Wedding Beauty Dilemma: Should the Bride’s Hair or Makeup Come First?

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

The big day has finally arrived and all eyes are on the bride as she makes her way down the aisle. Her dress is perfectly tailored, her bouquet is stunning, and her radiant smile lights up the room. But have you ever wondered how she achieved that flawless look? One of the biggest questions for brides preparing for their wedding is whether to get their hair or makeup done first. It may seem like a small detail, but it can greatly impact the final result. Today, we delve into this age-old debate to determine which should take priority and why. So, if you’re a bride-to-be or simply curious about wedding day beauty preparations, read on to find out: should a bride get her hair or makeup done first?

The Importance of Timing: Bride’s Hair and Makeup

When it comes to preparing for the big day, timing is everything. And this holds true not only for the wedding itself, but also for the preparations leading up to it. One of the most common questions that brides-to-be often ask is whether they should get their hair or makeup done first. While there is no definitive answer to this question, there are several factors to consider in making this decision.

The Essentials of Hair and Makeup Styling

Hair and makeup are two crucial elements on a bride’s wedding day. These styles should complement each other and enhance the overall look of the bride. Therefore, choosing which one should be done first can make a significant impact on how your final look will turn out. Your hairstyle may influence the placement of your veil or any hair accessories, while your makeup may affect how your hair is styled.

It’s essential to communicate with your hair and makeup artists beforehand to ensure that there’s enough time for both services without feeling rushed. They should also coordinate with each other to avoid any delays or miscommunications.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on Order

As mentioned earlier, there are several factors that brides should consider when deciding between getting their hair or makeup done first:

The Type of Hairstyle You Want

If you have a specific hairstyle in mind that requires intricate braiding or updos, it’s best to get your hair done first before your makeup. This way, you won’t risk ruining your carefully crafted hairstyle while trying to avoid smudging your mascara or lipstick during the process.

On the other hand, if you’re opting for a simple down-do hairstyle, you can start with getting your makeup done before moving on to styling your hair.

The Weather Forecast

Weather can also play a significant role in choosing which service to prioritize first. For example, if your wedding is taking place on a hot summer day, it’s best to get your hair done first before your makeup. Sweating or humidity can quickly ruin hairstyling, but touching up your makeup is more manageable.

If your wedding will be held outdoors, consider opting for an updo hairstyle that will keep your hair secure and prevent any wind or weather-related mishaps.

The Amount of Time You Have

Bridal beauty prep takes time, and you wouldn’t want to be racing against the clock on your wedding day. Consider how long each service may take and plan accordingly. Typically, makeup takes less time than hairstyling, so getting it done first may help ease any schedule delays.

If you’re running short on time, prioritize the service that may take the longest so that you won’t have to cut corners on either hair or makeup.

Your Skin and Hair Type

Another critical factor to consider is your skin and hair type. If you have oilier skin or hair that tends to get greasy quickly, then it may be best to get your hair done first before applying any makeup. This way, you can avoid excess oil or sweat from smudging or breaking down your makeup.

In contrast, if you have dry skin or are prone to allergies, it’s best to have moisturized skin before applying any makeup so that it won’t appear flaky or cakey.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Now that the factors are laid out for deciding which service should go first let’s discuss some additional tips to ensure a smooth process on the actual day:

– Start with a clean face and washed hair before going into either service.
– Schedule a trial session with both artists beforehand to ensure they understand what look you want and how much time it takes.
– Have a touch-up kit available throughout the day for any last-minute fixes.
– Communicate any changes in schedule or preferences to your artists to avoid conflicts or unexpected surprises.

The Final Verdict

In conclusion, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding whether the bride’s hair or makeup should be done first. It ultimately depends on the factors discussed above and personal preferences. However, it’s crucial to plan ahead and communicate with your artists to ensure that both services can be accomplished smoothly and efficiently. With proper coordination and preparation, you’ll look stunning from start to finish on your special day.

The Importance of Wedding Day Beauty Preparation

Planning a wedding is an incredibly exciting and overwhelming experience, as there are countless things to consider and decisions to be made. One crucial aspect of your wedding day look is your hair and makeup. As the bride, all eyes will be on you, making it essential to look your best. However, with everything else going on during the big day, it can be challenging to determine whether you should have your hair or makeup done first. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of adequate wedding day beauty preparation and whether the bride should get her hair or makeup done first.

Why Hair and Makeup Comes First

When it comes down to making a decision between having your hair or makeup done first on your big day, experts recommend prioritizing hair. The primary reason for this is that hair tends to require more prep time than makeup. Styling, braiding, curling, or simply applying extensions may take longer than anticipated. Therefore, it’s important to allocate enough time in your schedule for this process.

