Bridal Hair Stylists Near Me

Pleasant Hill CA Hair Colorist Hair and Makeup Artist,Hairstylist,Bridal Hair Stylist,Mobile Hair Stylist
Caitlin Pavia

Caitlin Pavia

Hair Colorist
Offers virtual services

English

I am a creative individual with an eye for fashion, style, and color. I started my career as a stylist at a young age. When I decided to pursue my passion as a career, I formally trained at the Gina Khan Salon in San Francisco. You can work with me at my hair studio in Pleasant Hill or I occasiona…


FAQs:

What Does a Hairstylist Do?

A hairstylist provides full salon services, including cutting, coloring, shampooing, blow-drying, and styling hair. They stay up to date on the latest trends in haircuts and styles and make recommendations for what style and color will look best on a client. Other responsibilities include: 

- Showing the use of and selling hair care products

- Building relationships with clients to increase retention

- Proactively seeking new clients

- Engaging in ongoing education to maintain knowledge of trends

- Providing outstanding customer service

What’s the Difference Between a Hairdresser and a Hairstylist?

Although both terms are used interchangeably, hairdressers and hairstylists do not share the same profession. Both work with hair, but they don’t have to do the same thing. Besides having separate professional training, they also do completely different types of work and even handle different tools when they do it! If someone knows how to cut hair perfectly, that doesn’t mean they will know how to create the perfect updo!

A hairdresser is a trained professional who cuts, processes, and styles hair. Whenever you go to a hairdresser, they will talk about what kind of cut and style you want. They will recommend different haircuts that look better with your face shape and hair type. They may also recommend products or services that will help you.

Hairdressers perform services such as washing, shampooing, cutting, coloring, curling, straightening, and treating hair. The latest haircuts and style trends are usually updated by hairdressers.

While the hairstylists work on styles – curls, perms, updos, etc. A hairstylist can help you decide on the look you want and create the perfect hairdo for a special occasion. Hairstylists, however, have a more established craft and knowledge of specific services.

How Should You Prepare for Your Hair Trial?

Collect hair inspiration from platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. If you can, save images over the course of a few months, rather than doing it in one big search, as you'll find you end up with the truest representation of what you really want. Take your venue and dress into account too, but most importantly, don't stray too far from the sort of look you'd gravitate to normally, if you were getting ready to go out for a fancy meal, for example. Going for an up-do when you can't remember the last time you wore on, is likely not going to make you feel your best on the day, or when you look back at the pictures. You want to look like you, but better.

When Should You Book in for Your Wedding Hair Trial?

The best time for a bridal hair trial is any where between two weeks to three months before your wedding day. Sometimes, the closer the better. Feelings and inspiration change all the time so don't book it in too far in advance. Keeping it close to the big day also means you can better visualise the final look, and you'll have more details set in stone by then - your dress, your make-up, your jewellery - all things that influence your hair look.

When to Get Your Wedding Hair Done?

Some hairstylists suggest prepping the bride about 4 to 5 hours before the wedding ceremony. It is best to do her make-up first before styling her hair. Let the hairstylist do the rest of the entourage ahead of the bride. A trial session is also helpful for the hairstylist to get an idea of the best trim to fit your dream wedding look. It is good to have this trial session done after you have chosen your wedding dress. Find a bridal package that includes this trial hair and make-up session.

Are Wedding Hair Stylists Different from Regular Hair Stylists?

Yes, wedding stylists and regular hair stylists do differ in their expertise and services. A bridal hairstylist has specific training in formal styling as well as techniques that are meant to make the hair last for long periods of time. Bridal hairstylists have the best knowledge of the venues, photographer protocols, creating timelines, and so on. However, it is important to keep your normal hairdresser in the loop when planning your wedding hair. It is still very important for the bride to consult with a hairdresser for her everyday hair maintenance in order to have beautiful, healthy hair leading up to the wedding day.

How Much Do You Tip Hairstylists?

