Your Wedding Hair: Regular Hairstylist Or Specialist?

When it comes to your wedding day, you want to look and feel your best. For many, this means having their hair styled by a professional. But is it possible to use your regular hairstylist for your wedding, or do you need to find a specialist?

The good news is that you can definitely ask your regular hairstylist to do your wedding hair. In fact, it's recommended that you check in with them first, as they may be skilled in doing wedding hair, too. If not, they can often provide recommendations for colleagues who do.

However, there are some things to keep in mind. Firstly, your regular hairstylist may not be able to travel to your venue, especially if it's far away. You'll need to discuss this with them and be prepared to pay a travel fee. Secondly, a bridal hairstylist will have specific training in formal styling and techniques that make the hair last for long periods, so it's important to ensure that your regular hairstylist has the skills and experience to create a style that will last all day.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use your regular hairstylist for your wedding comes down to their availability, your budget, and their skill set.

Ask your regular hairstylist if they do wedding hair

Asking your regular hairstylist if they do wedding hair is a great idea. Chances are they are skilled in doing wedding hair, too. If your trusted stylist can't do your hair on your wedding day, they can always make a recommendation.

When asking your regular hairstylist if they do wedding hair, it's important to have some key details about your wedding already figured out. These include your wedding budget, venue, date, dress, and makeup style. That way, your hairstylist will be able to give you an accurate idea of their availability and whether they can bring your dream hairstyle to life.

It's also a good idea to ask your hairstylist some key questions about their services. These include:

• How much will it cost to book them?
• Do they charge extra to come to your venue?
• Do they offer a trial run?
• Should you bring inspiration photos?
• Will they include your bridal party in the booking?
• Will they provide hair accessories?
• Is there any prep you should do before your appointment, such as washing your hair or avoiding certain products?
• Can you see a portfolio of their past brides?
• Do they also do makeup, or can they recommend a makeup artist?

Don't be afraid to ask your regular hairstylist if they do wedding hair. Most stylists will be flattered and will be happy to help you on your big day.

Ask if they travel to weddings

Asking your regular hairstylist to do your hair for your wedding is a great idea, especially if you trust them and have a good relationship. However, if your wedding is taking place at a different location, you may need to ask them to travel.

It is completely acceptable to ask your regular hairstylist to travel to your wedding. They may be flattered that you want them to be a part of your special day. When asking, be sure to mention that you are happy to pay their travel fee, and give them time to consider and respond. They may not have a fee readily available if they don't usually travel for work, so give them time to calculate this.

If your stylist is based a long distance from your wedding venue, it may be a lot to ask them to travel. In this case, you could offer to pay a higher fee to compensate for their time and effort. If they are unable or unwilling to travel, don't take it personally—it's not a reflection on your relationship with them. You could also offer to travel to their salon to have your hair done before heading to the wedding venue.

If your regular stylist is unable to travel to your wedding, they may be able to recommend another stylist who can. They may be part of a network of stylists who can help each other out in these situations. If not, they may still be able to recommend a colleague who does wedding hair.

When asking your regular hairstylist to travel to your wedding, be clear about what you are asking. Tell them exactly what you're looking for, how many people will need their hair done, and offer to pay their travel and other fees. It's also a good idea to ask about their experience with wedding hair, as this is different from regular salon hair. They may be able to provide a portfolio of their wedding hair work so you can see their skills and style.

Remember, it never hurts to ask, and the worst-case scenario is that they say no.

Ask about their wedding hair portfolio

Asking your regular hairstylist to do your wedding hair can be a great option, and it's definitely worth considering. One of the most challenging tasks when planning a wedding is picking the right vendors, and that includes your wedding hairstylist.

If you're thinking of asking your regular hairstylist to do your wedding hair, one important question to ask them is if they have a wedding hair portfolio. This is crucial because it will give you a sense of their experience and expertise in creating bridal hairstyles. A portfolio will also show you the range of styles they can achieve and whether they have experience with different hair textures and lengths.

