Photo: Adam Lowe Photography
Just like fashion, hair changes with the seasons and fall is a favorite for switching things up — whether it’s with color or your typical ‘do. We’ve polled hair gurus across the country to find out what fall has in store for brides, with hairstyle trends coming in at opposite ends of the spectrum. Ladies are turning back the clock with soft Renaissance-inspired looks highlighting natural locks and loose bohemian braids, while the runways show that bejeweled hair pieces have never been hotter, giving brides plenty of ways to rock gems on their wedding day.
Photo: BraidsbyJordan via Instagram
Renaissance Revival
Flower crowns are nothing new, but this classic is getting more whimsical with the addition of wildflowers that not only adorn the crown, but also the hair, bouquets and displays, says ATMA Beauty’s founder and creative director Sheenon Olson, whose client base includes actresses Elizabeth Olsen and Ellen Page, as well as supermodels Elle Macpherson and Alessandra Ambrosio. “The overall feel is really about connection. Connecting back to nature and connecting back to a time that feels very renaissance and organic,” Olson says. The stylist is also seeing brides opt for low loose buns and half-up looks, in addition to styles that play more with texture like twists and braids.
Photo: Rebecca Von Rehn Photography
Let Loose
“The ‘perfectly undone’ look is in right now. Whether it’s braids that are pulled apart and pinned, or putting hair into a beautiful, loose updo, the idea is to look natural and effortless,” says Danny Jelaca, whose namesake salon sits on South Beach. “Out are the days of looking perfect, clean and tight.” Jelaca (who counts Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell and Cameron Diaz as just a few of his famous clientele) recommends starting with L’Oréal Dialight Clear Conditioning Gloss for extra shine, using Balmain Hair Couture products to create texture and hold, and ending with Balmain Matt Paste to make sure that updo stays in place.
Photo: Clane Gessel Photography
Go Natural
“The hottest trend for wearing hair down is perfectly nourished, shiny hair that is carefully blow dried for a smoother, youthful edge,” says Keith Ayotte, creative director at Sean Donaldson Hair. “Soft, naturally enhanced waves that are loosely brushed give you a beautiful, effortless glamour.”
Hair Bling
Stylist George Gonzalez, who owns one of Chicago’s top-rated salons, predicts that fall 2016 will be the season of hair accessories. “This trend is already a staple for brides, making it even easier to embrace hairstyles intertwined with beads, pearls and crystals,” he says. “The best part? You can get creative by visiting vintage stores or tying in a family heirloom by turning a broach into a hair pin.” Rodarte and Alexander McQueen showcased these looks on the runway in the form of jeweled hair clips, broaches and crowns, and brides can easily follow suit with something simple like a bejeweled headband with loose waves or go for an elaborate updo topped off by a few statement pieces.
Photo: Nicole Berrett Photography
Elements of Surprise
“The element of surprise is a lovely way to capture the eye with an updo,” explains color expert and celebrity stylist Beth Minardi. “Whether a formal ballerina bun or a playful ponytail, your guests will be looking at the back of your hair and the back of your gown.” For this look, make sure you spend just as much time styling the back of the dress and veil as you do with the front of the gown, making sure your hair works from both angles.
Photo: Michael Radford Photography
Richer Color
When it comes to color, Minardi is the go-to girl known for crafting color stories for the likes of Brad Pitt, Julianne Moore and Christie Brinkley. “I like to add deeper, richer tones underneath so when the bride lifts her hair for an updo, there are contrasts of color,” she says. “For blondes, I create a subtle, cashmere-soft weave of shades — warm, toasty, sunny, maybe even hints of caramel. Redheads are so vibrant, so to express this energy I find a range of shades from deep auburn to copper that play off nicely at the nape of the neck. And for brunettes — they’ll be exceptionally popular this fall — I blend the depth of walnut against a lighter, warmer brown or add brightness with a lighter shade to create that play of color and contrast that will engage the eye as the ceremony progresses. I create contrast with brighter tones against deeper shades, but always make sure the look flatters the bride’s skin tone.” Minardi recommends starting the color and cut process at least six weeks to a month in advance to make sure the style doesn’t come as an unexpected surprise on the big day.