From cozy winter weddings to flower-filled springtime fetes, wedding season feels like it lasts the whole year these days. And if you happen to have a lot of loved ones getting married, you’re likely to be asked more than once to be a bridesmaid this year. That’s all well and good—except when it comes to your wallet. While you likely can’t control the cost of the bridesmaid dress, the group wedding gift, or the bachelorette party, you might be able to control the cost of one significant element—your bridesmaid hairstyle for the wedding day.
If the bride asks you and the other bridesmaids to get your hair done on your own dime, it’s absolutely reasonable to ask if she minds if you do your own hair—you know, to save a little money along the way. And, trust me, the prospect of doing your own hair for a wedding doesn’t have to be scary; all you need is a little patience and some hairspray.
To prove just how un-intimidating it can be I went to Savannah Fincher, hairstylist and corporate educator at Blo Blow Dry Bar, to ask her for three simple, yet elegant bridesmaid hairstyles anyone can manage on their own—and she delivered. I tested each hairstyle out on myself to make sure, and, sincerely, if I can do it with my salt-water and sunshine-soaked California hair, you most certainly can do it too.
If you’re doing your own hair for a wedding you simply need to gather your tools and follow these instructions from Fincher (Note: For these hairdos, I used Pantene Air Spray, Amika Un Done, and Ouai Shine Mist). Fincher also notes you should practice your hairstyle at least once before the wedding to ensure you’ve got it down pat.
1. Sleek Updo Bun
1. Sleek Updo BunTo create a beautiful and simple up-do bun, begin by placing your hair into a ponytail. The placement of the ponytail will be where your bun sits, so be mindful to place accordingly. (I love a ballerina bun so I placed my ponytail on the crown of my head.)
Once your hair is secured with an elastic band, braid the ponytail to the ends and secure with a small clear elastic or a small elastic that matches your hair color. You can apply a wax or pomade throughout the hair prior to braiding if you have layers or slippery hair.
Grab the braid by its ends and wrap in a rotary motion around the base of your ponytail. To secure the bun, push bobby pins through the braid and into the original ponytail.
To finish the look, spray with hairspray or a texturizing spray to keep flyaways at bay.
2. Glamorous, Side-Swept Curls
2. Glamorous, Side-Swept CurlsTo create an elegant, side-swept glam look, part your hair to one side and curl it with a curling iron in uniform sections, allowing the curls to fall away from the face. Let them cool in their freshly curled ribbon state until you’ve finished doing all of your hair.
Once your hair is curled, spray each curl with a medium- to strong-hold hairspray.
Brush through the curls with a wide-tooth comb or a soft bristled brush—this will allow the curls to a take on a smooth, uniform shape.
Tuck one side behind your ear and secure with a barrette or hair accessory. (As a courtesy, run your hairpiece of choice by the bride—she may have a set vision for how she wants her crew to accessorize.)
RealSimple, July 19, 2019
By Stacey Leasca