Like in a restaurant, there is no one standard amount that is deemed acceptable. If you are unsure of how much to tip your hairstylists, you may be tempted to grab whatever cash you have on hand and use that as the tip. Instead, use the same formula that you would use in a restaurant as a basic rule of thumb. Most salon goers tip between 15 to 20% of the pre-tax amount listed on the final bill for the services provided.

What are the Different Hairstyling Techniques?

There are hundreds of hairstyles available today for any type of hair that can be achieved at the hair salon. But what techniques do the hairstylists use to create those hairstyles? Here are a few.

1. Knowing the hair type and texture. Hair type and hair texture will determine the best way to style your hair. Your hair type is determined by your genes and can either be straight, wavy, curly, or kinky. You will know you’re in the best hair salon if the stylists will take their time to give you a consultation before any procedure is recommended.

2. Proper blow-drying. A good blowout will give make your hair appear healthier, full-bodied, and shiny. The hairstylist also has to consider your hair type when using the blow dryer to avoid frizz. That is why the hair salon has to apply a conditioner or moisturizer to your hair before blow-drying.

3. Proper curling and straightening. A good hair salon uses only the safe ceramic curler to add luster and silkiness to your hair. The hairstylist will adjust the heat settings based on your hair type to avoid burns, frizz, and other damage. The same is true when straightening your hair using heating tools. The hairstylist will usually begin with the hair near your nape and work slowly up.

What Should I Do if My Hairstylist Messes Up?

1. Act fast

I know you’re familiar with the phrase “honesty is the best policy.” Well, it’s an old saying but holds much value. You’re most likely to have a better resolution for an issue when you’re honest and upfront about it. 

2. Call Management Later

Okay, so maybe you’re not so good at handling issues on the spot; In that case, you could just call and speak with a hair salon manager. When you call back, try hard to be civilized. Even though your hair is messed up, calling the shop and turning up isn’t going to get you anywhere. Try to have an open mind on the situation. Understand that, no one is perfect. Also, speaking with management or the salon owner will show how professional you are. Management should also know if their stylists are performing good services or not. 

3. Don’t Pay

When you go to a hair salon, you’re paying for a service, and you want the service to be correct. This section all depends on how big your heart is and how fast you forgive because not everyone is open to forgiveness. Some people value the money that they worked all week to get, and they don’t want to waste it. Now, if you’re not going to pay for a service, you’re going to want to make that clear to the hair salon receptionist. Express your concerns and if you don’t like any of their suggestions then do what you have to do. Just don’t walk out of the chair and out the door. 

4. Be Specific

Once you have gone through something negative, finding ways to make sure it doesn’t happen again is crucial. It will save you plenty of money and time. The next time you go to the hair salon, it's going to be important that you’re as specific as can be when talking about the style you want your hairstylist to perform. Ask ahead of time if you can schedule a consultation. If one comes with the service, then you want to make sure you arrive early enough to discuss in detail what you want. Before you arrive, be sure to bring a few pictures with you. Bringing in different pictures of your desired look will give your stylist a visual of what you are describing to them. Not everyone can paint a picture in his or her head so keep that in mind.

5. Have Somewhere Else Correct It

So what you can do is call around to another hair salon. Some shops have a policy where they will correct an issue that another hair salon did. Now, for this option, you’re going to want to do it the same day. You can’t wait three days and decide you don’t like your hair. Going the same day will allow the stylist to see how fresh it is and know you’re not lying about the situation. Also, because you’re having it corrected by someone else, you will have to pay for that. However, you won’t have to go through the process of getting your hair washed and conditioned, etc. For the most part, depending on the style, the stylist will just redo it as it is. So although you have to pay (again) at least, it’s not the full amount. This option might not be the ideal resolution, but it is an option. You may be upset at what happened and have to attend, so what do you do? You just figure it out and keep it moving. Don’t let it happen again.

