On this page, I have listed the answers to several questions that I am often asked. Of course, if you do have any questions that aren't answered here, please Contact Me.

What do you suggest I do with my hair and skin to get it looking its best?

You will probably know your skin and hair better than anyone, what products work for you and how often you need to be using them. If you don’t I can advise you at your trial by giving you a short consultation-we can discuss what is the best course of treatment for your particular skin or hair type, your timescale and goals. If you are a bride, who regularly cleanses, tones, moisturises and exfoliates-just continue with this and maybe treat yourself to letting a professional do it for you just before your wedding.

When is it best to have treatments such as waxing, facials and tanning?

If you are a regular user of the above then you will know how your skin reacts to them, i.e.-do you get a rash after waxing or a breakout after your facial? It is always a good idea to have a trial of these well ahead of your big day to avoid any last minute mishaps and make sure you visit a reputable salon. I would suggest 2-3 days before for a spray tan, with conventional UVA suntanning you would need several sessions over a period of time and this is best discussed with the assistant beforehand, as you will have to fill in forms. Both waxing and facials around a week before but if you know you are prone to sensitivity it would be safer to do it 10-14 days. Do remember to have your eyebrows tidied up (even if you aren’t a regular plucker) it can make all the difference to the shape of your eyes and really enhance your features-this is something I am able to do at your trial.

When should I have my hair cut and/or coloured?

If you are a regular user of colour then about a week before is best, same with the cut if you are having a trim, it gives the hair time to settle and you won’t have any obvious signs of a regrowth. If you are thinking of experimenting and having a change of style or colour, I would recommend doing this well ahead of the wedding but do make sure that your new cut will accommodate the bridal style you would like!

I have a tattoo I would like covered up-is this possible?

Yes! I use a system specially designed to cover up birthmarks, scars and tattoos-I can adapt it to suit your skin tone and it will be set in place for the day with a powder.

What products do you use?

I use professional products such as Wella, Loreal and Matrix for the hair and Mac, Benefit, Lancome and Dermalogica on the face-they ensure optimum care for your hair and skin and present less chance of any sensitivity occurring .

What if I need to re-touch my make-up during the day?

The products I use and the methods of application should ensure that your make-up will stay put all day, the products are waterproof and I use a fixer when finished. You will probably find that your lipstick will need re-applying though. I am able to provide for you to purchase any items of make-up we are using on the day. Occasionally when there is more than one part to the ceremony or blessing or where the bride will be having a change of costume I have been asked to return or stay on to assist with the reapplication of make up and perhaps to create another hairstyle, please advise me if this is the case.

When is it best to have my trial and how many will I need?

I usually suggest 2-4 weeks before the wedding for your trial but again it is a very personal thing and is really what you feel happy with! Similarly, one trial is the norm and usually sufficient but several brides I have worked with have had 3 or 4… Some people like to have their trials well in advance, just so its something else they can tick off the list, whilst others leave it right till the last minute-especially if they are travelling from a distance. I have never had a bride not have a trial and would always recommend that do-it allows us to meet, talk about your likes and dislikes and by the time you leave I will be certain exactly what you require of me on the day, I will be aware of any potential delays we could have with your styling and can then make a timetable to ensure everything gets done. It is advisable that if you are going to have it sooner rather than later that you are quite clear about what you want and that you aren’t likely to become indecisive-sometimes you can change your mind on your flowers, veil, headress or even your dress, which in turn may alter your original choice of hairstyle, if this was the case and you had already had your trial you may want to have another one, which isn’t necessarily cost effective. I always take photos and write down everything I do, so there is no chance I will forget! For more information on what to bring please visit my ‘How to book’ page. TIP-Wear something white when having your trial, this will give you a better idea of how your will look on the actual day.

Where do I begin choosing a bridal hairstyle-I haven’t got a clue!!

