The most popular bridal season is fast approaching and brides all around are in high planning gear. From the location, to the dress, the registry to the catering, the anxiety of making sure that everything is perfect is somewhat overwhelming. For the bride, there is an added element of stress related to perfecting that drop dead gorgeous look with the most suitable hairstyle.

For naturals, that may be a tad bit more challenging compared to her straight-haired counterparts. This is mainly due to the fact that not many traditional stylists are not experienced in styling natural hair and natural hair salons are few and far between. It is therefore necessary for natural brides to put in some extra planning ahead of time to ensure that everything is in place.

There are some key steps that need to be taken in the months preceding the big day to avoid running around like a headless chicken. It is one of the worst feelings a bride can have, not being satisfied with her overall appearance on her wedding day. Since a woman’s hair can either make or break her entire look, it is very vital that all steps are taken to ensure that the wedding day hair is flawless. A mental or physical checklist should be made just to ensure that everything that needs to be done concerning the wedding day hairstyle is achieved on a timely basis. The two Ps are fundamental to the success of all aspects of the wedding: Planning and Preparation. The following items should be placed on the checklist of things to do in the months leading up to the wedding:

1. Locate a Natural Hairstylist

While it may not be absolutely necessary to find a stylist that does natural hair exclusively, it is very important that the person is very proficient in the handling of natural hair. It may be a little difficult to determine who will be the best fit for you. My suggestion would be to firstly seek word of mouth recommendations from friends and family. Having someone who can vouch for the competency of a service provider is always more comforting.  Just randomly surfing the yellow pages or internet for a stylist for an important occasion such as your wedding may be risky but may be a necessity if there is no other alternative. Try to start the search as early as four months prior to the date. Read reviews and if possible view pictures of their work in order to make a determination of whether or not they seem competent.

2. Set up a Consultation

Having identified a stylist that seems workable, go ahead and set up an appointment to have an initial conversation to share your hairstyle ideas or to brainstorm possible looks. This initial meeting will kind of give you a feel as to how experienced and knowledgeable they are about the craft. If possible, wear your natural hair out so the beautician can get an idea of your texture and length and be better able to determine what styles may work best for you. The earlier this consultation is done, the better. This is because it may be necessary to seek the services of an alternate hairstylist if the initial person is not deemed suitable. A reasonable amount of time is needed in order to avoid having to settle for last minute, and possibly unsuitable options. 

3. Trimming Assessment

The success of many natural hairstyles is highly dependent on how healthy your hair is. The same hairdo can be done on two different individuals with identical length and texture, but the result can be totally different. This is because a person with a healthy head of hair is more likely to get a better style payoff than a person with damaged hair. A bride to be should start to assess their hair many months in advance of the wedding to determine what state it is in. If the hair is not in tip-top shape then steps must be taken to improve the condition of the hair. Monthly deep treatment or protein treatment is a sure way of improving the health of natural hair. If there is breakage or split ends, it may be best to consider trimming so as to get rid of the damaged portion to avoid further damage. You wouldn’t believe the wonders that a fresh trim does for natural hair. Getting rid of the damaged ends, it sets the platform for achieving that amazing natural bridal hairdo.

4. Choose a Hairstyle

Okay, this is the exciting part and, paradoxically, the nerve- wrecking part. From updos to spiral curls, beautiful afros to French rolls, the options are endless. Depending on how long you have been natural, you may have a basic idea as to the kind of styles that complement the shape of your face. That can be used as a general guide when selecting possible styles.

The internet is usually a good place to start. For example, new website Black Natural Hairstyles features styles for women with short natural hair like TWAs.  Also, with the advent of video-sharing on YouTube, the options are limitless. Watching these videos will not only show you the hairstyles but also how to achieve them. This visual tutorial will help you to determine if your hair would be able to achieve the particular style. Bear in mind that if a style that is desired requires a longer length than you currently have, don’t jump the gun and rule it out as there may be the possibility of lengthening with the aid of extensions. Likewise, if your hair doesn’t have the required volume for a style, that can easily be addressed. For example if a huge, voluminous bun is the style you have in mind, don’t despair, a hair extension can be used as a filler to create that illusion.

Outside of the internet, you can draw hairstyle inspiration from magazines, television, bridal shows etc. This task as mentioned before can become frustrating, especially if you are torn between styles. Try to start this search early enough so that all the necessary plans and purchases can be put in place in order to achieve it.

5. Arrange a Style Trial

There are no two ways about it. I don’t care how experienced your hairstylist of choice is, you must arrange for a trial prior to the date of the wedding. This helps to determine if the style of choice suits you, if the stylist is able to create it and ensure that the headpiece is workable with that style. The trial should not be done the week before the wedding for sure but it also should not be done too far in advance just in case there are drastic changes to your hair that will cause the outcome of the style to be off come wedding day.

Doing a trial style with the headpiece is advisable. More than likely your hairstylist will charge a small fee for the trial runs so be sure to include that in your budget.

6. Weather Watching

Weather condition on the day of the wedding is one of the bride’s biggest concern. The weather can interfere with planned proceedings in many ways. Checking the weather forecast for the big day will help you decide last minute if any changes need to be made re the hairstyle. Natural hair has a mind of its own and reacts in different ways depending on the weather. Knowing the expected weather conditions for the day will help to guide you as to the necessity of altering the style or using products that will help to combat adverse response to the elements. If it will be a very hot, sunny day and the plan is for an outdoor wedding, straightening may not be the best option. Likewise, if rain is anticipated, you may want to avoid straightening also as the least exposure to water will result in natural hair reversion. It may not be possible to pre-determine what the day will turn out like, but be sure to take the necessary precautions as much as it depends on you.

One of the most sentimental and unforgettable days of your life should be a memory to treasure for a lifetime. Capturing those moments in pictures or videos will call for “on point” hair. Keeping on top of the planning and preparation will help to alleviate any potential hair woes and help you stay on top of your wedding day hair game.

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.