6. Stop and Check

Too many of us forget that you’re paying for a service. Which means, someone is doing something for you in exchange for your money. You aren’t doing them a favor. So if you feel the need to stop and check every once in a while, then you do that. It's better to see something halfway through and correct it than wait until the very end and dislike it, right?

7. Do Research

A lot of times when a stylist does a terrible job on your hair it has a lot to do with experience. When you make an appointment, it’s not known to you who has the most years under their belt, but you can ask. While looking for a stylish, you should research before booking an appointment. Be sure to read reviews about the hair salon or stylist. Ask around and see where people normally get their hair styled. People are almost always going to give you their honest opinion especially when it’s hair-related. 

8. Make an Early Appointment

Another reason why people have hair disasters is that their favorite hair stylist is out of town. That means they have to settle and have another person style their hair. But an easy fix to this is to schedule an early appointment. Depending on what kind of hairstyle you have, this would be beneficial. Making appointments with your favorite hairstylist is still a great idea. Plus if you ever need to change the appointment, you can do that. Better safe than sorry for this one. You can never go wrong with being extra prepared.

What is a Wedding Hair Stylist?

A wedding hair stylist is specifically someone who styles and designs hair for brides, bridesmaids, mothers, and flower girls in preparation for the big walk down the aisle. Brides have been relying on these professionals for years to give them that perfect wedding day look that will not only make them feel like a princess walking down the aisle but will give them memories and pictures to remember for a lifetime.

These professionals have a variety of products and services they offer. As they mainly specialize in hair, their "product" is the talent they provide brides in the way their hair is styled for their big day. However, hair design is only one of the products and services they provide their clients.

As each hair stylist is different, you’ll get not only a different sense of style, outlook on hairstyles, and opinions about what looks good, but you’ll also see a plethora of different combinations of products and services they offer.

The Hairstyling History

Hairdressing is an art taught in many cosmetology schools. It has become an important step in grooming and dressing up for both sexes, serving as a means to modify and enhance the appearance. Today, hair styling is a billion-dollar business that encompasses a wide range of products, tools, and services.

On January 1st, 1906, the Fuller Brush Company was established in New England. It was started by 21-year-old Alfred C. Fuller in his sister’s basement, on a bench placed between the coal bin and the furnace. Despite its name, the camel hair brush does not use camel hair. It is named after a man named Camel, who invented the brush.

Lyda D. Newman, an African American, invented an improved version of the hairbrush and had it patented in November 1898. A patent for a heated comb used for hair straightening was granted to Walter Sammons in 1920.

An early version of the aerosol spray appeared in 1790 through the introduction of self-pressurized carbonated drinks that became popular in France.

During World War II, the United States government funded the research that led to the invention of a portable gadget that could be used to produce fine spray, a tool that would later become the aerosol can. In 1943, W.N. Sullivan and Lyle D. Goodhue, researchers at the Department of Agriculture, invented an aerosol can that uses pressurized fluorocarbon gas in liquid form. This design, modified by the contribution of inventor Robert Abplanal, paved the way for the manufacture of aerosol products, including those used for hair styling such as hair spray. 

In 1953, Abplanal designed a valve that could dispense gas under pressure, a design that produced the first spray cans with clog-free valves.

Hairstylist Duties and Responsibilities

Here are the duties and responsibilities of a hairstylist:

- Provide haircut and blow-dry services, keratin smoothing, formal styles for events, and any other services you are trained for

- Braid and weave hair

- Provide bleach, dye, and hair tinting services

- Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics

- Proactively develop new customers

- Consistently increase guest retention by building relationships and pre-booking appointments

- Develop strong professional presentation, technical ability, and relationship-building skills

- Provide excellent customer service skills and a strong work ethic

- Demonstrate a commitment to providing outstanding client service

- Show willingness to grow and continue education to maintain knowledge of the current trends

- Have flexibility regarding work hours; ability to work nights, weekends, and some holidays

Hairstylist Skills and Competencies

Here are certain soft skills that a hairstylist should possess:

1. Active Listening: It is essential to be able to understand your client's wants, needs, and concerns.

2. Customer Service: Your customers should be satisfied when they walk out the door. That will be due not only to the service you provide but to how they feel you treat them.

