Make Wedding Curls Last: Tips For All-Day Hold

Whether you're the bride, bridesmaid, or a guest, there's no denying that curls are a popular hairstyle choice for a wedding. But how do you make them last all day? From using the right products to prepping your hair correctly, here's a guide to ensuring your curls stay bouncy and beautiful from the I dos to the last dance.

Use hairspray

Using hairspray is a great way to ensure your curls last all day on your wedding day. Here are some tips on how to use hairspray effectively to achieve long-lasting curls:

Choose the Right Hairspray:

Opt for a medium-to-strong hold hairspray that will provide soft hair, natural movement, and maximum hold. Avoid using too much hairspray, as it may result in unnatural, crunchy hair. A professional hairstylist can recommend the best hairspray for your hair type and desired style.

Apply Hairspray at Different Stages:

Spray a light mist of hairspray before, during, and after curling your hair. This will help create a rougher texture, prolonging the lifespan of your curls. Remember to hold the hairspray bottle a few inches away from your hair to avoid making your curls crunchy and heavy.

Lock in Your Style:

Once your curls are cooled down and you've gently broken them up with your fingers, finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock in the style. This will help keep your curls intact and ensure they last through the celebrations.

Maintain the Curls Throughout the Day:

Keep a travel-sized hairspray with you on your wedding day, so you can easily touch up your curls throughout the day and evening. Ask your maid of honor or a bridesmaid to carry the hairspray and help you with touch-ups, ensuring your hair looks fabulous in every moment.

Combine with Other Products:

Using hairspray in combination with other products can enhance its effectiveness. Before curling, apply a heat protectant and a thickening mousse to your hair. After curling, you can finish with a texturizing spray, which is lighter than hairspray and will add volume and texture to your curls.

By following these tips and choosing the right hairspray, you can ensure your curls last all day on your wedding, keeping you looking and feeling fabulous!

Start with tight curls

To create tight curls, use a curling iron with a smaller barrel. The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curls. You can also try using hot rollers, which are a better option for fine or limp hair. Let the rollers sit in your hair for at least 10 minutes, or even longer if you have the time.

Before curling, make sure your hair is properly prepped. You can apply a thickening mousse to your hair, using a generous amount and working it through your hair from roots to ends. You can also use a heat protectant, which can be purchased at any drug store or hair salon.

Once you've curled your hair, let the curls cool down and set before removing the clips or pins. This will help the curls last longer. Then, gently shake out the curls, using your fingers to gently break them up. Leave the curls a little tighter than you want them to be, as they will inevitably loosen throughout the day.

Use the right hair products

Using the right hair products is essential for creating curls that last all day for a wedding. Here are some tips to help you choose and use the right products:

Choose Lightweight Products

The products you use in the shower can impact how well your curls hold. Opt for a lightweight shampoo that won't weigh down your hair. You may even want to skip the conditioner as it can make your hair too soft and slippery, causing curls to fall out faster. Instead, use a frizz-control serum on damp hair to moisturize your strands and control frizz.

Prep with Mousse or Thickening Products

Before blow-drying your hair, apply a thickening mousse or a curl cream to enhance your hair's texture and create a natural hold. These products will give your hair the right amount of grip and texture to hold curls in place.

Protect Your Hair from Heat

Heat protectants are crucial before using any hot tools to style your hair. They safeguard your hair, helping your style last longer. Look for heat protectants with silicones, such as Amodimethicone, Dimethicone, or Cyclopentasiloxane, which will coat your hair strands, lock in moisture, and create a barrier against heat damage.

Set Your Curls with Hairspray

Once you've created your curls, lock them in place with a flexible or firm-hold hairspray. Spray a light mist onto your curls and allow it to dry before touching or brushing them. A good hairspray will give your curls a rougher texture, prolonging their lifespan.

Finish with Texturizing Spray

While hairspray is great for hold, it can sometimes weigh your hair down. Texturizing spray is a lighter alternative that adds volume and body to your curls while also helping to neutralize oils. It's a fantastic way to finish your style and keep your curls bouncy and long-lasting.

