Meet the suppliers: The wedding hair professionals

In our series of suppliers’ blogs, we’ll be sharing the very best ideas, advice and inspiration from different wedding industry experts. This week we’ve been speaking to some of the UK’s top wedding hair professionals. Read on for their thoughts on the results of our latest wedding survey, as well as how to choose your big day look and all the latest wedding hair trends…

Anna Chattoe at Anna’s Heavenly Hair

“I’m a freelance bridal hair specialist, with over 17 years’ experience in the industry,” says Anna. “I was trained by Schwarzkopf London and I love to see each and every one of my brides' beaming smiles!”

The latest looks

“As your latest wedding survey found, hair combs are currently the most popular hair accessory, followed by pins and then vines. A couple’s wedding venue also plays a part in the style of wedding hair the bride goes for. I find that softer and more ‘undone’ looks are more popular for manor houses and farms, whereas brides marrying in churches, for example, often choose a more formal look. Up do’s are still the most popular style, by far. Although, I do find I do more ‘hair down’ styling in winter.”

“For bridesmaids, half up/half down is very popular, accessorised with pins or flowers. In the last year, I’ve also seen a trend for very loose, elegant, soft and feminine styles too.”

Top tips…

“Have regular trims before your big day to ensure you have healthy hair and make sure you wash it the night before.”

Jennie Galgey at Bridal Hair by Jennie

“After training at, working in and managing salons, I’ve now had my own styling business – Wedding Hair by Jennie - for over a decade,” says Jennie. “For the last 12 years, I’ve worked exclusively as a wedding hairstylist, creating romantic, bohemian-inspired looks for brides across Essex and the South East. My career has given me some amazing experiences. I’ve styled runways at Salon Olympia and The Clothes Show Live and have attended and spoken at international seminars in Iceland, Malta and Florida. I’ve been recognised by some of the most prestigious industry awards and was recently named Bridebook’s National Hair Stylist of the Year for 2019, based on recommendations from my clients.”

Brilliant brides

“Brides have always been my favourite clients. Getting the chance to play even a small part in someone’s wedding day is an enormous honour. I love helping them to feel their most naturally beautiful. Every bride I meet and every wedding I work on is different and I genuinely love helping my clients become the best version of themselves on their special day.”

When to book…

“On average a couple will book me about a year before their wedding, although this really depends on the couple. If they’re quite laid-back I’ve had brides message me three to six months before their special day. Sometimes I can look after them, but other times myself and the team are already booked up. Although, saying that, I’ve also had brides book me more than two years in advance. It all depends on their wedding priorities.”

Choosing the right style

“A bride’s hairstyle is influenced by the type of wedding they’re having and, of course, the dress. I always ask brides to send a picture of their dress, as it will play a big part in their hairstyle choice. For instance, if you’ve chosen an illusion back dress, you will probably want to go with an up-style, which will complement and show off the detailing at the back.”

Added extras

“I like using pins, as I specialise in natural hair styling and I find them so much more versatile. I’m also fond of a hair vine, as this gives a loose romantic feel to wedding hair. Don’t forget, flowers can also look fantastic, especially if they complement the bridal bouquet."

There are no rules…

“For my brides, we find the style that works best for them and, most importantly, one they feel comfortable with. I don’t think you have to stick to the rules. As long as the look works for you and goes with your dress, then go for it!”

Top tips…

“Make sure that you still look like yourself. You’re going to be looking back on these wedding photos for years to come! Also, you can adopt parts of a wedding trend but you still want timeless aspects. My brides come to me because I specialise in helping them be the best-looking version of themselves. Finally, when you’re looking for hair or makeup on social media do your research. Follow the people who have lots of looks you love and that align with your ideas. If you’re looking at someone’s work and there aren’t plenty of lovely styles you want to try then they’re probably not the right choice for you.”

Dora Stanciu at Lily of the Valley Hair Design

“I am a mobile wedding hairstylist covering the entire Devon and Cornwall area,” says Dora. “I love doing my job. I’m totally passionate about all kind of hairstyles, from classical hair looks and vintage styles to glamorous updos or elegant and sophisticated ones. My goal is to cover a huge range of hairstyles, to please all my brides.”

Added accessories

“Hair combs are very popular at the moment, as your latest wedding survey found, while many boho brides like real flowers added to their hairstyle. I’m finding fewer brides are choosing to have more formal tiaras lately.”

“My brides’ dresses don’t always influence what style of hairstyle they might go for. Although brides who’ll be wearing a fitted dress with a lot of back detail will often have their hair up so it’s on show. I’ve also been focusing more on texturised hairstyles recently, as brides now ask for them more and more.”

Top tips…

“My top tip is to have your hair washed twice and rinsed without conditioner before the wedding. This, along with a few hair products, will help me create the natural volume and texture I need.”

Click here to find a wedding hair professional near you or visit our Wedding Suppliers page to find the very best suppliers in your area. Finally, for more big day inspiration and to find your dream dress, head over to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter