When should you begin looking for a makeup artist and hairstylist for YOUR Wedding?

One of the top items on your Bridal To Do List must be finding a professional makeup artist and hairstylist.  When should you being your search?  Aside from the obvious answer of "as soon as possible", I believe the optimal time is as soon as the wedding dress has been chosen.  The reasons behind this are 1) you will have a better feeling/understanding of your wedding look once you have chosen your gown and  2) even if you have been dreaming about, imagining and planning your wedding since you were five; choosing the gown somehow focuses you. Sometimes the gown you ultimately chose will be very different than the gown you imagined.  Always, alway keep in mind that your makeup and hairstyle must compliment and harmonize with your dress.  Your picture-perfect look includes everything you wear: your gown, jewelry, makeup, hair and veil.

Did you notice that I did not mention shoes?  I would just like to add that although I believe that shoes are one of the most important fashion choices any woman EVERmakes; wedding shoes fall into one of only three categories: (1) ugly, comfortable and thank G-d no one sees them under my long wedding dress; (2) insanely high, gorgeous and murderous and what a shame no one sees them under my long wedding dress and finally (3) insanely high, gorgeous and they no longer kill me because I removed them thirty seconds after the chuppah.

 

A FEW WORDS ABOUT VEILS

I want to discuss veils.  Sometimes the choice of a veil is an afterthought; bought, borrowed or found sometime between picking out the dress and standing under the chuppah.  The most versatile veil is a "simple" veil made of layers (the number of layers is a personal choice) of lace and/or silk and attached with a comb with the tines facing in. 

Do not choose a veil that is permanently attached to a tiara or other hair accessory, as this type of veil drastically limits the type of hair style you will ultimately choose. 

If you chose to wear a tiara, you should be able to position the tiara on your head, regardless of where the veil is attached.

Order of work on the day of the wedding:

ü  Hairstyle

ü  Tiara (sometimes the tiara is positioned whilethe hairstyle is being created, as some of the hair may be combed/positioned to hide the tiara's clips and/or combs)

ü  Makeup

ü  Veil

A MONTH AND HALF BEFORE THE WEDDING…

By a month and a half before the wedding you should have selected your makeup artist and hairstylist and decided on your makeup and hairstyling choices.  This will give you enough time to let your hair grow, you brows grow in and give your skin a chance to improve.  Write it or insert it into your calendar:

MUST CLOSE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY ________________

HOW DO I CHOOSE MY MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLE?

Remember:  Your wedding photos are meant to last a lifetime - this means your makeup and hairstyle must be timeless!  I always tell my brides that they should be able to look back on their wedding photos and at their wedding hair and makeup choices five, ten and even fifteen years from now without shaking their heads and saying "What was I thinking? ". 

This means that you should:

1)   Keep an open mind!  Look and explore the net and magazines for the latest hairstyle and makeup fashion choices.  Look at what your friends and family are wearing on "both sides of the pond".   If you Google "wedding hairstyles and makeup" you will get millions of results. You can narrow the search a bit by focusing on your hair length (long, short, curly, etc). 

2)   Do not be fooled by wonderful shots of hairstyles using models that have blonde hair with blonde highlights.  Blonde / blonde highlighted hair shows off just about any style and will nearly always look gorgeous.  The exacthairstyle on dark hair will look less wonderful, as the blonde highlights bring out the curves, curls and waves in the hairstyle.  Also keep in mind that lighting and Photoshop play a part in how the hairstyle is portrayed in photos.  This is why blonde hair is the most popular hair color to photograph for a hairstyle photo shoot. This does not mean you should dye your hair for the wedding; it just means you should be aware of this fact and manage your expectations accordingly.

3)   What styles appeal to you?  First of all: forget about your dress, your shoes, what hair colors and styles appeal to you.  (I know what I said at the beginning of this article) NOW what hair and makeup styles are the most flattering for your facial structure? 

Now let's put this all together: what appeals to you, what flatters you and what suits your wedding style. 

