5 Tips For Bridal Style Success

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As one of the most important days in many lives, there is a great deal of inspiration and preparation that goes into a wedding day. As hairstylists, you’re often a part of the momentous occasion from concept to completion. When it comes to getting a perfect style, setting expectations for the bride or groom can greatly help bring their dreams to life. To help cut down on the pressure of ensuring a perfect day, Caralee Pridemore, Sam Villa Ambassador @caraleestyles, is letting us in on her top 5 tips for wedding day hairstyle bliss.

5 Tips For Bridal Success:

Arrive Ready: Have guests wash hair with a volumizing shampoo, massage a dime size of conditioner throughout and dry hair before arriving. Starting with a clean canvas allows styling products to be layered to build a solid foundation for hold, without older product buildup getting in the way.
Products: Advise against using softening products like leave-in conditioners and masks, they create too much slip. The goal is to get the most grip out of hair so the style will last all day/night. So, applying a blowout cream on ends, volumizing mousse at roots and then blow drying hair upside down would be the best styling option to create tons of volume and a nice foundation for an updo.
Texture: When up styling, the more texture the better, it creates fullness and longevity. One of the easiest ways to fashion texture is with the Sam Villa Signature Series Textur Professional Texturizing Iron. If a bride is hesitant, explain that by crimping key sections with light compression 1-2” off the scalp, the hair cuticle expands and creates massive volume. And, since it is only used in certain areas, other hair around the hairline lays over it hiding the markings yet exploding with sky-high lift.
Extensions: If a client wants a half up half down style with fullness, but doesn’t have a lot of hair, offer extensions. Discuss which option is best, permanent or short term (wedding only), and think about their budget and add on fees. Hair padding = add on fee, day of prep = add on fee, etc.…
Accessories: Accessories help to tell the story and set a vibe. Is the wedding rustic chic, posh, boho, beachy, or urban? There are unlimited options when it comes to accessories, have some on hand to show what could work, or advise them to bring what they have already chosen. And don’t forget the veil!!! Have them bring it for the trial, along with pictures of the dress, as the neckline also comes into play.

When it comes to timing, Pridemore suggests scheduling trials about 4-6 months prior to ensure a perfect fit. Then, consider follow-up appointments as you get closer to the day to check-in and make sure you’re both still on the same page. Looking for inspiration? Pridemore’s coiled Dutch braid with cascading curls is an easy go-to style for brides (or even bridesmaids!).

Dutch Braid Step-By-Step

Step 1: Section hair at the nape and work up and around the head. Use the Sam Villa Textur iron 1-2” off scalp and about 3-4” down the hair strand to amplify volume. Use the Sam Villa Pro Results 3-in-1 Blow Dry Hot Brush and run it through the ends of the hair. This pumps up volume while removing unwanted frizz, creating the perfect canvas.

Step 2: Alternate curls all over the head using the Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand 1”.

Step 3: Backcomb the crown and pin the section in the center. Starting from the right, take a large section (depending on hair type) and create a dutch braid. Cross it over the pinned center section placing it to the left. Use Verb Volume Dry Texture Spray and Powder to increase the size of the braid and expand curls.

Step 4: Repeat Step 3 but take the Dutch braid section from the left and cross over to the right. Pin in place.

Step 5: Create the last Dutch braid on the right and cross back over to the left.

Step 6: Once all of the braids are pinned in place, add final details, such as decorative bridal pins or accessories (a leaf vine was used here). Finish with AIIR Professional Flexible Hold AIIR Spray for longevity.