One Year
Start by getting into good habits. Wash your hair with the correct formulation
shampoo for your hair type, then rinse with conditioner if needed. You should
always apply conditioner to the old, dry ends of long hair but not to the oily
roots as this will only make it limp.
Make sure you have your hair trimmed regularly to guard against split ends and
avoid overusing heated appliances and styling aids.
If your hair is chemically treated, take especial care to wash it with with
appropriate shampoo and conditioner, in order to achieve and maintain your hair
in good condition.
Six Months
Visit your hairdresser for a general chat about your hair and what you want to
achieve. If you need to grow out a fringe or a perm, this gives you plenty of
time. Discuss any radical changes of style and go for it now so that there's
still plenty of time to limit damage if you then decide its really not you. Your
Wedding is not the time to try out a completely new style or a new hairdresser
unless he or she comes tried and tested and highly recommended by a friend you
trust. But do you trust any friend that much?
Three Months
You should have ordered your dress by now, so you will know the shape and style.
Get together with your hairdresser for an in-depth consultation about your style
options. Don't feel you have to grow your hair and abandon all visits to the
salon, it simply won't work.
Concentrate instead on the looks you can create with your length of hair. Take
time to discuss any changes of color. If you've never tried this before, use a
color-enhancing wash-in/wash-out variety to see if it suits you first, as any
drastic changes of color should be approached with caution. (Try Laboratoires,
Garnier, Movida, Easy-Cream, which works in 15 minutes and lasts 4-6 weeks. If
you do use a permanent color, apply this a couple of weeks before the Wedding so
you won't have any root re-growth.)
Six Weeks
Have a practice session with your hairdresser so you can see if you like his or
her wedding hairstyle suggestions and whether they suit you and your dress
neckline. Make sure you take your headdress with you and don't forget to say if
you're wearing a veil and, if so, whether you plan to take it off at the
reception as this will affect the way your style is constructed and how it looks
from behind.
Two to Three Weeks
Have any color treatments done now and if you are having a perm, give it time to
drop before the big day. Whatever your style, have a trim to sharpen up the
shape.
One Day
Wash your hair the night before your wedding - freshly washed hair is hard to
work with especially if you intend to put it up.
On the Day
Don't be afraid to use styling products - if you're having a very structured or
complicated hairstyle, its a good idea to get someone to carry a small can of
hairspray so you can keep your hair under control at the merest hint of wind.
WHICH HEADDRESS?
Alice Bands
Also called headbands, these are best worn with medium to long hair and should
be worn with your hair down.
Coronets
Just about anyone can wear a coronet but make sure you secure it by fixing it to
your hair with long pins.
Fresh Flowers
For a simple look, thread flowers through your hair or simply use them to cover
the comb of your veil. Ask your florist to supply single loose flowers which
will co-ordinate with your bouquet.
Tiaras
All hair types suit tiara, just use pins to secure it in place. Bear in mind, a
tiara might slip if you have very fine hair.
Combs
Best for Medium to long hair, especially if you wear your hair up.
Hats
Only wear a hat (with or without a veil) if it's appropriate for your outfit.
Veils
Try on a full range of veils when you are having your dress fitted so you can
see which length looks best, or none at all.