• Ask to see their portfolio: Request to see a collection of their work, including before-and-after photos or testimonials from previous clients. This will give you a visual understanding of their skills and the types of bridal hairstyles they have created.
• Discuss your desired style: Share your vision for your wedding hairstyle with your hairstylist. Communicate any specific looks, themes, or accessories you have in mind. This will help your hairstylist understand your expectations and allow them to showcase relevant examples from their portfolio.
• Inquire about their experience: Ask about the number of weddings they have styled hair for and the range of styles they are comfortable creating. This will give you an idea of their expertise and whether they are a good fit for your desired look.
• Consider their versatility: Look for a hairstylist whose portfolio displays a diverse range of styles. This indicates their ability to adapt to different client needs and create looks that complement each individual bride.
• Timeliness and professionalism: While the portfolio itself may not directly reflect this, you can ask about their processes and any feedback they've received regarding timeliness and professionalism. It's important to ensure that they can work efficiently and effectively on your big day.
• Inquire about a trial run: Ask if they offer trial runs or consultations where you can test their skills before the wedding. This will allow you to experience their services firsthand and ensure that you're happy with the results.

Remember, your wedding hairstyle is an important aspect of your special day, so it's essential to feel confident in your hairstylist's abilities. Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek references, and ensure that their portfolio aligns with the vision you have for your wedding hair.

Ask about their wedding hair experience

When considering whether to use your regular hairstylist for your wedding, it is important to ask about their wedding hair experience. While your trusted stylist likely has the skills to do wedding hair, it is beneficial to inquire about their specific expertise and services in this area.

• Have you done wedding hair before, and if so, how often? Gaining insight into their experience level will help you assess their suitability for your wedding.
• What types of wedding hairstyles are you comfortable creating? Discuss the specific look you have in mind and ask if they have experience with similar styles. This will ensure they are well-versed in creating the style you desire.
• Can you create styles that complement different face shapes and wedding dress styles? An experienced wedding hairstylist will understand how to tailor hairstyles to enhance the bride's features and complement their wedding attire.
• Do you have a portfolio of your wedding hair work? Requesting a portfolio will allow you to evaluate their style and determine if it aligns with your vision.
• Can you provide references from previous wedding clients? References will enable you to hear firsthand accounts of their work, including their timeliness, professionalism, and ability to create lasting hairstyles.
• Are you familiar with the latest wedding hair trends and techniques? Wedding hair trends evolve, and an experienced stylist will stay updated with the latest styles and techniques to ensure your look is modern and timeless.
• Do you have experience working with different hair textures and lengths? This is crucial if your bridal party has diverse hair types.
• Can you create styles that will last throughout the day? Wedding hairstyles need to hold up during the entire event, and an experienced stylist will know the techniques and products required to ensure the hair stays in place.
• Are you able to travel to the wedding venue or a designated location? Inquire about their willingness to travel and any associated fees. This is especially important if your wedding is in a different location from their salon.
• Can you provide a trial run before the wedding? A trial will allow you to assess their skills, ensure the style suits you, and make any necessary adjustments.

Remember, even if your regular hairstylist doesn't specialize in wedding hair, they may be able to recommend colleagues who do. Don't hesitate to ask for referrals if needed.

Ask about their availability

When it comes to asking about your hairstylist's availability for your wedding, it's important to start early. Wedding hairstylists are often booked up to two years in advance, so don't delay!

Begin by reaching out to your desired stylist as soon as you have a wedding date. Send them an email or message to inquire about their availability and services. Here's a template you can use:

> Hello [stylist’s name],

>

> My name is [your name], and I found your work on [where you found their work]. I love the hair looks you’ve created, and I am interested in learning more about your services. I am getting married on [your wedding date] at [your wedding venue], and I wanted to check your availability. If possible, could you send me information on your packages and pricing, as well as a copy of your standard contract?

>

> [your name and contact info]

If you don't hear back within a day or two, they may not be a reliable choice for your big day. You'll need to be in contact with them several times leading up to your wedding, so you don't want any chance of them ghosting you.

If your regular hairstylist isn't available or isn't interested in providing wedding hair services, don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Your trusted stylist may be skilled in doing wedding hair, too, or they may be able to refer you to a colleague who specializes in bridal hairstyles. You can also ask friends who have gotten married recently for recommendations or search for wedding hairstylists on social media and websites like The Knot Vendor Marketplace.

Once you've found a stylist who is available and suits your needs, schedule a brief meeting to get more information about their process, cost, products, and availability. It's important to ask about their availability not just on your wedding day but also for a hair trial, which is recommended to ensure there are no surprises on the big day.

Frequently asked questions