We seem to be having a Monday hair theme going on, no idea why – sometimes it just works out that way.
And I am having me a bit of hair fad at the moment (nine times out of ten it’s some kind of make-up obsession but a change is good right?)
I bet there are some of you who are just amazing at barnet styling and won’t give what to do for W-day a second thought i.e. you are more than happy to create the perfect do yourself. If not then I’m guessing there are many of you who have employed the services of a talented professional who will ensure your locks are 100% perfect from initial aisle shimmying to the very last dance.
If you fall into neither of the above categories (and don’t happen to have a friend who is particularly handy with a hairbrush) then I may have another option available, and that is the Daniel Hersheson Blow Dry bar. Admittedly they are only available in the London area at present but if you are looking for a red-carpet worthy look that’s done in a jiffy (less than thirty minutes!) and is a bit of a bargain (just £24…) then it may be an option for you.
You don’t even have to book an appointment, you can literally just stroll in, pick a style from the “menu” (yes much like you would a cocktail) and away you go. Of course we wouldn’t recommend not making an appointment for the big day but for a last minute fix then it’s ideal.
I had heard of the blow dry bar in one of my many glossy magazines but hadn’t tried the experience myself until a few weeks ago when I was in desperate need of something a little more “done” for Jo’s Flapper and Dapper affair.
And as previously stated, I waited a mere 5 minutes until Dixie, a blunt fringed red-head, worked her magic on my flat and somewhat frazzled hair.
I asked Dixie (I think this may be my new favourite name..) for the Bardot but with a little more lift and oomph (think Patsy from Absolutely Fabulous…) and twenty minutes later that’s exactly what I got.
(please do excuse the “I am doing a toothpaste commercial” cheesy grin – one bellini too many I’m afraid.)
And if it’s not an “up-do” you fancy then how about wearing your hair down but with a touch of extra shine and volume? there are also a range of ways to wear it long and luscious at the Blow Dry bar too y’know….
Have any of you gorgeous lot tried the Blow Dry Bar?
Are you considering any of the above styles for W-day?
And do you think you will be attempting to style your own locks or are you one of those lucky ladies who has a friend that can do immense tricks with some mousse and a comb (and if you do can I please make them my friend too?)
A couple of my favourite styles at the moment are:
A sleek chignon (especially when decorated with delicate flowers)
L.A Glamour (much like the big and brushed image above)
A loose fishtail plait.
Would love to know what your favourites are and what you are considering for W-day.
Oh and if you are making a trip to the Westfield branch of blow dry bar ask for Dixie – she was ace.
Big Bardot Love
Charlotte xxx
I have naturally curly hair which I like to get straightened when I have a hair cut. But, because I want to look like ‘myself’ on my wedding day, I’m going to grow my hair a bit longer and have a style similar to the wavy gravy, but probably a bit curlier.
@Laura – that sounds perfect. The most frequent style I wear is similar to wavy gravy, I use mousse, curling irons and hairspray.
Charlotte xxx
Oh these are lovely my hair is fine and polka straight so waves are not for me as they always drop out. I am always very envious of the gorgeous girls on these pages with thick long wavy locks but it is not for me sadly. I am hoping for my big day to have a mix between Bardot and the carlam as I love plaits in wedding hair – this idea works in my head just hoping it will actually look good!! x
I was wondering where you got that superb Bardot Beehive O’Shea.
Do you think I can persuade them to open a branch in Upside Down Land?
Although, I’m not sure they could do anything with my hair at the moment. I’m growing it out!!! And it’s taken on the appearance of a bit of a mullet… only bobby pins will save me now.
I know, I know, the super cool capital always gets things first, but I cannot believe that Liverpool or Manchester has not got a dedicated blow dry bar yet…I mean come on…this is the land where us ladies have our hair put up in pin curls or rollers on a Saturday morning and then continue about our day to day business, just so ‘the do’ is ready for Saturday night!!!