Remember, the key to making your curls last is to create a strong foundation with the right products. Don't be afraid to invest in good-quality hair products and tools to ensure your wedding curls are flawless and long-lasting!

Use the right tools

The right tools are essential for creating long-lasting curls. Here are some tips to help you choose the best tools and products to make your curls last all day for your wedding:

Choose High-Quality Hot Tools

Invest in good-quality hot tools, such as curling irons or wands. High-end tools are usually coated with materials like tourmaline or ceramic, which distribute heat evenly and cause less damage to your hair. They also heat up better, so you won't need to apply heat for as long. A high-quality curling iron will last you years and is a worthwhile investment for the health and beauty of your hair.

Select the Right Barrel Size

The size of the curling iron or wand barrel is crucial. A smaller barrel will often create tighter and longer-lasting curls. If you want more defined curls, opt for a smaller barrel size. However, if you're aiming for loose waves, a larger barrel may be more suitable.

Use the Right Hair Products

Before curling your hair, apply a thickening mousse to add texture and hold. Mousse contains alcohol, which removes moisture from your hair, creating the ideal grit for curls to last longer. You can also use certain hair oils as heat protectants before curling.

Prep with Setting Spray

Using a setting spray before curling can help lock in your curls and provide heat protection. Avoid heavy shampoos and conditioners, as these can weigh down freshly washed hair.

Opt for Clips and Pins

Clips and pins are your friends when it comes to styling curls. Before curling, divide your hair into clean, even sections to ensure every curl has structure and looks great. After curling, you can set the curls with silver clips, wrapping them around your head to add volume and structure.

Choose the Right Heat Setting

It's important to select the right heat setting for your hair type. If you have thick hair, a higher heat setting is recommended, while thinner or finer hair requires a lower temperature. Digital tools with adjustable digital temperature settings are preferable to analog settings, as they ensure even heat distribution and help your curls last longer.

Finish with Hairspray

To keep your curls intact, finish with a light mist of hairspray. This will give your hair a rougher texture and help prolong the lifespan of your curls. Opt for a firm-hold hairspray if you need your curls to last all day.

By using the right tools and products, you can ensure that your curls last all day for your wedding, giving you one less thing to worry about on your special day!

Prep your hair

To ensure your curls last all day on your wedding, it's important to prep your hair beforehand. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Start with clean hair: Wash your hair the day before your wedding to ensure it's clean but not too fresh. This will give your hair the right amount of texture and grip to hold the curls.
• Deep conditioning: About five weeks before the wedding, consider doing a deep conditioning treatment, especially if your hair is naturally coarse or has been processed or coloured.
• Clarifying shampoo: The day before the wedding, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to clear out any product buildup. Then, condition your hair well, focusing on the ends rather than the roots if your hair is fine.
• Heat protectant: If you plan on using heat tools, be sure to use a heat protectant to safeguard your hair. Apply it while your hair is still damp, and then blow-dry it.
• Mousse and setting spray: To give your hair more hold and structure, use a mousse before blow-drying. You can also use a setting spray to help lock in your curls.
• Avoid heavy products: Stay away from heavy shampoos, conditioners, and styling products as they can weigh down your hair and affect the longevity of your curls. Opt for lightweight, nourishing products instead.
• Trial run: If you're unsure about how your hair will hold curls, consider doing a trial run a few days before the wedding. This will help you determine if your hair can hold curls and how long they will last.
• Natural curls: If you have natural curls, embrace them! Enhance your natural curls by using sulphate-free cleansers and conditioners specifically designed for curly hair.
• Satin sleepwear: If you wash and style your hair the night before, protect your curls while you sleep by using a satin sleep turban or bonnet. This will help maintain your curls, and they will only need a little refreshing in the morning.
• Hair extensions: If you're concerned about the volume or length of your hair, consider using natural hair extensions. Consult with your hairstylist to find extensions that match your hair colour and texture.

Frequently asked questions