Additionally, if hair styling comes after makeup application and any stray hairs fall onto your face, causing smudges or smears on your freshly applied makeup – chaos can ensue! This can lead to multiple touch-ups for both hair and makeup artists which will take up valuable time and delay the entire schedule for the day.

The Importance of Pre-Wedding Beauty Trials

To minimize any potential conflicts between your hair stylist and makeup artist when creating a wedding look that suits you best – pre-wedding trials are highly recommended. These trials allow both professionals to see what they’re working with ahead of time and determine how much time they’ll require on the actual wedding day.

Additionally, pre-wedding trials are essential because they give you an opportunity to test out various looks beforehand and decide which one you love most. This will allow you to communicate your desires and preferences to your stylists, ensuring that they create the perfect look for you on your wedding day.

The Power of Professional Hair and Makeup Artists

One crucial aspect that many brides underestimate is the power and expertise of professional hair and makeup artists. With years of experience under their belts, they know how much time is required to create a masterpiece, which products work best for each individual, and how to handle any last-minute mishaps.

Having professionals take care of your hair and makeup on your wedding day will not only save you time but also ensure that you look flawless and camera-ready throughout the entire event.

The Benefits of Starting with Hair

Aside from avoiding potential makeup mishaps, there are several additional benefits to having your hair done first. For starters, doing hair before makeup allows time for any necessary touch-ups or adjustments after securing accessories such as veils, headpieces, or flowers in the hair.

Secondly, starting with hair also helps set the mood for the rest of the day. Having your hair styled first can make you feel more put together and confident before moving on to makeup application.

Is There an Exception?

While it’s standard practice for brides to have their hair done before makeup on their wedding day – there may be exceptions. For instance, if you have intricate eye makeup planned but want a simple hairstyle – in this case, it may be more efficient to have makeup done first.

If both hairstyles and makeup looks are equally complex – another factor that may influence the order is how prone you are to smudging eye makeup. If you accidentally smudge or ruin some of your eye makeup while having your hair styled – finishing off with a touch-up after would be more efficient than having everything perfectly done only for it all to be ruined during hairstyling.

In summary, adequate wedding day beauty preparation is essential to ensure you look and feel your best on one of the most significant days of your life. When it comes to hair and makeup, it’s recommended to have hair done first to avoid any potential disasters or delays. Pre-wedding trials with professionals will also help guarantee a seamless process on the actual wedding day. However, in some exceptional cases, it may be more efficient for makeup to be done before hair – ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and the complexity of each look. With proper planning, you can create a stress-free and flawless beauty experience for your wedding day.

Q: Should the bride get her hair or makeup done first?
A: It is recommended that brides get their hair done first, followed by makeup. This allows for a smoother process and ensures that the hair does not come in contact with freshly applied makeup.

Q: What if I have a specific hairstyle in mind for my wedding? Should I get my hair done first then?
A: Yes, in this case, it would be best to get your hair done first and then proceed with makeup. This will ensure that your hairstyle stays intact and does not get ruined during the makeup application.

Q: Can the bride’s hair and makeup be done at the same time to save time?
A: It is not recommended to do both at the same time as it can make the process more rushed and lead to mistakes. It is better to stick to a structured order of getting hair done first followed by makeup.

Q: Is it necessary for the bride to have a trial run before her wedding day?
A: We highly recommend that brides have a trial run for both their hair and makeup before their wedding day. This allows for any adjustments or changes to be made beforehand, ensuring that you are satisfied with your look on your special day.

Q: Who should the bride consult for advice on her wedding day hair and makeup look?
A: It is best to consult with a professional hairstylist and makeup artist who specialize in bridal looks. They will be able to provide expert advice based on your preferences, wedding theme, and personal style.

Q: Is it necessary for bridesmaids/mothers of the bride or groom to follow the same order of getting ready as the bride?
A: While it is not necessary, it is recommended that bridesmaids/mothers of the bride or groom follow a similar order as the bride. This will ensure a more cohesive and organized getting-ready process and avoid any last-minute stress or confusion.

In conclusion, the decision of whether a bride should get her hair or makeup done first can greatly impact the overall tone and flow of her wedding day. While there are no hard and fast rules, it is important for brides to consider several factors before making a decision, including their personal preferences, individual schedule and coordination with their bridal party and makeup artist/hairstylist.

During the planning process, it is crucial for brides to communicate clearly with their beauty team about their vision and expectations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Additionally, having a trial run prior to the wedding day can help to avoid any potential issues or surprises.

Ultimately, every bride should prioritize their own comfort and happiness on their special day. Whether choosing to have hair or makeup done first, it is important for brides to relax and enjoy the experience, trusting in the expertise of their beauty team.

Overall, getting hair or makeup done first is a matter of personal preference and there is no right or wrong answer. As long as brides communicate effectively with their beauty team and prioritize their own well-being during this special time, they are sure to look stunning on their wedding day.

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.