Three Hair Trends to try this Spring

If you feel the urge to update your look a bit as the winter comes to end, you are not alone! If you're looking for some inspiration, check out these updates that will work for almost anyone!

The Long Curtain Fringe

Curtain Bangs in all lengths have had serious staying power over the past few years, and aren't going away anytime soon. If you've been on the fence for awhile, consider going for the longer variety (ending between the cheek and jawbone).

This look frames the face nicely, de-emphasizes a forehead, and gives a little lift to long hair styles, while at the same time offering the option to be pulled back into a ponytail as needed.

The Bouncy Blowout

Called "Rich girl hair" by some, I love this classic look because it's easy to perform at home with just a little practice and a few extra minutes.

Here's how I create this look for myself;

First I blow dry with a round brush, and then use texture spray throughout. I use my 1 1/4' iron to curl a mohawk section (like pictured below) up and away from my face, pinning each curl with a duckbill clip.I also like to curl the rest of my hair in large sections downward and towards my face. Then I spray liberally everywhere with a medium hold hair spray.

After leaving the hair set for about 30 min, I take out the pins and brush out my hair for the perfect bouncy volume!

Mermaid Waves

In the salon, you might see this look created with a flat iron. This is the technique that looks like rocking the hair back and forth as the flat iron slides down a section of hair. This method can be tricky to do for yourself, especially once you move past the front & sides of your head.

For a more user friendly approach, check out the Bondi-boost waver. This tool retails for under $60 and has 3 separate barrels. I like experimenting with sections sizes and varying how close to the root I start waving each section for a look that's not too perfect.

Happy styling!

Let's Talk Expectations

If you're getting married soon, you know how important it is to feel confident that your beauty services will keep you looking your best well into the evening. Simply hiring a professional team isn't the only thing you need to do, but not to worry- we're here to help you navigate through this.

photo by Fox + Ivory

First of all, let's make sure that your expectations align with your skin type, facial features and hair texture. It's not uncommon for us to be drawn to inspiration pics of looks that aren't realistic- or will translate much differently on us. For example, having a different eyelid shape than the model in your inspo pic probably means that you can't expect your eye makeup application to be a mirror image. It is your artists' responsibility to discuss in detail these differences, inform you of the outcome you can expect, and provide you with alternate options that you may like even better. This is the difference between a good and a great makeup/hair artist. You don't want someone who will over promise, and leave you feeling disappointed when things don't turn out just like you expected.

photo by Sean Cook Weddings

Next, let's think about the possible weather scenarios on your wedding day. Getting married in late July? If so, you should be prepared for the possibility of temperatures of 100+ degrees, and also humidity and rain. No one wants to think about any of these less-than-ideal scenarios that could require you to change plans, but if you consider these possibilities when choosing your look you will have one less thing to worry about later. If you hate being too hot, and your hair tends to frizz or fall limp in humidity, you should consider wearing it all up for your summer wedding.

photo by Rempel Photography

Finally, you should make alternate plans/solutions for the things that you can't control. Doing your research and selecting an indoor photo location (or three) that you LOVE in case rain prevents you from making it to Millennium Park and the lakefront, you don't have to feel like you're settling. If you're getting married in the summer when humidity is at it's highest, you may want to consider booking your hair and/or makeup artist to stay with you through the afternoon until your ceremony. Be sure to inquire about this when you book your services since this is something that isn't typically available as a last minute add on.

photo by Nicole Morisco

Happy wedding planning!

How to Make the Best of Your Trial Run

photo: Joshua Harrison Photography

The Bridal Trial Run session is a very important part of planning your wedding day look! Not only is it a great time, but a lot of our brides say that once they had their trial (we like to schedule these sessions 2-3 months before the wedding) that things finally felt real and they get even more excited for the wedding day!

Aside from what might be common knowledge there are a few pieces of advice I like to share to help you have the best trial run.

photo: Nicodem Creative

First of all, this is what you can expect;

We start each trial run with a conversation about your inspiration photos, as well as what you love (and what you hate). From this conversation, we determine the best way to proceed.

At the trial run, we set aside a little extra time. This is because we like to check in with you and ask for your input while we create your look in a relaxed setting. This is also our opportunity to get your approval, or adjust things as needed.

We want you to be able to give the trial your full focus for the 60-90minutes that we are with you so you can determine how you feel about our work and share feedback.

I always follow up a couple of days later to see how everything worked out for the rest of the day (because longevity is important), and if you have any special notes or requests for us for the wedding day.

photo: This is Feeling

Here's what you can do to prepare;

Be sure to browse and save photos in advance of hair and makeup looks that you love. Even if you are still undecided on some of the details, we will be able to spot the similarities between your inspiration pics!⁠⁠

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Wear a top that is the same color you will be wearing on your wedding day. This will help a great deal in getting an accurate read on your makeup colors.⁠⁠

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Be selective on having a friend or family member join for your trial run. Some people you know may provide a helpful second opinion which is great, while others may pull your focus from the trial run. ⁠⁠We don't want you to be too distracted with side conversations or entertaining houseguests, that you notice things you don't love about the trial run look hours later.

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If you already have your wedding day accessories, like your earrings, hair comb, veil, etc. feel free to have them handy at your trial. This will help to envision your complete beauty look!⁠⁠

Any questions about preparing for your bridal trial run? Just ask!