Now that you have an idea of what hair and makeup styles appeal to you – talk to your makeup and hair stylist.  Arrange for a Bridal Beauty Trial Session.   DO NOT SKIP this session!  This is the only opportunity you will have to try on and try out a variety of styles and decide – before the wedding – which you like best.  Take a trusted friend along with you.  A second opinion is vital here.  

Clear your schedule and make an appointment.  Take all the time you need.  This is not the time to rush or choose "whatever".  Be thoughtful and patient.  The effort and consideration you put into this session will be in direct proportion to your satisfaction with the final result on the day of the wedding!  Take pictures.  This session will also help you calculate the amount of time you will need to create your bridal look on your wedding day. 

Once you have chosen your makeup artist and hairstylist and the styles you want - you can check one more item off your To Do List!

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HAIR AFTER THE WEDDING

If you or anyone you know are planning a wedding and planning to have your hair styled (of course you WILL!), this article is for you!  PRINT AND SAVE THIS BLOGICLE – IT COULD SAVE THE HAIR OF A LOVED ONE!

You've planned every detail of your wedding; dreamt of your dress, hair and makeup since you were a little girl.  Then the big day comes and as you watch your 'every day' hair transformed into a "three-tiered confection", you begin to wonder how you will ever get your 'everyday' hair back on the day after the wedding. 

Brides are always asking me how they should take care of their hair immediately after the wedding, or more to the point, how can they remove the buckets of hairspray, kilos of hair pins, clips and accessories, and multiple rubber bands from their hair.  The answer is: carefully and with patience.  Remember it took many hours to create your wedding hairdo; it will take time to get your hair back to its natural state.

Begin the transforming process, by removing your wedding gown, jewelry and makeup. I warmly recommend that you begin the hair care process the night (should I say "the morning after") of your wedding. You may be exhausted, but on the other hand you may not be able to get any sleep with the mound of teased and tortured hair that is now perched on top of your head.

Begin by removing all the pins, hair accessories and extensions.  I always joke that the bride will be finding pins in her hair until her first anniversary, I exaggerate – but you may find those little sweeties in your hair for a good few days – especially if you have long hair or extensions. 

Work as methodically as you can: begin at the back of your head and remove anything that is not your hair! You can spray your hair with a mixture of warm water and conditioner, working this mixture in your hair from your scalp till the tips of your hair. 

While we are on the subject: Before the wedding, many brides allow their hair to grow long in order to ensure they have "long hair" for their bridal hairstyle.  Many times this long hair is just long lengths of split ends. Once the wedding is over, you should immediately make an appointment to have your hair trimmed!

For those brides reading this blogicle BEFOREthe wedding, I warmly recommend that you begin considering your hair, optimum hair length and bridal hairstyle – before anything else.  Under the most favorable circumstances, you would have at least six months to plan your wedding.  Which for our purposes means you have six months to get a good cut/styling and then – depending on how quickly your hair grows – you should have micro-trims every six to eight weeks to keep your hair healthy. Contact me now for a FREE BRIDAL CONSULTATION!

Don't let anyone tell you differently; long split ends are not a substitute for long healthy hair and they do not enhance a bridal hairstyle. 

Back to AFTER the wedding:  Instead of spraying your hair with warm water and conditioner, you can lightly spray your hair with good quality hair oil, such as Moroccan oil, obliphica oil or even olive oil (!).  Massage the oil or conditioner/water mixture GENLTY into your hair. 

Then just as GENTLY begin to comb out the teasing, curling and spraying with a wide tooth comb and/or your fingers.  Beginning at the back of your head and working your way forward.  Work on loosening and separating the hairs a section at a time.  Do not rush!  Try not to tearapart sections of hair that are "glued together" with spray.  Gently separate the hairs.  Remember warm water and oil and patience should release almost every knot in your hair.   

There may be a section of hair that is just too knotted and you will just have to cut this one out! If you do this at home, cut as close to the top of the knot as you can.  Remember not all hair can be saved.