3. Interpersonal Skills: Providing excellent customer service requires the ability to listen to your clients and understand their body language.

4. Critical Thinking: Your clients will want to help make decisions about their hairstyles. You will need strong critical thinking skills that allow you to weigh alternative solutions to choose the one that will work out best.

5. Time Management: Managing your time well is essential since your clients don't want to be kept waiting.

Qualities of a Good Hairstylist

Hair, nails, and skincare are personal services, so how you treat clients and the atmosphere you create in the salon matters. It’s your soft skills that make you an engaging hairstylist, a supportive coworker, and a valuable employee. A successful hairstylist is:

Quality #1: Friendly

A friendly approach is key to making customers feel welcome. The relationship between clients and their hairstylists is a uniquely personal one, and the fastest way to ruin it is to make the customer feel like a nuisance. Greeting clients like they’re the friend you’ve been waiting all day to see make a winning first impression. A warm smile and a hospitable demeanor make them feel appreciated and open the door for communication. It’s a win for both you and your customers when you get off on the right foot.

Quality #2: Punctual

Part of being a professional is getting to work on time. Your employer, colleagues, and clients are counting on you. It may not seem like a big deal to punch in a few minutes late, but that puts the burden of opening the salon or managing your shift on others. Coworkers must extend hospitality to their clients while managing their responsibilities to protect the salon’s reputation. It doesn’t look good to customers when you arrive frazzled. They may wonder if you’re cutting corners by not sanitizing your workstation or equipment before they sit in your chair. And they’ll worry you’re not focused enough to give them your full attention. Punctuality is at the heart of doing good business.

Quality #3: Courteous

Lack of courtesy is among customers’ greatest pet peeves. They feel neglected when the staff is distracted. If the salon is busy and you need to leave the workstation, ask their permission. When the telephone rings, put the customer first by asking “Do you mind if I answer that?” Chances are they won’t, and they’ll feel like you’re respectful of their time. Avoid distractions whenever possible. If you’re chit-chatting with colleagues about your weekend plans, clients know your mind isn’t on your job. Be considerate and focus the conversation on them.

Quality #4: Honest

Telling someone the cut they want won’t complement their appearance isn’t easy. Everyone wants the latest Hollywood look, but it’s your professional duty to offer honest feedback when a client requests a style that isn’t a good fit for their features. A gentle approach offering more suitable alternatives is usually well-received if you explain why. It’s also critical to be upfront about fees. People don’t mind paying for services, but getting a surprise bill at checkout is frustrating, and it can be embarrassing if they don’t have enough money to pay. Why damage a good professional relationship? If you offer additional or upgraded services, be clear about the costs.

Quality #5: Positive

Giving a bride runway hair on a budget is unrealistic, but there are usually similar options that are both gratifying and affordable. She just wants to be beautiful, and it’s your job to make her look and feel her best. Don’t concentrate on what you can’t do, focus on what you can by offering alternative styles with a similar effect. Successful hairstylists troubleshoot requests and find ways to say yes. Being positive is also appreciated by coworkers and supervisors, spending the day without your colleagues isn’t much fun. There’s no easier way to reduce workplace stress than by staying upbeat and having fun.

Quality #6: Patient

A client who says “Do whatever” is a hairstylist’s worst nightmare. It sounds like a carte blanche to be creative, but it’s a set-up for failure if you get it wrong. They don’t do it to put you on the spot. For most, it’s their way of saying they want something fresh, but they don’t have the knowledge or confidence to ask for it. Perhaps they’ve insisted on styles in the past that didn’t look good, or they’re not familiar with hair care terminology. But most genuinely believe you have a better idea than they do, and they want your recommendation. Asking questions is the best way to find out more about what they like. Be patient and go with the flow but be prepared with a script for handling it.

