Meeting a bride's beauty expectations on their wedding day falls heavily on one thing: the trial. Schedule trial runs four to six months prior to the wedding to make sure you and your guest are a good fit and can meet each other’s expectations, says Caralee Pridemore (@caraleestyles), Sam Villa ambassador and bridal specialist. Here, she shares five tips for a successful trial.
- Arrive Ready. Have guests wash hair with a volumizing shampoo and massage a dime size of conditioner throughout and dry hair before arriving. Starting with a clean canvas allows styling products to be layered to build a solid foundation for hold, without older product buildup getting in the way.
- Products. Advise against using softening products like leave-in conditioners and masks because they create too much slip. The goal is to get the most grip out of hair so the style will last all day/night. Instead, apply a blowout cream on ends and a volumizing mousse at roots and blow-dry the hair upside down to create tons of volume and a nice foundation for an updo.
- Texture. When up-styling, the more texture the better—it creates fullness and longevity. One of the easiest ways to do this is with a texturizing iron. If a bride is hesitant, explain that by crimping key sections with light compression 1 to 2 inches off the scalp, the hair cuticle expands and creates massive volume. Since it is only used in certain areas, other hair around the hairline lays over it, hiding the markings.
- Extensions. If a client wants a half-up, half-down style with fullness, but doesn’t have a lot of hair, offer extensions. Discuss which option is best—permanent or short term—and think about their budget and add on fees. Hair padding equals an add on fee, day of prep equals add on fee, etc.
- Accessories. Accessories help to tell the story and set a vibe. Is the wedding rustic chic, posh, boho, beachy or urban? There are unlimited options when it comes to accessories. Have some on hand to show what could work, or advise them to bring what they have already chosen. And don’t forget the veil! Have them bring it for the trial, along with pictures of the dress, as the neckline also comes into play.
RELATED STORIES: BRIDAL HAIR TO TRY OUT:
Learn How to Get This Boho Bridal Updo
How to Create Glam Bridal Waves That Last
How-To: Bridal Half Updo with Waves
7 Hair & Makeup Pros to Follow for Major Bridal Inspo
3 Simple Bridal Styles That Prove Less Is More
Step-by-Step: Fall Boho Bridal Braids
Bridal Menu: A Great Tool for Building a Strong Bridal Business