There’s no denying that weddings are big business. More than ever, beauty pros are playing a big part in creating camera-worthy looks that quite often end up on a client’s Insta feed.
From scheduling a bride’s appointments and creating her signature hairstyle to styling the bridal party and more, we went to the pros to share everything you need to know when building your bridal business—and boosting your business beyond the big day.
For the Short-Haired Bride
Expect to see a lot of brides with bobs, a style that’s been growing in popularity in the past few months. Think: St. Vincent and Dua Lipa at this year’s Grammy Awards.
“Women who wear their hair really short with pixies and undercuts want to keep their signature look,” says Antoine Vadacchino, a Davines educator and stylist at Pure Salon in Montreal. “To make the style a bit more romantic, go for pretty finger waves with a retro influence from the ’40s and ’50s.”
“For shorter hair, I think a lot of brides are going to be adding veils for more of a statement,” says Kirsten McIntosh, a bridal updo expert and educator for Revlon Professional.”
Colour Confidential
Blonde lowlights and highlights give hair more definition. “It just picks up the light around the face, which is very flattering in photos,” says Jessica Domoney, a North American artist for Sexy Hair and hairstylist with a large bridal clientele. Vadacchino agrees. “Highlights add the details, a sun-kissed look is also very beautiful.”
Luigi Di Tacchio, a L’Oréal Professionnel educator in Toronto says it’s important to discuss colour early on. “Whether that is balayage or another colour, we have to plan out appointments and any treatments accordingly.“ He adds that a balayage executed one month before the wedding day will add dimension.
For the “Natural” Inspired Bride
Natural-looking hair is also making a comeback. “It’s really about showing off beautiful texture and movement,” says Vadacchino. “Hair is undone, but you need blow-drying, curling and styling skills to make it work.” Incorporating natural flowers and softly-tied ribbons in the hair is also something inspired by the natural, organic beauty movement.
Domoney adds that more clients want real flowers in their hair instead of traditional bridal headpieces. “Hair is loose and deconstructed,” she says. “Florists are bringing extra flowers from the bouquet so they can be incorporated in the bride’s hairstyle.”
Upping Your Updo Game
While it used to be that over-the-top and overly structured updos reigned supreme, there’s a continual surge in more natural, less structured up-styles. For 2019, bridal is expected to be even more natural, thanks to the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. “A lot of brides want to put their hair up now,” says Chris Wood, a senior hairstylist at Medulla & Co. in Toronto’s Yorkville district. “It’s great to put hair in an updo, but it doesn’t always have to be so teased, sprayed and precious-looking.”
Wood, who styled Markle’s hair when she was working in Toronto, says he wasn’t surprised by her wedding day hair choice. “She always wanted California girl hair,” he says, adding that her face-framing tresses and tendrils are in full force as wedding season looms. “A few face-framing pieces around the cheekbones, and a couple hanging down around the nape look great.”
For something just as chic but sleek, the classic ponytail is another bridal staple. “You can go with a simple, elegant ponytail with maybe a bit of a braid or hide the elastic,” suggests McIntosh. “It’s still sleek but has a bit of pizazz to it.”
Grooming the Groom
For the Big Day, how do men up their game in terms of hair? Here are a few tips from Pete Goupil, a North-American men’s hairstylist based in Montreal:
- Try to stay close to your client’s usual style. “You want the guy to recognise himself in his wedding pictures!”.
- Playing with parts will allow you a bit of creative freedom, while keeping it relatable. “I like a nice, clean, part to make him look dressier. But if his hair is usually messy, I’ll slightly part hair with the fingers and add a bit of powder to keep it mat.”
- If the groom wears suits on a daily basis, keep it classical and not too fashion-forward. “His polished haircut can take a bit of shine with a pomade.”
- Avoid hairspray at all costs, as it makes the hair ‘crunchy’. “The only time I use any type of spray I use Alternator from American Crew, a flexible control styling product in a pump.”
- Your client has noticeably thinning hair? First of all, it shouldn’t be cut too short, or kept too long. Use a thickening priming product before you dry it, and then go for a gel or a styling crème. “Style it towards the front rather than the back. And remember to stick to products like powders, for example, that won’t create any separation.”
Credits: Kevin.Murphy, Hair: Morena Crolla, U.K., Makeup: Stacey Whitaker, Photo: Jarred Photography
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