Guest Blogger- Kaitlyn Morris: Getting the Best "Hair" for your Wedding Day

Our guest blogger today is hairstylist, Kaitlyn Morris, who services Richmond, Charlottesville, and the surrounding Virginia areas.

When you think about having the best hair for your wedding day, do you think about the style or the condition? Most would jump to style, but you should be thinking about the condition of your hair first. To have your style look the best on your special day, you need to have your hair in "tip top" shape. This is not something you rush two weeks before the wedding, it's something you plan 6-8 months before the wedding. Let's talk about a few things you can do to improve your hair's health.

Pregame: First, you need to think about how you will wear your hair. You can't go wrong with growing it out, but make sure you still trim the ends. With some styles you need the length to make it work. You can always cut it after the wedding. To keep your hair healthy for your upcoming wedding get trims every three months. Ask your stylist to cut a 1/2 inch off or one month's growth.  That’s the key to growing your hair and keeping it healthy.

Healthy Hair, Happy Bride: Think about what you put into your body. You are what you eat and so is your hair. Make sure to include some of these foods in your diet as you prepare for your big day: Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Dark green veggies are a good source of Vitamin C and A, so get as much as you can. And almonds are a good source of Zinc. Working these foods into your diet not only benefits your hair but also your skin. You will be glowing in no time!

Products, Products, Products: You know that feeling when you buy any off brand items? You somehow can always tell the difference from the name brand. Shampoo and conditioner are the same way. Go the professional route and buy products from a salon, since professional products are only guaranteed if they are sold in a salon. Your hair will thank you.

Have your hair colored about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks before the wedding. That gives your hair enough time to "settle" so it still looks fresh, and natural. I would recommend holding off on changing your hair dramatically until after the wedding. You might think you will love adding low-lights to your platinum hair, but if you have never done it before, don't take the chance. If you decide you don't like it and try lightening it back up, you risk damaging your hair. So wait and make a big change AFTER you are married.

You also don't have to just do treatments in the salon, do them at home as well.  Products like "It's a 10 Miracle Hair Mask" and "Pureology Hydracure Intense Moisture Masque" are two of my favorite hair treatments. These simple treatments will not even make your daily "getting ready" time longer. When you shower, put the mask on, shave your legs while it sets. Rinse it out when you're done and you're on your way to healthier hair! The more time you have to leave it in the better, but whatever time you spend in the shower once or twice a week will do just fine.

Trial and Trial Again: Have a trial. When you do, see if you can schedule it around a day you will be active, like going to a party or a night out with the girls. This way you can get a good idea of how it will hold up for the reception. Have pictures ready of hairstyles you are thinking of. It makes it easier on your stylist to know ahead of time what you are looking for. If you don't like the results, repeat. You need to have confidence in your hair choices for your wedding day, so it's one less thing to worry about.

Your Special Day: One last tip: If you can avoid washing your hair the day of, do so. The cleaner the hair is, the more curls and pins tend to slide out. We don't want your hair dirty, so "second day" hair will do and you will appreciate the end result much more. That’s it. Apply these steps for your wedding day and your hair will look fantastic!

Kaitlyn Morris is a hairstylist in Richmond, VA and services Richmond, Charlottesville, and the surrounding areas. She specializes in Bridal hair, prom and homecoming hair, and children's hair. She can be contacted by phone at (804) 839-6931 or at KaitlynMorrisCreates@gmail.com.