Bridal Glam Waves— are they right for you?
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Glam or Hollywood waves have become a popular bridal style during the 2020-2021 wedding seasons. Although it appears to look soft and effortless, this is one of the more difficult styles to achieve and is not right for everyone. Below are some things to consider when deciding whether this style is right for your hair type.
Extensions are a non-negotiable.
Regardless of how long or thick your hair is, you will need to purchase clip-in extensions to maximize the longevity of the style. This style is extremely sensitive to humidity and sweat, which let’s face it, are two unavoidable things on wedding day. Extensions help add structure to the hair, which in turn maximizes the longevity of the style.
All HAH brides who are interested in this style are required to purchase clip-in extensions. We recommend either Bellami classic clip-in extensions or Luxy classic clip-in extensions, which have worked well for our bridal clients in the past. You may choose whichever length you would like, just keep in mind you will lose a few inches with any type of wave or curl. Also remember that you will need to have your extensions cut and blended into your hair so they appear as natural as possible. Your bridal hairstylist will discuss how much you need to have taken off during your bridal hair preview appointment.
Ideal for hair that holds a curl well.
Your bridal hairstylist is specially trained to style hair in a way that is meant to last for a long period of time. However, if your hair does not typically hold a curl well at all, there is not much your stylist can do. The extensions will help add structure and reinforce the curl pattern, but sometimes that just isn’t enough. If despite your stylists best efforts, they determine your hair type is not suited for the glam waves style, they will discuss other options that might work better for your hair type. Trust your stylist— they know what will last the duration of the day and what won’t!
Sensitive to heat and humidity.
This style is one of the most sensitive styles as your hair is completely down with a sleek and well-defined appearance. If you are planning to spend a lot of time outdoors on the wedding day during the hot summer months or if you hair is prone to frizz, this style may not make much sense. Your bridal hairstylist will use plenty of product to help combat the humidity, but you know your hair best. If frizz is a constant battle for you and you are getting married in the middle of July, you know what will happen. You may want to consider an updo instead that won’t succumb to the humidity. Check out these inspirational ideas for glam updos that have a similar look and feel, but will hold up in the heat.
Booking touch-ups is highly recommended.
As previously mentioned, this style is extremely sensitive to heat, humidity, sweat, wind, and even head movement. All unavoidable things on your wedding day! It is highly recommended that you book hair touch-ups if you do decide to go with this style. There are a few options when it comes to the timing of touch ups.
During photos. If perfect wedding photos is of upmost importance to you, you should book your hairstylist to accompany you and your photographer during the time when majority of photos will be taken. Wedding vendors have seen it all in wedding photos; a piece of hair snagging on a bead of the dress, the wind blowing apart curls, or humidity causing a frizzy halo effect. Choosing this option will ensure you look perfect for each shot.
Before the reception. Alternatively, you could wait to have hair touch-ups after the ceremony and right before the reception to ensure you remain flawless through the end of the evening. Keep in mind you would need to step away from all the fun for at least 30 minutes to be touched-up.
Extra time & costs are to be expected.
This style is one of the more difficult styles to achieve and takes an experienced stylist to execute it properly. This style requires a LOT of product, extra preparation, and ultimately more time. First, your hair to be curled and set until the curls have completely cooled down. The extensions will also be clipped into your hair during this step. Then, once your curls have completely cooled down, your hair will be brushed out and set using clips and product until the desired result is achieved. Typically, this style requires two hours to complete; broken into two, one hour time blocks. Due to the extra time, product usage, and preparation, you can expect extra costs associated with this style.
Bridal glam waves appear to be soft and effortless. However, this is one of the more difficult styles to achieve and is not right for everyone. It is important to fully understand the limitations of this intricate style in order to align your expectations of what your bridal hairstylist can achieve given your hair type.