4.1 Introduction
The modern romance up-do covered in the last two modules is a great place to start when building your bridal styling business.
It is an attractive style that is easy enough to complete and is still fairly unique. However, not all brides may want to have a style similar to that one. Before you begin advertising your services, make sure you have perfected numerous styles. This module goes into detail about a few of the most popular bridal styles, including other modern options, styles geared toward short hair, and styles you can trust on a windy day. Additionally, we provide you with a few unique twists you can put on classic styles to blend tradition with modernity. Trying out new styles can be a bit challenging at first, so we also give you a few tips to help make the transition easier.
Activity #1: Read a Bridal Magazine
Estimated time: 10 minutes
Purchase a bridal magazine and spend some time flipping through the pages, focusing on the ads as well as the content. Look to see if there are any emerging trends in hairstyles. This exercise can also give you ideas and inspiration. Make sure you stay on top of current trends and popular styles by repeating this activity once every few months. This gives you time to practise a new style before it is in demand.
4.2 Expanding Your Repertoire
The modern romance up-do covered in the last two modules is not ideal for everyone.
In some cases, your bride may have something entirely different in mind. Other brides may have constraints or limitations making the style ill-suited for them. It is important to expand your repertoire to incorporate other styles.
Where to Start
When you are just starting out, focus on learning new hair styles that have a similar foundation to one you are comfortable with.
For example
If you feel that you can create amazing glam waves, you should look for style that relies on those. Building off what you know is a great way to learn more while still feeling confident in your skills. Learning a new style does require a few very helpful friends or models. Being able to practice the style on a repeated basis with different types of hair is the best way to truly master a style. Once you are confident with a new one, move on to another. Alternatively, you could practice adding a few unique twists to the style you have just mastered before progressing onto something a bit more challenging.
Researching Styles
There are hundreds of styles and variations on those styles that brides may request for their big day. Successful bridal hair stylists stay on top of the latest trends in the industry. There are a few ways you can do this. The first is to read bridal magazines once every few months or so. You may also want to follow popular bridal stylists on social media sites. Take an hour or so each week for research, as it is
incredibly important for you to stay ahead of the game.
Finding Models
Practising on live models is the best way to learn. It helps you get a feel for the type of technique you need to use and the challenges you need to overcome. Using live models also gives you a great chance to take pictures to add to your portfolio. When you meet with new brides who are uncertain about what they want with their hair, you can show them your best styles. You should consider taking pictures of the final style as you are learning new ones. Being able to visibly see your progress is very encouraging and can help you stick with a particular hairstyle even when it is difficult to learn.
Activity #2: Find a Styling Vlogger
Estimated time: 15 to 20 minutes
Take about 15 to 20 minutes and search YouTube for bridal stylists who offer instructional videos. Watch a few videos, looking for ones with a style and approach you like. If the stylist is still active, subscribe to those channels to help you stay on top of the latest in bridal fashion. In the unfortunate event the channel is no longer being updated, bookmark it and take the time to watch the channel's archives.
4.3 Other Modern Options
There are numerous ways to approach bridal hair.
Modern choices are those that blend together casual elements with more formal bridal fashions. These styles are popular with brides of all types, so having a few in your portfolio may help you attract additional clients.
4.4 Elegant Low Ponytail
For a bride with a more laid back, simple style, an elegant low ponytail is the best way to highlight their natural beauty without too much flash or gimmick.Completing this style is easy; ensuring that holds is slightly more challenging.
Step One
Curl the bride's hair in sections, ensuring it falls in the same direction. Brush through those curls with your paddle brush next.
Your goal is to create hair with a bit of a wavy volume to it, not curly hair. Keep brushing until you have loose, tussled waves.
Step Two
Gently tease the crown with your tail comb, creating a similar shape to the one in the last module. As you tease
the hair, gently pull it back with your hands to start forming the same you want at the top. Discuss this step with
the bride in advance to be sure you do not under or over-tease the hair.
Step Three
Pull the hair back into a low pony tail. Again, you should speak with your bride before completing this step to be
sure the base of the ponytail is in their preferred position. The precise position varies depending on preference
and the length of the bride's hair. Try this a few different ways before you and your bride decide on the right one.
