Wedding Hairstyle Chat With The Wedding Doctor

Mandy: Hi Everyone! Welcome to our wedding day hairstyle chat brought to you by Pantene Ice Shine!

Mandy: We will be chatting with our special guest celebrity hair stylist Laura Sikora from the Juan Juan salon whose clients include Christian Slater, Julia Roberts, Brooke Shields, Helen Hunt, Reese Witherspoon, Tia Carrere, Brooke Burke & Lori Loughlin.

Mandy: We also have Wedding Tips senior editor and wedding expert Hilton Johani as well! Thanks for joining us today Hilton!

Hilton: Hi, ladies!

Laura_Sikora: Thank you for having me, I'm excited to be here.

Mandy: OK! Here we go with the questions!!

rebed: Can you have a pretty up-do with chin-length hair?

Laura_Sikora: Of course you can -- it depends on exactly how you are planning to wear your hair, your style of dress, and where your wedding is being held. Short strands of hair and anything like that can be taken care of also, depending on how short they are.

AM31: I was wondering if all of your bridesmaids should have the same type of hairstyle?

Hilton: It used to be all the rage to have your bridesmaids' hairstyles match, but the trend nowadays is to let them be themselves. It's perfectly fine for each girl to get her hair done in the style that flatters her most.

Diamond_Girl: My hair is very damaged, can you suggest any treatments?

Laura_Sikora: Yes, I would suggest the Oleo Relax Moisture Treatment from Kerastasse.

AM31: What is a good way to get ideas on wedding hairstyles?

Hilton: We have hundreds of images on WeddingTips.co.za, grouped into slideshows for short hair, medium-to-long hair, and updos. You can click through the different pictures and print out the ones you love to take to your stylist.

Mandy: To ask a question, just type your question and then hit the "ask" button for it to go to the moderator.

Stacey: What is the best way to take care of your hair before the big day?

Hilton: Using salon-quality products for your basic, three-step routine -- shampoo, condition, and deep condition -- is a great start. Visiting your stylist for regular trims will keep your hair healthy and free of split ends, and trying not to over-use tools such as curling irons, hair dryers (avoid the hottest settings!) and flat irons will also help.

GemPrincess: How can you make sure that your hair will stay looking nice if you are having an outdoor ceremony?

Laura_Sikora: Using all humidity-resistant products, and of course making sure your hairspray is a firm-hold finishing spray. Do not use a styling spray or it will break down and not hold your hair well. Always use a finishing spray and a shine spray to top it all off.

June_Bride: How soon should you try a new do before the wedding day? How do you keep others from seeing it prior to the wedding?

Hilton: Meet with your stylist at least eight weeks ahead of time, and show him/her printouts of styles that you like. Bring your veil and/or headpiece with you so your stylist can work with it. If the first style you try doesn't work for you, keep going back until you find one you love. To keep your style a secret, snap a picture of it at the salon and then dismantle it before you leave.

Mandy: To ask a question, just type your question and then hit the "ask" button for it to go to Laura and Hilton.

KarenAnne: I am considering extensions, but I'm worried about damaging my hair too seriously. I don't know whether to choose tracks, bonding, or fusion. What do you suggest?

Laura_Sikora: The track is usually braided or glued, which I would not suggest. Fusion and bonding is basically the same thing, a protein and keratin bond which is fine if you are willing to wear them after your wedding. I use the hairloc system which is the same style as the bonding, but it's used with a copper bead. Basically you slip the hair into the bead and press down, so it's completely permanent yet completely temporary. You can either remove it after the wedding, or keep it in for up to two and a half months after the wedding before needing maintenance.

femfirefighter: Is it ok to wear your hair down if wearing a tiara?

Hilton: Hi, Femfirefighter! You can certainly wear your hair down with a tiara if you want -- just make sure the headpiece is anchored securely, and try it out in advance to make sure you like the look.

tray: Is there a hairstyle that can be worn up for the wedding and down for the reception?

Laura_Sikora: Yes there is. You would have to start the style with your hair curled if that is how you want to wear it, then pin it up. That way you have the updo for the wedding, then remove the pins, fluff it a little and use some styling spray to get it exactly how you want it for your reception.

nemo726: I have a stacked bob, and am not sure what kinds of hair styles would be good for my hair. i do have a veil and tiara

Laura_Sikora: If you want to go classic (which I suggest when you're getting married), you can wear your cut the way you normally do, but come in for a blow dry and have the style set so it's not moving around. If you want to wear it up, consider adding extensions. With a short bob, the only updos you could have would be too funky and spiky.

taby: hi there! I'm having a huge problem with hair loss -- is there anything i can do between now and the wedding? it's growing so slow; i had my last cut in march '06, and my wedding is in 12/19/06
Hilton: For severe thinning, consider getting a hair weave before the wedding to thicken it and hide your scalp. It will look natural and you can wash and style it like regular hair. There are also topical treatments that work well for re-growing hair, but with your wedding date so close, a hair weave is probably your best bet.

Mandy: To ask a question, just type your question and then hit the "ask" button for it to go to Laura and Hilton.

AM31: What type of things will help my hair grow faster and healthier?

