From a grooming point of view, a groom's most essential detail is to get a great wedding day haircut at the right time. This goes for the rest of the wedding party as well from the groomsmen to the father of the bride. But the question is when to go under the scissors? Too far out from the wedding day and you risk it growing back and needing another trim, but too close to it and you might look like a freshly shorn sheep. So, let's talk hair - from getting a style that withstands the weather to the perfect time to visit your barber.
When to Get Your Wedding Day Haircut
When to Schedule your Cuts
Most men get their hair cut every couple of weeks if they have shorter hair. For your wedding day haircut talk to your barber or stylist about how you want to look on the big day. Make a schedule right up to the wedding day and pop them in your calendar.
- If you plan on a restyle for your wedding, save ideas and inspiration before you speak to your barber. Our advice is to give yourself enough time to grow out the look if you don't like it - three months is ideal.
- If you prefer your hair to look freshly done, aim for a cut a week before the wedding.
- With longer hair or if want to let your style settle, book in two weeks before the wedding.
- Tidying up a fade, the neck or around the edges without trimming your style can be done a day or two before the big day.
Tip: If your barber or stylist regularly gives you great style and advice don't be tempted to switch to someone else for your wedding day haircut. If they're good and know your hair, you will be in the safest hands.
6 Months Out: Address Hair Health
Hair health isn't often talked about with men's hair except for hair loss. Six months out from your wedding day, address hair loss with your stylist, or go to a trichologist. Ask them about prescription products, lotions and supplements that can slow shedding and encourage regrowth on the scalp. These can take time to deliver results, so six months gives you that essential time. If hair loss isn't your concern, look for decent hair care to get healthier hair for your big day. Again, your stylist can recommend a good shampoo, conditioner and styling products that will work with your hair type and texture.
Tip: When looking to improve your hair health, ask your stylist what kind of brush or comb you should be using, the right tool can make all the difference when it comes to hair damage.
1 Month Out: Buy the Essentials
Most men use the same styling product or tool regularly. However, for your wedding day haircut, you might need a pomade or gel to keep your style safe from the weather.
Tip: Getting married in a hot climate? Pack an invisible or city sunscreen to protect the skin around the hairline. Make sure to also use it on ears, scalp and neck, if needed. Mineral sunscreen may cause photography flashback, be sure to buy one that promises an invisible finish in a matte formula.
Tools to Create Great Wedding Day Hair
- A narrow hair straightener like the GHD Mini Hair Straightener, €179, is great for smoothing down a fringe. It's also great for creating a sleek look for longer hair on the big day. Make sure to use heat protectant spray before styling.
- For natural or curly hair, work on hair health in the months and weeks before your wedding. Use hydrating hair care, and the night before your big day, treat your hair to an intensive mask. Color Wow and Chris Appleton's Money Masque, €45.95 is both hydrating and intensely nourishing.
- For quiffs, volume and fuller-looking hair buy a heat-memory product like L'Oreal Professionnel Pli Shaper €18.95. Used on towel-dried hair, it helps form height and shape with an extended hold when the hair is blow-dried.
- For fine hair that lacks volume try L'Oreal Professionnel Super Dust a volume and texture powder with a matte finish
- To keep frizz away when the hair is dry, use a sealing hair oil to smooth the ends of your hair. Living Proof's No Frizz Vanishing Oil is a star buy and works instantly. Moroccanoil Treatment Oil, €30, is an argan-enriched oil that smooths frizz and flyaways.
Have a beard? If so, we have lots of tips on when to trim that here!