Wedding Blog
This is how I wanted my hair to be done for our wedding—loose curls and all down. I thought this would be the best look for me, and I was really looking forward to seeing it all come together.
(source)
You may also remember I wanted to use the extension clip-in piece from Jessica Simpson HairUWear. I even purchased a new hair piece for my hair trial and wedding day so it would be smooth.
I had heard mixed reviews about my hair stylist. I heard that she doesn’t listen to her clients sometimes, she can be a little nutty, but if she gets it right she really gets it right. I really had high hopes. But even though I was prepared with what I wanted to use and inspirational pictures, somehow my hair trial ended up being the worst part of my entire trip home. I got to the hair stylist a little late (15 minutes) because I was given the wrong directions. I showed up and I rushed over to her styling area. Without even introducing herself, I sat in her chair and she immediately started curling my hair with an iron that wasn’t even turned on (should’ve been my first clue to run). I asked if she wanted to see any pictures of what I had envisioned for the style, and I showed her. Her only response was that she wouldn’t be able to style my hair like that because I needed layers to get that look. So after all these months of growing out my hair, I was told that I needed to cut it. I.don’t.think.so.lady… grr.
Before I could even mention using my beloved hair piece, she shunned the idea and looked at me like I was some kind of freak. She must’ve seen the edge of the box and said, “Oh, you don’t need that—you have too much hair as it is.” Gee, thanks for keeping an open mind.
While she was curling my hair, the makeup artist showed up. We chatted and it seemed like it would be a good fit. The only problem was she was trying to do my makeup as I was getting my hair curled. Mascara and eyeliner + a crazy lady curling your hair = disaster. I nearly got my eye poked out.
After my hair was curled, I figured we were pretty much done. It looked okay, but I really wished she had added my clip-in. It adds so much curl and really helps the curl stay throughout the night. As a matter of fact, I had this exact same hairstyle for Champ’s sister’s wedding last June. See? It IS possible to do this style without cutting my hair.
I’m on the right and you can see the back here. My hair is probably a few inches longer than this now.
Anyhoo… here you go:
Here’s my hair from the front. I didn’t hate it, but it didn’t feel like me and it certainly was far from the romantic curls I imagined.
My first thought when I saw the back was, “Okay, it’s not that bad…”
But then… I put my hair to the front instead of all back and eeek! What a frizzy tangled mess.
When I saw the side view, I was horrified. Why would she ever let me leave the salon with a huge strand of hair just hanging out? Would I ever want to look like this on the big day?!
So how I ended up with this final hairstyle I have no idea. I showed her a picture of it down, and I somehow walked away with it up. I wanted my clip-in, and it never made it out of the box. My Dad picked me up from the trial and was silent. I could tell he hated it so I asked him about it. His response was, “You just don’t look like you.” It was exactly how I felt. To make matters worse, I could tell some of it was falling out as I left the salon so I asked for a few bobby pins. As the hair stylist handed them to me, she said, “Don’t forget to layer your hair before I see you in February.” Ha! Okay crazy lady.
So truth- what do you think I should do?? The other hair stylist I was considering is twice the price and I would have to do a trial run a week before the wedding.
How do you deal with vendors when your expectations are not met?
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How you will look on the actual day affects you in a big way. If you don’t love your hair you won’t feel as confident and that is what it is all about! Confidently in love. And if you aren’t confident then it will show in your photos and for most brides photos are a big deal. If I were you I would probably go with someone else, you could do the hair style this lady gave you yourself! Good luck and you are going to be a gorgeous bride!
Run. Find a new stylist. Don’t settle, you can do it! She sounds like a ball of toxic energy and you *dont* need that on your wedding day. You’re beautiful, btw!
i would start looking for a new stylist now. i agree with the pp, this is definitely not a place where you want or should settle. ask around town, i’m SURE you’ll find someone much better! good luck!
Hair trials aren’t just about the hair style. They’re also to find out if the stylist is right for you. Obviously, this one ISN’T! The biggest issue being that she didn’t bother to LISTEN to you. Her client! My bet is you’ll be much happier with someone else… even if you have to pay more. Good luck!
You cannot use this crazy woman!!! Pay the extra for the other stylist, or try to find another one in your price range. This “style” doesn’t look professional at all 
so I totally forgot to mention this but during my hair trial a stray cat wandered into the salon and was there the entire time. weeeeeeird, huh?!
@Miss Meatball: oh well thank you, dear- as are you!
Do not go back!
I had the worst hair at my friend’s wedding and I hate every photo from that day.
You may spend more, but I bet you’ll love the results.
You deserve to be with people who are going to build you up on your day. I say. Research research research. Find a haristylist you feel comfortable with, who will listen to you and will take the look you want to acheive, and add their on unique touch to it to make it totally you. So go research, and go out there for another weekend of hair trials until you find what you want.
Don’t risk it!!! I still gasp at how expensive wedding hair and make-up is, but don’t risk not looking like you on your big day!!