Laura_Sikora: Depending on the amount of time you have before your wedding, the two major things to add shine and length to your hair would be to add a lot of red meat protein to your diet and to take pre-natal vitamins. In terms of products, I would suggest Nioxin which is clinically proven to grow hair faster and thicker, and basically brushing your hair often. A lot of brushing creates blood flow and induces hair growth. If all else fails, you could get extensions.

sterling: I've heard you're not supposed to wash and condition the day of your wedding... is that true?

Hilton: It sounds a little strange, but squeaky-clean hair can actually be harder to work with and hold a curl. A professional stylist should be able to work with it, of course; but if you're doing your own hair, we recommend that you wash it the night before so it isn't completely stripped of natural oils when you start working with it.

joonluv630: How much does it cost to have a stylist and makeup artist come to your home the morning of ur wedding?

Hilton: It depends on where you live and what time you want your stylist and makeup artist to arrive at your home. In Johannesburg , about cost me R800 each for a top stylist and makeup artist to come do your hair at your house

chris: i want to take my veil off at my reception. how can i have it stay in my hair in a way that won't mess it up when i take it off?

Laura_Sikora: When you go through and do your updo, hopefully you are doing it according to how it will look with or without the veil. If you want to remove your veil in the evening, the best thing to do is not make a spot for it in your hair. If you have a big or heavy veil, you will need to anchor it in your hair, but 99% of the time that is not the case. Have a bridesmaid watch the stylist apply the pins so they know how to take it out without making the rest fall.

jhilger: What type of hair accessories are in right now... or are brides just having a veil???

Hilton: Veils are always in, but trends include tiaras, jeweled headbands, barrettes, and bobby pins, and anchoring actual pieces of jewelry to your hair (think beautiful brooches).

Danielle: I have a big princess gown, and very, very fine hair. It's long and permed, but very very fine. I definitely want mine up, but you can see my scalp.

Laura_Sikora: That is not a problem at all. What you want to do is create a base in the hair before you start by backcombing the head of hair except for the hairline. Then go back in and apply your style. Then there is something to pin the hair to and it will create a color shield, almost, and give the appearance of more hair because it will be away from your head. Avoid shiny pomades or similar products.

dellia: I need a style that is not exactly an updo because I like curls -- what do I do?

Laura_Sikora: Well, basically you need a good consultation to make sure both you and your stylist are on the same page. You can have your hair all the way down and curled first, then have it put up slightly. You don't want to put your hair completely up first and then curl it because you might find something in between that you really like.

tlrbride: What type of updo do you suggest for a BM with hair that is below the middle of her back?

Laura_Sikora: Bridesmaids need to look different from the bride; if the bride wears her hair up, the bridesmaid should can wear her hair curled and half up or down. If your attendant wants her hair up, with her hair being that long, be sure to give her at least an hour to an hour and a half with your hairdresser.

monthaway: I am not sure which is sexier, hair up, down or half and half.

Hilton: It really depends on what you feel most comfortable in -- nothing is sexier than a woman who feels confident. A strapless gown tends to look ethereal and classic with an updo, whereas long, loose hair brushing your bare shoulders tends to look sultry.

Melissa: I want to wear my hair down with some wavy curls, and I am wondering what I can do on the wedding day to help maintain the curls from falling flat without making my hair look like it has tons of hairspray in it?

Laura_Sikora: The first thing you want to do is to come in with your hair dirty from the day before. If you feel like your hair is the type of hair that will not hold a curl, I would wash your hair, use volumizing and clarifying shampoo with a little bit of conditioner on the ends. Then use a medium-hold styling gel before your blow-dry and then from there, go back in and use a clay-based wax to go in and style with your styling spray. The clay wax or pomade will give your hair just enough dirt to make it hold.

PrettyBetty: I ABSOLUTELY love lights, sparkles & twinkles. I saw something on tv about adding a battery pack to my hair so it'll light up for my BIG DAY, how should i go about finding out if it'll work or not?

Laura_Sikora: They actually have braids which flicker different colors at certain hair shows -- your best bet is to look online. But you're probably OK because it won't be a big battery pack, there are small watch batteries that power your lights and it should last all night.

Mandy: To ask a question, just type your question and then hit the "ask" button for it to go to Laura and Hilton.

Janelle: I am getting married at 6 in the evening, and my appointment is at 1 to get my hair done. Do you think this is too early?

Hilton: If your appointment takes an hour, you'll still have to protect your hair for several hours before you start taking photos. If you can move your appointment so you have no more than two hours to wait until you start taking your pre-wedding photos, it won't be as risky.

superbride: What hairstyle do you suggest for a beach wedding?

Laura_Sikora: You always want to stay classic, but beach weddings are a bit more casual and casual weddings go with your hair half up or all the way down. Preferably not a perfect curl; use one with a curling iron, then on your next section use a waving iron, your next section use a flat iron for curls and if you want to go overboard with the casual hair you can do some straight pieces and twist them with wax -- it will create a very done, yet beachy styled look.

abride: How do out-of-town brides usually find a hair stylist? And what about trying styles -- do it at home with your local stylist and bring photos?

