I would like to find the hairdresser that started the myth that hair needs to be dirty in order to be styled for a special occasion. In fact, the opposite is true. I can't tell you how many times a bridesmaid sits down in my chair and says " I left my hair dirty for you." I have to curb my reaction. It's not your fault, you've been misled. So, what should you do to prepare for special occasion hair styling? My answer is: whatever your best hair day is. Now, that means different things for different people. For someone who has fine, thin, soft hair or oily hair and scalp - your best day hair is freshly washed and LIGHTLY conditioned on the big day. If you have curly hair or frizz issues, have picked an up-do or style that requires larger curls than your normal ones or would like a smooth appearance, than your best day hair is probably day 2 or day 3 hair when your natural oils have had a chance to lubricate your normally dry hair. By that I mean, blow out your hair prior to the big day and leave it straightened for a couple days. Curly girls know exactly what I'm talking about. Oil, dirt and product build up are the enemy of a special occasion style that is meant to last all day. If you want volume, height or curl staying power than oil has no place in the mix. It will weigh down your hair and inhibit it's ability to maintain a curl.
It's also normal for one to assume that we are professionals and we should be able to handle whatever your hair looks like and turn it into a fab up-do in minutes. While I don't doubt our skills to do just that, it's not really about that on this day. It's about the bride, what she wants and the schedule she and I have laid out for the day. If we have 30 minutes scheduled to get your hair done, that's usually the amount of time it takes to do your up do or special style. That does not include time to blow out your curly hair straight and flat iron it or for you to shower and have us blow you dry before we style you. Now, if you'd like a blow out for the big day, no problem, we got you, but that's your 30 minutes right there. See what I'm saying? It's really a time issue on the big day that requires us to ask for some preparation on your part. There was only one time in history that I had to ask a bridesmaid to go wash her hair because it was so super oily that it literally slid off the curling iron and refused to do anything. Luckily, we were able to roll with it and get everyone done on time. If I've ever had a bridesmaid unhappy with her hair, it was always due to poor preparation. For example, you picked a photo of Carrie Underwood in a beautiful smooth, swoopy up-do but you arrived with your super naturally curly hair in a wet bun on top of your head. There's not much I can do given the time constraints, your up-do will have a soft naturally curly texture to it. I hate for anyone to walk out less than thrilled with their hair but in certain situations, my hands are tied, sometimes literally into someone else's hair!
Ok, so it seems like I'm picking on the bridesmaids here but usually we are meeting for the first time on the big day but the bride and I are old friends by then. We've had a trial session and she is completely educated on what is expected of her as far as preparation. Sometimes, the correct information doesn't filter down to everyone, especially when there's lots of ladies involved. So take the time to prep for the big day. It really makes everything run smoothly. I am always available to help anyone who needs it prior to the big event. You should always feel comfortable working with your hair and make up artist for any special occasion. Never hesitate to contact me if you have any questions! I've e mailed back and forth with bridesmaids before, even exchanged pictures. It's really the best way to be prepared.