Quality #7: Team-oriented

Whether you work for the salon or are an independent contractor, your relationship with your coworkers can make or break your success. Some services, for example, require two hairstylists to complete. Others benefit from the creative input of more than one mind, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. When everyone works together to satisfy customers, salons run like clockwork and earn an excellent reputation which brings more customers through the door. Everyone benefits.

Quality #8: Creative

Tomorrow’s hottest hairstyles are created today. Hairstylists are trained in the most popular techniques but being creative is what sets them apart. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Take whatever skill you have and build on it. If you have a knack for updos, develop new special occasion styles. Or turn your eye for hair color into blending specialty shades. Experimenting cautiously with cuts and color is great for your branding. People with unique styles get noticed and asked which hairstylist did the work. Filling a niche by doing something others can’t is an ideal way to build a client base.

Quality #9: Perceptive

There are many reasons a person could be self-conscious, insecure, or sensitive about their appearance. Why people like or dislike the way they look is personal. To a hairstylist, thinning hair is just another styling challenge, but to clients, it can be devastating to their self-esteem. While there’s no way to accurately predict how someone feels about their appearance, it helps to look for clues. Listen to what they say about themselves and observe their body language. Do they make self-deprecating comments about themselves? Do they hesitate to make eye contact? Observation helps you be more perceptive and in tune with what your client is thinking.

Quality #10: Knowledgeable

Part of a hairstylist’s revenue comes from services, but even more, can come from product sales. Profit margins on salon-quality shampoos and conditioners are often higher than on cuts and colors, and no one is better qualified to promote them than a trusted hairstylist who knows and understands their benefits. Most clients want recommendations for the most appropriate products and are willing to pay a premium price for better brands and your advice. Selling is a skill that isn’t easy for everyone, but if you’re knowledgeable, the right products sell themselves. It’s an income booster for a hairstylist willing to go the extra mile to provide comprehensive service.

Quality #11: Well-Groomed

A hairstylist’s appearance is an audition, clients will assume you’ll put as much effort into making them look good as you do yourself. Sloppy clothing and unkempt hair don’t inspire confidence, and hygiene is a safety issue. Always come to work clean and well-dressed. A professional appearance is also the perfect way to market products and services. Sharing photos of your work is always impressive, but nothing promotes the latest hair color better than sporting it in the salon.

Quality #12: Compassionate

Fewer qualities matter more in cosmetology than compassion. You’ll see clients every day with personal care challenges, from medical conditions, like hair loss, to limited budgets. It will be up to you to help them make the most of their situation with dignity. Serving people with all needs and of all means is not only rewarding, but it helps cement your reputation in the community. If you want to reach out in a way that benefits others, consider donating time to under-served seniors and children. Nursing facilities are always looking for hairstylists willing to travel.

Quality #13: Trustworthy

Being trustworthy is among the qualities clients look for most in a hairstylist. Personal appearance is a sensitive topic for most clients, they need to trust you before sharing how they feel about their looks. It takes time to build trust by keeping their confidence and your promises, but the reward is a loyal customer base. Trust also improves teamwork and efficiency between coworkers. Employees who trust one another are willing to work harder because they aren’t worried about who’s pulling their weight. The lesson is, to be there for your colleagues, and they’ll return the favor.

Quality #14: Skilled

Practice makes perfect, but no client wants to think you’re practicing on them. There’s an expectation that you’ll be competent in your craft. Be a master of any service you offer. Since most states require continuing education to renew your cosmetology license, it won’t be hard to keep up with the latest techniques. But the more services you can offer, the more clients you’ll have. Stay on top of changes in the field and seek certifications when you can.

Quality #15: Productive

Salons depend on productivity for revenue. But maintaining productivity can be tough depending on how much attention individual clients need and your working speed. You can’t control who comes through the door and when, but supervisors will expect you to serve your share when it’s busy. You can stay ahead by maximizing efficiency and staying flexible about breaks and lunch hours.

