After over two and half decades of working behind the camera as an on-set makeup and hair stylist, this blog is something I feel totally qualified to answer for all you ladies and possibly (gents)seeking perfect polished hair in photos. They say you learn the most from your failures. Experience is your best teacher. Some days took longer for me to recover from as I saw some of my hairstyles die a slow and painful death on set. You know, the type of failure that has you sitting on the end of your bed for hours rocking back and forth, trying to figure out what you could have done to make it work. My failures have taught me to see things the average person wouldn’t even think about. So what I’m about to teach you will help guide you through photo’s in life, on your wedding day or down a red carpet.
THE GOLDEN RULE- LESS IS MORE WHEN IT COMES TO PRODUCT
When I work on set models and other stylists are surprised at how little product I put into their hair. Less is more. The stickier your hair becomes the harder it is to work with and manage. You have less control believe it or not. More products WILL make your hair heavier which will look great initially but look flatter as the day wears on.
Product recommendations:
- Bumble and Bumble Dryspun
- Oribe anti-humidity
- WOW One Minute Miracle Transformation Styling Cream
- Spray shine or dry oil – I love Hairdresser’s Dry Oil from Bumble and Bumble
FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE
Making sure you use lighter, buildable products. On your wedding day, using a volumising shampoo may be all that you need! Volumising or texturizing products can make your hair separate or become heavy throughout the day. Make sure whatever you use; it cannot be the heavier formulas. If you will be experiencing humidity, never use any hairspray. Any product with alcohol will dry out your hair and make it frizzy.
UPSTYLES-YOUR WEDDING DAY SAVIOUR
Onset an updo is my friend. It is so friendly to the wearer, the stylist, and photographer. It is lower maintenance and can provide effortless volume from nearly every angle if executed well. It will provide better balance in your photos than wearing your hair out. You just barely have to think about it.
VA-VA-VOOM-VOLUME IS KEY
Hair maketh the shot. It’s a fact. So making sure your hair provides balance when it’s out is important. Work with a volumising shampoo and a touch of Dry Spun from bumble and bumble to add some grit and hold. Work with your hair not against it. Shake it around let it find its own place then work from there. Make sure you open up your face when you wear your hair out, one side on the shoulder, one side off opens up your face. The shoulder closet to the camera should be hair free.
EFFORTLESS NOT OVERDONE WILL BE YOUR FRIEND
Do not over style your hair. The key is to look effortless but fabulous. A style that’s too elaborate, if not executed well, can fall out and that can be obvious. Stick with something soft and loose. Make sure you add some serum at the end to tame any flyaway strands that can light up on film and be distracting.
SLEEK IS CHIC
Sleek hair is super stylish. Yes, this can be perceived as highly styled however with this style you actually can load up on product to keep it together and polished. Make sure you add some shine to achieve the slick look and keep pesky flyaway’s in place that can ruin the effect on camera.
BACKCOMBING CAN BE YOUR UNDOING
Less is more here also. Too much backcombing or teasing can leave holes in your hair as your hair settles eventually. Use a Mason and Pearson brush to web the hair so it will sit together solidly. As you comb the last webbed piece into the next piece, start webbing closer to the base of your head so it creates a firm base without separation. Tread lightly here.
CHECK THE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Humidity. KILL.ME.NOW. it is hair’s worst nightmare. So make sure you know the weather (wind) and humidity levels before you decide on a wedding hairstyle. This last tip can make or break you in a photo. High Humidity=Hair up. No hairspray! Just work with shampoos not volumising or texturing sprays. Only apply your hair conditioner from mid-lengths down leaving the roots with more texture.
Use a light mist of anti-humidity spray to settle any strands that stray. Work with the weather not against it.
I hope you enjoyed these tips! Make sure you stay tuned every Thursday for more Insider Tips from me and may all your Instagram pics be fabulous!