A few years ago I got married! I’m so excited to share with you 7 ways to prepare for your wedding natural hairstyle. You can wear these styles on your special day or for a different formal event. Remember natural hair is formal hair! It’s not a requirement to have your hair straightened or in an extension style. On your wedding day, you want to be the best possible version of yourself. You want to look like yourself, too. That’s why I think day-of wedding hair should be a reflection of who you are combined with the look you love. So let’s talk about natural hair.
For me, when my hair isn’t in a protective style, I always wear it in its natural state. Curly, wavy, braided, or in a bun. I look and feel most like myself when I wear it this way. For my wedding, I took my own advice and wore my hair in a custom style. I did not want to wear a wig, weave, or straighten my hair. I wanted to feel like my most confident self. So if you’re a twist-out kind of girl, amp it up and opt for a pinned formal style on twisted-out hair. Or, love the wash-n-go? Try a ballerina bun with a few defined curly pieces pulled out around your face.
The bottom line: Be you and don’t feel compelled to default to a hairstyle that isn’t a reflection of who you are (unless, of course, that’s your thing!)
7 Ways You Should Prepare for Your Wedding Natural Hair Trial
First things first, when determining who you will hire to style your natural hair on your wedding day, you should expect to meet in person for a demo and information session. During this consultation, you will determine if you and the Stylist are a good fit and if they can help you achieve the hairstyle goal you prefer. You should plan to arrive with your hair clean, free of any product, and in a loose style. Also, you should expect to schedule your trial about eight months in advance. Allowing yourself time to find the best person for you.
Keep these things in mind:
- Find your style inspiration. I don’t know about you, but I am a visual person. Look to Google, Instagram hashtags, and Pinterest for style inspiration. You can simply search for wedding natural hairstyles and there will be endless pictures that pop up. Ideally, you share these looks with your stylist in advance. This way they have an idea of what you like and have in mind.
- Your wedding day attire matters. Again, visual preparation is everything. If possible, wear the color and neckline similar to your wedding dress to get an idea of how you’d like to style your hair. These may seem like little details, but they will better help you envision your total look for your big day. Choose a wedding natural hairstyle that complements your dress’ neckline.
- Timeliness is important. One key aspect of this exceptional kind of service is determining the length of time the chosen style will take. Punctuality is critical to make sure there will be enough prep time on the wedding day for both yourself and your Stylist. Have a thorough and transparent discussion with your stylists about the wedding natural hairstyle. You should know these things well in advance: when your appointment will start, how long it will take, and if anyone else in your party will have their hair done by the same stylist.
- Include photos. The photos that you used for inspiration aren’t just for you. Many stylists find it helpful to have visual references. Show the photos you’ve selected during the consultation and ask if they’re able to do that style. If your stylist has done that style before, ask to see pictures.
- There must be room for questions. The stylist you hire should have a goal to make sure you feel as beautiful as you are, so don’t hold back with anything that comes to mind. Some important things to ask include costs of the final style, travel (if they will go to you on the day of your wedding), supplies (make sure there is nothing you need to provide), etc. Ask these questions as soon as possible. You don’t want to be stressed out a few weeks before your wedding because you just found out you need to travel the morning of your wedding.
- Have a demo done. Having your stylist do a demo style on your hair is SO important. It will truly show you if they are capable of doing your hair. You will get an idea of how long it actually takes to do your hair and if you like the style on you. Demos prevent hair meltdowns on the wedding day. It can also help you determine if your stylist is punctual and mindful of your time. If your demo doesn’t go well, you can find another stylist or reschedule another one after expressing your new expectations and requests.
- Bring a notebook. You may want to take notes, so be sure to have a pencil and paper handy. These will be great to reference the rates you were given and the exact details that you and the stylist settled on.