Should I Wash My Hair Before The Wedding? An Award-Winning Bridal Hairstylist Shares Her Advice
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
It's probably one of the questions I'm asked more than any other by my brides...
"Should I wash my hair the night before my wedding, or leave it a few days?"
The truth is, there isn't one answer that suits every bride.
After more than 30 years of styling hundreds of brides, I've found that the best preparation depends on your hair type, the hairstyle you've chosen and the products your stylist plans to use.
Here's what I recommend.
Should I Wash My Hair Before My Wedding? My General Advice
Most of my brides are asked to wash their hair the evening before or the morning before their wedding, but always follow your own stylist's advice because every hairstyle is different.
Hair should feel clean, fresh and completely dry unless you've been told otherwise.
“My hair goes greasy really quickly I need to wash it on the morning”
This is a conversation you need to have with your stylist. It will fully depend on the style that you are having on the day. Sometimes it can just be a matter that you're maybe using the wrong products. Your stylist will guide you on the best preparation for your individual hair type.
MYTH “My hair is better to style when it's dirty"
As a bridal hairstylist with more than 30 years of experience, I can tell you that this simply isn't true.
In fact, if a bride arrives with hair that hasn't been washed for several days, it often contains natural oils, dry shampoo and product build-up that make it much harder to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting style.
There have even been occasions where I've asked a bride to wash her hair before I can begin styling because it's simply too greasy to work with.
Clean, well-prepared hair gives me the best foundation to create a hairstyle that lasts all day while still looking soft, natural and beautiful.
Avoid These Common Mistakes:
Arriving with damp hair.
Using lots of oils or serums.
Blow dry rather than using straighteners
Washing it on the morning when your stylist asked you not to.
Sleeping with wet hair.
Sleeping with tight bobbles that create extra curls and kinks
Too much dry shampoo
"What if I Have Very Fine Hair?"
If you have very fine hair, the aim is to create as much volume and texture as possible before styling.
For most brides with fine hair, I recommend washing it the evening before your wedding rather than on the morning. Freshly washed fine hair can sometimes feel too soft, limp or flyaway, making it more difficult to create long-lasting volume.
When conditioning your hair, use it sparingly and apply it only to the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the roots where it can weigh the hair down.
It's also best to avoid heavy styling products such as oils or smoothing serums before your appointment. Instead, products like volumising mousse, sea salt spray or root lift spray can help create the perfect foundation for your hairstyle.
During styling, your hairstylist may also use professional products such as texture sprays and volume powders to add extra body, grip and long-lasting hold.
Fine hair doesn't mean your hairstyle options are limited. With the right preparation, products and styling techniques, beautiful, full-looking bridal hairstyles are absolutely achievable.
"My hair is super thick it takes forever to dry?"
If you have very thick hair, I'd usually recommend washing it the morning before your wedding day, rather than the evening. Thick hair can take a long time to wash and dry, and the last thing you want is to be up late the night before your wedding spending hours with a hairdryer!
One of the biggest mistakes I see is brides allowing their hair to air dry. While it might seem like the easiest option, it can often lead to frizz, uneven texture and make the hair much harder to style. Always make sure your hair is completely dry before going to bed.
It's surprisingly common for brides to arrive on the wedding morning with hair that's still slightly damp, especially around the roots or at the back of the head. Unfortunately, damp hair is never a great starting point for creating a long-lasting bridal hairstyle.
I also recommend double shampooing to make sure your hair is thoroughly clean. Pay particular attention to the hair at the back of your head, as this area is often missed and can retain oils or product build-up.
After conditioning your mid-lengths and ends, keep styling products to a minimum. A heat protectant, a lightweight blow-dry spray or a very light volumising mousse is usually all that's needed. Thick hair already has plenty of weight, so we want to keep it smooth and manageable without overloading it with products.
"What if My Hair is Naturally Curly?"
I absolutely love working with naturally curly hair, and if your dream is to embrace your own curls, then I am 100% here for it!
My advice is simple: stick to your normal hair routine. You know your curls better than anyone else, and you'll already know which products give you the best definition, moisture and bounce.
Avoid trying new shampoos, conditioners or styling products just before the wedding, as they may not give you the results you're expecting.
On the wedding morning, I can enhance and define your natural curl pattern, often using as little as a curl cream or lightweight styling product to reduce frizz and bring out the best in your curls. The aim is for your hair to still feel like you—just the most beautiful, polished version.
Don't feel pressured to straighten your curls. Natural curls are beautiful, full of personality and can create the most stunning hairstyles. If wearing your curls is what makes you feel most confident, then embrace them!
Kelly's Top Tip 💍
The biggest mistake I see isn't that brides wash their hair—it's that they panic after reading lots of conflicting advice online.
Trust the hairstylist you've chosen. They'll tell you exactly how they want your hair prepared to achieve the style you've booked.
Still Not Sure?
If you're unsure how to prepare your hair, ask your bridal hairstylist during your trial. Every hairstyle and every hair type is different, and a personalised recommendation will always give you the best results.
Need More Bridal Hair Advice?
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Kelly Hanks
Award-Winning Bridal Hairstylist
30+ years helping brides across Yorkshire & County Durham
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