If you are too tired to take care of all your hair that night (morning), then spray with water and conditioner and wash your hair in warm water with a good quality shampoo.  Rinse out and then gently towel dry.  Begin to work on your hair as soon as possible the next day. 

Whether you begin this process right away or the next day, you should shampoo and rinse your hair several times (during the same "session") in order to wash out as much of the gunk and glue as you can.

Once your hair is basically tangle free, treat your hair to a good moisturizing hair mask.  You can do this at home or in a beauty salon.  If you are doing this at-home: shampoo and condition your hair as usual and then comb and detangle your hair and then apply a few good handfuls of hair mask.  The amount you use depends on the length and thickness of your hair. 

As always work methodically.   Apply the mask from the roots through to the tips, massaging your scalp GENTLY as you work.  I like to then wrap the hair in a towel and leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes.  Always read label directions beforeusing any product! 

Relax with your new husband over a leisurely breakfast/brunch for two.  Once the mask setting time is completed, gently rinse out the mask and towel dry.  If you must blow dry, curl, straighten and in general torture your hair, please wait an hour or so, allowing your hair to enjoy the new found silkiness of the mask before beating it into submission again.  Your hair will love you for it!

REMEMBER TO VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE STYLES BY YOCHI AND PLEASE LIKE ME!

I'm offering a ONE-HOUR FREE BRIDAL CONSULTATION

Mazal Tov!  I'm offering a ONE-HOUR FREE BRIDAL CONSULTATION.  It's time to start your wedding planning NOWwith. Go to my facebook page www.facebook.com/StylesByYochi   and complete the form and I will take care of everything!

Together we'll discuss and explore:

Makeup

Count down to the big event:  taking care of your skin (face, lips, brows and more).

We'll explore your most flattering color palette and makeup options.

Hairstyling

Count down to the big event:  Taking care of your hair (hair cut, moisturizing hair mask and more.

We'll explore your most flattering hair styles, veils & hair accessories.

Tips & Secrets

Learn the tips and secrets to make your wedding day as stress-free as possible.  I'll answer all the bridal questions you never had anyone to ask.

You can turn this session into a trial makeup and hairstyling session *.

 (* session costs 150 NIS deducted from the final wedding hair and makeup fees.)

My incredible beauty offer via ChaiBuy!

ChaiBuyand Styles by Yochi have done it!  It's time to treat yourself and your the ladies in your life to a professional makup or hairstyling for your next simcha at an incredible price: 220 NIS!  This offer is avaiable ONLY  via ChaiBUY! Read More....

I am thrilled to tell you about my incredible beauty discount offer via ChaiBuy:  220 NIS instead of 600 NIS for professional makeup or hairstyling for your next simcha!  This offer is available ONLY through ChaiBuy and only for the next 72 hours. 

Buy one for yourself and one for someone you love!  Imagine the savings for your next simcha or for some else's simcha.  Purchase today and use anytime through September 2011! 

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Is my hair too big for my dress? Or Will three kilo of hair extensions really make my waist look smaller?

I've spoken so much about makeup, but have not given bridal hairstyling issues the "blog time" it deserves.

In today's world any and every imaginable hairstyle is available to any bride. You can go from super short to über long and silky (Cher circa 1970s) in no time (ok, that's a lie, it takes hours and hours of work to attach hair extensions and then style the hair, but the end result, if done correctly, can look magnificent). You can tease, curl and straighten your hair and then make it do incredible feats of acrobatics around combs, pins, crowns, clips and veils.

But the bottom line question is: What are you looking for in a bridal hairstyle? or Will three kilo of hair extensions really make my waist look smaller? Like everything else in your wedding, here too, you should begin by asking: What is your overall wedding style? Formal? Country? Laidback? Traditional?

Begin at the beginning… With The Dress
First of all, take a good look at your wedding dress or the types of wedding dresses you are drawn to. Now - WITHOUT taking into consideration your hair (length, color, hair type) or your facial structure - which hairstyle do you feel would be most suited for this style of dress?


