Wedding Belles

How to Get Strong, Radiant Hair for Your Big Day

Regardless of how wonderful your wedding-day hair stylist is, your ‘do will turn out all the more fabulous if you start with healthy hair as a base. To avoid dull or damaged locks, it’s important to start good hair care practices as far in advance as possible. Today, we’ll share some tips for cultivating shiny, vibrant hair for your wedding day.

Wedding Hair Care - Fairly Southern
via Gin Dress, Pinterest, & Style Me Pretty

Snip, Snip: Many brides decide to grow their hair out long for their wedding. When growing hair longer, it is tempting to skip regular hair cuts. However, this puts your hair at risk for split ends and dead ends. When you finally do go in for a cut, you may end up having to have more cut off in order to eliminate the damage than if you had taken care of your ends properly in the first place. Many hairstylists recommend getting a trim every six to eight weeks. My stylist and I have found that three months is a happy medium for my hair. Find what works best for you, then stick to it…even when it is tempting to let it grow just a little longer!

Set a Timer: Make a note on your calendar when you (I’m speaking to belles and beaus, here!) get your hair cut, then make a note again when you notice your hair looking its best length afterward. This will help you know how far in advance of the wedding to get your last trim. For example, my fiance and I have determined using this method that his hair looks best about one month out from a cut. We’ll be confidently sending him to the barbershop on July 31st knowing that his hair will look perfect on the wedding day.

Cut the Heat: Hot styling tools (hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, rollers, etc.) can damage hair quickly. Let your hair dry naturally as much as possible and resist the urge to reach for the flat iron every day. The less you use these types of tools, the less damage your hair will have, and the more radiant it will look. If you do use hot styling tools, be sure to use a thermal protectant spray on your hair beforehand. Some of my personal favorites include It’s a 10 and Kenra Platinum Blow Dry Spray.

 

It's a 10 and Kenra Blow Dry Spray - Fairly Southern

Turn up the Moisture: Shampoo, hot styling tools, dry climates, and genetics can all contribute to dry, brittle, frizzy hair. Today, most salons offer professional keratin treatments to condition and strengthen your locks (note: not necessarily a good treatment if you want to keep natural curls). If you have a little extra cash on hand (or can score a nice Groupon for one!), splurge a little on one of these just before your engagement pictures or wedding day. Your hair will be miraculously silky and frizz-free. Not ready to drop a couple hundred at the salon? That’s okay. Step up your daily routine by using a good conditioner in the shower, especially on your ends. I have had good luck with Organix Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Conditioner. In fact, after I started using it, my roommate asked if I had had a professional keratin treatment done. The results were noticeable! And, while this conditioner is a tad more pricey than your average Garnier Fructis or Herbal Essences conditioner, it’s considerably less expensive than salon-grade products. For black or African American hair, be sure to find a conditioner that provides both protein and moisture. Some popular protein conditioners include Tropical Isle Living’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Conditioner, Mega-Tek Cell Hair Rebuilder by Eqyss, and ApHogee Two Step Protein Treatment. Bottom line: Find a conditioner that works for you, and use it generously.

Organix Kertain Oil - Fairly Southern

Own That Ponytail; Work That Updo: At the end of the day, hair will be hair. Some are naturally born with strong hair, and others aren’t. If you’ve taken good care of your hair, be proud of it, and show it off. In consultation with a stylist or fashionista friend, choose a hair style that is flattering and workable for your hair type. Own it. You are beautiful!

xoxo Laura

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