Hair Vs Makeup: What's The Priority For Your Wedding Day?

Planning a wedding is a stressful task, and one of the most important aspects of the day is the bride's hair and makeup. The age-old question of which should be done first has no definitive answer, but there are several factors to consider when making this decision. Some brides prefer to have their hair done first, especially if it involves heating tools or hairspray, to avoid sweating off their makeup or having their face touched after makeup application. Others opt for makeup first to ensure a well-blended foundation and to allow the hairstylist to work without worrying about ruining the makeup. The order may also depend on the hairstyle and the number of people getting ready, as well as the preference of the artists involved. Ultimately, the key to a stress-free wedding day is a solid timeline and finding hair and makeup artists that you trust.

Makeup before hair is best according to celebrity makeup artist Jade Voight

There are differing opinions on whether hair or makeup is more important on a wedding day. Some people prefer to do their hair first to prevent sweating during the makeup application process, while others opt for makeup first to ensure a well-blended foundation. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the complexity of the desired look.

Celebrity makeup artist Jade Voight, a licensed cosmetologist and makeup artist with over 10 years of experience, recommends doing makeup before hair. According to Voight, applying makeup first allows the artist to blend the makeup seamlessly into the hairline and jaw area without worrying about messing up the hairstylist's work. This approach ensures a flawless finish and a stress-free experience for the bride.

Voight emphasizes the importance of a solid timeline to ensure a smooth and timely process. She suggests allocating separate time slots for hair and makeup services, as doing them simultaneously can be stressful and time-consuming. Voight typically allots 1 hour to 1.5 hours for makeup and 45 minutes to 1 hour for hair, depending on the desired look's complexity.

Additionally, Voight recommends finding a hair and makeup partner you trust, as this will contribute to a peaceful and enjoyable getting-ready experience. It is also essential to consider the number of people in the bridal party when scheduling appointments to ensure enough time for everyone.

While there may be different preferences among artists, following Jade Voight's advice of doing makeup before hair can help ensure a well-blended and flawless look, making it a best practice for wedding day beauty preparations.

Doing hair and makeup simultaneously is difficult but not impossible

There are a lot of factors to consider when scheduling hair and makeup appointments for a wedding. While there is no definitive answer to whether hair or makeup is more important, there are benefits to doing makeup before hair. Doing hair and makeup simultaneously is difficult but not impossible, especially if your stylists have experience working together. However, it can be more stressful for the bride and often takes longer, as the two artists have to work around each other.

If you are working with a single artist who does both hair and makeup, they will likely prefer to work on one aspect at a time. This is because the positioning of the client's head and the tools used for each task are different and can impact the final result. For example, it can be challenging to create a perfect winged liner while the client is also getting a blowout.

Additionally, doing hair and makeup simultaneously can increase the risk of messing up one aspect while working on the other. For instance, hairspray can make your face look greasy, sweaty, and shiny, which is not desirable for a bride. On the other hand, doing your makeup first ensures that the makeup artist can blend it into the hairline and jaw area without worrying about ruining the hairstylist's work.

Ultimately, the decision to do hair and makeup together or separately depends on the preferences of the artists and the bride. If time is a concern, experienced professionals can manage the challenge of doing both simultaneously. However, if time permits, it is generally recommended to allocate separate time slots for hair and makeup to ensure the best results and a stress-free experience for the bride.

Consider the hairstyle when deciding the order of hair and makeup

When planning your wedding, it's important to consider the order in which you'll be getting ready, especially your hair and makeup. While there is no definitive rule, here are some factors to help you decide whether to do your hair or makeup first:

Hairstyle

The hairstyle you choose for your wedding day can influence the order of your hair and makeup. If your hairstyle requires the use of heat tools such as curling irons or blow dryers, you may want to consider doing your hair first. This way, your face will be free of any hair products or heat that could interfere with your makeup application. Conversely, if your hairstyle involves intricate face-framing pieces or bangs, your makeup artist may need to work around them, so doing your makeup first might be preferable.

Complexity of the Hairstyle and Makeup Look

Consider the complexity of your chosen hairstyle and makeup look. If your hairstyle is elaborate and time-consuming, you may want to start with it first to ensure it has ample time to set and be perfected. Similarly, if your makeup look is intricate and detailed, allocate enough time for it by starting your makeup application first. This is especially important if you're opting for airbrush makeup or false lashes, as these techniques tend to be more time-consuming.

Number of People in the Bridal Party

If you have a large bridal party, coordinating the timing of hair and makeup can be tricky. Consider staggering the start times for hair and makeup to ensure that everyone has enough time to get ready without feeling rushed. This may involve starting with hair for some and makeup for others, depending on the chosen looks and the number of stylists available.

