Should I Wash My Hair Before My Wedding?

a photo of my bride Katherine finishing up her vows after getting hair and makeup done with me!

One of the most common questions I receive from brides and their bridal party is, "Should I wash my hair before my wedding?"

Many people have heard that dirty hair holds curls better, but the truth is that clean hair always creates the best foundation for long-lasting wedding hairstyles. In fact, one of the biggest wedding hair myths is that oily hair is easier to style. As a bridal hair and makeup artist, I know that freshly washed hair (not the night before) is always best.

-Hi there! I'm Olivia and I help brides feel like their best self in the most comfortable way. My hair and makeup style is natural, authentic, and inspired by soft glam. I'm located in Baltimore and Connecticut, and serve the East Coast from Virginia to Massachusetts.

Why Clean Hair Is Better

Hair products are designed to work on clean hair. When we start with a fresh canvas, texture powder, mousses, and thickening sprays are able to grip on to the hair better. This helps create volume, movement, and hold exactly where we want it.

When hair is oily, it tends to be heavier and more limp. Oily hair makes it more difficult to style because we aren't able to create lift and use products that grip onto the hair properly.

That's why, I always tell brides: we can always add texture and hold to clean hair, but we can't remove excess oil if it is already on there.

What Happens When Hair Is Oily?

Oily hair can create several challenges:

• Less volume at the roots

• Curls that weigh more and fall more quickly

• Hair products don't grip properly

• More difficult to create texture and movement

• It can smell when hot tools are used on oily hair!

Because bridal styles are designed to last through hugs, dancing, and hours of celebration, starting with clean hair gives us the best chance for success.

When Should I Wash My Hair?

In most cases, I recommend washing your hair the morning of your wedding. This makes sure that your hair is freshest and cleanest so we can start from scratch and build products and weight as needed.

In the past, I've found that brides who wash their hair the night before occasionally have build up and leftover residue. They're completing last-minute tasks, packing bags, and it is easy to feel tired and not give your hair the washing it needs.

You can use your regular shampoo to double wash your hair from the scalp to the mid-ends. Condition the ends only and fully rinse all products out. Blow dry your hair 100% dry. There's no need to overthink it! If you typically wash your hair every day, continue with your normal routine. If you wash a few times a week, plan to wash it the morning of!

It is important to make sure you arrive completely dry hair. Wet or damp hair can delay the timeline and prevent us from getting started right away.

Of course, every hair type is different, so we'll discuss what makes the most sense for you during your bridal preview.

Key Takeaways

If you're wondering whether you should wash your hair before your wedding, the answer is almost always yes. Beautiful wedding hair starts with healthy, clean hair. Starting with a fresh canvas allows me to use the right products in the right places so your style feels effortless, holds beautifully, and lasts throughout your wedding day.

At the end of the day, your wedding morning should feel relaxed-- and that starts with knowing you've done what you can to set yourself up for success.

Scoll down for some effortless, fluffy wedding hair styles and save for inspo!

If you're unsure about what hairstyle to pick for your big day, you can read about Kristina's hair experience here! We tried 4 different hairstyles across two bridal previews and finally selected her wedding day hair, just 5 minutes before styling!

To learn more about working with me and how to achieve effortless wedding hair and makeup, inquire here about your date!

xoxo,

Olivia