I know we all would
love to think we can just show up at the salon fresh from our shower, and allow the hair geniuses do their thing and you'll look perfect. There is more you need to take in to consideration!
Latrice Strader, master hair stylist & owner of Washington D.C. based salon and spa, Destiny De’ve has a few simple tips to make sure your up do’s don’t turn into do up don’ts!
Down and Dirty: Shower the night before, not the day of your event. “Hair that’s a day or two old is easier to work with,” says Latrice. “When hair is too soft, it doesn’t hold curls or tease as well.”
Avoid a Wardrobe Malfunction: Wear a button-up shirt. “Some women are so distracted with everything else on their mind that they don’t think about the shirt they are putting on over their head the morning of an up do,” says Latrice. Imagine how you'll feel when you ruin that sleek up-do by pulling a t-shirt off. Just don't do it!
Think Total Package: You need to take into consideration what your dress and accessories look like. “Strapless gowns generally look nice with some romantic waves or loose curls hanging down, whereas dresses with busy tops would look the best paired with a French twist or sleek pompadour ponytail,” advises Latrice. Do a run-through by fixing your own hair as close to how you want it as you can, along with trying on your complete ensemble (shoes, bag, jewelry, the works), to see the whole picture. You may discover everything doesn’t fit together quite like it does in your head, and you’ll want to be able to rethink things ahead of time.
Don’t be afraid of hair accessories: Never underestimate the power of a well-placed accessory. If you see a piece in a store or magazine that attracts you, ask your stylist if it can be incorporated into your up do. Again, think total package. “If the rest of your look is simple, playing up your face with a stunning flower or sophisticated headband can add some high drama to your look,” says Latrice. But just don’t go overboard. You want one show piece that’s going to stand out, so don’t do this if you already plan on wearing an elaborate dress, necklace or other attention-grabbing piece. Simplicity is the key here.
Inject some personality: You should still look like yourself and feel comfortable. “If you always wear your hair down, maybe try an up do with a part that has some face-framing locks falling down,” Latrice says. “This way it’s similar to your typical look, but with some added glamour.”
Honesty is the best policy: If you are not 100% happy with your up do, don’t keep it a secret! “You may not want to sound rude or demanding, but your stylist would rather know if things aren’t looking like you imagined,” says Latrice. “They will be able to adjust the up do for you better in the salon than you will be able to do yourself at home.” As well, remember that an up do generally doesn’t look chic and polished until the very end, when the final spritzing and smoothing is administered.
Destiny De’ve 
