New York Hairstylists Guide, New York Wedding Guide Advice from OurWeddingDay.com

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New York Hairstylists Guide

Finding the Perfect Stylist for Your Big Apple Wedding

New York City can be Upper East Side chic or Downtown trendy. For your wedding day, your hair can be as elegant as any of the “Sex and the City” girls, and just as cool. Whether you go for Carrie Bradshaw-casual or Samantha Jones-sophistication, hiring a hairstylist is a great way to get the look you crave. Read on for Big Apple tips.

A professional hairstylist is a smart move if you’re planning on trying a look that’s more complicated than normal, or if you think you’re going to be too busy or nervous to style it on your big day. You can hire a hairstylist for yourself, or go all out and treat the girls. Venues frequently offer an on-site stylist, and women take advantage of this for convenience and budget reasons. Make sure, however, that you compare prices; a freelancer might be cheaper because she doesn’t have the same overhead as a salon.

Start looking for your New York hairstylist about 6 months’ prior to your wedding; earlier if you have the time. When searching, ask friends and relatives, as well as other vendors. If you’re invited to a wedding and love the bride’s hair, get the name of her stylist. A quality hairstylist should have 5 years’ experience, and you should ask for references and contact the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

Prices for hairstylists vary tremendously, and New York is one of the most expensive cities in the country. You also need to account for your demands, and the style of your ‘do. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 for you, and from $500 to $1,500 for your whole party. Your hairstylist should spend about an hour on you, and about 45 minutes on each bridesmaid. Many women hire a separate hairstylist for themselves, to have some alone time before the chaos. If it’s in your budget, book a hairstylist for most (or all) of your wedding day, to keep your hair in top form.

When you’re ready to get serious about hair, visit the OurWeddingDay.com New York City Local Vendor Section for a list of top-rated hairstylists in the New York area.

When interviewing hairstylists, ask to see as many photos as possible, and check out web sites for additional pictures. Make sure you click with her personality; like other vendors, she’s going to be with you on the day of your wedding, and it’s crucial that the only tension she adds is to your locks. Once you decide on a hairstylist, she’ll do a trial run, a must for your wedding day. Bring your wedding colors, swatches, and any jewelry you plan to wear.

On the contract, make sure the hairstylist you interview is the same one who shows up on your wedding day, and go over all extras to make sure you’re not charged for something you didn’t request. You should have the name of any additional stylists, as well as substitutes in case of emergency. Stylists should be tipped 20%, provided the service is exceptional. If you hire a stylist for the entire day, it’s appropriate to offer her a meal.

-David Toussaint