Hairstylists and events hairstylists are two separate categories. Here’s why you should be certain that your wedding hairstylist is properly experienced before saying “I do.”

By Olivia C. Frazer

Hair is a sacred thing.

For centuries, hairstyles have signified aspects of identity like economic class and social standing. They were once important means of non-verbally communicating characteristics of a person like their marital status, age, or religious beliefs. In our modern day, hair still plays a vital part in our self-expression, especially for people of color. And important events like weddings are certainly no exception.

Lauren Killian

We’ve all suffered from an unfortunate haircut at some point or another, but a nightmare scenario would be a bad “wedding hair day.” You and your partner will understandably want to look impeccable on your special day and that requires trust. After all, there is a reason some people tend to have an almost religious dedication to their hairdresser. But is the skill of “cutting hair” transferable to styling hair specifically for your wedding? The answer is, “Often not.” BWG’s event hairstylist Michelle DeVoe, founder of Demiche Beauté, explains that the main difference between the two vocations is the scope of focus. While a hairstylist is more attuned to texturing techniques and touching up roots, an event stylist specializes in elaborate, yet long-lasting hairstyles. Here are some of the reasons why hiring an event hair stylist can make all the difference on your wedding day, starting with:

Multi-tasking clients

If you have a party of 19, a regular hairstylist would certainly be overwhelmed. Michelle stresses the importance of a stylist having extensive wedding day experience for schedule’s sake; after all, more heads equal more hair. An event hairstylist is more adept at simultaneously working on large groups of people in a slim timeframe. Moreover, they often will bring specially trained teams with them to ensure that each wedding party member receives proper attention.

Jill Person

Understanding unique hair types

Sadly, not all stylists know how to work with textured hair. Yet, due to working on the vast array of hair types in wedding parties, event stylists are more likely to have experience with curly or coily hair. According to Michelle, a trial is the best way to see if you’re a compatible match: “I’ve been in business for 25 years and I have had to learn over time how to do hair for various textures. Success often comes down to how it goes in the initial consultation.”

Knowing how hair styles will photograph

Not all hairstyles will be photographed in flattering ways from certain angles or in harsh lighting. With their specialized knowledge of face shapes and seasonal colorings, an event hairstylist can readily recommend what will be most becoming for your unique appearance. Factors like how your hairstyle will complement the specific neckline of your dress along with the weight of your accessories are all integral in determining what you will wear on your wedding day.

Binita Patel

Experience with other vendors

Michelle says that one of the biggest benefits of hiring a wedding hairstylist is their experience working with other vendors. A traditional hairdresser may not necessarily be familiar with how finely tuned all the workers must be to keep the day running smoothly. Each category, like the photographer and hair stylist, must perfectly come together with effective communication to form a cohesive team. Not only this, but in case of emergency they can recommend supplemental vendors.

Fostering a brief, yet intimate connection

Personal connection is essential with any wedding vendor that you may hire, especially one as intimate as an event hairstylist. Michelle says, “We’re connected physically, you have to allow me into your personal space.” The amount of trust that is placed in your event hairstylist as a stylist is secondary only to your level of comfort in their presence as a person on such a hectic day. Michelle explains it best, saying: “The biggest compliment I can receive is how calm my client felt. I prefer that they compliment me on my energy and my presence before they compliment me on my service.”

Jill Person

Overall, hiring a specialist from a specific field — a wedding event hair stylist, not just a hair stylist — is a simple way to ensure that you get exactly what you are looking for. Like Michelle says: “My goal at the end of the day is to make you feel beautiful. If you don’t feel beautiful, then I haven’t done my job.”