: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo followed by a hydrating conditioner. For most updo styles, slightly "lived-in" hair (not freshly washed) holds better. However, follow your stylist's specific recommendations based on your chosen style and hair type.
Wedding Day: Allow ample time for styling—typically 45-90 minutes depending on complexity. Wear a button-down shirt or robe that can be removed without disturbing your hair. Bring touch-up supplies like bobby pins, hairspray, and your hair accessories for emergency fixes.
Remember that your comfort is paramount—if you never wear your hair up, your wedding day might not be the time to start. Choose a style that feels authentic to you while still being special enough for your big day.