Photographer's Schedule

The photographer's schedule can also influence the order of hair and makeup. If you plan to have photos taken while getting ready, consider starting your hair first. This way, you can have your hair mostly done and then finish the front pieces or touch-ups after your makeup application, ensuring your hair and makeup are both fresh for photos.

Practical Considerations

There are also some practical considerations to keep in mind. If you're using airbrush makeup or need to cover any tattoos, some makeup artists may prefer to work on a clean canvas, so they might suggest starting with makeup first. Additionally, if you're concerned about hairspray or other hair products ruining your makeup, doing your makeup second can be a safer option.

Ultimately, the decision to do hair or makeup first depends on various factors, including your chosen hairstyle, the complexity of the looks, the number of people in your bridal party, and the photographer's schedule. Discuss your specific situation with your hair and makeup artists, as they can provide valuable insight and help you create a timeline that ensures a stress-free and timely preparation for your special day.

Clean hair is better for styling than dirty hair

When it comes to your wedding day, the key to a stress-free experience is planning and preparation. This includes deciding whether to prioritise hair or makeup, and whether to have them done separately or simultaneously. While there is no definitive answer to this, many artists agree that doing makeup before hair is best, as it allows the makeup artist to blend the makeup into the hairline and jaw area without worrying about ruining the hairstylist's work.

Now, when it comes to the question of clean versus dirty hair for your wedding hairstyle, it is generally agreed that clean hair is the better option. While some believe that unwashed hair holds styles better, this is a myth. In reality, dirty hair can be unpleasant and unsanitary to work with and will not give you the best results.

Clean hair is simply more pleasant to work with and will result in a better outcome. Chyenne Velez, owner and hairstylist at Lé Brunette & Co., confirms this: "Believe it or not, your wedding hairstyle won't hold any better if your hair has not been washed; that myth is now debunked. Not to mention, hairdressers don't love working with very dirty hair; it can be unpleasant, unsanitary and will not end in the best results for the client."

Additionally, unwashed hair can become greasy, grimy, and sticky, creating an undesirable shiny film. It can also be clumpy and piecey, refusing to hold its shape due to the weight of the built-up oils.

Washing your hair will bring it back to life, giving it bounce and making it easier to manage. Clean hair allows for more natural movement and is more responsive to styling. It is also important to note that overwashing hair can be detrimental, as it can strip the natural oils, causing your scalp to become dry and flaky. Therefore, it is best to find a balance and wash your hair when it starts to feel oily or dirty.

In summary, for your wedding day, or any other occasion, clean hair is the preferred choice for styling. It provides a better base for creating long-lasting styles and ensures a more pleasant experience for both the stylist and the client.

Allow 30-40 minutes per application when scheduling hair and makeup appointments

When it comes to wedding preparations, hair and makeup are both important. However, to ensure a stress-free wedding day, it is crucial to plan and schedule everything in advance, including hair and makeup appointments.

On average, hair and makeup services for a wedding can take around 4 to 6 hours to complete. This duration may seem lengthy, but allocating this time beforehand helps maintain a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere on the day. The number of people in the bridal party and the availability of artists are the main factors influencing the time required.

To efficiently manage the process, it is common to have both a hairstylist and a makeup artist working simultaneously. However, it is essential to review the contract or communicate with the point of contact to understand how many artists will be on-site, as this can significantly impact the timeline.

For bridal party members, expect hair and makeup to take approximately 1 to 2 hours per person. When scheduling, it is beneficial to start with those who have longer and thicker hair, as their styling will naturally take more time.

As for the bride, hair and makeup can take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the requested style and timing. It is advisable to schedule a slightly longer duration, such as 2.5 hours, to accommodate any unexpected situations and ensure a smooth and unrushed experience.

When scheduling hair and makeup appointments, allow 30 to 40 minutes per application. This buffer ensures that artists have sufficient time to work their magic without feeling rushed. It also provides flexibility to address any last-minute changes or touch-ups after the dress is on.

While there is no rigid rule about the order of hair and makeup services, many artists agree that doing makeup before hair is preferable. This approach allows for a seamless blend of makeup into the hairline and jaw area without interfering with the hairstylist's work.

Additionally, consider the preferences of your bridal party. For example, the mother of the bride might prefer an earlier appointment to be available for assistance before the ceremony. If a bridesmaid has young children, coordinate with their babysitter's schedule to ensure they can relax during their appointment.

Remember, the key to a seamless and enjoyable wedding day is advance planning and scheduling. By allocating 30 to 40 minutes per application for hair and makeup services, you can ensure a stress-free experience for everyone involved.

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