Step Four
Secure the style. Unlike elaborate up-dos, you do not need a lot of pins or product. Instead, you need to be sure
the ones you use are carefully placed. Use a flex hold hair spray to ensure that the ponytail stays in place while still
looking natural.
4.5 Half Up, Half Down
This is a beautiful style that can be adapted in hundreds if not
thousands of different ways.
The only constant is that part of the hair remains down while the top half is styled up.
You can get as creative with this 'do as you want', making it a favourite among brides and stylists alike. While the
specific steps do change depending on your approach and the final look you are aiming for, there are a few
common steps.
Step One.
Start by brushing the bride's hair with a tangle teaser to encourage additional volume. In some cases, you may
want to curl the hair, similar to the modern romance up-do base. In others, your bride may prefer to have their
hair perfectly straight. Make sure you discuss a few different options in advance.
Step Two
Begin working on the top part of the hair, pinning and securing up desired sections of hair. If you use elastics, you
can also use smaller bobby pins to secure the top part of the style to the bride's hair.
Step Three
Add embellishments or décor as the bride desires, taking care to reinforce the hold of the top part of the style.
Spray the rest of the hair liberally with a flexible hold hair spray.
Loose Waves
As discussed in the last module, you can simply stop the modern romance style half way through if your bride
wants loose waves.
As with any other style that is to remain loose, you should spray this liberally with a flexible hold spray to ensure
the style stays in place without looking unnatural. To add a bit of flare to this look, consider using a focal point,
such as a hair piece or flowers, to make the hair stand out a bit more.
4.6 Chignon
The chignon is one of the most elegant styles, yet it still has a very modern look.
Stylists can make small changes to its layout and shape, adapting it to the bride's personality and preferences.
Step One
Part the hair down the middle. Decide now which side you want the chignon to fall. For this example, it is going to
fall to the right. Standing to the right of the bride, pull both sections of hair towards you, creating two ponytails
and holding one in each hand.
Step Two
Make sure the hair is completely prepared and smoothed. If not, take this opportunity to give it a bit sleeker and
shinier. Then tie it into a loose knot.
Step Three
Wrap one of the loose ends around the knot, pulling it to the right. Place a few pins in this location to secure it.
Then repeat on the other side, again using pins to hold it in place.
Step Four
Spray the style into place using a medium hold spray and extra pins as needed. For added drama and flair, you can
curl the ends or tease the hair before you wrap it around the knot. This gives it a bit more volume but does make
it harder to work with.
Activity #3: Put Your Own Spin on a Half Up-Do
Estimated time: 20 minutes
Ask a friend with long hair to help you with this exercise. Spend about 20 minutes creating various half up-dos,
looking for ways to make them unique, beautiful, long-lasting, and with a personal touch.
Don't restrict yourself to the tools discussed in this and prior units. Instead, think outside the box. Consider things
like flowers, twigs, and jewels. Once you have a few styles you like, ask your friend if you can add them to your
portfolio.
4.7 For Short Hair
Brides with short hair often have a much harder time finding a beautiful hair style.
Most brides want to do something different and fun with their hair on their big day. Short hair does not need to
prevent that dream from coming true. While it does cut down a bit on the types of styles you can consider, there
are many that are perfect for short-haired brides.
Old Hollywood Glam without the Length
One of the best ways to instantly add class and glam to a bride's look is to frame her face in the style of a 1920s
society girl. Using gel, spray, and your tail comb, carefully work the hair into place. This style relies on a deep side
part, with strands almost unnaturally framing the bride's face in an Sshaped pattern.
This look is perfect for brides who want a dramatic element to their look. Since spray and gel are the foundations
of this style, it can hold for an exceptionally long time, making it perfect for all day/all night weddings.
Braids and Waves
Depending on the length of hair you have to work with, you can make liberal and creative use out of braids and waves. Braids can be used to keep hair back, to highlight certain sections of the hair, or simply to look amazing.
Different types of braids are suitable for different looks.
For example
Loose waves are perfect for Bohemian brides.
Wavy hair is also perfect for brides with shorter hair. As long as your wand can go through the hair, it is not too
short. Creating loose, beachy waves is a great way to make an everyday bob skyrocket to the next level.
