As you start thinking more about your health ahead of your wedding, don't forget to take care of your hair [1] as well. The moment you start planning your big day, you should start a hair care routine to ensure it looks the best it can in time for your wedding. Everything from the products you use [2] to manageing your stress levels are vital to maintaining soft and glossy hair.
We consulted hairstylist Emely Miranda [3] of Nexxus Salon in NYC to find out exactly what you should be doing now to ensure your hair is healthy for your nuptials. Ahead, check out her advice for the best hair of your life.
Use the Right Products
Developing the right hair care routine as soon as you start planning your wedding will ensure your hair is in good shape in time for the event. "You should treat your hair with as much care and attention as you do your skin, so choose a shampoo, conditioner, and styling product that are suitable for your specific hair type," Miranda said.
If you have any specific hair goals, they should be reflected in the products you're using. If it's dry, for example, using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner is essential. If you have colour-treated hair, make sure you're using a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner [4].
Lay Off the Heat
We know it's tempting, but laying off the heat as much as is vital to maintaining the health of your hair.
"I always tell my brides to cut down on heat styling — this means putting down the straighteners and curling irons," she said. "If you can't give them up completely, set a realistic goal, like cutting it down to two to three times per week. And don't forget to always use a heat protectant while heat styling."
Get Regular Trims
Even if you're trying to grow out your hair for your wedding, it's important to get regular trims to make sure your hair looks its best and doesn't have any split ends or breakage. "Not cutting your hair for a long period of time will lead to even more rough split ends," she said.
Miranda advised seeing your hairstylist every three to six months for a trim. "Ask her to dust off all of those ugly split ends and you'll begin to notice your hair growing in quicker and healthier."
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat not only affects your skin, but also your hair. "As you begin to plan for your wedding, remember to start incorporating a healthy diet and make sure you are getting the right nutrients for your body," she said. That means incorporating more foods with omega-3s [5] into your diet, like salmon, eggs, and spinach to give your hair shine.
Relax!
While you're planning your nuptials, it's important to stay calm. Stress increases cortisol levels, which can have a negative impact on the hair. "I know it's hard to tell a bride not to stress while planning her big day, but your overall stress can affect your hair as well — in bad cases, it can even lead to hair loss," she said. "Take deep breaths, practice self-care, and relax as much as possible."