Although it may seem like it now, it really isn’t a problem-this is why you have a trial. You may think you haven’t got a clue but after we have spoken and looked at some photos you will probably find you have more of an idea than you originally thought-and if not, don’t panic-we can sort it out! There are a few things you can do before your trial-start looking out for styles that you do like and collect pictures, they don’t have to be similar in any way, for example-you may like the front of one style but nothing else and the back of another but not the sides-anything is an indication to what you like and will help. You also need to consider your face and body shape, your dress style, your personality and what kind of wedding you are having-is it formal, are you following a theme?

I know what style I would like but I don’t think I have enough hair.

It isn’t always practical or realistic to grow your hair to the length that you would require for a particular style-that is where hair pieces, padding and extensions come in! I will work them subtly into with your own hair-they can give you the length or volume needed to make your hair look truly WOW! Use of artificial hair is becoming more popular with brides now because they don’t have to commit to growing an existing style out and perhaps they only want long hair for one day-if you look through my gallery there are several brides wearing hair pieces-can you work out who?

I have problems with my hair because it is so fine.

Depending on what style you are after this is again where clip in extensions or hair pieces come in really handy-if this is not something you would consider, there are products I can put on your hair to thicken it, sometimes having your hair set on rollers to begin with can make the hair easier to work with or to use a little back combing if it’s height that’s required. I would then finish it off with a light spray, some shine and smoothing serum. If you are worried about fixing your tiara or veil and it staying in place, I will use some extra grips and spray in such a way that it will not be seen.

What can I do to make my short hair look more interesting?

Short hair can lend itself to many interesting styles suitable for a bride, there are some wonderful hair accessories to be found-clips, pins, hair bands, fascinators, a small coronet with a chin length veil can look stunning, finger waves can really make a statement-how about some fresh or silk flowers, some co-ordinating hair jewellery, or an understated hat, add a slice of colour if you are a daring bride which compliments your wedding colour scheme-again extensions could be used to add a flash of colour which can easily be removed the next day-all these things will depend, as with longer hair, on your face and body shape, your dress and you as a person. I find with short hair that less is usually more and strong, prominent accessories look best rather than using several smaller ones that may compete with each other.

Do my bridesmaids need to have a trial?

Not at all, it isn’t the norm but sometimes you may all like to get together and make a day of it! It is your own personal choice and what works best for you-I am happy just to work from a photo and a brief description of the hair and the desired style. Sometimes your bridesmaids will come to your trial, it’s good to meet them beforehand and discuss their preferences in hair and make up too.

How do I choose a style for my bridesmaids?

Your bridemaids hair should not out shine yours but at the same time you want it to compliment a number of other things-your hair, your dress and their dresses. If you are having something simple for yourself why not choose a style a little more extravagant for the bridesmaids, on the same hand if your style is very elaborate you wouldn’t want the bridesmaids to be as well-just a simple pleat or chignon can look stunning. It can look nicer if they all have something similar but if this isn’t possible due to length, then something that connects it all such as the same hair combs or flowers gives continuation. Are your bridemaids happy to have whatever style you would like them to or do you have to take their tastes into consideration?

There are several people to do in my party-how will you get us all done in time?

This will all be discussed on booking and in detail at your trial, it will depend on what time the wedding is, when you have to leave and if there is a time constraint on when you can enter the venue where you are getting ready. Usually I can work on everyone myself but if necessary I am able to provide another artist to ensure everyone is ready in plenty of time. After your trial, I will be able to give you a better indication of how long I will need to spend with you on the morning.

What should I do on the morning before you arrive?

Try to relax! It is always helpful if I am doing your make up that you have done all the preparation and moisturised before I get to you, it gives the products a chance to absorb into the skin. Make sure you are wearing something that you can easily remove when the time comes to put your dress on, you don’t want it to disturb your hair or make up-something loose and front fastening is best. With your hair, if you are having a blow dry or a wet roller set it is helpful if you can wash it before I arrive, I can always damp it down again if necessary. If you are having an ‘up do’ it is best to work with day old hair, as it isn’t so flyaway and soft-it is easier to work with and will therefore hold the style better. I am used to working in all sorts of room sizes and always do my best to work around you and keep out of the way-if space allows a chair in a quiet corner, close to a plug socket would be ideal for me.