It is difficult to create an up-do with most short hair styles. However, many brides are very happy when you can
use braids, waves, and other small tricks to give them a more dramatic look than the one they wear every day.
Decorative Accessories
Adding some bling or a decorative accessory to the bride's hair is the perfect way to call attention to her beautiful
look without needing to create an up-do. Do not limit yourself at a diamond tiara either. There are many amazing
headpieces you can find, including headbands, crystal strings, and elaborate clips. Even if you cannot do anything
exceptionally fancy with the bride's hair, adding an accessory like this does make the look more formal.
Consider Extensions
If your bride insists on a style that simply does not work with their hair length, recommend they invest in
extensions. This is a great way to lengthen their hair for the wedding without the commitment of growing out long
hair. If you are trained, you can offer to put them in yourself, or you can recommend a reputable salon.
Fact
Only 31% of brides bought a veil for their wedding in 2013, preferring the focus remains on their hair. Source:
New York Times
4.8 For Windy Days
Outdoor weddings present a unique challenge to bridal stylists.
You have to balance the need for a style that can hold for the entire day, regardless of the weather conditions,
while still looking beautiful and somewhat natural. Thankfully, there are a few popular bridal styles that can
withstand wind, rain, and even the bride's favourite dancing songs.
4.9 French Twist
The French twist is a classic style that has endured throughout the
years for its elegance and universe appeal. It is also a fairly simple one to learn.
Step One
Spray the hair with dry shampoo to give some grip and texture. If you are aiming for a sleek look, be careful not to
overdo it with the dry shampoo. Instead, spray it on your hands and use them to apply it to the hair, which gives
you a bit more control over the amount.
Step Two
Pull the hair on the front of the head back. If the bride wants a sleek look, use a bit of spray or gel to pull it back
tight. Those looking for something a bit looser do not need the spray. Instead, pull the hair loosely back. You want
to make it tight enough that the twist holds but not too tight that it loses texture or volume.
Step Three
Grab all of the hair in one hand, twisting it upwards and spreading it out a bit in the process. Try to make the twist
as tight as possible while still leaving room to tuck in the ends.
Step Four
Tuck the ends into the twisted part of the hair. Secure with standard bobby pins, or pins with extra grip if your
bride has thin hair. Place the pins all the way down the twist for maximum hold. Spray liberally with a medium
hold hair spray.
4.10 Tight Top Knot
Another style that can withstand the wind is a tightly done top knot. Brides who opt for this particular style tend
to steer clear of veils, instead preferring the focus be on the hair and the dress.
This gives you a bit of freedom to add extra bling and accessories to the knot upon completion.
Step One
Pull the bride's hair into a tight, high ponytail, securing it near the top of the head using a hair band or elastic. Use
a bit of gel or serum around the hairline before you begin, smoothing it down to the ends of the hair to make the
look as sleek as possible.
Step Two.
Divide the pony tail into two equal sections. Secure these with hair pins to make it easier to work with. Before you
move on to the next step, add a bit of styling cream to each section, making it even smoother.
Step Three
Twist each section of hair around the other, all the way down to the bottom. This makes the knot smooth and
reduces the risk of flyaway hairs.
Step Four
Wrap the twisted hair around the hair tie, moving in a clockwise direction. Once you have all the hair wrapped in a
bun, pin it into place. Use as many pins as it takes for the bun to maintain its shape. Spray liberally with an extra
hold hair spray and take a few moments to comb up any flyaway hairs on the front.
4.11 A Fishtail Side Braid
Fishtail braids are incredibly popular, regardless of occasion.
They keep their hold well and have a beautiful yet unique look to them.
Brides who are eager for a style that can hold but one that is less traditional that a bun or French twist should
consider opting for a fishtail braid.
Step One
Using gel or a serum, smooth down the hair so that it is sleek and shiny at the top. In some cases, this style works
well with a messy, tousled look, but if your bride is specifically looking for something to withstand the potential
elements, you should stick with a version that holds well. Give the bride a wide side part, spraying the top section
into place using a light hold spray.
