“OMG, so my wedding’s coming up! I’m beyond excited!! I’m pretty much set to roll (and honestly, between you and me, it’s the talk everywhere!! My fiancé and I were saying only last night that we think it’s going to be the event of the year). But… and I don’t mean to sound like THAT girl, BUT I’m SO incredibly, nail-bitingly, about to have a nervous breakdown. What the heck do I do with my hair?! I know that sounds bridezilla-ish and overly dramatic and all, but it’s so true! Honestly, I’m at breaking point.

Photography: The Evoke Company 

I’ve tried with so many stylists who claim magic but at the slightest drop of water… ahhh, don’t even get me started. Oh, and not to mention I’m a hot person. Not that I think I’m hot, but I’m hot. I get the anxious sweats! You know, like when they mention the “SULAR,” (the Sweaty Upper Lip). That’s me!! Accept it’s in my hairline and on the back of my neck, in the pits! IT’S THE WORST! In all seriousness though, I just want to wear it out and embrace my bridal era with my dream bridal hair. But at the best of times, this mane is giving main character, but more in a fuzzy Einstein kind of way than cute Sabrina Carpenter. Help! It’s soon to be the favourite day of my life! I can’t do hot mess!”

Photography: Tale Thief 

Curls can be hard to maintain – we know they can be challenging. One day they sit fabulously, tomorrow ah, you look like a descendant of Hagrid’s long-lost cousin. Curly hair that’s styled straight needs to have a stronger at home hair routine then a curly human wearing their curls naturally. Why? At the slightest drop of water or an increase in humidity insert wild child!!. We always want what we can’t have and when we can’t control what we do have, we seek help. We recently caught up with Sydney Hairdresser and Bridal Hair Artisan Erin Shanley, who shared some decent advice.  Erin says – “Go natural! No, seriously. Instead of going against the grain and trying to get your hair to be something it’s not keen on, embrace the texture you’ve got. Work your natural to your advantage. Let those curls become the main character energy they were always supposed to be. Work with a Hair Stylist who’s confident in all types of hair textures. Even better, find a pro with a technically trained background.

Photography: Erin Shanley 

If accepting natural texture isn’t for you (even though it’s set to be one of the biggest trends right now), there are treatments like “nanoplasty” (hair botox) or Keratin to aid you in styling, but if these don’t sit right with you, go for weaves and wigs. Notice how I didn’t say hair extensions? While they are a form of extension, I’m talking about tackling hair from the top, not adding to the underneath. Oh, and before you come at us with those “yeah right,” and “as if” looks, really think about who you’re seeing in pop culture today. Taylor didn’t change her looks so swiftly on her Life of a Showgirl tour without a top-notch wig maker.

Photography: Erin Shanley 

Chris Appleton applied a wig piece to Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, or Kris Jenner on their latest press tours. Paris Hilton has had the same thick ended long blonde hair for well over a decade. Do you really think that’s all hers? (I know that’s part of her brand, but insert “that’s hot.”) Anok Yai, Rihanna, Beyonce, Cher, Bella Hadid, Lady Gaga, even Dolly Parton – these amazingly influential women have all worn wigs and full weaves, whether for hair loss, hair protection, or just to change up their look. It’s got you thinking now, hasn’t it? There are always other options.

Photography: Erin Shanley 

So, tell me, when you were in the early stages of wedding planning, what were you thinking about? Obviously not just what you will wear. Maybe you were thinking about not freezing in your dress? About having a garden party… or a night under the stars??…  Hear me out.

Photography: Tale Thief 

If your hair is as unruly as you say it is, choose a month or a time of year where it’s just coming out of winter but not yet hot. Or about to go into winter, when it’s not a gazillion degrees. Or better yet, choose a wet month. Curly girls know what I’m talking about. There is a science behind this, I promise. Ever wonder why those months are the most popular?? It’s not just about the flowers.

About the author: Erin Shanley – a professionally qualified hairdresser, bridal artisan and session stylist based in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, is fuelled by a passion and driven by curiosity with a focus on individuality. Erin provides a boutique like service with an emphasis on hair health and wellbeing for all her guests, both on location or in her salon.

Thank you to Erin Shanley for bringing her trademark warmth, humour and expertise to this conversation. We hope her tips help you feel more confident (and far less frazzled!) as you plan your dream wedding hair moment.