A lot of brides are asking this question and may have some anxiety about it. So let's clear this up. A bridal hair preview is exactly that — to get a preview of how you will look on your wedding day.
Come with freshly washed hair
First, let's talk about hair. As a bridal hair stylist, it is necessary that I see your hair in its most basic form, meaning no product. That's right, you heard me. I also want you to come to your bridal preview with freshly washed hair — like you washed it that same day or the night before.
I'm sure you've heard that dirty hair styles better, but it is simply not true. Our scalp produces oily buildup that can make hair styling challenging, and I don't want to layer my new products on top of hair that already has product on it. When that happens, the hair cannot create memory or hold a style because it is being smothered by previous products. So please come to the preview with freshly washed hair.
An exception for my curly girlies
There is an exception to this rule and it has to do with my naturally curly headed girlies. If you have naturally curly hair, like myself, you cannot wash your hair, air dry, and show up to your bridal hair preview with very large and frizzy hair.
If you have curly hair and plan to wear it straight for your wedding day, this needs to be communicated prior to your preview so your stylist can decide how she wants you to show up. In most cases, she'll advise you to blow it out straight to save a massive amount of time during the preview — that way she can get right into building a base of products and straight to styling.
If you want to wear it curly on your wedding day, this also needs to be communicated to your stylist prior to your preview. Send pictures of your natural curls so she can plan accordingly. I always tell my naturally curly brides who want to wear it curly to show up to the preview with their curls freshly washed and product in, so I can see those curls and make them pop even more.
What should you wear?
Definitely wear a white top made of cotton or a soft material that won't snag the hair style. If your wedding dress is strapless, consider wearing a strapless top as well so you can get a better picture of what your hair will look like with your dress.
I have had brides schedule their final dress fitting for the same day as their hair and makeup preview so they can see their vision come to life before their wedding day. This is always a good idea if you can swing it. Or if you already have your dress at home, go home and try it on with your hair style.
Bring the accessories
If you know you will wear something in your hair, please bring it to the preview. Even if you have more than one accessory that you're undecided on, bring them all. Get the opinion of your stylist if you'd like to — we more than likely do have an opinion on what would be most flattering on the style you're going for.
Don't forget the veil!
Please bring the veil to the preview. This one is important. If you have a cathedral-style veil, this may alter the very base of your hairstyle and your stylist will need to prep for the veil at the beginning.
It's also beneficial to see yourself with the veil on after the style is complete. You may want to tweak the position of the veil, and this should be done at the preview — that way we won't have to tweak it on your wedding day and potentially aggravate the hairstyle.
What to do after your preview
Try to schedule something fun after so you can show off your hair and makeup. Maybe your bridal shower is on the same day, a lunch with girlfriends, or a date night with your fiancé (that is, if you're going to allow them to see the finished look before your wedding). Plan something enjoyable for yourself so you can show off your look.
Also, take pictures of how your hair and makeup look four hours after the preview — that way you can get a true idea of how it will look at your reception or ceremony. Because that's what really matters: not what it looks like when the preview is over, but what it will look like a few hours later.
Show up with makeup done
If your hair stylist only does hair, it's really nice to come with makeup already done so you can get an idea of what the finished look will be.
Hopefully this reduces any stress about your bridal preview and you can go into it confidently and with excitement. This is a very exciting time in your life and it shouldn't be full of anxiety or stress. Just relax and enjoy feeling pampered.