What to Bring to a Bridal Hair Trial

Most brides come to their trial without everything they need, and that is fine the first time. But knowing what to bring makes the appointment more productive and gives you a clearer picture of how the day will actually look. Here is what we recommend.

Photos of Styles You Like

Bring a handful of reference images, not just one. Three to five photos that all point in the same direction tell your stylist far more than a single picture. The goal is not to recreate one image exactly but to help your stylist understand the mood you are after. Soft and romantic, structured and polished, loose and effortless, whatever it is, photos communicate it faster and more accurately than words alone.

Screenshots on your phone are completely fine. You do not need to print anything.

Your Veil or Headpiece

If you have your veil, bring it. How the style is built depends partly on where and how the veil attaches. A cathedral veil sits differently than an elbow-length one, and a comb or clip can affect the shape of the updo. If you have not bought the veil yet, bring a photo of the one you are planning to get.

The same goes for any headpiece, tiara, pins, or florals you plan to wear. Even a rough approximation helps.

Your Dress Neckline, If Possible

You do not need to bring the dress to the trial, but wearing a top that approximates the neckline helps a lot. A strapless top for a strapless dress, or something with a similar open back, lets you and your stylist see how the hair interacts with what you are wearing. A high neck or off-shoulder silhouette changes the calculus on how much hair should be up or down.

Your Regular Makeup, Or a Photo of Your Wedding Makeup Plan

If you are doing a hair-only trial, come with makeup on or bring what you would normally wear. Hair and face need to be seen together. A bold eye changes how a loose romantic style reads compared to bare skin. If you are doing both hair and makeup with us, we will take care of this.

An Open Block of Time Afterward

Wear the look after the appointment. Go for lunch, run errands, or meet a friend. A few hours in the real world will tell you whether the style holds, whether it feels comfortable, and whether you still love it when you catch a glimpse of yourself in a window at the end of the afternoon. That information is more useful than any amount of time spent in the mirror at the salon.

Questions Written Down

If there is anything specific you are wondering about, write it down beforehand. How many bobby pins will be in there? Will an updo hold through dancing? Can extensions add volume if needed? The appointment goes quickly and it is easy to forget what you meant to ask.

Not sure when to schedule the trial itself? Our guide on how far ahead to book your trial covers the timing. We are happy to answer anything before or during the trial. Call us or book your appointment online.