Bridal Hair Trial- Tips to Prepare

Tips

Apr 19

It's go-time for all things bridal + beauty related, and as you have started to learn— planning requires meticulous preparation. Details tend to jumble together and the process feels never ending. In an effort to have to best experience possible, some vendors put together a guide or pamphlet to help clients prepare for their specific service. Consider it a rescue mission from the overwhelming list of to-do’s.

Beautiful wedding hair and makeup is 100% percent an investment. To get your money’s worth, it takes preparation from both parties and the proper guidance. Once you book your top/ favorite wedding hair and makeup artist pro, the work doesn’t stop there. Im sure you’ve heard the 80/20 rule at some point in your life. The process of bridal hair + makeup is 80% our skill, product, knowledge, and ongoing education. The remaining 20% is based on your preparation and readiness before the trial.

TIP: read EVERYTHING. Most often important info is overlooked

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TIP: read EVERYTHING. Most often important info is overlooked 〰️

Save images similar to your LCD: length + color + density (thickness) As bridal stylists, we aim to set realistic expectations around YOUR features. We'd love to make brunette hair look like the blonde inspiration photo, but we just cant. Dimension, texture, + length all play a factor towards the visual outcome. Our goal is to set the bar of expectation with the Beauty Asylum wedding hair look book just for brides, HERE. Our stylist team brings real styles straight from our clients (not that studio/ artificial lighting crap) and we break down each category by style, length, density, color, + theme.
Consider clip-in hair extensions as a temporary option. If YOUR length and thickness do not match up to the style you’ve envisioned. While it might not be identical, extensions bring you one step closer to being pretty damn close. We have a guide for all things extension related, HERE.
Find pictures of the back and front of the hair.
If pieces are hanging in the front; compare length to make sure your front pieces are not too long or heavy.
Shampoo: prior to your trial; wash hair with a volumizing (aka clarifying) shampoo. The clarifying shampoo will remove residue from previous products + it will set the foundation for your hair prep. We recommend shampooing the scalp twice for the best results. Use a quarter size amount + distribute the shampoo evenly on the scalp massaging with a favorable lather. It's often thought that shampoo should be carried all the way to the ends = NOPE. Focus the product on the scalp and mid shaft to remove build up.
Conditioner: prior to the trial; use a light weight conditioner. Focus the product midway through to the ends of your hair, away from the roots. A heavy conditioner will weigh down the hair, leave residue, create unnecessary oil, and prevent the actual hair follicle from holding curl.
We recommend,
EVO Gluttony Volumizing Shampoo / EVO Bride of Gluttony (fitting, right?)
Don’t do it. Stop it right now, and just dont do it. Dirty hair is a myth.
There isn't enough dry shampoo in one can to cut the oil in greasy hair. If there’s too much oil, hair will remain flat, wet, + piecey. So if we leave you, your bridesmaids, moms, and attendees with one tip for the day.. come to your appt with clean hair. Fine hair naturally shows oil quicker than thick hair. If your hair is super thick or curly, and you know you can get away with a day (or two) by all means, you know your hair. However, dont put your stylist through the torture, and come with your hair freshly washed + dried. We love to use product to create texture + grit.
The flat iron is an arch nemesis to babes looking for volume. In fact, it will make your hair FLAT and it will become difficult for hair to on hold to curl. A flat iron seals the hair cuticle + creates a silky texture. It's not only hard to hold curl, but we're back to the four year old with virgin hair comparison. We are trying to curl and pin but the hair slips right out.
Curly hair babes: if you do not want to work with your natural curl the best option is a blowout. A good alternative is to straighten the first 2-3 inches of hair at the root and leave the ends for styling. But keep in mind you will lose volume by flat ironing the hair. Our first recommendation is to schedule a blowout the day-of your trial and wedding day to achieve best results. A day before can also work but check with your stylist first!
No need to schedule a haircut right before a trial or wedding day unless your hair is completely breaking off as we speak. If your hair is freshly cut, it will mimic virgin hair. Think of your four year old niece or god daughter's hair.. those little babies will slip right threw a hair tie. A recent hair cut will create silky strands and tends rebel the heat and refuse to hold up as well to styling. Our recommendation is to skip the cut (unless you absolutely need one) and save it for after the wedding!
Our stylists are meeting you for the first time. Our stylist admin team will do everything ahead of time to properly prepare you + your stylist. Many factors come into play in order to have a successful trial. The TOP 5 tips above are the most important. Pictures AHEAD of time allow us to grasp the desired style + make recommendations based on the length + fullness of your hair. It doesn't mean you have to 100% decide on a hairstyle, but it's beneficial to know that each style (updo, glam waves, braid) all require a different set of preparations. Sleek updos require smoothing techniques + romantic whimsical styles include base prep, texture spray, setting/pin (you get the idea). If you have fine hair or short hair but have full long/ voluminous glam waves.. we absolutely, without a doubt need clip-in extensions to create your dream hair. or an insert (mesh donut) to achieve the desired look.
While it pays to pay the pro, we cannot do it without readiness and prep. We work miracles, but we cannot wave a magic wand the day-of without proper preparation effort.
Hair Color: If you are blonde- look for blonde hair inspiration photos. If you are a brunette look for hairstyles with ladies that have brown hair. Here’s why: blondes tend to have dimensional color and this creates depth and texture. Notice next time you look at a braided style. Does it pop more on blonde or highlighted brunette hair? This is because of the shadow and highlight effect creating depth in the hairstyle. Brunette and black hair tend to be one dimensional and look more sleep in darker hairstyles. Most importantly, when looking for pictures save photos of hairstyles with the same color. This will give you a realistic idea of how your hair will turn out.
Thickness: You found a hair picture you love and the inspiration is full of volume and all kinds of fabulous. Unless you are blessed with fabulous hair chances are extensions, product, and a blowout are needed to create that bombshell head of hair. If you have fine/thin/short hair a little added fullness is great for the perfect bridal updo or down style.
The first question we ask our curly hair babes: “Do you want to work with my natural curls or do I want to re-curl my entire head?”
If you have curly hair and would like to work with your natural curls- stick to using your curl enhancing product. Let your hair air dry ahead of time so your hair will not become frizzy at the time of your trial. Curly hair should be addressed based on the desired look and your natural curls. Definitely consult with your hairstylist ahead of time for the best option.