Q&A Hair & Beauty Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best NOVICE ADVICE I’ve never had any kind of treatments before but wanted to consider my options for some pre-wedding prep! What do you recommend for a complete newbie, that’s minimally invasive but rewarding for the big day? Gemma Hornsby founder of Essence Aesthetics Clinic and Essence Wellness Clinic (www.essencecumbria.co.uk) says: Prepping your skin for the big day is a wonderful way to ensure that you feel your most radiant and confident. Since you’re new to aesthetic treatments, I recommend a gradual and well-planned approach, starting at least six months before your wedding to allow time to find what works best for your skin. Here’s a breakdown of some top-tier treatments that offer incredible results with minimal downtime: Medi-Facials: Unlike traditional facials, medi-facials use advanced technology and medical-grade ingredients to deeply cleanse, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin. They are customised to your specific skin concerns, whether it’s dullness, dryness, or fine lines, making them a perfect addition to your skincare routine. Regular treatments every 4-6 weeks leading up to the big day can ensure your skin is plump, clear, and glowing. LED Light Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses different wavelengths of light to target various skin concerns. Red light is fantastic for collagen production and healing, while blue light helps combat acne. LED therapy can be incorporated into your facial treatments or done as a standalone session for an instant radiance boost. Since there’s no downtime, this is perfect even closer to the wedding day! Skin peels: Gentle chemical peels help with skin texture, pigmentation, and brightness. They work by exfoliating dead skin cells to reveal fresh, glowing skin underneath. If you’re new to peels, start with a light peel and gradually work up to stronger treatments if necessary. Peels should be planned at least 7-10 days before the wedding to allow for any peeling and to ensure flawless results. Microneedling: This treatment stimulates collagen production by creating tiny micro-injuries in the skin, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Microneedling can improve fine lines, acne scars, and overall texture. However, as some redness and mild peeling can occur, schedule your last session at least 2 weeks before the wedding to allow ample time for recovery. WOW Fusion: If you’re looking for that ‘filtered skin without the filter’ effect, WOW Fusion is an amazing option. This treatment combines microneedling with a bespoke cocktail of skin-loving ingredients (such as vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and peptides) to create a radiant, glass-like complexion. Brides love this because it smooths the skin and gives an effortless glow that looks incredible in photos! To achieve the best results, it’s crucial to plan your treatments around other beauty prep, such as, tanning and facial waxing. No matter which treatments you choose, it’s essential to try them out at least once before your final pre-wedding session. This ensures you have no unexpected reactions and can determine the perfect timing for your individual skin needs. A consultation with a trusted skincare professional at least six months before your wedding will help you create a personalised plan tailored to your goals. TAKE TWO I’d really like to create two different hair looks on my wedding day, one for the ceremony/reception and one for the evening. How would this be achievable, and importantly manageable, on the big day? Hairstylist Anna Sorbie (https://annasorbie.co.uk) says: Absolutely, having two different hair looks for your wedding day is a wonderful idea! Here are some tips to help you achieve and manage both styles seamlessly: 1. Consult with a professional stylist: Schedule a consultation with a hairstylist who specialises in bridal looks. Discuss your vision for both hairstyles, and they can provide expert advice on styles that complement each other and fit your wedding theme. 2. Choose complementary styles: Opt for hairstyles that transition well from one to the other. For example, you might start with an elegant updo for the ceremony and then add loose waves or a halfup, half-down style for the evening reception. This way, you can keep some elements consistent while changing the overall look. 3. Plan ahead: Make a timeline for your wedding day. Allocate enough time for both hairstyles, considering the time it takes for the initial style and any necessary touch-ups or changes. Communicate this timeline with your stylist to ensure they can accommodate both looks. 4. Hair accessories: Incorporate hair accessories that can be easily added or removed. A beautiful veil for the ceremony can be taken off for the reception, and adding some hairpins or a floral crown can enhance your evening look without requiring a complete restyle. 5. Trial run: Schedule a hair trial a few weeks before the wedding. This will not only help you finalise your hairstyles but also give you a chance to see how each look holds up throughout the day and adjust as needed. 6. Consider hair extensions: If you’re looking for added volume or length for your evening style, consider using clip-in extensions. They can easily be added during the transition and removed at the end of the night. 7. Keep it simple: If you’re worried about managing two styles, consider a simpler second look that requires minimal adjustments – like letting down your hair from an updo and adding some curls. By planning ahead and working closely with your stylist, you can effortlessly switch between two stunning hairstyles on your special day and adore both looks! https://unsplash.com/@brookecagle 60
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