Top Tresses: LA Hair | Brides Up North

Beautiful hair that captures the romance of your bridal day look isn’t just the stuff of Instagram dreams, it’s something that the talented LA Hair can craft into a reality, making you look – and feel – your most fabulous self as you walk down the aisle.

LA Hair is owned by lovely UNVEILED Network Member Lesley, who has chalked up more than 30 years in the hairdressing industry. She loves weddings more than anything, and feels privileged to play her part in such a special day for her many brides and bridesmaids.

She works all around the North East of England and travels to various locations – she even worked in Greece and lived in Sydney for five years where she specialised in weddings and did many photoshoots, as well as a stint on Australia’s equivalent of QVC.

Her hairstyles are some of the prettiest and most iconic we’ve seen, and she certainly knows her stuff when it comes to creating gorgeous ‘dos that will complement a bride’s look, and last from day to night. Here, we catch up with Lesley to find out more about her amazing work, as well as her advice and hair kit essentials to keep your bridal hair in tip top condition!

With images by UNVEILED Network Member Jane Beadnell Photography for UNVEILED Magazine

SERVICE

Lesley says: I offer a bespoke service to suit individual brides. I always like to do a trial so I can get to know my brides and their personality, and then I can create a bespoke style that suits them. It also gives brides a chance to get to know me too, so on their big day they have confidence in me and can simply enjoy their wedding.

STYLING

I can create any type of hairstyle, whether it’s structured or relaxed, but I am finding that most of my brides do like an unstructured boho look. Braids are still very popular, as well as relaxed low buns and chignons with a few tendrils. Bridesmaids also seem to like half up hairdos with soft curls.

INSPIRATION

I find inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram and other online platforms, and I like to keep myself up to date with the latest styles and techniques from the many courses I attend.

PREP

In preparation for your big day, I would recommend regular hair conditioning treatments. And if you colour your hair, I would recommend adding a bond builder like Olaplex to your colour as it helps minimise damage. Ensure you have regular trims too, even if you are growing your hair, as it helps to prevent split ends, and try not to use hair straighteners too much to prevent breakage.

TRIAL

A trial is a must so you can be advised as to which style would suit you best, and so you can see if you actually like the style you have chosen. Sometimes you’ll find that the style you want doesn’t actually suit your hair type and texture.

ESSENTIALS

My number one tool is my GHD straighteners, as they are so versatile and I can do all sorts of curls and waves with them. A hairdryer is also an essential part of my kit.

When it comes to products, dry shampoo is a must as it helps to give a bit of body and holds a style in place, especially if hair is very soft. I use mousse to prep the hair, protection spray for heated tools, and also dusting powder which helps to give extra body and texture to fine, soft hair. And, of course, my Wella hairspray is an essential as it holds really well but can be brushed out easily.

ON THE DAY

On the day of the wedding, I usually start by doing one or two bridesmaids, then the bride in the middle, and the rest of the bridesmaids afterwards, but sometimes the bride likes to go either first or last. I’m actually quite relaxed about who goes when and I like to fit around everyone, but I won’t stand around doing nothing as I’ve timed out the whole morning. I like to give brides an hour for their hair and bridesmaids about 45 minutes and then at the end I check everyone’s hair again and add the accessories.

Sometimes I do get asked to do a few wedding guests and I might be able to accommodate this, but it depends on how big the bridal party is, and if there is enough time.

TOP TIPS

The hairstyle should go with your wedding dress and overall bridal look.
Consider your hair type and texture when choosing a style.
Having your hair up or down might be impacted by the weather and humidity. For example, if it’s windy, you wouldn’t want your hair blowing all over your face

TRENDS

Looking ahead, I think soft casual up dos with twists or plaits coming round the sides and some tendrils cascading down are going to be really popular. Loose chignons are still very on trend and so are half up styles with loose curls.