Deciding on your perfect bridal hair-style can be a challenge, so many hair-stylists will offer a hair trial run before your big day to help you decide on and test your style.
A hair trial is beneficial as it allows you to see how your chosen style works on you, whether any adjustments need to be made and gives you an opportunity to try variations. You will also get to know your hair stylist a little better which will help you both feel more relaxed and prepared for the wedding day.
Here are five tips that will help you prepare for your hair trial:
1. Prepare your hair
It’s a good idea to discuss your hair condition with your hair-stylist before the trial, and whether it would work better to have clean and dry hair, or whether they would prefer to work with wet hair. An early indication of the type of hair-style you are thinking of can be helpful too, but not essential.
2. Dress up for the occasion
I usually encourage my clients to apply make-up and dress up a little bit before the trial. Sometimes, the contrast of an elegant bridal hair-style in a casual outfit can take-away from the hair-style. It always helps to visualise the hair-style in as much context as possible. Equally, without make-up, the hair-style can feel imbalanced and it can lose the overall effect.
3. Find some examples
Spend some time looking for hair-style examples that grab your attention, Pinterest is a great tool for this. I have a wedding hair inspiration board here to get you started. Even two or three examples can steer the hair-stylist in the right direction and provide a good start for the conversation about your look.
Photo: Nick Tucker Photography
4. Set up a work station
Practically, a simple work station with a chair facing a mirror, near a couple of plug sockets and a small table is a ready made at-home salon!
5. Involve your friends and family
Everyone will have different preferences about their trial. Some brides find it helpful to invite a close friend or family member to join the trial. It can be a fun activity (especially with a glass of wine!), and often helpful to have someone to share the experience with.
Some brides also arrange an evening out with friends after the trial, with the advantage of having a lovely hair-style to show off as well as being able to test the hair-style out in the real world and check it holds and gives you the confidence you’re after.
The above are helpful tips to help you with what to expect from a trial. Every bride is unique and will have their own preferences. Communicating with your hair stylist about your expectations is always helpful.
Personally, I always enjoy the trial run, it's a great opportunity to get to know the bride, her style and personality, helping her feel a little more excited for her wedding day when she see’s her beautiful hair-style come to life.