Brides are often interested in how to take care of their hair so that it is perfect on the wedding day. The basis for keeping our hair healthy, shiny and ready for any special day is a daily hair care routine and a healthy lifestyle. In consultation with Maija Kesmin, the manager of the beauty salon "Skaistuma baras", we have collected practical and up-to-date tips for everyday hair care and trends for wedding hairstyles for this and the next wedding season, so that you feel radiant not only at the wedding, but also in everyday life!

What are the current trends in hair care?

In recent years, hair care has focused on scalp care. The skin of the head is compared to the skin of the face - it must be healthy. Products are becoming more universal - several functions are combined in one product, which is more economical and convenient to use. Since everyday life tends to be accompanied by stress, the products use more tea tree oil, which acts as an antifungal agent with an antibacterial effect - against dandruff and itching. On the other hand, salicylic acid, activated carbon and hyaluronic acid perfectly moisturize, soothe and promote hair growth.

Consumers prefer hair care products with natural ingredients. The products are free of sulfates, parabens and artificial fragrances, and the packaging has become environmentally friendly. When choosing the most suitable hair care products, I recommend consulting with your hairdresser, adjusting hair care exactly to your hair type.

The nineties are relevant in hairstyles: straight, long, natural hair, boho-style arrangements, smooth braids, complementing them with nineties-style accessories and ribbons are returning to fashion.  The most popular hair coloring techniques are balayage combined with babylights or airtouch .

How to achieve an excellent result as naturally as possible - are there any technologies, products, that are particularly gentle on the hair?

Currently, there are various styling devices for hair that adapt to the moisture level of the hair and even the texture and thickness of the hair.

• Infrared and ultrasound devices - regenerate hair from the inside using heat without high temperature.
• LED light therapy for the scalp (red light spectrum) – activates hair growth, reduces inflammation.
• Ionic hair dryers and straighteners – such as Philips SenseIQ series devices, do not electrify the hair and help retain natural hair moisture during styling.

I would not recommend getting carried away with head massage devices, which are very popular at the moment, because they can injure the hair follicle, and excessive use can lead to hair loss.

We pay attention to nutrition, nutritional supplements such as biotin, zinc, collagen, silicon. We avoid aggressive actions - we wash our hair in lukewarm water, but dry and straighten it with heat protectants. A silk or satin pillowcase will reduce hair breakage and electrification. I also recommend choosing to tone your hair rather than dyeing it.

To achieve a natural but visible result, the most important thing is not the quantity, but the quality – fewer products, but with a more intense effect of ingredients, and devices that adapt to the hair, not damage it.

How to style hair quickly and easily at home?

There are several simple and effective methods, depending on the length, thickness and desired style of the hair, that shape the hair without damaging it at the same time.

• No Heat bow with satin or silk roll

Moisten the hair a little, divide it into 2-4 parts. Each strand is wrapped around a roll. Leave overnight or for 2-3 hours.

The result: natural, smooth curls without heat.

• Hair dryer + round brush (5-15 min), Blowout like from a hairdresser

A heat protection product is applied to the hair. Use a hair dryer and a round brush to create volume at the roots and gently curl the ends. Hair styling devices with rotating hair brushes are also great here. If you want a more permanent effect, immediately after styling, wind it on larger diameter rollers and let the hair cool down for ten minutes.

• Beach Waves or light waves

You need a cone-type curling iron that is thicker at the roots and narrower at the ends. Wrap the strand loosely (it is not necessary to create volume at the roots), hold for 5-7 seconds depending on the thickness of the hair. The thicker the strand, the less pronounced the wave will be. To make the effect even more natural, change the direction and thickness of each strand.

• Low copse arcs

Twist a loose braid or twist knot into a low braid. After a few hours or in the morning, let it go and shape with your fingers.

• Fast, light arcs

Tie a high ponytail, divide the ends of the hair into strands and style with the Philips WavePro Styler 9000 curling iron. You can adjust the size of the strands by adjusting the styling settings according to the desired result. When the ponytail is styled, gently comb it, fix it with a product, and if you want to let the hair out.

Hairdresser Maija Kesmina recommends

3 current bridal hairstyles for the next wedding season

• Exaggerated hair volume – Volume Glam

Includes Hollywood Waves Old Hollywood , Vintage Hollywood . Nineties supermodel-inspired volume with a structured updo at the roots and big bows. Fits with a classic but confident overall wedding image.

• Smooth and tightly arranged ponytails or braids

Slicked Back A ponytail or a low sleek cope creates a sophisticated and contemporary look. These styles are especially suitable for brides who want to accentuate their facial features or neckline. Pearl, crystal and metallic accessories are suitable for the hairstyle - hair ornaments can be braided as details or as an accent at the back of the hairstyle.

• Partially collected hair arrangement

An elegant way to keep things natural and light while giving your arrangements a sophisticated look. This style looks good with light waves, braids, easily adaptable to different hair lengths. It is often supplemented with various accessories - pearls, flowers, hair clips to give a special accent.

Recommendations for everyday hair care

To achieve the best result before the wedding, it is important to pay attention to daily care, moisturizing and strengthening the hair, especially if there are 4-9 weeks until the big day.

• Gentle cleansing and moisturizing (3-4 times a week)

Shampoo + conditioner

• Deep moisturizing or renewal (1-2 times a week)

Hair masks

• Everyday protection

Leave In conditioner or spray moisturizing conditioner, heat protection, oil or serum at ends

• Scalp care (1-2 per week)

Gentle peeling or tonic for the scalp

• Nutrition and lifestyle

Drinks a lot of water, includes biotin, zinc, omega 3 and collagen in the diet as nutritional supplements. Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase.

• In the last 2 weeks

Does not experiment with new products or procedures. Reduce the use of heat on your hair. Schedule your last hair appointment for a cut about 10 days before the big event so the ends are fresh but not freshly cut.

10 tips to make your hair grow long and shiny and healthy

1. Scalp care – basis for hair growth

Rosemary oil or tonic – improves blood circulation;

Gentle exfoliation once a week – available shampoos with an exfoliating effect that remove dead scalp cells;

Head massage for five minutes a day, preferably gently massaging with fingertips.

2. Moisturizing and nourishing

Hyaluronic acid for hair – retains moisture and gives shine;

Moisturizing masks 1-2 times a week, leave in care product or serum to protect hair against dryness.

3. Protection against damage

Thermal protection plus end protection every 2-3 months to prevent split ends.

4. Less mechanical friction

Satin or silk pillowcases and hair bands are used. Do not rub your hair with a towel, but dry it lightly or use a microfiber towel.

5. Natural lubrication

Argan, castor oil on the ends of the hair or as a hair mask;

Castor oil also for scalp – stimulates hair growth.

6. Nutrition – eat more eggs, avocados, fish, spinach, berries, seeds and the above-mentioned vitamins.

7. Washing mode

2-3 times a week is ideal for most, excessive washing can dry out the hair and scalp. At the end of washing, the hair is rinsed with cool water - it gives the hair shine.

8. After washing your hair, attention should be paid to combing your hair

Hair should be combed from the ends, moving upwards, with a wide comb or fingers. It is best to comb when the hair is damp or treated with a leave-in conditioner.

9. More rest from heat devices

Give your hair a vacation from the straightener or curler. Uses no heat build method.  More alternatives are used in coloring: toning shampoos and masks.

10. Patience

Hair grows 1-1.5 centimeters per month, but with proper care it is possible to support hair growth to the maximum and reduce hair breakage.

The article was prepared by: Ieva Simanoviča