Your Wedding Hair: Diy Or Pro?

Deciding whether to do your own wedding hair or to hire a professional is a big decision. While hiring a professional hairstylist to turn your vision into a reality is an option, doing your own hair can save you money. If you're a frequent hair stylist and can nail it every time, you might be able to tackle your own wedding-day hairstyle. However, it can be a bit nerve-wracking, and you may want to opt for a professional to ensure your hair looks perfect for your big day.

Practice makes perfect

Doing your own wedding hair can be a daunting task, but with enough practice, you can achieve a salon-worthy style. The key to success is to start practising well in advance and to be patient with yourself as you refine your technique. Here are some tips to help you master your bridal hairstyle:

• Set aside dedicated practice time: Give yourself ample time to experiment and make mistakes. Practise on days when you don't have any pressing engagements, so you can take your time and deal with any setbacks calmly.
• Master the basics first: Start with the fundamentals if you're a novice at hair styling. Learn how to blow-dry your hair, then move on to basic braiding techniques before attempting more complex updos.
• Find tutorials that match your hair type: Look for online tutorials or books that cater to your hair texture. Pay close attention to the techniques used, such as how they hold the brush or use the hairdryer, and try to replicate those techniques at home.
• Practise the entire process: Don't just practise the hairstyle once or twice. Replicate the wedding day timeline by styling your hair in the morning and observing how it holds up throughout the day. This will help you troubleshoot any issues and make adjustments.
• Pay attention to the details: Ensure you practise every detail of the hairstyle, including curling or straightening your hair. Don't assume that a particular technique will work for your hair type without testing it out.
• Use hair products and tools: Protect your hair by using heat-protectant products before applying any heat. Experiment with different products to find what works best for your hair. Additionally, invest in some basic tools, such as a hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle, curling wands or irons of various sizes, a straightening iron, a round brush, and hair clips.
• Section your hair: When styling, always work in small sections, usually one to two inches of hair, for maximum control and impact. Start with the front section to prevent it from drying in a weird way, then move to the back, beginning at the bottom and working your way up.
• Use hairspray and pin curls: To ensure your style lasts, don't be shy with hairspray. After curling a section of hair, hold it in place, release, and then spray. You can also try the pin curl technique: hold the curl until it's cool, spray, and then roll it back up and secure it with clips. Once your hair is completely cool, remove the pins and spray again.
• Adjust your technique for the desired effect: For softer, more natural curls, run your fingers through your hair after styling. For a romantic or bohemian look, alternate the direction you wrap your hair around the curling wand.
• Secure hair accessories in advance: If you plan to use hair accessories, such as a comb or clip, make sure you have them on hand during your practice sessions. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with how they work with your chosen hairstyle and make any necessary adjustments.

Remember, achieving your dream bridal hairstyle is a process, and it may take several attempts to get it just right. So, be patient, persistent, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. With each practice session, you'll gain more confidence and skill, ensuring you look and feel your best on your wedding day.

Use hair accessories

Using hair accessories is a great way to elevate your bridal hairstyle and add a touch of glamour to your overall look. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating hair accessories into your wedding day look:

Choose the Right Accessories

The type of hair accessory you choose will depend on your hairstyle, wedding theme, and attire. If you plan to wear your hair in a half-up style, consider using hair combs, veils, or barrettes. For a completely down hairstyle, opt for a headband or a set of beaded hair clips. If you're wearing a dress with a formal and glamorous style, avoid overly bohemian accessories like head chains. Instead, opt for accessories that complement your jewellery and the overall aesthetic of your outfit.

Bring Your Accessory to Your Hair Trial

It's important to bring your chosen hair accessory to your hair trial. This will allow you to see how it feels and looks throughout the day. You can also get a sense of whether it's too heavy or if it stays in place. This is also a good opportunity to get your stylist's opinion and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your hair looks flawless on your wedding day.

Coordinate Your Hair Accessory with Your Look

It's essential to coordinate your hair accessory with the rest of your wedding attire. Ensure that your accessory complements your dress and jewellery rather than clashing with them. For example, if you're wearing an antique gold hair crown, stick to similar finishes with your jewellery. This will help you avoid any styling regrets and ensure you love your wedding photos for years to come.

