IT might not sound like the most glamorous analogy but adopt the mindset of a painter if you want your hair looking its best on your wedding day.

This article was featured in our Weddings 2025 magazine – you can read the full magazine here!

A good painter will take time to prepare walls, sand them down, fill in holes etc before he ever lifts a paintbrush.

In fact a lot of the time, the actual painting is what takes the least time and effort – it’s everything that happens before this that will determine the successful outcome of the job.

So while I’m not suggesting to don the overalls and get out the Polyfilla, I am encouraging brides-to-be to embark on a customised ‘hair care journey.’

I’m a great believer in ‘each to their own,’ so rather than risking buying the wrong products (the choice is pretty mind blowing), or having unsuitable (and costly) treatments, seek professional advice.

From a hairdresser, in case that bit wasn’t clear!

This is what these professionals (the clue is in the name) do every day, there’s probably nothing they haven’t seen, so with their assistance get a plan in place… and follow it.

This needn’t be anything too drastic either. It could simply be nailing down a cut and colour schedule and investing in suitable products to use at home.

Simples! This easy-to-implement step will reduce overwhelm, potential unnecessary purchases and head melting scrolling on line.

So repeat after me: I will listen to my hair professional, and follow through on their advice.

After that, all you have to do is choose how you’ll wear your hair on the big day.

I say ‘all you have to do’ as if it’s not a big deal. It is. It’s a huge deal, mainly because the photos will haunt you for the rest of your life so give it the head space it deserves.

Inspiration is all around us, everywhere from social media, to real life, magazines and TV but usually you will have an idea yourself what you like and what you don’t.

Follow your instincts. Crucially don’t decide to wear bum-length hair extensions if you’re more of a understated person.

Same, if your style is more classic, don’t feel obliged to go for anything elaborate. A sleek and simple blow dry can be absolutely stunning – to thine own self be true etc. Besides, you don’t want the groom doing a double take for the wrong reasons when you walk up the aisle.

If however, you like to make a statement there are so many options out there from fake fringes, to hair pieces, hair accessories etc.

Regardless of your approach, the key is to have a hair trial, more than one even. You’ll find out pretty fast if those cascading curls you love will survive a drizzly day (or not), or if that head piece your heart is set on will give you a splitting headache after a few hours.

TRENDS FOR WEDDING HAIR ‘25/’26

The big emerging wedding hair trend for next year is a half up, half down style. It’s simple and feminine but little touches elevate it from being too ordinary such as a dramatic slick back from the front, or some crown volume (just not in a debs circa 1990 way). This is a great way to show off really healthy and shiny hair and is a great style to showcase a dramatic veil.

There’s a growing trend towards brides embracing their natural hair, rather than trying to transform it into something else. Those with curly or wavy hair are encouraged to enhance this rather than disguise it. Many with straight hair are going to spend a lot of time trying to perfect those waves so lean into it!

Polished low buns with pearls accessories will have a moment next year. Fashionistas are whispering about a ‘contrast’ trend, so fashion-focused brides can have fun with an understated bun, worn with statement earrings, or dramatic make up.

High necklines and bows are big wedding dress trends for next year which may influence what style you say ‘I do’ to, but forever popular and easy-to-wear are the textured low bun, sleek ponytail and Hollywood waves.

This article was featured in our Weddings 2025 magazine – you can read the full magazine here!