Dating | Weddings

Wedding Hair Styles

Some things are a matter of life and death; some are more important - like gorgeous hair. And that isn't achieved overnight. Take responsibility for looking fabulous.

You can spend all the money in the world on good cuts, but if you don't give your hair the appropriate TLC in between you won't get the results you hope for.

From the minute the engagement ring is slipped on your finger, you need to start getting serious about your mane. Take the time to work out your hair type (ask your hairdresser if you aren't sure) and start using the appropriate shampoo and conditioner and a weekly treatment pack.

Bear in mind that getting your hair into its premium condition isn't just about splashing out on the products (and splashing them on). Have your hair trimmed regularly to guard against split ends (ideally every six weeks; if you find yourself fiddling with them while you are on the phone, you've left it too long) and avoid overusing heated appliances and styling aids. Consider giving your hair a 'day off' every week. Consider hiding it under a cute headscarf on a Sunday: after all, do you really need to straighten it to within an inch of its life whilst you wash the car or do a supermarket run?

ATTACK OF THE WEDDING RINGLETS

You probably should head straight for the salon anyway, but if you've had a skinhead on a playful whim and you want an up-do for your big day, you need a plan, and fast. Hairdressers can always tell that your fantasy style will make you look like an extra from Dallas, and how long it will take (at least a year to six months if you need to grow out a fringe or a perm). If you are thinking of any radical changes, consider doing it now so that there's still plenty of time to limit the damage if you then decide it's really not you. And try to avoid the strange phenomenon that is wedding ringlets - you might be unpleasantly surprised how they can sneak up on you. Although no grown woman sports them in normal life, a flick through any wedding photographer's portfolio will show a rash of them.

When you have ordered your dress, show a picture to the hairdresser and see if they agree that your chosen style will work with your neckline. About six weeks before the wedding, book a practice session with your hairdresser, taking any tiaras, headdress, hat or veil you might have. If you're going to wear a veil and you plan to take it off during the day, let them know, as your style needs to be able to stay intact and still look elegant.

Wash your hair the night before your wedding - freshly washed hair is hard to work with especially if you intend to put it up. Get friendly with styling products, and don't leave it until the last minute to try them out; there are many different ones to choose from and your hair type will suit certain brands better than others. You can also easily overload hair by using too much or not get the result you want by being too timid. Practice here is key.

And remember, have colour treatments or perms done a few weeks in advance to allow them to settle down (no one wants the stench of perming fluid wafting down the aisle as you do).

HONEYMOON HAIR

Depending on your honeymoon location, it's unlikely that your honeymoon hair is going to resemble your wedding 'display'. More often than not, you will be tackling a whole new set of challenges, such as sun damage, chlorine and humidity. And there is little reason to spend months getting your hair in shape before the big day only to let it flop as soon as you've said 'I (up)do'. Surely you should wait until at least the first anniversary to let yourself go. Make sure you pack the appropriate products to combat the stresses to tresses.

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