Bad hair and makeup days are bound to happen every so often, but should never happen on your wedding day! So what is the secret to making that happen? A successful wedding hair and makeup trial! Our trials are designed to ensure that you and your stylist are on the same page and your bridal look is exactly as you envision it on the day of your wedding (with no unexpected surprises!)
Continue to read as we share our best tips, what to expect, and how to prepare for your wedding hair and makeup trial to ensure you’ll end up with the wedding day look of your dreams!
Have a Solid Vision For Your Trial
The single, most important thing you can bring to your appointment is a plan. Have a solid vision for how you want to look with hair and makeup. Typically, your trial is the first time you will meet with your stylist and while they are make-up and hair professionals, you are the professional in what you look like. It is crucial that you establish your likes and dislikes before you sit in the chair! Even if you never wear makeup, find your point of view! When your vision is clear then it becomes easier to communicate it to someone else and to bring it to life.
Look at Your Stylist’s Previous Work
When looking for photo inspiration, the best place to start is your artist or stylist’s portfolio pictures! They will be able to describe previous looks in detail, the process behind them, and whether that kind of style will work best for you!
Bring Photo Inspiration to Your Hair and Makeup Trial
While it may be tempting to have a large Pinterest board for your wedding inspiration, when it comes to make-up and hair, we recommend you narrow your choices to two makeup photos and two hair photos you like. It’s also important for us to know which styles you’d prefer to stay away from! So bring two examples of hair and makeup that you don’t like as well.
Look for inspiration that has similar features to you. For hair, look for photos with a similar length, color, texture, and density. If you have fine hair and don’t intend to use extensions, avoid photos of someone who has very thick hair. You’ll end up feeling let down when your hair won’t look the same.
When looking for make-up inspiration, keep in mind your skin complexion. If you are fair, look for someone with fair-skinned makeup. If you have a deep skin tone, look for examples of someone with deep skin-toned makeup. Colors will look different on every skin tone so to get the most realistic idea, look for images that are similar to your skin tone.
Wash Your Hair the Night Before
If you want to try an updo or half-up look that will require curling, wash your hair the night before your trial. Make sure it is completely dry (if you think it’s dry, dry it some more!) Many hairstylists, do not allow time for blow drying during the appointment unless the hairstyle is a blow-dry.
If you want to emphasize natural curls or texture, make sure your hair is freshly washed and is still wet or damp. Also, bring any products you normally use at home so your artist can advise what to do on the morning of the wedding.
If you have questions about your specific hair, always be sure to reach out to your stylist in advance! Click here to contact our team with any questions.
Bring Your Wedding Day Accessories to Your Appointment
Bring all the accessories that you plan on wearing on your wedding day. This includes your veil, hair accessories, earrings, necklace, and anything that will complete your final look.
We also highly recommend wearing ivory or a color that is closest to your wedding dress. If possible, were a similar neckline to your dress as well.
Don’t forget to bring any hairpieces and extensions that you wish to try at your appointment. If you have extensions to add to your style, make sure they are 100% human hair and have been pre-washed and air-dried. Remember, if they have a wax-like finish they won’t hold a curl. If you are adding polyester or kanekalon fiber hair for natural afro-textured hairstyles or padding for volume, be sure to communicate this with your stylist so they have them ready for your trial appointment.
Create a Skincare Routine Before Your Trial
If you haven’t already, start a skincare routine. We recommend starting your new routine at least six weeks prior to your trial so that your skin has time to adjust. A basic routine includes a cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, moisturizer, and sunblock.
When you are consulting with your artist, don’t try to speak “hair” or “makeup”, simply explain your normal day and night routine, as well as your familiarity with hair and makeup. Tell your artist what you like and don’t like. Again, communication is key!
Bring a Trusted Friend or Family Member
While you don’t need to, you can always bring a trusted friend or family member with you to your trial appointment. Bring someone who is encouraging, honest, and won’t drown out your opinions. Bringing someone who will nit-pick, can turn an appointment from being exciting and fun to be anxious and tedious. Also if you think your family member may hover, consider leaving that person at home. No artist likes to have an overzealous friend standing over their shoulder.
Your wedding hair trial and wedding makeup trial are essential, but is also a time to have fun and be pampered! Go in with a positive attitude and let yourself have a good time. Trust your inspiration and your glam squad & you’ll leave your appointment feeling excited and ready for your wedding day!
We hope this gives you a few ideas of how to prepare for your wedding makeup and hair trial appointment! Ready to book your hair and makeup services with us? Contact us here!
Photos: Nadine Nasby Photography
[…] it comes to your wedding hair trial, it’s important to have a successful appointment! This means attending the appointment with your […]
I am excited for the trial appointment ! I will wash hair the night before!