Are you thinking about wearing a natural wedding hairstyle? Planning a wedding is stressful and overwhelming on its own. Unfortunately for us with tight curls, we have another thing to worry about…Our hair. Even those who have been natural for years still feel as though our hair isn’t appropriate for formal attire. This comes from years of subtle (or outright) bias that we have faced since childhood.
During recitals, picture days, birthdays, and other celebrations we were taught to wear our hair straight or sleeked back, flat against our heads for a bun or ponytail. Our hair, which naturally takes up so much space, was styled so it lost those beautiful characteristics. We learned, as little girls, that even if we liked our hair it wasn’t suitable for special occasions. How unfair and demoralizing is that?
This isn’t to say you can’t wear your hair straight.
We believe in taking control of your image and doing what makes you feel most beautiful. Our goal is to debunk misconceptions about tight curls and explore how we have internalized painful anti-Black stereotypes that affect our day-to-day lives. The natural hair movement has progressed in the past decades but we can’t ignore the lasting impact of our upbringing. If you still have some feelings about curly hair being unsuitable for your wedding day, we implore you to investigate those feelings. Do they come from not knowing how to maintain natural hair? Do they come from being told your hair isn’t good enough as it is? Our hair trauma is layered. We need to unpack and heal from it.
That being said, this blog is to help those who can’t seem to decide if a curly or straight style should be their wedding look. Below are three important questions to ask yourself.
How Do You Normally Wear Your Hair?
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with switching up your look for your big day but it’s important to feel like yourself. For example, if you normally wear your hair straight and choose a curly style for your wedding the drastic change may affect your confidence. Even if you look amazing (and we’re sure you will), adjusting to a new appearance is not always easy. Think of a time when you tried a new style and HATED it for the first day. By the end of the week, you fell in love with it. Humans are creatures of habit. That’s not always a bad thing, it just means we need to leave space to adjust to the change.
Another thing to consider is that if you do not frequently straighten your hair, the hair may not stay straight for the entirety of the day and your reception. That won’t be a problem if you don’t mind, but for those who don’t want to risk sweating out their silk press, you may want to reconsider that style.
Your wedding will be remembered through pictures and videos, choose a style that reflects who you are and will make your confidence shine all night!
What’s Your Regimen Like?
This is more important than you think, especially if you want to wear your hair naturally. The frequency with which you cleanse and detangle your hair has a massive impact on your hair. Chronically dry and unhealthy hair will have trouble maintaining definition and products won’t be as effective.
We know it can be scary, but you’ll also need to trim your hair regularly. And by regularly we do not mean annually…we’re talking about every 2-3 months. Split ends and other damage are hurting your hair more than helping it. Damaged hair can affect the appearance of your style and the easiness of your cleansing process.
Split ends are natural and happen to everyone with hair. There is no avoiding them. Instead, trimming away your split ends will promote healthy and happy hair. Despite what some may think regular trims will help your hair maintain length. Split ends will go up the hair shaft and cause breakage, a common struggle with tight curls.
Your hair regimen may be important to your stylist as well. At Brown Skin Women Hair Studio, brides must consult for their natural wedding hairstyle months in advance. We need to examine the hair and scalp’s health. We don’t want to promise a beautiful style if we know that the hair is damaged or chronically dry. By reaching out months in advance, our stylists can show our brides-to-be how to properly take care of their curls. The hair also has time to detox if heavy oils and butters were in their regimen.
Hopefully, you pair with a stylist that cares about your hair beyond a paycheck for your big day. You want to create a partnership with the mutual goal of keeping your hair healthy and reaching your personal hair goals.
Do You Have Plans the Next Day?
Everyone plans and celebrates their wedding in their own ways. It’s about personal preference, scheduling, and financing capability. Think about what the day of your wedding will look like and the day after. Some newlyweds hop onto a plane the morning after their big day, others enjoy their honeymoon months after marriage, and some don’t have a honeymoon at all. The same things go for receptions. Some receptions are full of dancing while others are more reserved.
No matter what your reception is like, there’s a good chance you’ll be exhausted by the end of the night. After the adrenaline, nerves, and excitement you may not want to take dozens of bobby pins out of your hair before you go to bed. If you’re traveling the next day, think of the amount of effort you want to put into your hair. Everyone’s personal preference will be different but think of the energy you’re willing to expend before hopping on a plane and flying to a fun destination.
We want you to have as little stress as possible, so consider what aligns with your lifestyle and immediate plans after your big day! If your straightened, protective, or natural wedding hairstyle conflicts with your honeymoon hair or plans talk to your stylist in advance. You may be able to find a great solution that works for you before, during, and after your wedding.
Choose the Style You Love
Think about your ideal aesthetic. Consider your dress and accessories and choose a hairstyle that complements your overall look. Whether you choose to wear your hair curly, straight, or in a protective style with extensions, the most important thing is that you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to your hair. Do what makes you happy and enjoy your wedding day to the fullest! If you’re interested, check out our Instagram for natural wedding hairstyle inspiration!