Your Bridal Hair Preparation Timeline: How to Get Wedding-Ready Hair
The countdown is on! Your wedding day is less than a year away and you've probably booked your venue, chosen your dress and maybe even secured your bridal hair stylist. But how do you make sure your hair is in the best possible condition for your wedding day?

As a bridal hair specialist working with brides across Cleethorpes, Grimsby and Lincolnshire, one of the biggest questions I get asked is how to prepare your hair before your wedding.
You might think that booking your bridal hair for your wedding day is it, but don’t you want to make sure your hair is in the best condition as possible ready for your big day and those beautiful photos? Of course you do!
You want to look your very best on your big day, so why not start a healthy hair care routine to help with this. See what hair care your hairdresser recommends. Healthy wedding hair doesn't happen the week before your wedding. The best bridal hairstyles always start with healthy, well-maintained hair. Whether you're dreaming of Hollywood waves, a textured updo or soft bridal curls, the condition of your hair makes a huge difference. Using a good shampoo and conditioner can make the biggest difference, I’ve seen it happen so many times with my clients! I recommend washing your hair once or twice a week, and with a good shampoo, you can do that. It can take some training, pushing it an extra day each time, but it is definitely possible. I would also recommend a deep conditioning treatment every 2-4 weeks depending on how often you wash your hair.
I would always recommend a classic colour and cut on your wedding day to help keep your look timeless. In years to come you probably won’t want to look back at your wedding photos and wonder what you were thinking because you’d gone with a colour trend that was fashionable at the time. However, if you are one to make a statement with your look, then don’t let me stop you! I do love a statement hair colour and your wedding day should be all about you and what you love.
I would advise fitting in at least three colour appointments in the lead-up to your wedding if you’re thinking of changing it. Just to make sure it is what you want and you are happy with it. I would also recommend getting your hair trimmed! This isn’t just for your wedding day, this is for life! Every 8 weeks for a trim will help keep your hair in gorgeous condition which will help keep it longer which is generally what my brides want to achieve.
For your actual wedding colour and cut, I would probably book this for a week before the big day. Enjoy some time for yourself, you’ll have no doubt been finishing any bits that need doing and have a list of jobs for that week, so have that time while your colours been done to relax. This is your day!
Thinking About Hair Extensions for Your Wedding?
Hair extensions can make a big difference to your bridal look. Whether you want only the thickness or if you want to add length too, then there’s plenty of options. You can just have some clip ins for the day, give you the fullness without the maintenance. Or you can try the many options of hair extensions. I personally offer bonded, nanos and weaves, all amazing in their own ways. If you’re not sure then have a consultation with me and we can choose together what will be the best option for your lifestyle and wedding plans.
If you are having extensions in, then I would trial them if you’ve never had them before. Have them done a few months before the wedding, and then a week or two before your wedding you can have them refitted fresh for your big day. We will know then if they are the right thickness, length, colour and method for you. We will also have time for a trial with your extensions by doing it this way.
Making The Most of Your Bridal Hair Trial
Bring inspiration photos, your veil if you have one and be open to suggestions. Sometimes the hairstyle you've saved on Pinterest may need slight adjustments to suit your hair type, dress or face shape. I have found that my brides lean towards similar looks on their Pinterest boards when we look at them so that gives me a good insight to the things that you love and want from your bridal look.
I’d also recommend trying to line up your hair trial with your dress fitting and makeup trial if you can. That is definitely my gold star brides who manage to do that! Giving you the chance to see the full bridal look all at the same time to know it is just what you envisioned.
If you're still deciding on bridesmaid hairstyles too, you might find my blog on bridesmaid hair ideas helpful. It covers whether your bridesmaids should match, choosing styles and wedding morning planning.
You can also take a look at some of my real brides to see how two completely different bridal looks can create beautiful and unique wedding hairstyles.
Rustic DIY Farm Wedding in Lincolnshire + Bridal Hair Inspiration – Gina & Ryan
Real Wedding in Cleethorpes: Eve & Lewis's Timeless Day at Stallingborough Grange
Your dreamy wedding hair plan…
7/8 months before your wedding
Decide on what colour you’d like to be for your wedding and get booked in! Have a consultation and get the shampoo and conditioner your hairdresser recommends. Think about starting regular conditioning treatments now, maybe even start taking collagen to really help your hair plus more!
6 months before your wedding
First colour and cut towards your wedding hair!
4 months before your wedding
Second colour and cut, make any changes to bits you’re not sure about.
3 months before your wedding
Get your extensions fitted now to trial them if you’re having them, make sure they are perfect for you. Book your trial in too, normally you will be having a dress fitting around now.
2 months before your wedding
Third colour and cut. This should be your ideal colour now!
1-2 weeks before your wedding!
Final colour and cut ready for your big day! Final extension fitting as well! Treat yourself to a conditioning treatment too, have that luxury hair!
Ready to Plan Your Bridal Hair?
Every bride's hair journey is different, whether you're growing your hair, changing your colour, adding extensions or planning the perfect wedding morning timeline. If you're getting married in Cleethorpes, Grimsby or anywhere across Lincolnshire, I'd love to help you create a bridal hairstyle that feels completely you.
Bridal FAQs
How often should I cut my hair before my wedding?
I recommend having a trim every 8-12 weeks. You want to keep your hair nice and healthy and those regular cuts will really help with that.
Should I colour my hair before my wedding?
If you normally do then yes absolutely. Do what is right for you! You definitely don’t want grown out roots showing on your wedding photos. If you’ve not had a colour before then really think if it’s the right thing for you. You want to look like you, the best version of you, not someone totally different.
When should I wash my hair before my wedding?
Washing your hair is so personal to each bride. For me, I go a week between hair washes, so I would have a professional blowdry the day before my wedding so that I know it’s fresh and ready for my bridal look. Some of my brides prefer to wash it on the morning of their wedding. That is totally fine too, just remember that it will more than likely be an early start so you need to make sure you’ve factored in washing and drying your hair on your wedding morning.
Should I get hair extensions for my wedding?
Hair extensions aren’t compulsory for your wedding day. Some hair styles do look better though with added hair. Chat with your bridal hair stylist to see what they think would be best for your bridal look.
When should I have my bridal hair trial?
You can have a hair trial whenever feels right for you. I recommend around 3 months before the wedding as by then you will know all the details of your wedding and you will also probably have a dress fitting around the same time.
If you'd like to chat about your bridal hair plans, you can find all my bridal information and enquiry form here.









