Best Tressed

Hairstylist to the stars Sally Hershberger tells Weddingbells how to get your perfect bridal hair. By Stephanie Gray

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Sally Hershberger (sallyhershberger.com) has styled some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Julia Roberts, Kate Moss, Tom Cruise, Michelle Pfeiffer and Sandra Bullock to name a few.  Recently, Weddingbells had the chance to find out her take on getting perfect wedding-day hair that’s red-carpet worthy.

Weddingbells: How should a bride go about choosing her hair for her wedding day?

Sally Hershberger: For such an important day, the hairstyle is key to the bride feeling beautiful and confident. The bride should look through magazines to get ideas and schedule an appointment to discuss the different options with her hairstylist.

The hairstyle and the dress should work together, so it’s a must that the bride knows what overall look she wants to achieve. If she already has a dress picked out, even better. Be sure to bring the photo with you when you consult with your stylist.

WB: What should your hair routine be prior to the big day?
SH:

• Several months prior be sure you are using the right products to help strengthen and repair your hair. I have created a product line that is formulated for your hair type, which takes out all the guesswork. The Sally Hershberger product line is designed for Normal to Thin, Normal to Thick, and Wavy hair. Each line uses cutting-edge technology to give your hair just what it needs to be naturally beautiful.
• If you have short hair consider whether or not you want to grow it out for your wedding so that you have options for hairstyles.
• Schedule appointments with several different hairstylists to get opinions and options.
• Allow yourself a good amount of time and make sure you book the hairdresser six weeks to two months prior.
• Wash and condition the day before and don’t put any product in your hair. Then don’t wash your hair on the day of your wedding.

WB: When should your last cut/colour be?  
SH: Two weeks prior to the wedding day.

WB:  How important is the trial run?
SH: Very—you should have a couple of trial runs with different stylists.

WB: What hairstyles are you loving right now?
SH: The trend right now is all about sexy, naturally beautiful hair. Hair that has sexy layers, texture and an undone look is really the hottest thing.

WB: What style would you recommend for the following brides?
SH:  

• A beach bride: Natural sexy waves, I was one of the first people who designed an entire hair product line for wavy hair because everyone always wants those Giselle waves.
• Has short hair: Classic and chic. You don’t want to flatten it out too much. The product that you use is very important because you don’t want to use a hard gel. It should be feminine and soft. My Star Shine is a finishing spray that gives the hair a beautiful red-carpet shine.
• Is more classic/traditional: A soft updo, like a clean chignon. Classic in the front and slightly textured in the back.
• Wants something trendy: A bride should never be too “trendy” because what’s trendy now will likely go out of style. A bride should look timeless. What is trendy and will always last is an undone look: a not-too-perfect updo.

WB: Many women choose hair accessories like feathers, flowers and veils. How do you incorporate them into your final look?
SH: Less is more when it comes to accessories for the bride. If you’re going to use something, use just one. Your dress is amazing, you look amazing, and you don’t want to take away from that.

WB: What celebrity red-carpet look would you love to see on a bride?
SH: Natalie Portman at the Oscars and Kate Winslet at the Oscars.

WB: What’s your top tip for perfect W-day hair?
SH: Go for the classic look.

Sally Hershberger's hair collection can be found exclusively at Shopper's Drug Mart stores across Canada.