Wedding Preparation Dos and Don’ts

DON’T try a new color on your hair too close to the big day, this is a certain recipe for disaster. Changing your hair color is a big decision and there are many things to consider. What will your skin tone be on your big day? Do you want the color temporary or permanent? Are you planning to do the color yourself or use a stylist? According to The Knot wedding guide, coloring hair should be done one month before the big day. This will give the color time to tone down and if it’s the wrong color, there’s now time to fix it.

Whether you do color at home or at the salon, master hair colorists recommended the following:

• Correcting an unwanted color should only be left to the experts. If you’re unsatisfied with a color you’ve done at home go to a stylist to fix it, they’ll know how to do it correctly and repair what’s been damaged.
• If you want to do something dramatic like going from dark black to platinum blond, do not attempt this at home, simply because it’s not a single processing procedure. It takes many attempts and can be very expensive.
• A strand test is the best way to preview a desired color. Elements like how long you leave the color on and dyes that have been used before will be a strong factor in the result.
• If you have newly color treated hair before the wedding, do weekly treatments with a deep conditioning treatments with hair strengthening proteins.

DO take your time in choosing a makeup and hair style. You have plenty of time to decide what colors and style best suits you. Once you’ve chosen your veil, go for the style you’ve always wanted whether it’s an elegant updo, sexy, long curls or a short and cute bob. Make sure to get honest opinions from your friends and family, this will only help your decision making process easier.

For makeup choices, keep in mind your skin type and tone and go from there. While most brides opt for a natural look, a night time wedding may call for something more dramatic like black eyeliner and heavy mascara.

DON’T get a facial or wax the day of your wedding. Although spa facials aren’t typically aggressive, products are being used that your skin isn’t used to and the techniques are designed to deep clean the pores. Even if it’s a gentle facial, your skin may have a reaction, break out or appear red. Putting make up on right after a facial can clog your pores and cause congestion. The best time to get a facial would be two to four weeks before the big day. This gives skin time to regenerate and look it’s best for your event.

Getting a wax job the day of your wedding is never a good idea. Regardless of whether you are a novice or you have been waxing a long time, it’s an aggressive procedure and newly waxed skin needs time to heal. Even though there are several types of gentle wax, skin can instantly get red, bumpy and irritated. You may need up to a week to heal and get the skin back to normal.*

To be as comfortable as possible on your big day. Waxing should be done one to two weeks ahead of time. After waxing, use a post care product that retards the hair growth. This way, you can put your next waxing appointment off for one to two weeks!

DO on the other hand, schedule other treatments like a massage or pedicure. These services are acceptable the day of because there is little to no risk of an esthetic and physical reaction. A massage will help you relax and forget wedding stresses for at least an hour! A manicure and pedicure is a great idea for some wedding day girl time with your bridesmaids and mothers. It’s a great time to bond, relax and get pretty. Make sure to let your your hands and feet dry for at least 30 minutes after your mani/pedi and make sure to take home the colors you used to fix any mess ups!

DON’T do any tanning treatments the day of your wedding. Mystic tan, airbrush and tanning beds are off limits! You never know what your skin is going to look like and if you haven’t done a patch test, you might regret the results. Even though these services may promise not to turn the skin orange, they cannot be guaranteed to not transform your skin tone into an undesirable color. If you’re considering a professional tanning treatment at a salon or spa, ask for a patch test. If they can’t do it – don’t get it! This could ruin your wedding day. Consider doing self tanning at home with a natual looking product.

DO consider trying airbrush makeup. It’s the best way to keep make up looking great all day and night long. Using an air hose and a compressor, the foundation’s fine particles “mist” perfectly onto the skin. Whether you do it yourself or have it applied, airbrush makeup gives skin a sheer and flawless look. Airbrush foundation is a choice for makeup artists who work with models and actors who are constantly photographed and on motion picture. Models like airbrush because there’s no tugging on the skin and no contamination between applications. (3) The makeup lasts between 10 and 20 hours. With airbrush makeup, you won’t have to worry about constantly touching up your makeup throughout you’re reception. Another added bonus, some kits can be used on legs for veins and other discolorations.

DON’T forget to stock up on your favorite goodies. It’s your day, you deserve it! Getting your favorite products for your big day only enhances the experience. It’s your day, so spoil yourself!