Bridal Hair for 2018: The Create Beautiful Hair Favourites
Whatever the weather, whatever the season; a bride wants to look her best on her wedding day and it’s up to you as her chosen bridal hair stylist to know how to create a bridal hairstyle that leaves her looking flawless…
Some bridal hairstylists see themselves as specialising in more contemporary looks, others in classic bridal styles but if you want to be a really successful hairstylist who stays fully booked all year round and is loved by all clients of all ages, it’s important to know your stuff about a wide variety of techniques.
From beautiful braids to vintage and retro styling, it’s all worth knowing, even if it’s not to your own taste. Sometimes a bride has her heart set on a certain look, but as her hairstylist you might know that what she wants is not always the best option.
Don’t be pushy, always work with her and listen to her wants and needs, but don’t be shy in offering your opinion or alternative solutions. Your expertise might just help her to discover that dream look she didn’t even know was out there! But to get it right, you need to be aware of and skilled in a broad selection of up-dos, down dos, plaits and braids and blowdrying techniques to handle any look.
Faux ‘Air-Dryed AND Effortless
2018 is predicted to see a huge rise in trend for the ‘wholesome wedding’: Outdoorsy, woodland themes; “naked” cakes and minimal décor. It seems only fitting for the bride to match the theme!
If you have a bride seeking a more natural look for her Big Day, then faux ‘air-dried’ hair is going to be the ‘do for her. Looking effortless yet stylish, unpolished and cool. With minimal products and tools needed, this hair-down look is all about enhancing the hairs own texture. The idea is to keep it looking naturally gorgeous, like it’s just air-dried that way….

-
Start with damp hair (not wet!) and lightly comb through if needed, although try to do this as little as possible, as you want don’t want to change the hairs natural texture.
-
A little product is vital to make this look work and stop the hair looking fluffy – You want deliberate effortlessness, not genuinely natural hair!
-
Blow dry with a diffuser and lift at the roots. Whether your bride’s hair has a wave or not, a little dab of curl or wave cream like ‘Redken No Blow Dry NBD Airy Cream’ can work wonders.
-
If your bride has fine hair, try adding a little oil to the ends after towel drying to ‘dress’ and then lift and loosen at the roots around the crown to give the appearances of more volume.
-
For extra lift, use those trusty Babyliss heated rollers! If your client would prefer a little extra texture then try ‘Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It‘.
Braided Beauty
One trend we will be bringing with us from 2017, all the way through 2018 is the ever-popular plaits and braids. This is one bridal trend that is here to stay. Whether it’s a classic blow out with a baby hair line braid, a pancaked Dutch braid or a beautifully classic French plait; it’s clear to see that 2018 will showcase some of our well loved looks from the last few years.
Why not give your bride a jaw dropping ‘Wow’, with a beautifully slicked-back ‘do and a trio of braids fastened together at the back to give and soft and romantic feel?

-
Set the hair in rollers or blow dry for that essential root-lift.
-
Once the foundation is laid, part the hair into a deep side parting, and spritz with a Sea Salt Spray to add in some texture. We love ‘Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray’
-
Add a 3 strand braid just beneath the ear on the left side and wrap it across to the right side and secure.
-
Repeat on the right side, securing just under the braid on the left.
-
Using the ends of both braids fold backwards and secure them together with Bobby pins to give the illusion of 3 braids.
-
If you want to add another dimension to this look you can curl the ends of your bride’s hair.
Captivating Curls
Talking of styles that never seem to go out of fashion, let’s talk curls…
2018 bridal hair is all about those waves and curls, natural or not. Loose curls and wavy hair are perfect for all types of bridal looks; whether your client is after an up-do, an all down or somewhere in between. Loose curls and waves are an easy way to achieve that dreamy look that will be seeing so much of in the coming year.
Romantic and sexy, we love this fab texture, even if it is one that makes many bridal hair stylists nervous! Pair bouncy tendrils with woven in flowers in a faux braid, or add in some rope twists for a bohemian half up half down do.
If your bride has natural curls, don’t freak out! We know that this is a challenge many bridal hair stylists out there are afraid of, but with the right techniques you’ll have no problem at all. If your bride is happy to embrace her natural curl, then help her really go for it! Define those ringlets with an excellent curl creme (we love TIGI Curlesque and Boots Essentials Curl Creme) and amp up the volume. If your bride would like to soften her curl, setting rollers in can help to do that in a really gorgeous way, loosening them up and making larger curls rather than tight ones which is often much easier for us to work with if you then want to style an up-do.

-
Make 2 French plaits using the front section of hair
-
Pull back the rest of the hair in to a high ponytail.
-
Plait the pony tail using a fishtail braid and wrap it in to a bun to make the top knot.
-
Wrap the two French plaits around the top knot and secure in to place with bobby pins.
-
Spray a light coating of hairspray to keep in place.