Anyhow, I can thoroughly recommend Herbert’s in Liverpool for a super fast but super fabulous up do – they do amazing, messy ‘hives with loads of texture and oomph! Such a do has now been christened the ‘Wilma Flintstone’ by the Big C… Red hair + white frock = “I wouldn’t add those big pearls cause someone might ask you where Bam Bam is”
Anyhow, wedding day hair…thanks to my heart-shaped face (or Brucie chin if we’re getting real)…it needs to be up, and up high…I cannot rock a low or side up do as it just accentuates the jaw line…so am going for a super high, super massive bun (so scouse, I know) with lots of texture…there is no point going all sleek…I am not a sleek person…I am messy…as dictated by my side of the bedroom floor…must hang garments when I get in!
xoxo
P.S. Are those RMW memory sticks on the post below…!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s teh Bardot for my w-day hair, although I have a lovely friend of mine coming to do this at the hotel – however I will definitley be frequenting the blow dry bar – maybe for a wavy gravy night out
x
Oh, there’s a blow dry bar in Topshop Oxford Circus. I was planning a pilgrimage there soon, I will have to investigate.
Maddi, honestly you are lucky to have super-straight hair. Take it from somebody who naturally has a frizzy ‘fro and depends on GHDs.
I tend to wear my hair down, or part up and part down, and I love fun hair accessories e.g. a stripey bow, sparkly clips with stars on, polka-dot headscarfs, etc. I used to be a kidswear floor manager in H&M and a lot of my hair accessories are actually children’s ones…
I was really torn on what to do for my wedding hair because I feel more confident with my hair down, around my face, but if I wear it down it won’t stay where I put it and will spend the day frizzing up. My dress helped decide things – it looks much better with an updo. So I’m going for something not too harsh, that still leaves some hair round my face.
Oh and I am totally getting a pro in to do my hair and make-up. That was literally the one thing I ever decided about my wedding before I got engaged.
@Maddi – I loved the Carlam! on my next trip that is the style I will be asking for I think. Ref your waves, my hair is also polka straight and very fine but I find if I use mousse first and a few mists of hairspray afterwards the waves stay in quite well – I also use one of those wrap around wands rather than a curling iron with clamp bit (if that makes sense!)
@Naomi L – Wouldn’t it be great? I would love one in the Midlands too! And as it happens I am quite partial to a mullet…..
@Pamela – A super high super massive bun you say? sounds awesome. And I actually think that the Flintstones should be cheered for their contribution to fashion – huge pearls are dreamy.
Question – how do you get a huge bun, do you use a donut thing?
And yes they are RMW memory sticks
Charlotte xxx
p.s. off-topic for this post, but would you consider an RMW post on arguing while engaged? Nobody covers this, and it’s one of those issues like post-marital sex that we need to talk about more, I think.
@charlotte I am intrigued now which mousse is this (I have tried lots and none seem to work) and also what wand thing I think I need one of these! xx
It is my ambition one day to become one of those ladies that has their hair blow dried everyday (maybe everyday is a little ambitious!). I remember my grandma going to have her hair blow dried regularly and thought it was just the most glamorous and grown up thing to do ever!!
The only way I can describe how I want my hair done for w day is lots of loose curls that looks like I have just casually pinned back at the base of my neck with a beautiful comb, a la the actresses in the movies. Now how do I explain that to a hairdresser hmmmm?!?! xxx
@Charlotte – when it comes to creating a super massive bun myself at home, yes, yes, yes, a donut from Paul’s Hair World is ESSENTIAL…and loads of grips…
Donuts do need to be kept under lock and key though at our house as the dog is quite partial to them…a good chewing consistency me thinks…
However, the hairdressers seem to be able to do them sans donut and I am always amazed..they have taught me a good texture trick though – tong your hair first (like into proper, old school 80s bridal ringlets) and then back comb it…texture a go-go…
@Annie – I would flaming well love a post on arguing while engaged! Me and the Big C are not scared of the odd ding dong (looks very funny – 5 foot 1 me, head back, shouting up at 6 foot 4 Big C) and I don’t understand all these couples that are so deliriously in love…do not get me wrong…I seriously heart the Big C…but at times I also seriously want to rip his head off…
I was watching last night the Kim Kardashian wedding on E4, they were arguing all the time and we all know what happened there…It would be nice to have some examples of couples that have a barny or three, or seven, but still make it through!
