“Whatever length your hair, you will have plenty of options for your wedding day,” says Tracey Baxter, stylist at Maison de Cheveux hair salon. “The most important thing is to have a consultation with your chosen stylist as soon as possible. Give yourself the time you need to get your hair in shape for the look you want.”
Short and Sweet
If you want to keep your hair short, consider a shaggy bob. Zak Mascolo, national creative director of TONI & GUY says, “This cut works for a wide range of face shapes and it is one of the most versatile cuts with lots of layers.”
It also works with thick, thin, curly and straight hair. If shaggy isn’t for you, think about growing some length at the front, so you can side sweep the hair to create fullness and romanticism and create the illusion of longer hair.
Baxter also suggests extensions.
“If brides just want long hair for the day, tape-ins are a good way to go,” says Baxter. “However, if a bride really likes her hair short, we can try a pretty, flicked-back look, a sophisticated sleeked back style or even a high pompadour. We will also experiment with pretty clips, vintage combs, jewelry, tiaras and veils to create versatility.”
Short hairstyles also offer the advantage of looking great with both high and low necklines and color can also be used to dramatic effect.
Love Your ‘Lob’
“Lobs,” or long bobs, and traditional bobs of all textures and lengths are popular looks right now and also offer brides options on their wedding day.
“Lobs and bobs can work to suit all faces depending on the length of the cut and the layers,” says Alan Tossler of Tossler Davis hair salon in New York advises. “They also look good wavy and pin-straight. Brides need to take a photo of their dress to their stylist so they figure out together the best way for their hair to compliment the style of the dress. A voluminous look might compete too much with a higher neckline, and a messy bob might jar with a very sophisticated sheath.
“This length also gives you the option of an updo or half updo which might incorporate braids or fresh flowers and we’d also consider adding some highlights around the face to create a bridal glow.”
Long Locks
“The most critical thing for long hair is to make sure it’s in the best condition it has ever been,” says April Ponder, stylist at the David Falcon Salon on Magazine Street. “In addition to regular trims, talk to your stylist about the best conditioning treatments for your hair type and avoid using heated styling tools as much as possible. Long hair puts all the styling options at your fingertips but it still takes work to make long hair look great all day long especially in the heat.
“For the ceremony, you might even want to fake a shorter look with long bangs and hair pinned up at the back, and let it down for the reception. If you want to wear your hair down all day, make sure you create enough volume with layers and the right cut.
“As for dresses, consider a strapless gown that creates the visual space for this length. I also always tell brides to co-ordinate hairstyles with their bridesmaids and mothers, you might not want to wear the same chignon updo as your future mother-in-law.”
If you’re not sure which style to select, collect photographs of ones you like and discuss with your stylist the best one to compliment your face, hair type and dress and then have fun trying out a few.
