i decided that we should take a break from all the geeky photography talk and help some of you brides out there plan your weddings with some other vendors in this crazy wedding industry! so i bring you Giselle from Hair by Giselle– a super sweet, fun and well known stylist in DC with years of experience.  i interviewed Giselle to give you brides out there some great advice when it comes to wedding day hairstyling- hope you enjoy a little something different! :)

How did you get started in the hair stylist world? My inspiration came from my dad who started with hair in Fez Morocco in the 60’s. He came here with his siblings, to start a new life and since, there has been 15 of us in the hair industry within our close family. I have a true passion for the special events, styling hair since 1991. I used to photograph (on a smaller scale) weddings on/off for 10 years prior to starting hair, so I LOVE weddings!

What are your favorite types of hairstyles to do on a wedding day? I enjoy the hair chignons, their timeless. Up high, mid way, low…or off to the side.

What is your favorite thing about being a hair stylist? Continuous creativity, working with the brides on their special day and with other their vendors, seeing the magic unfold after months of planning is so rewarding.

How far in advance should you start looking for your stylist? As soon as you have a date, you need to have to time to plan in advance (hair style with facial features and dress type, additional hair needed like extensions or fillers, texture and length for your style needs to be pre determined as well). An initial trial gets us started on how to plan in advance and a final trial is usually a few weeks before the wedding to pull the visual together. the bride will have her veil, headpiece, veil, jewelry and the hair is the same length and color it will be for day of.

What are some important details a bride should consider when shopping for a stylist? Someone who is patient, who can take an articulated style in mind and transform this into a style that really works for the bride. Someone who pays attention to details, works in a timely manner, professional and courteous. being creative is only one aspect, having sufficient training, learning the newest trends, balancing a style and durability are key elements.

What questions should she ask when shopping for a stylist? How long that person has been doing “specialty” hair, what training have they had, present a portfolio of many variations of styles, how their timing works per person, how they work with other vendors such as coordinators and photographer’s time line.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you see brides make? Not coming in for a trial, keeping last minute details for the day of, being delegated to others, as she’s going her hair which is a real distraction.

What factors should a bride consider when deciding what hairstyle to do on her wedding day? First consideration is to coordinate her dress style to her hair, what look fits the theme? Is it classic, whimsy, formal…? pull images to look at but don’t be 100% set on the image, it will depend on the texture, length and condition of the hair…

How long should hair be factored into the time line of a wedding day? I allow for the bride 40 mins-1 hr for the bride, 30 mins per person (regardless of style, I find that the simple blow dry and styles can take as long as the updos), then allow for at least 15 mins cushion time for touch ups at the end.

What are some current trends you see for wedding hairstyles? Buns ( off to the side, back) are very popular, clean and they photograph well ! they can be soft or more taut, depending on the brides preference.

What trend do you see coming back in the future or would you like to see? More of the Audrey Hepburn classics would be nice to see more of as they are timeless, durable (especially when using my hair fillers, a real treat, their used as pin cushions, will not move till you take it out, very light weight, multiple colors, sizes and shapes). I do see a lot of down soft waves but most don’t realizes their hair texture, weather conditions and outdoor weddings can play a factor in its durability.

What is the proper placement of the veil and how do I take it out without pulling out my style? Veil placement will depend on the type of hairstyle you have. It can be placed at the crown peaking from above, in the back high but not showing from the front, low in the back just to give a little softness around the shoulders. If wearing a blusher, best to keep it at top. It will be anchored in with pins for added security. I will show you how to remove it day of the wedding, it’s a matter of taking your time, holding down the hair as it’s being removed and spraying down any lifted fly-aways.

Whats best for my facial features and dress style? Balance of your face shape (oval shape/needs more fullness at the crown, elongated/more volume on the sides, round/more hair at the crown, etc.

Prepping the hair for the trial run- When do I wash, do I use products beforehand? Bring pictures and take into consideration your hair texture, and length when choosing a style, wear a little makeup for a better visual. Wash your hair the night before to gain more texture and grit to the hair before styling. ***If the hair tends to get oily, wash day of!  Use little conditioner (not at the roots) just to help control static yet you don?t want your hair to become heavy or weighed down.

Why is hair by Giselle different? My services provide a unique approach to hair in that this is all I do as a specialty. I do not color, perm or engage in any chemical processes, therefore, devoting my time and expertise to styling only. I work with brides and any special event (fashion shows, photo shoots, editorials, etc). I take advanced and enhanced, state of the art classes in DC, NY, London to continue to bring back the latest trends, tips and tricks for great looking hair!

Any other advice for brides planning their wedding day? Please refer to my web’s: FAQs for some additional Q/A!

Here are some beautiful brides that Giselle has styled wedding day hair for!