How to Speak "Hair Dresser"

Really, someone should come up with a standard language that means the same thing across the board so we all know what the other means when we say "big curls". But, since that doesn't exist yet, and they don't seem to have a font for it either, here's what we hair dressers think when you try to describe a style.

Long Layers: This means you want long hair with some layers in it. Very few layers, at that. Your asking for mostly long hair with a couple of inches of layering at the ends. That means your shortest layer is going to be quite long, depending on how long your hair is.

Soft Curls: This usually means hair is curled with a big iron and little hairspray. Depending on the texture of your hair it might not hold, but it will be soft and if the hairdresser is good, smooth.

Wave: Wave? What kind of Wave? Jessica Simpson style, messy with straight ends? or Veronica Lake style, big and smooth? Get a picture for this one.

Up-Do: Do you want it high at the crown, centered in the back, or low on the nape? That can also mean something to the side. The term up-do has really changed, because girls stopped getting the crunchy-curl high and tight look and started going for low and full. An up-do just means that the hair is up somehow.

Ringlets: This usually means you want a tight, super firm curl all over. Think Shirley Temple. Be very careful with this. If you want a Playmate do and ask for ringlets, don't get mad when you come out looking like your off to grammar school.

Half-up: Pretty self explanatory, but be prepared to explain how high you want the part that's up pulled. It can be brought low and loose for a romantic, hippy feel or with tons of volume and high for a modern sexy effect.

No matter how aptly you describe your style, keep in mind that things can always be misinterpreted. A visual aid is always the best when trying to explain how you want your hair, or makeup for that matter, to look. This is just what goes thru my head when I am asked for these things. And keep in mind: The hairdresser who cuts and colors your hair is probably not the best person for styling. It's two different beasts so their scope of possibility may be limited. Not saying they aren't a fantastic hairdresser, but just like I'm not the God's gift to women with gray hair, they probably are the same to special events and brides. Just sayin.

esty.com

Either because of the recession, or because they want to be unique, brides aren't buying the mass-produced tiara's anymore. There is something particularly exciting about wearing a sparkling crown on your wedding day, there are so few days in your life where it is perfectly acceptable to look like royalty! However, the tiara is definitely on the back burner of bridal trends and handcrafted, original accessories are becoming more and more popular.

When asked for suggestions or idea's to compliment a brides dress, I always send her to etsy.com. This beautiful, gem of a site is a gathering place of sorts for independent designers and artisans to showcase their spare-bedroom creations. Recently, I had a sophisticated bride shop their for a unique but understated compliment to her flowy and modern gown, and I was blown away with what she pulled out of a tissue box on her wedding day. A simple flower handcrafted from feathers with a center of sparkling rhinestones. The very same designer also created a similar and complimentary red version of her wedding day hair accessory to be worn the night before at the rehearsal dinner. It is safe to say that I've seen my share of wedding hair jewelry and this particular piece was most definitely nothing I had ever seen before. What's even more special about it is that there will never be another like it, and by purchasing directly from the designer my bride was able to support her local business and keep her expenditures within the US. It's a win-win all the way around.

If your a bride who's still struggling with the right hair piece for the big day, I definitely encourage you to check out etsy.com. It is absolutely worth your while and you will be amazed with what you find!