Step Two
Gather the hair on the same side as the wide part together and begin to braid it. Make sure you keep the hair
steady as you braid, so it falls right where you want it to when you are finished. As you gather sections to braid,
keep them as small as possible. This gives you a tight braid with longer natural hold.
Step Three
Take your tail comb and back comb your way up the braid, holding the end with one hand and sweeping upwards
with the comb in the other. Spread out the sections a bit as you go if you are not convinced it has enough of a
fishtail look.
Step Four
Secure the end with elastic that is the same shade as the bride's hair. Use your tail comb to be sure that the top
and back sections of the hair are not going to flyaway. Spray once more.
Fact
Outdoor weddings are only legal in England if it takes
place under a licensed fixed structure.
Source: The Guardian
4.12 Unique Twists on Classics
While these styles, and other bridal hair fashions, are all stunning,
adding your own unique twist or something extra can sometimes take the look to the next level. As you are practicing these and other styles, think about what else you could do to add something extra to the
look. Do not worry about mastering one particular skill before trying to add your own flair. In some cases, figuring
out how to make a certain style your own is exactly what you need to perfect that skill.
Think Outside the Tiara
Tiaras are beautiful; there is no doubt about that. However, they are a pretty cliché part of a bride's up-do.
Unless your bride has their heart set on one, consider exploring other decorative hair options.
There are a range of special bobby pins, straight pins, headbands, and hair clips that have elaborate, intricate, or
flashy designs to them. These are the perfect addition to a hairdo that needs something a little more. Pushing
decorative hair pins into the breaks in a braid highlights the unique style selected by the bride.
Use Flowers
Wedding flowers are always so beautiful; why not use them in a bridal style? There are hundreds of ways you can
incorporate flowers, decorative twigs, and even leaves into a beautiful bridal do.
A few of these include:
Tuck a flower into the side of a bun or chignon
Poke several smaller flowers through the bride's braid
Instead of using a decorative elastic, stick a flower or a few flowers at the top of a ponytail or bun
Incorporate a tiara composed of twigs, leaves, and flowers Pin a
flower behind the ear
The possibilities are only as endless as your imagination, so consider brainstorming a few ideas in advance of
meeting with any bride. Offering little extras like these shows that you want their experience with you to be
personal, and that you care about how they feel on their big day.
You can use real or fake flowers in the bride's hair; it depends on preference and availability. If you do choose to
use real flowers, make sure you take all steps necessary to keep them alive as long as possible. This includes
placing them in the hair last, after you have finished spraying. You may also want to look into taking a few classes
on working with fresh flowers, to gain a bit more familiarity with this particular styling tool.
Get Creative with Braiding
Braids are incredibly versatile, making them so useful when it comes to bridal hair.
Depending on the length of the hair, you can turn a braid into a headband, holding back hair and framing the face
in a beautiful way. Braids can also be used to make mini halos around the back of the hair, which is a perfect way
to spice up a hairstyle that would otherwise be dull, such as a simple ponytail.
Use a Jewelled Hair Piece
Vintage charm is making a huge comeback in almost every area of fashion, including bridal. Ask the bride to take a
look through some family heirlooms to see if they have any hair clips, pins, elaborate combs, or head pieces.
Incorporating one of these into the bridal style can add a lot of flair, especially if there is not going to be a veil. It
also signifies a strong connection to the bride's family, which often means a lot to elderly relatives.
Module Summary
Before you begin styling bridal hair professionally, you should be sure you have mastered the styles listed above in addition to the one covered in the second and third modules. This gives you a wide range of options for your brides to choose from. In addition, it makes it easier to improvise and learn new styles when you have the basics perfected. Styling a bride's hair can be a very fun and rewarding job, but if you are not prepared it can be incredibly stressful. No one wants to be responsible for a bride not looking their best on their big day. To help you expand your repertoire, we covered a few different styles in this module that are also fairly common. We began by discussing other modern options sure to please most of your brides. We then moved on to giving you styling suggestions for brides with short hair or outdoor weddings.
Finally, we talked about a few ways you can add some unique twists to classic styles. Our next module covers a few other recommended items that all bridal stylists should carry in their kit. Make sure you review the contents of this module and the prior ones carefully to ensure you are familiar with each tool you require.
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