How to prepare your hair for special event hairstyling
1) Wash your hair within 24 hours of your appointment. Contrary to what your grandma may have told you, dirty hair does NOT style better! We prefer to start with clean hair and we can “dirty it up” with products if needed.
When you wash your hair, use a good quality shampoo (nothing from the drugstore) to avoid product buildup. Product buildup is even worse than dirt/oil and an excessive amount will make it practically impossible to achieve a pretty result.
In the shower, really incorporate the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips - don’t skip the crown area! Rinse thoroughly (REALLY thoroughly), and then REPEAT. Yes, wash and rinse a second time. Your shampoo bottle says “wash, rinse, repeat” for a good reason - not just to try to sell you more shampoo! The first wash breaks up the dirt and oil, and the second wash will actually get your hair clean. You probably will get a much better lather on the second wash for this reason!
The importance of double washing!
In this image, our bride came to her trial with washed hair - but it had quite a bit of product build-up because she wasn’t double washing. On the wedding day, she followed our hair-prep steps including double washing and it made a HUGE difference! Her final result was absolutely STUNNING. Soft, fluffy curls that held all night!
2) Once your hair has air-dryed a bit, add some detangling and heat protectant spray (I really like Amika “The Wizard” Detangling Primer). Then add a bit of mousse throughout your hair which will help your style hold better as well as give you more volume. And if you’re going for a textured/toussled hairstyle - adding some sea salt spray while damp is also a great idea!
3) Finally you’re ready to blow dry. Yes, while you COULD let your hair air dry - we really prefer you blow dry it. This will help eliminate frizziness, get your hair laying in all the right directions (so if for example you want a middle part - be sure to blow dry it that way!), and also help get some lift at the roots of your hair.
Then let us take care of the rest! Your stylist will absolutely love you if you show up with your hair fully prepped by following these steps! And hey, if this seems overwhelming - you can always book an appointment at a blow dry bar the morning of or evening prior to your special event and let a pro take care of it for you!