I once asked my mum how I would know the man for me was the man for me: “Because, darling, you’ll only want to kill him three days out of seven, rather than four or five…four days is the tipping point…”
I wonder what will happen if, after we are married, I ever reach the four day tipping point…is my mum going to come round and bury him alive under the patio…?
xo
Huge bun you say? Me too, after seeing this one on RMW: http://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/dolly-pop-part-2/ I’m going bow crazy too, on the head, bag, dress, shoes…too much?
YouTube is great for finding out how to do your “do”. There’s a girl called Lilith Moon who does some pretty good tutorials, and she does make it look quite easy. And to get the huge bun look, aparently you need clip in hair extensions. More hair = bigger bun!
@Carol – my hair is past my shoulders but not mega, mega long and a hair dresser can get it as big as that bun on your link without any extensions…!!!
I really thought I would need them when I first started getting them to do my hair like this but really when you think about it…there isn’t hair actually in the bun…they’re just flipping it over and pinning it…so as long as you can get it high, you can get it big!
xoxo
@Annie – hmmm yes that sounds like a good topic for discussion. With regards hair (and I’m sure you have already thought of this) just see how your hair fairs after the trial (i.e. what it looks like towards the end of the day.) If I wear my hair up I always have bits around my face, to take away from the moony-ness….
@Emma – If we had a Blow Dry Bar in the Midlands I would be very poor, I think I would be tempted to go every weekend!!
@Maddi – It is Michael Van Clarke from Space NK, I had actually never heard of it but received a bottle in a goody bag and have never looked back. It volumises but doesn’t make hair tacky, it also makes my hair “look” better – less flyaway. You can pick up wands anywhere – lots available in Boots, they provide you with a very attractive glove for when you wrap the hair around so you don’t get burnt!
@Tabitha – ha ha ha and my ambition! my hairdresser used to have a client that NEVER washed her own hair, she literally went to her three times a week for wash, condition and blow dry for years. I do think though – how would you ever have the time?!
Do you have a picture of the style you want to show your hairdresser?
@Pamela – How do I find a Paul’s Hair World?! is it on-line? and my sister crimps mine to put it up – you are right, gives so much more texture and backcombs more easily!
@Carol – off to investigate Youtube..
Charlotte xxx
@Annie & @Pamela – Arguing is absolutely completely, totally and utterly normal. Gavin & I never argued more than when we were engaged. Blame it on the stress guys. Then kiss & have lots of make up sex.
@Charlotte – OMG…where you live…do they not have a Paul’s Hair World…seriously?! I thought everyone had one!
They are indeed online but I am not sure what their online offering is like compared to the actual stores…
http://www.pauls-hair-world.co.uk/
The ones I go to are on Cases Street in Liverpool or in the Northern Quarter in Manchester…and they literally have every colour of hair, every type of wig, every braid, every extension you could ever dream of and then they bag it up and off you pop!
And, it’s cheap as chips…
Granted to get to the Manchetser one you have to walk up a street with a fair few smelly tramps on but it’s totes worth it!
xo
Paul’s Hair World – only in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds…jeez, where do you girls down south buy your hair?!
xoxo
Quick one (work is RUBBISH right now!) – been lots of times to Topshop Blow Dry bar on a Saturday pre party etc and is ace (also has been a lifesaver when I lived in the Smoke and had a last minute social occasion to attend and was at work looking minging – so ie into Topshop, buy new outfit and change and get hair done = awesome). Is loads cheaper than an up do at hairdressers. However, you can book and they are generally chocka on a Sat (wonder why…) so would def reccommend you do so!