Secure Your Accessory Properly

To ensure your hair accessory stays in place throughout the day, it's crucial to secure it properly. Celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey recommends using a texturizing product to add grip to your hair and then securing your hair to the accessory with small bobby pins. Finally, finish with a strong, flexible hairspray to hold everything in place.

Less is More

If your wedding day look is classic and understated, opt for a floating hair accessory. These accessories complement many hairstyles and are especially suitable for fine hair as they tend to be lighter than traditional pieces. A simple, delicate accessory can add charm to your look without feeling overwhelming.

Hair Accessory Ideas

• Pearl pins or embellishments – Scatter delicate pearl pins throughout your tresses, especially if you're wearing a natural updo.
• Crescent barrette – Add a bit of sparkle to a low bun with a crescent barrette, and clip a veil underneath for extra elegance.
• Floral barrettes – Add a touch of spring to your bridal look with floral barrettes, perfect for a fall wedding.
• Custom hair accessory – Use a piece of lace from your wedding gown to create a custom hair accessory that matches your dress.
• Leafy barrette – Accent your rocker-chic hairstyle with a classic and feminine leafy barrette, ideal for warm-weather nuptials.
• Show-stopping headpiece – A metal headband with a natural design can add a delicate and ethereal touch to your wedding day look.
• Ribbon – Play with different fabrics, colours, and textures to customise a ribbon hair accessory that complements your wedding decor and style.
• Veil – A custom veil with special details, such as the word "love," can elevate your bridal look.
• Modern crown – Channel your inner princess with a modern iteration of a wedding day crown, featuring gold leaves placed in a delicate halo.
• Dainty headband – For an intimate wedding, a thin headband with tiny details, like mother-of-pearl flowers, can be the perfect finishing touch.
• Glam-inspired clip – Dress up a sleek ponytail with an intricate, glamorous clip to add drama and whimsy to your bridal look.
• Crystal floral hairpin – A crystal floral hairpin placed on the side of a lob (long bob) adds a touch of femininity and glamour while remaining versatile for different hairstyles.
• Floral comb – A floral comb is a beautiful way to showcase natural hair from every angle, especially if you want to display its gorgeous texture.
• Gold halo – For old-world aesthetics, consider a gold halo with adequate height to achieve heavenly, vintage-inspired vibes.
• Padded headband – A padded headband, especially one embellished with loose pearls, adds a touch of romance to your bridal look while remaining on-trend.
• Embellished floral hairpin – An embellished floral hairpin can heighten even the most minimalist styles. Try vertical placement for a unique and dramatic effect.
• Tikka – For Indian brides, a custom tikka that matches your jewellery and dress embroidery is a must-have accessory.
• Dainty floral clip – A simple floral clip in your hair can bring a touch of whimsy and youthfulness to your bridal style.
• Fresh flowers – Spring brides can consider adding real blooms or floral pins to a tight high bun for a romantic and seasonal look.
• Oversized accessories – If you have short hair, consider an oversized accessory like a crystal-studded headpiece to make a statement as you walk down the aisle.
• Crystal-embellished headband – Add a touch of glamour to your ensemble with a crystal-embellished headband, especially if your dress has floral detailing.
• Glittering hair comb – For a head-to-toe glitzy look, a glittering hair comb with crystal details can beautifully mirror the art deco theme of your dress.
• Gilded veil – A gilded veil of flowing floral adds an ethereal touch to any fashion-forward aesthetic, especially when paired with a fully pink ensemble.
• Beaded pins – Accent your loosely plaited hair with beaded pins for a fairy-tale-inspired hairstyle, perfect for a vineyard wedding.

Watch YouTube tutorials

If you're thinking of doing your own wedding hair, YouTube is a great place to start. There are endless tutorials to help you create your dream bridal hairstyle.

A quick search will bring up tutorials for all hair types, from straight and smooth to thick and curly, and for all skill levels, from beginners to those with some experience.

For instance, if you're a novice, you might want to start with a simple style, like a high, slicked-back ponytail. This only requires a hair wax and a hair tie. Or, if you're feeling more adventurous, you could try a Parisian-inspired coif, which works on any hair texture. This look involves curling your locks with a wide-barrel curling iron or hot rollers, and then brushing them out to create a wavy texture.

If you're looking for something more complex, there are tutorials for styles such as an intricate French braid or a fishtail braid. These styles might take a bit more practice, but with the help of a YouTube tutorial, you'll be able to master them in no time.