You may be "lucky" enough to have seen your dress modeled, in an ad online or in print, with a certain hairstyle that seems absolutely PERFECT for it. [I put the word lucky in quotes, as that piece of luck can make your life hell if you think that this specific hairstyle is the ONLY ONE suited for this dress. It's NOT!]


Remember, you want your entire look to shine: your dress, your face and makeup, your hairstyle and ALL OF YOU! You do not want any one of these components to outshine the others.


Having said this, there may be a 'tiny' part of you that you may wish to downplay or you would rather not emphasize; say large feet or if you are very tall and thin. You can cover up large feet with a long wedding dress that trails the floor and/or wear very simple, matte, not shiny, ballet-type shoes that call no attention to your feet. If you are very tall and thin, you can lessen the severity of any look by wearing a wedding gown that is not too form fitting or wear a dress style that cuts you on a bias or a dress with fabrics that create a sense of fullness without making you look like a wedding cake. And you all know what I mean!


More is More only if Less is Less
Now back to the hairstyle. A simple rule of thumb is that a big, poufy, multi-tiered dress or any dress that has a 'presence' demands a larger, more obvious hairstyle; while a simple, clean-line style should be accompanied by a clean, softer hairstyle.


Your hair should not be competing against your face!
Now that I've set that ground rule, it's time to take your hair and facial structure into consideration. If a big hairstyle fits the dress and your face is just too small and delicate or even too round – IT'S TIME TO RETHINK THE DRESS! REMEMBER: Unless you've just walked down the aisle, it is NEVER TOO LATE to change or modify your dress. You can have your dress altered, adjusted or just sell it on Ebay. You are NOT stuck with any dress!

The point here is that you do not want to look at the wedding pictures ten years from now and exclaim: "WHAT WAS I THINKING WHEN I PICKED OUT THAT DRESS???"


I've said it before and I'll say it again, your wedding look is not supposed to be a contest between your hair, your dress and your makeup! Sit quietly on a desert island if you need to, but take time to think through your whole look. Sit down with a trusted, objective friend or family member and review your whole look – sketch it out, piece it together with pictures of your gown, your hair and your face if you need to. But don’t wait until the makeup/hairstyling trial session to find out that something may be very wrong with your overall look.


Comfort, Comfort, Comfort
Another consideration when thinking about your bridal hairstyle is comfort. OK, comfort may be the wrong word to use, but you must be able to carry off the style with some modicum of ease. If the style is too heavy or too tight or too exaggerated, you will not enjoy a moment of your wedding. And you are supposed to enjoy your wedding! You are supposed to be able to dance, sing, run, eat and kiss relatives (only after the chuppah) to your heart's content. You are not supposed to spend the evening worrying about ruining your hairstyle and counting the minutes until the simcha is over and you can rip the hairstyle out of your hair. And that may not be possible when your hair has been held captive under a kilo of hair spray, a half kilo of glued beads and crystals and those three kilos of hair extensions. It took my daughter a week of intensive shampooing just to get the hair spray out of her hair!


Want to be daring? Go Bungee jumping after the wedding.


While we are on the subject of hairstyling, I cannot over emphasize the importance of not trying out new haircuts, styles and colors at the last minute before the wedding. Try out any new hairstyle alternatives at least three to six months before the wedding, in order to give your hair time to grow out, return to normal or change the look should anything have gone wrong or you are not happy with the results.


You don’t have three to six months to experiment? Well then YOU SHOULD NOT BE DOING IT! If hair extensions are not enough to create the look you dreamed of, then you should drop the idea. You wedding is not the time to be daring about your looks.


Under the assumption that you do have six months prior to the wedding to change or modify your hair style, you should be doing the following.