Lovely beehive O’Shea! xx
@Pamela – one of my friends had extensions for her w-day. At the end of the evening a few of us were having one last drink in the drawing room of the hotel we were in, and she ripped the extensions out and threw them on the fire, damning the things to hell! It was a classy moment.
More practice required to get it high and big (oooer) without the fake hair methinks!
Do you think it would be wrong to go down to London for the day just to have my hair made all glamourous and big?
For wedding hair, I’ve persuaded my mum to do mine with a little help from myself – she plaited my hair everyday for 10 years of school so who would be better! Plus I’m getting married in deepest darkest Snowdonia so blow-dry bars are a little hard to come by – although with the recent arrival of a certain shiny haired Duchess nearby who knows?!
I also would agree they should come to the Midlands; even if they can’t be there on my wedding day they would at least be around for ‘just want to look fabulous’ days!
LOVE Hershesons! I didn’t use them for my wedding day as I didn’t want to have to leave the hotel but I use the Westfield branch for nights out as I’m rubbish at styling my own hair.
I usually get the big and brushed which is just a fab, voluminous blowdry but have also had the Carlam a couple of times and its a great one for wedding day hair. I had it for my 30th birthday party and it stayed put all night.
Also love the Bardot and yours looks amazing Charlotte. I always think updo’s tend to look even better on blonde hair for some reason, maybe its the different highlights and shades? I am brunette!
@Carol – hahaha! When I used to work in Ibiza, I lived in a house with three other girls (all scousers) and one boy…
The sink was always full of hair extensions that were sat in dye so they would match the colour of our natural hair and after a night out there was literally pieces of hair all over the floor…
The boy we lived with used to laugh his head off…”I pity the boys that think you’re all like these uber hot barmaids…the reality really is somewhat different…although kudos on the amount of work you put in…you should be able to get a degree in fine art cause you don’t look like that first thing in a morning…”
xo
@charlotte thank you so much am going to buy some of that today and a wand thing. I am always catching my ear with my straighteners so a glove seems very sensible for me! xx
@Pamela – I am so becoming a part of Paul’s world!!! (and don’t you have red hair with a blunt fringe – are you Dixie in disguise?!(
@Carrie – That is a good point, I haven’t tried Topshop, only Westfield so considering everytime I pay a visit you literally can’t move for people I bet the hair bar is manic on a Sat. Glad you liked the beehive!
@Alice – definitely, next time I have a do to attend I would be very attempted to go to London for hair even if the do was in the opposite direction… what kind of plait?! love a plait!
@Lauren – It’s funny you should say that as I always think certain up-do’s look better on brunettes – especially really sleek sophisticated styles.
@Maddi – Pleasure! prior to a wand I have so far burnt my ear, my forehead and my foot (dropped it…) thanks the Lord for gloves!
Charlotte x
@Charlotte – I sooo wish I was Dixie in disguise…alas I am pretty rubbish at doing my own hair and make up…hence why I have to pay other people to do it!
And yes, get into the Paul’s Hair World…we always joke on night’s out that Paul must be a millionaire, as his products are pretty much on every girl’s head in the North West!
xoxo
Now that was some fun reading ladies!
As I think you could tell from my last post my hair do for the big day will be a bit of a carlam and all the maids are having plaits to! Oh and it’s my next hair trial tomorrow!!! Whoop Whoop as my lovely lady has learnt how to do an inside out plait! Yes this is a thing apparently!
@Charlotte I to LOVE a loose messy side fishtail! But alas I do not have enough hair, so I’m letting by maids with much longer hair Rock that do!
Oh whilst we’re on the hair subject I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to buy some hair extensions and have Alexandra Burke’s really long sleek plait from her new video! I could whip that around all day!!!!