Quality #16: Committed

What employers and coworkers want most in a hairstylist is commitment. Defined as a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for a business’s mission, it encompasses most other qualities and encourages mutual support among colleagues.

The Importance of Hairstyling

The most noticeable part of a woman’s beauty is her hair, it certainly enhances her personality. This makes your hair become the most crucial yet important part of your entire look. A nasty hair day is simply a nasty day. Following are some of the reasons why and how a hairstyle can complete your entire look:

1. Beauty Enhancement

A beautiful hairdo can elevate your sense of grace and joy, as it definitely adds to your natural beauty.

2. Makes your Presence Count

A good hairdo has the power to make you appear more knowledgeable or a bum. In further explanation, if your hair does not go with your clothing, it can simply ruin your day and even make you appear homeless who had stolen someone else’s clothes which they can’t fit in. However, a hairstyle that complements your entire look and personality can make a mark of your presence in whichever gathering you step in. A nasty haircut may reflect that you are either a lazy person or someone with low self-esteem and confidence.

3. Boosts Your Confidence

An honest hair-do can have the power to make you feel the top of yourself and induce remarkable confidence in your personality. It makes you accept your real self with more love and happiness and flaunt it flawlessly in public.

4. Complements Your Features

Picking the proper hairdo and color that matches the form of your face and complements your complexion and features can make an individual go from normal to highly aesthetic. This helps you in flaunting your personality and making a mark.

5. Feel More Smart and Comfortable

It is a common human psyche that when you feel confident in yourself, you just become a more smart and version of yourself. And this confidence can come from a proper hairdo or styling which can come from any professional or salon who knows what complements your personality, go for it!

6. Get Rid of Nasty Hairdo

A wrong hairdo can shatter your confidence and turn you to self-doubt and misery, therefore, make sure that an honest hairdo complements the dress to make you appear glamorous and celebrated. In all honesty, just get rid of the messy haircut or styling that be a negative impact on your personality.

7. You will be Remembered for Your Hairdo

It is generally considered a healthy trait to stay conscious of your outlook, and this goes for a simple hairdo as well. Taking care of yourself and being ambitious about it, shows what kind of a person you are and it counts. Keep in mind that you will be remembered for the personality that comes in when you enter a meeting or an event. It is on you how gracefully you carry your hairstyle because it will be remembered as a part of your personality and be cherished for it.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Hairstylist

Whether or not you’re making ready for a particular occasion or just looking to refresh your look, hiring a professional hair stylist could be a game-changer. Not only can they create lovely and personalized types that suit your unique needs, but they can additionally provide valuable advice on learning how to maintain healthy and delightful hair. Listed below are some of the benefits of hiring a professional hair stylist:

1. Experience and Experience

One of the main benefits of hiring a professional hair stylist is their expertise and experience. They have spent years training and perfecting their craft, and they’re continuously learning about the latest trends and techniques. This means they have a deep understanding of hair types, textures, and styles and may offer expert advice on how you can achieve the look you want.

Additionally, professional hair stylists have worked with a wide range of purchasers, which means they have expertise with different hair types, kinds, and preferences. They know tips on how to work with curly hair, fine hair, thick hair, and everything in between. This experience allows them to create personalized styles that might be tailored to your distinctive wants and preferences.

2. Customized Hair Providers

Once you hire a professional hair stylist, you might be getting customized expertise that is tailored to your distinctive needs. They will take the time to listen to your considerations and preferences and work with you to create a mode that makes you look and feel your best. This can contain everything from an easy trim to a complete hair transformation.

A professional hair stylist also can provide personalized advice on the way to care for your hair between appointments. They can recommend products and treatments that will keep your hair healthy, shiny, and beautiful. This personalized approach ensures that you are getting the very best care for your hair.

