Here come the brides. And bridesmaids and flower girls and prom queens and all the rest of the beauties that will be heading to your chair as the special occasion season gets underway. If you live to send your clients down the aisle or to the dance or the party with major hair confidence, you’ll want to start preparing now! First step? Check out this rundown of bridal trends and tips from Pureology Artistic Director Emily Alders @emily.alders.

BRIDAL TRENDS
1. Silhouettes with Organic Texture. “The majority of brides are asking for half down styles, utilizing braids to create the desired shape,” Alders says. “Also, look for lots of requests for low-to-the-nape, soft chignons.”

2. Delicate Accessories. Brides love accessories and this season is no exception. Right now, accessories are trending toward the delicate, according to Alders, with individual hair pins, hair combs and vine headbands in demand. Brides are looking for pieces that incorporate pearls—the season’s hottest gem—plus antique jewelry and floral designs fashioned with wire. 

3. Extensions for Everyone. With brides asking for fuller down and half down braids, the additional density and length provided by extensions is critical, according to Alders. Luckily, thanks to multiple extension types and price points, there are options for every bride. (See Alders’ tips for extension selection and care below.)

4. Brides Love Balayage. Hand-painted hair color gives every bride a level of customization that enhances her hairstyle. “Be sure the hand-painted highlights are soft and diffused when the hair is swept up or to the side,” Alders advises. “And if the style is completely up, be aware of nape placement. No matter what the style, there should always be maximum brightness around the front hairline—these brighter pieces create texture and dimension. And for blondes, be sure to recommend a purple toning shampoo like Pureology Strength Cure Best Blonde Shampooto keep brassy tones at bay throughout the honeymoon!”

5. Skip the Bridal Hair Trial. This may be controversial but hear her out. “I don’t do trials,” Alders explains, “because it’s too hard to recreate the trial style exactly on the day of the wedding. And if the client is holding a picture of the trial style and her day-of style isn’t an exact replica, she’ll get upset.” That doesn’t mean you should skip a pre-wedding consultation, though, and get your hands in her hair! “I’ll play around, see how her hair takes a curl, see how it holds pins,” Alders notes. “Then I feel ready for anything!”

EMILY ALDER’S BRIDAL PRODUCT MUSTS
Pureology Mess It Up Texture Paste. “It gives me tons of control when I’m braiding and dries to a satin finish. It also secures shorter pieces of hair in a braid.”

Pureology Wind-Tossed Texture Finishing Spray. “Spray it onto the feet of the bobby pins before inserting them into the hair for extra grip and texture. This is one of my favorite hair hacks!”

Pureology Style and Protect Lock It Down Hairspray. “It provides a light, dry finish but it really holds the hair in place. My tip is to hold the spray the distance of the can from the head—a good foot—and apply with short bursts. This ensures you’re getting product instead of just accelerant onto the hair, and you get a drier finish.”

Pureology Travel Sizes. “You can gift them or sell them, but I like clients to be able to take their styling products along for touchups after photos or dancing because we’re not with them all day!”

EMILY ALDER’S BRIDAL EXTENSION TIPS
1. Include Extensions in the Initial Consultation. “Extensions should be part of the color and style conversation from day one.”

2. Determine the Client’s Level of Commitment. “Hand-tied wefts, for example, require a bigger investment and they take the most time to install. Tape-ins are mid-level in terms of cost, and the install takes less time. Both require move-ups every eight to ten weeks. Clips-ins are also options, but I don’t do too many clip-ins for brides.”

3. Order and Install Extensions 12 Weeks Before the Wedding. “Doing so gives the bride time to get used to the extensions and gives you time to make adjustments in density and length. It also allows time for the bride to get her first move-up right before the wedding day. If you don’t keep popular colors in stock, most extension companies offer two-to-three-day shipping.”

4. Go Over Proper Maintenance to Ensure Extension Longevity. “Using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for extensions is a must—I like Pureology Hydrate Sheer.  And a leave-in like Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Benefit Leave-Inis essential for detangling—tangles at the root are one of the biggest issues with extensions. Colour Fanatic also leaves the extensions shiny and moisturized.”

Discover how Pureology products and education can help you beautify all your brides!