Featuring Joico Brand Educator, Vanessa Drozda…
You know what they say: Practice makes perfect. And there’s no better time than during those months leading up to your wedding, when you’re trying to nail down a wow hairdo for the big day. “A consultation is essential in finding the right stylist for you,” says Joico Brand Educator, Vanessa Drozda, who offered up these invaluable bridal tips. “At your first appointment, they’ll get to know your hair and your personality to create a look that will be perfect for you. Your stylist may also recommend a specific color, cut, or even extensions to help you get the vibe you’re dreaming of.”
And the most important tip ever: DO NOT skip the trial run and try to wing it on the actual wedding day. You want to know exactly what the finished product will be. (Quite often, the consultation is included in the fee anyway.)
BEFORE the first appointment…
♡ Do your research: Ask friends, wedding planners, and even the coordinator at your wedding venue for referrals to a bridal-hair specialist. “But, remember, that not all hairdressers specialize in bridal hair, so it’s important to check out their work on social media, look at reviews, etc,” says Vanessa.
♡ Gather plenty of inspo: From Instagram to TikTok, Pinterest to magazines, start bookmarking, clipping, and collecting pics of looks you love.
♡ Have a phone chat with your stylist/salon: Ask them if there’s anything you need to do to prep for your trial-run appointment – they may mention specific products to use or bypass; and even give you guidance on how to wear your hair for the consult.
♡ Plan your fan club: You may be tempted to bring besties and relatives to the appointment, but it’s important to find out if the salon allows more than oneperson to accompany you.
AT your first appointment…
♡ Dress for success: “Wear a top with a similar neckline as your gown, or one with a loose button up top that you can remove without pulling it over your head,” cautions Vanessa. It also helps guide the hairstyle, since a high neckline might call for a different look than one that’s low-cut.
♡ Bring your accessories: It’s important to carry any hair jewelry (or even big earrings or necklaces) that you are thinking of wearing on your wedding day, so those can be incorporated into your final look. “If you’re wearing a veil, it’s a good idea to bring that along as well so we can work with it,” says Vanessa.
♡ Show up with freshly-washed hair that’s not in a ponytail or bun: “I advise my clients to arrive with clean, dry hair that’s been air-dried or blown out,” says Vanessa. “I can’t stress enough how much of a myth having dirty hair is before a styling appointment. First of all, there isn’t much a stylist can do with dirty, greasy, limp hair. And even if the stylist shampoos you, they won’t get to see how your hair lives in “real” life, a few hours after washing.”
♡ If you want curls, don’t do this: Avoid flat-ironing your hair before the appointment and steer clear of oils that day as well – both can cause limp hair that doesn’t hold a curl very well, explains Vanessa.
♡ Use a styler that stays with you: “My product of choice to set the hair before drying is PowerWhip Whipped Foam or JoiWhip Styling Foam. These products will add volume and texture to the hair, and ensure that your style will hold all day.”
AFTER the first appointment…
♡ Give your new style a test run: “If possible, keep your look in for the rest of the day so you can see how it holds up,” advises Vanessa. “This will also give you time to live in it a bit and see how it feels.”
♡ Keep your hair as healthy as possible: Start using Defy Damage home-care products as far in advance as possible. This bond-building collection fortifies hair, making it four times more resistant to breakage, while protecting hair against heat styling, UV rays, pollution, and frizz.
Want to add a very special twist to wedding-day hair?
Try this utterly romantic “Ivy Braid,”
created by Joico Brand Educator, Vanessa Drozda.
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