3. Access to High-Quality Products

Professional hair stylists have access to a wide range of high-quality hair care products that are not available to the final public. These products are formulated with high-quality ingredients that can help to improve the health and look of your hair. They will also provide custom-made deals with menus and providers which are designed to address your specific hair concerns.

For instance, a professional hair stylist could recommend a deep conditioning deal withment to help restore moisture to dry, damaged hair. They could additionally recommend a selected shampoo and conditioner that’s formulated to reinforce the color and texture of your hair. Through the use of high-quality products and deal withments, a professional hair stylist can assist in keeping your hair healthy and beautiful.

4. Stress-Free Experience

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional hair stylist is the stress-free experience that it provides. When you go to a professional salon, you may sit back and calm down while the stylist takes care of your hair. You do not have to worry about making mistakes or damaging your hair, because the stylist has the skills and experience to create lovely styles without causing damage.

In addition, a professional hair stylist can assist you to avoid wasting time and effort. They will create a stupendous fashion quickly and efficiently, which means you possibly can spend more time enjoying your new look and less time worrying about styling your hair at home.

5. Boosts Confidence

Finally, hiring a professional hair stylist generally is a great way to boost your confidence and self-esteem. If you look good, you are feeling good, and a professional hair stylist can assist you in achieving a mode that makes you are feeling your best. Whether you’re getting ready for a particular event or just want to feel more assured in your day-to-day life, a professional hair stylist may also help you achieve your goals.

In conclusion, hiring a professional hair stylist can provide a wide range of benefits, from expertise and experience to personalized services and high-quality products. By working with a professional, you’ll be able to achieve a fantastic and personalized model that makes you look and feel your best.

Products and Services Offered by Bridal Hair Stylists

This may not be a complete listing of every single product or service any and all professional wedding hair stylists have offered, do offer, or ever will offer. For a more specific listing of what professional hair stylists have to offer their clients, that will require a bit of research on your part of the professionals in your local area.

1. Pre-wedding day consultation – This initial meeting will be set to allow the hair stylist to get to know the bride better, determine what she is looking for in a stylist, and what services she wants for her big day. From there, a wedding package can be appropriately put together for the bride and/or her bridal party, and a price quote can be offered. Some stylists charge for this initial meeting.

2. Bridal Hair Design – Obviously hair stylists offer hair design as a service, but this may include suggestions and a trial of various hairstyles.

3. Bridal Hair Trials – About a month before the wedding, a hair trial session will be scheduled to actually try out a few of the designs the bride is considering for her wedding day hair. Some stylists will have a limit on the number of hairstyles or time that they will devote to this trial. Others will give their time and expertise freely.

4. Hair Extensions – For women that have shorter hair and would either like long hair for their wedding day or would like a wedding day hairstyle that requires longer hair, stylists can offer their brides hair extensions in just the right shade to match their own hair. Some stylists are so talented that you’d never know that they have extensions at all. These are pretty pricey.

Bridal Hair Stylist Fees and Package Prices

Now that we’ve looked at what a wedding day hair stylist is, how they compare to salon hair stylists, and what kind of services they provide, let’s look a little closer at some of the prices you can expect to see for these services.

The absolutely least expensive way to have a professional style hair on the wedding day would most likely be to 1) find a stylist that doesn’t charge for the initial consultation, or will work with the bride over the phone, 2) go into the stylist’s place of work for the wedding day hair trial with pictures, dress, veil, etc., 3) and finally, go to the hair stylist’s place of work for hair styling before having wedding day makeup done. This may be inconvenient, but it’s the best choice for the price. Here are some of the other choices to help you may the best decision for the big day.