Hilton: WeddingTips.co.za has a local search tool where you can tell us the area where you're getting married, and we show you stylists in that area. You can flip through pictures of their work to narrow down your choices, and bring print-outs of styles that you like when you get there. Make sure you do a test drive with the stylist BEFORE your wedding day.

tammy: What products do you recommend for a woman of color that wants a soft updo?

Laura_Sikora: Something that will give you shine; I recommend you get a basic blow-dry with a basic moisturizing shampoo and conditioner unless you have a brand you prefer. Then use Oleo Relaxed Shine Serum and do a basic blow dry and flat iron. From there, you should have the desired shine and texture that your updo will need to look soft.

PrettyBetty: i was thinking about dying my hair; when is the best time to do it before my wedding?

Hilton: Color or highlights should be tested months before the wedding, and done no sooner than a week before the big day itself once you've settled on the look for you.

Jen: I have spiral tight curls and I am having a hard time finding styles that work around them. Everything I try doesn't turn out right. I LOVE the look of loose curls. How do I get them with my hair? If I try curling it with a curling iron there are a lot of kinks still in it.

Laura_Sikora: You have to have it blow dried straight first, with a round brush. Then, go back in and apply your curls. Avoid using the flat iron -- the round brush blow-dry should be enough to straighten your hair.

Jessie: I have uncontrollable hair, it has tons of body, but isn't curly -- how would I get my hair healthy and manageable on my wedding day?

Laura_Sikora: Have a Masque Intense by Kerastasse treatment, preferably twice the month before your wedding. I would suggest you get it blow dried the night before you go in for your wedding day hairstyle, that way it has the desired texture because of the one-day after look - it's perfect. Of course, polish it off with shine spray.

Jessie: How do you make fine, thin hair look thick?

Hilton: There are several ways you can add fullness to your hair for your wedding-day hairstyle. A permanent is one route you can take, but if that seems too drastic and long-term, you can ask your stylist about working a hairpiece into your natural hair. To take matters into your own hands, start testing hair products designed to add body to see which one works best for you.

Mandy: To ask a question, just type your question and then hit the "ask" button for it to go to Laura and Hilton.

Jessie: How can I achieve a vintage look? I am wearing my hair down.

Laura_Sikora: I would suggest more natural waves; you can use a diffuser and the right products if you have natural curl. Once you're done with that, I would use a basic one-inch barrel curling iron to apply a few sporadic curls in the appropriate places.

Jessie: How far before the wedding should you touch up your hair color?

Laura_Sikora: I would be on the safe side and do two weeks. In two weeks it won't grow out to where you can see a root. but you will be used to it by then and if something goes wrong it will be long enough to keep your hair in good health and have it done again before the wedding if you have to. But never change your hair color right before the wedding!

Jessie: What styles look best on a full figured woman wearing a Mantilla veil?

Hilton: I recommend having your hair styled down in soft, loose curls with a Mantilla veil.

Jessie: Laura, could you answer my question as to whether or not a woman in her early 40's should always keep her hair short because it is more age appropriate?

Laura_Sikora: I know many women even in their older stages of life, who have grown out their hair for the first time and it looks terrific. I think age has little to do with hair length, it has to do with attitude, personality. and confidence.

bride2B777: How do I find out what kind of wedding hairstyle is best for my face shape?

Laura_Sikora: Stick with something classic and avoid anything that makes you feel uncomfortable -- and make sure you're on the same page as your hairdresser. All you need to do is make sure that you know what you don't want (for example, avoid what makes your ears or chin stick out, or something too tight, etc.); then, you will know what you do want.

Nancy: i am having a hard time finding a ribbon headband -- is that something my hairdresser should have?

Hilton: It doesn't hurt to ask your stylist if he/she can loan you one for the day. If you can't get one through the salon or a beauty supply store, try visiting a fabric shop and fashioning your own with hand-chosen ribbon and a basic headband.

kimk: When you have naturally curly hair, is it possible to have extensions or another alternative and have it match?

Laura_Sikora: Of course. With Hairlocs Extensions you can match color and texture and do combinations of both.

trina: should you pay for your brdesmdaids' hair to be done?

Hilton: If you are going to ask your bridesmaids to have their hair done professionally, you'll need to offer to pay for it; if you don't make this request and they choose to have their hair done on their own, they pay for it themselves.

Mandy: Laura and Hilton - thank you so much for joining us today!! Any last thoughts for us as we prepare for the big day?

Hilton: Just remember that the best hairstyle for you is the one that makes you FEEL the most confident -- you can never go wrong if you feel beautiful.

Laura_Sikora: Make sure you relax and don't stress out -- everything is going to be fine. And, never, ever. ever worry if you're running late with your hair. If you're unhappy and running late with your appointment, or late for photos, etc. don't leave unhappy -- you're the bride, so the wedding can't start without you!

Mandy: Thank you so much Hilton and Laura! Again, Laura Sikora is a celebrity hair stylist at the Juan Juan salon and Hilton Oliveria is the senior editor here at WeddingTips.co.za -- our resident expert!

Mandy: A special thanks to Pantene Ice Shine for sponsoring this chat as well!!!!

Mandy: Have a great night!!!