Hair crowns the bride

Running to your hairstylist a day to your wedding will not work magic to your hair. Months of caring and feeding your hair will do you great, writes ANN WANJA

The bride is the centre of focus at a wedding, and with her wedding dress and gait notwithstanding, the crowning glory is the hair. Many a times, brides fall short of enjoying the biggest day of their lives because they are stressing over a hairdo they can’t stand, but have to bear with for the day.

Like every preparation, the hair also needs to be adequately taken care of in order to make the bride look and feel just as stunning. Most people rush to the stylist on the evening before the wedding, hoping for a miracle. Failure of taking care of your hair would lead to tangling, coarseness and split ends, which would become a challenge if addressed at the eleventh hour.

Hydration is an essential practice for a bride to be. Drinking lots of water reaps great effects in making the bride glow with health. Water helps in lowering body fat, flushing out cellulite, improving digestion and also in getting rid of dark circles under the eyes and hence making you feel full. How does this relate to hair?

According to L’Oreal hair educator, Marie Solange, one should keep to a balanced diet and hydrate often.

 “Hair is composed of protein and moisture, and these should be balanced at all times. Therefore, taking water regularly will go a long way in keeping hair healthy,” she says.

Diet plays a crucial role in the final outcome of your hairdo. Marie recommends eating a balanced diet often and in small portions to detox and maintain healthy skin. Foods such as green vegetables, fruits, sprouts, honey, cereals, nuts, grains, fish, soybean and dairy products come highly recommended.   

Stress also manifests itself in your hair. It’s important to delegate work to various people who’ll help make the big day a living memory. 

Along with every other item on the checklist, it is advisable to book with your stylist early in advance for your bridal party to save on time and costs. 

It is also important to sleep well as one goes about the preparation and have moments of silence to meditate and relax.

“A bride should sleep for about seven hours every day, and avoid late partying on the night before the wedding,” Marie advises.

Revitalise

Your hairstylist is an asset prior to the wedding day. Having a relationship with a professional stylist will have an impact on how the hair will look at the end of the day. They should be qualified enough to advise on the diet you should take to help revitalise your hair.

They should know products that best suit your hair. They should also know when hair is breaking, is over-processed or under-processed during a chemical application procedure. Stylists are pricy, so ensure the value for your money is fully achieved.

The hairstyle you choose will also determine how you’ll enjoy your wedding day. Consult with your stylist on the various hairdos that match your face and height. Test them out prior to the wedding while checking on the comfort and durability of the hairdo throughout the day.

Janet still gets shivers when she recalls how her stylist failed to read the instructions on an imported weave.

 “I realised when it was already too late that it was becoming a disaster when the weave refused to curl as per the pack. I had to ask for a refund, had the hairdo removed, and settled for a hair extension,” narrates Janet.

Always remember, as you cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin, that your hair also needs cleansing and moisturising. Your hair will thank you.