So, if you're thinking of doing your own wedding hair, don't be afraid to give it a try. With the wealth of information available on YouTube, you'll be able to find a style that suits you and your skill level.

Consider your hair type

When deciding on a wedding hairstyle, it's important to consider your hair type. This includes the length, density, and texture of your hair.

Long Hair

For long hair, some classic wedding hairstyles include a chignon, Hollywood waves, a formal updo, loose waves, and a sleek ponytail. For a more daring look, try a bridal blowout, an intertwining updo, or a full French braid.

Medium Hair

If you have medium-length hair, consider blunt bangs to make your hair look thicker and draw attention to your eyes. You can also go for windswept waves, high buns, and half-up, half-down styles.

Short Hair

For short hair, side bangs with flower crowns, twisted updos, or hair swept and pinned to one side are all great options. You can also try a layered curly bob with bangs or a pixie cut with a flower crown.

High-Density Hair

If you have high-density hair, take advantage of the volume with a twisted half-updo, bulky buns, or a chignon. You can also try pouring your hair into waves or curled ponytails.

Medium-Density Hair

For medium-density hair, consider an elegant low bun, beach waves, sleek high buns, an asymmetrical twisted updo, or tousled buns.

Light-Density Hair

For light-density hair, think about adding volume with twist downs, mid-length ponytails, low buns, half-up, half-down styles, volumized waves, pinned curls, or braided buns.

Straight Hair

For straight hair, a simple and elegant option is to wear it straight and down, especially for outdoor weddings. Other styles include polished buns, tousled wedding braids, and half-up, half-down looks.

Wavy Hair

If you have wavy hair, try romantic curls, pin-ins, siren waves, or bohemian waves. Make the waves soft and bouncy, or pin them with statement barrettes for a different look.

Curly Hair

For curly hair, wedding updos, or half-up, half-down styles with curls will complement your natural texture. You could also opt for a curly pony, a Grecian updo, or a braided curly updo.

Very Curly Hair

If your hair is very curly, go for a wedding bun hairstyle or a bridal braid. You can also let your hair loose for a wild mane, try asymmetric plaits, or a messy bun.

Coiled Hair

If you have coiled hair, try a curly chignon, volumized and loose ponytails, or let your coils fall freely. Don't try to eliminate the coils to avoid traction, overstretching, and frizz.

Very Coiled Hair

Loosely wrap your very coiled hair with a bejeweled pin or hold them in place with floral tendrils. You can also opt for a tousled ringlet look for a touch of youthfulness and bounce.

Zig-Zag Coiled Hair

If you have zig-zag patterned coils, consider updos, top knots, or half-up, half-down styles. You can also let your coils fly free for a bold look.

Ask for help

Doing your own wedding hair can be a daunting task, but with practice and the right tools, it is possible to achieve a salon-worthy style. If you're considering DIY wedding hair, here are some tips to help you along the way:

While you may be doing your own hair, that doesn't mean you have to do it alone. Enlist the help of your bridal party, family, or friends. They can offer a second pair of hands to ensure that every strand is in place and provide moral support. If you know someone who is particularly skilled at curling hair or creating intricate updos, don't be afraid to ask them for assistance. It's also a good idea to have someone on standby in case you need last-minute help or reassurance.

Additionally, consider seeking advice from hair professionals. Schedule a consultation with a hairstylist to get expert tips and tricks tailored to your hair type and desired style. They can guide you on the right products and tools to use and provide valuable insights. Alternatively, pay close attention to your hairdresser during your next salon visit. Observe their techniques, such as how they hold the brush or use the hairdryer, and try to replicate those techniques at home.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The key to perfecting your wedding hairstyle is to practice, and then practice some more. It's not enough to try the hairstyle once or twice; aim to practice at least ten times before the big day, especially if you're going for a complex look. Follow the same timeline as your wedding day—style your hair in the morning and observe how it holds up throughout the day. This will help you troubleshoot any issues and make necessary adjustments. Ensure you practice every detail of the hairstyle, including curling your hair if you plan to wear it curly.

Use Online Resources

Take advantage of the wealth of online resources available at your fingertips. YouTube is a treasure trove of hair tutorials for every skill level and hair type. Find someone with a similar hair texture to yours and follow their techniques. Wedding blogs and Pinterest are also excellent sources of inspiration and step-by-step guides for DIY bridal hair.

Frequently asked questions