• Start with a good hair cut or at least a good trim, even or should I say especially if you plan to grown your hair long. I know many brides want LONG hair for the wedding and don’t want to part with those few centimeters of shagging unhealthy hair as they think it makes their hair look longer. But you have to understand that those few centimeters of broken ends will not take the curl correctly and, if you intend to have an updo, these unsightly hairs will not behave themselves. Let it go and trim your hair and I guarantee your hairstyle and over all look will be wonderful.

• Start treating your skin kindly. No unnecessary tanning (beach or bed), harsh facial treatments, cosmetic surgeries or anything that may not heal in time for the big day.

• Let your eyebrows grow out a bit, so you can style them and have a little more 'to work with" for the wedding.

• Plan any waxing enough time in advance to allow for any redness to subside.

Remember EVERY KALLAH IS BEAUTIFUL on her wedding day!

Hairstyling Primer

In response to requests for information on hairstyling, please find the first in a series on hairstyling.  Look out for hairstyling photos coming soon!

Before Your Style Your Hair
Planning to style your hair for a simcha? Don’t wash your hair for one or two days prior to the event; the oil in your hair will help the style hold better. If you forget and wash your hair the day of the event, put some Moroccan oil or styling gel on your hair before you begin to style.

Oils? Gels? Creams?

Are you confused about all those oils and gels and creams and serums out in the market for your hair? Here's a short review of what you should know.

Moroccan Oil? Grape Seed Oil? Silicon/Serum? Styling Gel?
Moroccan oil is perfect to apply before you blow dry or style your hair.
Grape seed oil and silicon/serum are perfect to apply after you've blown dry your hair to give your hair that final touch of shine.

How should you apply these oils to your hair?
How to apply oil to your hair: Put a few drops of oil into the palms of your hands and rub through your palms and fingers. Then gently touch the tips of your hair, then run your fingers gently through your hair finishing off at the roots.
Use any of these oils sparingly! Too much oil will weigh down your hair and prevent you from creating a hairstyle, ruin the style or prevent the hair from being adequately blown dried.


Blow drying your hair

To get that 'salon-just-blow-dried-look' always work on damp hair. I recommend you purchase a simple spritz bottle and fill it with plain tap water and a few drops of a good cream rinse. This combination will make your hair more manageable and even give you a bit of a shine. Change the water in the bottle every two to three months. If you only blow dry your hair occasionally, fill the bottle with fresh water and cream rinse each time you blow dry your hair.

Where to start? Rule number one: Never put a moisturizing hair crème on your hair before blow drying it, it will weigh down your hair.

It's best to with small sections of hair at a time. You should start with the hair at nape of the neck. Brush your hair well and then clip up all your hair, except a few rows of hair at the nape. Then brush this unfastened section of hair with a round brush, hold taunt and blow dry from the root.

Once the root is dry the hair will be less 'fly away' and easier to manage. Blow dry the hair straight. Once the back of the head is blown dry, dry the sections in the front and your bangs last.

Once the hair is blown dry smooth, you can curl or style your hair in any fashion you wish.

Rule number two: Be careful not to use too much oil before your blow dry or you may burn your hair. Be careful not to use too much oil after you blow dry or you will weigh down your hair and it will look too oily.
Quick hair tips
• Always dye your hair (on dry hair) before cutting it (on damp hair).
• Always dye your hair before applying highlights.
• Always straighten hair before cutting it.
• Curly hair appears shorter when it is dry than when it is wet. A 'dry cut' (cutting hair when dry and not damp as usual) is great for trimming curly hair to ensure you are not getting a too-short haircut or even for do-it-yourself touch ups.
• Trim your hair every six to eight weeks, even if you want to let your hair grow longer or grow out of an old hairstyle.
• Can't stand those in-between times while you are growing your hair out of its old style? Use styling gel to comb back your hair and keep it in place until your reach the desired length. To get more volume out of thin hair, have your hair cut with one or two layers only. The layers give the illusion of volume, without taking away from the length. Too many layers create a look that thins out your hair even more.

Remember to enjoy your hair, it's why we have it!