The great debate on how you should come with your hair for an updo or formal style is often not followed. The one thing I want you to know is that there are reasons stylists ask you to follow instructions. Whether they are followed will ultimately determine how well your hair will turn out and how well it will hold. Every stylist has instructions that may be different. But ultimately what we are telling you is how we would like your hair to be for the best outcome.

If we ask for second day hair that means good quality not overly greasy hair. Most of the time not flat ironed into oblivion so it won’t re curl. Your best bet is to get a professional blow dry the day before the wedding. Whatever style you come with from the day before we prefer it to be smooth. If you do a blow dry the day before please make it a good one. If you come fuzzy or frizzy there will always be fuzzy and frizziness in your final style.

If you’re that person that is dead set on washing it, my suggestion to wash it late the night before and do a complete round brush blow dry. If the reason is you are worried about having greasy hair, no worries by the time we apply the appropriate product and set it you will be all under control. There are very few exceptions (2%) that get overly greasy or have very fine hair. At this point a discussion with your stylist to reach the next appropriate step is suggested.

Also ask your stylist if she/he offers the option for a blow dry with your updo. Often we will do this depending on timing and budget.

DO NOT~

DO NOT~

Come with your hair just blow dried

Have damp or wet hair you assumed would air dry

Have a fresh keratin treatment

Have a lot of product that weighs down the hair

Go to bed with your hair wet

DO

〰️

DO 〰️

Wear a shower cap the morning of to protect your hair from moisture

Take the time to blow dry your hair the day before or get a professional blow dry

Wear it down instead of pulling it up in a pony or a bun

P.S. These rules don’t apply for those with naturally curly hair who want to work with their natural curls. Stay tuned for a separate blog post on that.

When it comes to choosing extensions for your hair it will depend on your budget and how much time you want to dedicate to your hair. 

Here is a list of extension types. They are listed in order of instillation cost not including pricing of the hair. Instillation costs will vary depending on the experience and location of your stylist. Hair costs will vary depending on how much is needed and depending on the quality of the hair used.

Clip in

Halo

Tape in 

Hand tied 

Beaded 

Fusion

Clip in and halo extensions

• Are great for people who just want extra hair instantly that they can put in and take out.

• Both of these options are more budget friendly.

• Keep in mind with clip in and halo you are just paying for the hair and you will not have to pay for the instillation.

• Clip in hair extensions are clipped into the hair. Halo hair extensions sit on top of your head using a nylon wire for a custom fit.

You also want to make sure when buying your clip in or halo extensions that you are getting them from a reputable and known company. It’s the worst situation when you get crap hair and can’t return it.

Tape in extensions

• You will pay for hair and instillation.

• The hair comes in sections, called a hair weft, that are usually two inches wide.

• The extensions have double sided tape on each weft of hair. To be installed your natural hair will be sandwiched between two of the weft extensions.

• The installation takes less time so pricing should be lower.

• Tape in extensions could last between 6-8 weeks.

Hand tied extensions  

• You will pay for hair and instillation.

• Custom cut weft extensions will cover a larger area and give you tons of hair.

• The application process uses sewing and beading to attach the weft hair.

• You will save money if you decide to keep the extensions because they are easily adjusted as your hair grows.

• These extension are better suited for a down hairstyle and more difficult when it comes to an up do hairstyle.

• Hand tied extensions could last between 8-10 weeks.

Beaded and Fusion extensions

• You will pay for hair and instillation.

• Beaded and Fusion are similar because they use a singular bunch of hair throughout your hair to create custom length and fullness.

• Beaded are attached with a small metal “bead” that is clamped down to attach to your natural hair.

• Fusion are attached with a keratin bond that is heated up so that the extension can become combined with your natural hair.

• I personally prefer fusion over beaded especially when it comes to comfort.

• Both of these processes will take the most time to apply but look the most natural.

• Fusion extensions could last between 3-5 months Beaded 3-4 months.

Let’s talk about extensions when it comes to planning your wedding day look. There are plenty of options to fit each budget which I will cover in another post. There are also many reasons why you would want them.

Let’s talk about why you would want extensions:

You want longer hair

Your hair does not hold curl well

You have very fine hair and need more bulk

The current look your are wanting is not achievable with your hair

You just want lots of fabulous hair

Sometimes we are stuck on looks that are just not achievable with our given hair so we have to buy some. For me as a wedding hairstylist I more often will tell you yes to hair extensions when it comes to down hairstyles. The reason being is it helps with holding a curl longer and just makes everything look better. Most cases when it comes to up dos I will say no to extensions. The reason being is hair can easily expand for updos and fill spaces. For some updos where more fullness is needed we can get away with a filler instead of extensions. 

If you are curious about whether or not you need extensions ask first. You could do a quick check with your wedding hairstylist and most of the time they will tell you offhand yes or no. A quick consult to see your hair first hand before your trial may be needed. Your everyday hairstylist may be able to tell you yes or no too but always go with your wedding hairstylist recommendation. 

This is I reference to clip in extensions. When it comes to choosing a proper color you will need to be matched up by a professional who is familiar with extensions. I usually will match up my brides and orders their extensions for them. Stylist who do extensions will have a color ring to choose from. I am also a colorist so that’s why I feel confident in picking extension colors. If you have no one to help you I will cover in another post how to choose a proper color for your hair.