You look amazingly tan in those wedding photos!
And I agree with the others, don’t risk it, go with someone else.
Find a new stylist now! My mother didn’t like her hair on her wedding day (25 years ago) and it is still the first thing she mentions when she talks about her wedding to this day.
Miss Champagne! I’m so glad you love that first hair picture - that’s my very good friend’s work - Katie B. http://www.katiebcosmeetics.com Please credit her!
spurge, pictures are forever and I promise you don’t want to look back on the day and say ” I just don’t look like my self.” Plus you’ll feel fabulous, looking the way you want not, bumbed you didn’t get what you asked for.
spurge, pictures are forever and I promise you don’t want to look back on the day and say ” I just don’t look like my self.” Plus you’ll feel fabulous, looking the way you want not, bummed you didn’t get what you asked for.
Back away!
Trials typically won’t be *perfect*, but she didn’t even listen to what you wanted.
Well you look beautiful either way, but I do see what you mean. I think maybe you should try to find somebody else who is more easy going and willing to do what you want. After all, you are the BRIDE and the one paying to have your look the way you want it to look. You can’t feel guilty about that. Find someone you know will do a fantastic job… even if it’s just a friend and not a professional. I hope everything works out!
First of all, you are gorgeous. 
And second of all, I agree with everyone else — definitely seek out a new hairdresser. I wouldn’t risk it on the big day…the worst part is that she didn’t even TRY to do what you asked for! Jeez…
What she did looks like something that you could have done yourself. I would try talking to the other stylist and maybe ask for examples of her work that are similar to what you are asking for. If you get a good vibe on the phone and her work looks good then go for it. You don’t want your hair to look a mess, and if you don’t want layers I don’t get why she was pushing them.
Your makeup looks great any way… sorry the stylist was such a space shot!
oh wow. i’m so glad other peoples’ first trials aren’t going so well. my girl listened to me, but just didn’t seem to have enough time to really fix me up, and it made me so nervous. i’d definitely suggest finding somebody new for yourself — it sounds like this woman was totally dismissive of your ideas, which just isn’t cool.
My first trial was crap too, I moved on and never looked back. I can’t imagine looking at the pictures now and wishing it was different… find someone who at the very least makes you feel comfortable!
I’m with everyone else. Don’t go back. Incidentally, who did your hair for your SIL’s wedding?
The look you want is almost exactly what I’m looking for. I keep thinking: oh it can’t be that hard. But obviously it’s harder than I thought. 
Could you call the better (more expensive) stylist and ask her whether she’s willing to negotiate? February is not the height of wedding season, so she might be willing to. Keep us posted!!
Run away!!!! What an awful experience. You don’t want to deal with crazy hair curling vendors!!!
Did you do your hair for SIL’s wedding? If so do it yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that then find someone else.
@shannamt: @Miss Cheese: It was a stylist from my SIL’s home town in Boston- I actually considered flying her into Vail because she was so “on” with the style I wanted.
@Jellybean77: Thank you so much for the link! I love her hair:)
@D: thanks so much for your support:)
Go for a new stylist, you don’t want to take that big of a risk on your wedding day. Good luck!
Hey Miss Champagne - for that picture you like up there, my friend Katie used hair extensions! It’s totally doable so it boggles my mind that the hair lady refused to even try. I actually bought hair extensions from Katie myself so she can duplicate that same look for my day =)
Run, do not walk, away from this woman. If she won’t listen to you now, she definitely won’t listen to you on your wedding day.
i work at a hair salon with a fabulous team of stylists, several who specialize in weddings
first let me say you look gorgeous in those photos! but i understand what you’re going through
its difficult for brides during their trials, they have high expectations (as they should) but the purpose of a trial, is to try several looks, they are not the final result…think of it as a rough draft
if you are in a tricky financial and/or scheduling position and cannot change stylists - communicate clearly with your stylist, once she starts to pin up your hair - that’s when you chime in to let her know you prefer it down even if she “just wants to see” haha
i hope this is helpful, and i know it seems like common sense but ive witnessed countless bridal trials - the most successful ones are when the bride is vocal and assertive (emphasis on assertive, not aggressive haha)
good luck with your look - be sure to ask your stylist for a touch up kit for the rest of the evening, or at least have her recommend some products - as you may know a set like that can really go limp after a few hours!
Definitely find someone you are happy with. I could do so much better for you and I’m not a hair stylist. Don’t settle. Good luck!
I would look at some other options if I were you. It’s going to suck to pay more, but it will be worth it if you get the look you want and find someone who is willing to work with you. Good luck, Miss Champagne!
Run away and run fast. You could probably practice for a few hours and manage a better hairstyle than what this insensitive stylist provided. Of course, you want a professional so your hair looks as perfect as it can and to help relieve some of the stress of the day. Find a stylist who is personable, willing to actually listen to you, advice you on what’s best for your hair, and help your relax.