- Pre-wedding day consultation - free to $75

- Bridal Hair Design - $50 to $275

- Down do - $45 to $75

- Flat iron or curls - $20 to $100

- Updo - $45 to $125

- Long hair - extra $5 to $15

- Bridal Hair Trials - $150

- Hair Extensions - $100 to $500 for the actual hair

- For Bangs and Face - $100 plus the cost of hair

- For Thickening - $250 plus the cost of hair

- For Length - $500 plus the cost of hair

- Removal - $85 hourly

- Smoothing Treatment - $50 to $150

Extra Services

- Seamless Tape In Hair Extensions - $400 to $1000s

- Additional hair styling and makeup application for engagement photos, bridal showers, or bachelorette parties - $50 to $75

- Bridesmaid/Mother/Guest Hair - $80 to $100 (depending on the style desired)

- Flower Girl Hair - $25 to $50 (depending on the style desired)

- Girls' Night Out Package – $75 to $150 per person

Hair stylists will also offer cutting, coloring, perming, different kinds of treatments, straightening, washing, drying, highlighting, manicures, pedicures, waxing services, etc. However, they will likely not do these things on the day of the wedding (which is why we have not priced these out for you) but will do these for their customers on another day, possibly weeks or months before the day of the wedding (depending on what is appropriate for the service or treatment).

How to Find the Best Hairstylist for Your Wedding

There are a ton of places where you can search for a wedding hairstylist, but as a bride, you might wonder where to start. Instead of relying solely on the internet to guide your search for a wedding hairstylist, start by checking in with your current stylist. Chances are they are skilled in doing wedding hair, too.

If your trusted stylist can’t tackle your hair on your wedding day, they can always make a recommendation. And, if that doesn't lead to a great option, here are tips for finding the right hairstylist for your wedding below.

Use Referrals

Much like using referrals for finding a wedding-day makeup artist, you can do the same for booking a hairstylist for your wedding. If you loved a friend’s bridal hair, then contact their stylist and ask for a consultation. You can also contact your personal stylist or stylists whose work you admire. If they don't do wedding hair, they can probably recommend a few colleagues who do. Create a list of the referrals and start at the top. Chances are you will find a hairstylist that you love, and if not, keep reading.

Find Qualified Stylists

You need to look at a stylist’s work to make sure that they understand modern bridal hair. "You need a stylist that understands the difference between what people see as classic bride hair—ringlets [or] piled-up hair like a tower—and understated hair—up with beautifully placed flowers or a beautiful, brushed-out wave. Most professionals worth vetting will have their work proudly displayed. Check out their social media profiles or websites for their portfolios. A quick Instagram scroll will highlight if a particular stylist's vision and technique match your own goals.

Factor Your Budget

If you've curated a list of stylists whose work you love, but have no way to narrow them down, circle back to your budget. This is by far the best and easiest litmus test: Does the price of their work fit the wedding budget? If yes, carry on. If not, stick to your gut—and your budget—and move on. As a general rule of thumb, wedding attire, and beauty services should make up five percent of the total budget.

Invest in Hair Trials

Finding the best wedding hairstylist takes trial and error. Gather a handful of stylists you like and start booking hair trials to test if they're a match for your vision. It’s important to always do a trial a few weeks before so you know you're both on the same page. Also, you have time to replace them if you don’t like the way it’s going.

Make Sure the Hairstylist Understands Your Vision

It’s essential to have a variation of photos that showcase the styles you love, like, and don’t like. Make sure you have pictures of your [outfit] so they know what it looks like to complement the whole look. It’s also a good idea to think about if you want to get your hair color done. Don’t leave it till the last minute.

Be Open to Changes

Even if you already have a look in mind, be open to suggestions from the hairstylist. While you don't want a stylist to divert from your vision completely, they may have something to contribute. If you are working with a skilled and highly referred hairstylist, they are familiar with what will look and photograph best. You might even be surprised by their creative vision and love it.

Sources:

Indeed

Blink Lash Club

BRIDES

Hubpages

Liveabout

Meridian College

GRAZIA

Santo Salon Spa

The Knot

Inscape Beauty Salon

Private Label

Hair Essentials

VEGA

Evergreen Beauty

 

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