Expert Tips for Achieving Perfect Wedding Day Hair

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Samantha Tritsch knows a thing or two about wedding day beauty. Not only did the global chief of staff of Edelman PR recently get married—it was a dreamy affair in the New York Public Library—but the business of beauty is something that has always run in her family. (Her mother’s longtime partner is part of the Esteé Lauder family.) Like many brides in the months leading up to the big day, Tritsch picked up a few insider tips on how to achieve perfect wedding day hair. Below, she shares the 7 essential pieces of advice she thinks every future bride should know.

1. Keep your cuts and color on a good schedule.

If you’re the kind of person that likes a fresh trim, make sure to schedule a cut for 2.5 weeks before your big day, which leaves just enough time for it to grow back a bit. When it comes to color, it’s important to keep up with your routine. (For example, my hair needs to be darkened every three months to maintain its color, so I made sure my last color appointment was 3 to 4 weeks before my wedding.) If you’re doing highlights, you have a little more time and you can touch up your color 2 to 3 weeks before. But always give yourself a little room for trial and error and for the new color to settle in so it looks more natural on the big day.

2. Consider keratin or other straightening treatments. 

No matter how good your stylist might be, it’s tough to create a hairstyle that can last for a 10+ hour day and night of dancing. If you have curly or frizzy hair, or if you hate to see your hair crease when you start to do a bit of dancing, consider getting a keratin or other straightening treatment two weeks before the wedding. It will straighten out your roots and keep frizz down, while also (insider tip!) holding product better.

3. Removable hair extensions are your friend.

This was the greatest trick I learned in the year I was planning my wedding. Look for hair extensions with clips. (I found mine at The Hair Shop in New York.) You can get real or fake hair—real is a bit pricier but worth it if you plan to use them more than once. You can also buy the extensions in your color or have your colorist dye it to match it exactly. A lot of times when we look at celebrity hair pics and try to recreate the look, it just doesn’t work. The missing ingredient are the hair extensions, which give you fullness and helps your hair photograph well. The clip ins are super easy to get in and out and are held in place with some hair spray. And don’t forget to try them out before deciding whether or not they’re for you.

4. It’s always fun to experiment, but ultimately, go with a hairstyle that still feels like you. 

It’s very easy to get caught up with bridal hair inspiration that may look great on someone else, but might not necessarily translate on you. Try out different styles, either by yourself or with your hair stylist, and put on a dress and see how you feel. Are you someone who always wears your hair in a middle part? Well then, stick to what most feels comfortable with your hair on your wedding day. Nail down the fundamentals, (your hair part, whether you want it up or down) and then work with someone who can make magic with the rest.

5. Test, test, test.

Many hair stylists will quickly grab a bottle of mouse for wedding days, but proceed with caution as that may lead to matting and discomfort later on in the night. (Nobody wants pictures with knotted hair.) Try out products before the big day, whether that be dry shampoo, hair spray, or mouse, and take note on the things that don’t work with your hair. Give them that information once you start working with your hair stylist and be sure to stick to those guidelines on the big day. Even the best experts need some guidance, and you’re the only person who knows what feels right to you.

6. Be open to changing your hair throughout the night. 

Almost every bride wants her hair out of her eyes and off her face for the ceremony, mainly so everyone can admire them as they walk down the aisle—and ok, maybe take a look at the dress, too. Whether you go with a low sleek pony, a soft bun, a half-up/half-down look, or even your hair down but tucked behind the ears, it helps to be able to look your significant other straight in the eye during the ceremony and not have to worry about your hair. However, you can always transition into another look after the ceremony that’s more loose and fun. A tight bun is actually the perfect prep for long curls.

7. Accessories can be a game changer.

Sometimes the best way to add a bit of you into your look is by adding an accessory. Ribbons in soft buns and ponytails have become a big trend—both thick and thin. Ethereal brides might want to go with a golden headband (Jennifer Behr has amazing options) or a glam barrette, like the one I wore when I changed into my second dress. I’ve even seen brides, like Claire Distenfeld, weave natural flowers into their hair, which creates a unique and striking touch and can be done in a variety of ways besides the obvious flower crown.

Photographed By: John Dolan