Most of brides wanna look perfect and feel their best when they say ‘I do’, and every little and not very little detail is important, and wedding hair plays a very significant role here. For black brides, sourcing wedding hair inspiration can be a little frustrating at times due to the lack of representation in mainstream media. Besides, not all hairdressers have experience working with such hair, and the process of creating that dream look can very tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve prepared some wedding hair tips that should help.
Deep Condition
The most important point here is that you need to get your hair into tip top condition before you even think about how you’ll style it. Establish a regular wash routine and get into the habit of deep conditioning it once a week – your hair will thank you. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase or investing in a silk headscarf will also help minimize frizz and breakage. Using the right products for your hair type is another key tip for maintaining healthy locks.
Be Yourself, But Be Practical
Black hair is extremely versatile and there are endless styles for black brides to choose from, regardless of the length or texture of your hair. The style of your wedding venue and attire should help steer the hairstyle you choose to wear, but there are no rules.
Check The Climate
Humidity can play havoc with all hair textures but is especially relentless at puffing out afro hair that’s been freshly straightened. Keep it in mind if you’re having a summer or destination wedding and considering a sleek, smooth finish. A styled weave or even a wig might be a better option here.
Choose Accessories Carefully
You shouldn’t let accessories dictate your hairstyle but keep them in mind when considering options. It might be tricky to slide a vintage hair comb into braided locks and a delicate headband might get lost in a sea of curls!
Be Realistic About Timings
Styling black hair can be quite laborious, so be realistic about how long it’s going to take to complete your desired look. Generally speaking, hair that is long, coarse or tightly curled will require more attention. So if you’d rather not spend the morning of your wedding with a numb bum, consider simple styles that can be achieved in reasonable timeframes.
Also, remember to factor in how much time you’ll have in the weeks leading up to your wedding if you’re opting for braids, twists or a weave. These protective styles can leave your scalp feeling quite sensitive so avoid getting them done too close to your big day.
Always Book A Trial
If it’s necessary to look beyond your regular hairstylist for your desired bridal look, be sure to book a trial. Ask potential stylists about their credentials, areas of expertise and preferred products. This will help set your expectations.
Create A DIY Kit
If you opt to go DIY, make sure you practice in advance and take pictures and videos each time so you have a handy reference on the day. Creating your own hair kit so all the tools and products you need are stored in one place will also make your life easier the morning of.