I didn’t think to do this myself before, but when you’re looking for a new stylist, maybe you can meet with them just to chat? Maybe that way you can tell them what you want and you can find out if they are good listeners and can give you what you want before paying for an expensive trial. I’ve never heard of anyone doing this, but there’s got to be a better way to screen for good hair & makeup artists before paying for expensive trials.
i say drop the hairstylist and learn how to do this hairstyle yourself. I personally am not going to hire a hairstylest, simply because I have never had anyone style my hair right. Just hire a makeupartist. There are lots of youtube tutorials, and I am sure you can do this one easily, lots of hairspray, a flat iron for loose curls and scrunching.
i say drop the hairstylist and learn how to do this hairstyle yourself. I personally am not going to hire a hairstylest, simply because I have never had anyone style my hair right and I am not doing a complex updo, something very similar to your photo, just messy and tousled.
Save your money and just hire a makeupartist. There are lots of youtube tutorials, and I am sure you can do this one easily on you’re own(since its not an updo) lots of hairspray, a flat iron for loose curls and scrunching.
hello dear!
i just wanted to clarify that the picture you used for your inspiration is my work so the source you linked is incorrect. my name is katie b and I did her hair and makeup. i used my own custom hand made extensions. they are way different and better that the jessica simpson ones. let me know if you have any questions. thanks.
@Katie B: sorry about that- it’s so hard to keep track! you clearly did a wonderful job:) Thanks!
Thanks for the advice everyone- I’m really struggling with this because part of me wants to just stick with her and have her just curl my hair but I’ve met the other hairstylist (much more expensive) and she’s super nice and does a great job. That’s probably why she’s so much more expensive! Hmm… I still don’t know:(
It WILL be worth the money if you feel amazing on your wedding day. Go to the other stylist….
Miss Champagne - I did my hair trial the week before my wedding and it turned out great. my stylist actually preferred it that way becuase it was fresh in her mind that way. Good luck!
Hi Miss Champ, did you ever consider taking your case to the more expensive stylist? She may be willing to negotiate, as some have said before me, and if she understands your dilemma, she may be more willing to work with you. Maybe you have friends who are getting married/going to be in a wedding not far from yours, and if they book with her you could get a referral discount? It definitely never hurts to ask!! Good luck 
I think you got some good advice from the poster who works in a salon. In my own experience with getting professional hair dos for weddings and events, you HAVE to assert what you want, and if they say it’s “not possible” just ask why. The picture from Katie B and the picture from the wedding you were in are different specifically because there’s more volume at the top. That look really needs volume, and layers are one of the primary ways to get it. I’m not trying to defend her, I’m just trying to encourage you to probe, and be vocal……don’t you think it would have been worse if you had fallen in love with the people skills of your stylist but she had no skill whatsoever? I just know it’s really easy for me to say “splurge!”, when it isn’t my money, so I’m trying to help you out in a balanced way! Good luck!
PS–A lot of men think that women don’t “look like themselves” when they get remotely done-up with professional hair. That’s one of my big worries for my wedding day. I don’t want my FH to think I look like someone else!
My godsister could do a better job than that. Run away from this place, talk with local brides and find a hairstylist that can do the job you want.
You will regret it if you let someone spoil your wedding. Look around even if you have to drive a bit farther to get it done.
You are in charge. You are paying them for this so do not put up with something you do not like.
[...] Help by Miss Spring Roll, When Vendors Don’t Listen: My 1st Hair Trial by Miss [...]
I got married in Vail Colorado at Donovan Pavillion and took the advice of my Wedding planner but did not get the hair trial. My hair didn’t look anything like the picture and I kept telling her I wanted my makeup to have a dramatic flair but she kept saying I’m going to make it look very natural. I wish I had gone through the trial. I wouldn’t have hired her. Trust your gut and go find another. She won’t improve and your pre appointment seemed like a chance to make some extra cash. Weddiings are big business around here. Good luck, wish I liked my stylist but I cannot recommend her. I did however have an awesome florist.
[...] my hair trial. You may remember that in November I came to Vail for some tastings and trials, and I had a horrific hair trial. It looked nothing like I imagined, and I had to change stylists. So I spoke with my new [...]
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Miss Champagne, DC/Vail/Colorado
Age and Occupation: 26, Eye Doctor
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Attorney
Engagement Date: March 13, 2006
Wedding Date: February 2009
Blogging Since: July 30, 2008
Venue: Small church ceremony with mountain-view log cabin reception
About Me: I'm a small town mountain girl with a city heart. Found my way to the east coast, and Mr. Champagne kept me here so we're planning a wedding from afar in my hometown Vail, Colorado. I'm secretly obsessed with reality TV, Wii games where I can shoot a gun, country music, and Caesar: Dog Whisperer. I also spend time pretending to golf, backseat driving, having one way conversations with our MinPin Maxwell, loving champagne, and wedding perfecting… I mean, planning. I use way too many repeated symbols and letters when I write, and I'll love Mr. Champagne endlessly…
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