Me Me! I love the blow dry bars – I had the Carlam for my 30th birthday and it looked ace ! Total bargain agreed!!
For W-Day I’m having my long standing hairdresser – The lovely Morgan of Coconut Hair in Cobham (http://www.coconuthair.com/) wouldn’t trust anyone else!
PS: Am using the milkshake hair spray at the moment that you recommended and it rocks! xx
Oh I need me a blow dry bar
Although I’m not that far from the Pool so may check out Pamela’s suggestion! I am a complete failure when it comes to doing my own hair – although, I have just mastered curling it with the old GHD’s so am currently feeling very pleased that I have 2 go-to hair do’s (straight, and curly!) Definitely a hair dresser for me come w-day!
I’m quite loving the idea of something a bit like the B-52 for wedding day locks. I’m definitely going down Miss Bardot’s make-up route but I fear my moonface will not be forgiving of a full Bardot up-do. I like the height of the B-52 but also it’s messiness, just seems a bit more me. Might even chuck a bit of the Carlam in too for good measure – can’t go wrong with a few plaits too can you now?!
I REALLY wish I could pull off the Marcel but I am not in any way sleek enough!!
@Charlotte – my best friend has a very attractive V-shaped scar on her derrier after she sat on her straighteners…couldn’t sit down for a week. Needless to say I laughed a LOT *bad friend*
xx
Loving the beehive Charlotte, you know I like a bit of height with my hairstyles
Desperate to try out the blow dry bar, next time in London, I will go… I need to have the Wavy Gravy – perfect for summer!
xoxo
For all you birds north of the border, there is a blow dry bar in Glasgow’s Merchant City which is a similar concept to this one: http://www.wix.com/manders74/wilsons#!blowdry-bar
@Amanda Champness – deffo agree with you on la Burke’s new video – she is looking pretty darn fierce in it! But then it’s an Erick Morillo track isn’t it…and he can do no wrong…
xoxo
@Pamela, I may just have to come to Manchester and force you to take me hair shopping!
I love all the styles and would happily have any of them except for the minor fact that my hair is only jaw length, fine, frizzy and takes a zillion years to grow an inch. What about bridal hair styles for those of us with short hair please?
I did look at extensions (clip in and proper ones) but was scared to death that my hair might fly off across the dance floor like an escaped rat when I started dancing – not a good look!
@Amanda – have not seen this Burke video! however, I thought you totally rocked a mohican at the hen – I think you can pull off pretty much any style!
@Rachie – Ah so glad you like it! I bought a whole massive can the other day to keep me going!
@Ruthie_Ruth – A bardot is flattering for a moon promise! just make sure you have a few side bits wafting about and lots of height on top. And you can’t go wrong with a few plaits – the more the merrier! … is your friends bum actually scarred?! goodness, that must have been painful!
@Katie – you are my beehive icon.
@Lynsey B – oooh Vix’s hen do is in Glasgow, we can clearly all go there for a do!
Charlotte xxx
@Shirley that actually did make me laugh out loud in front of my class! an escaped rat indeed! But they are used to strange behaviour by now!
@Pamela fierce indeed! I to am like you on the messy thing, my hair is always a heep of controlled (controlled sometimes!) mess! Maybe thats why I’d like the burkes do SOOOO much! Nothing like a bit of a change!
@Charlotte
Yep, actually scarred in a perfect V shape. Bless her!!
I may try out a Bardot then, with plaits for good measure. If I have my hair up, I can have one of those gorgeous back necklaces right?!
@Shirely – You are right pet, we need to get some shorter styles on here ASAP.
@Ruthie_Ruth – EXACTLY, in fact I think it might be a pre requisite.
Charlotte xxx
Totally loving the Carlam and the wavy gravy-just need an excuse to go to London now so I can try the hair bar out!
Loved your beehive Charlotte-you looked ultra chic
xx