If we could offer one piece of beauty advice to brides, it would be this: Don’t be afraid to give feedback to your hair or makeup artist during your bridal preview.
One of the most talked-about wedding moments of the year was a viral TikTok video where a bride shared her frustration with her wedding makeup twenty minutes before the ceremony – so much so that she washed it off and posted the video online. The makeup artist responded with a follow-up, gaining support from wedding professionals and real-life brides alike. The key issue? The bride hadn’t communicated her dissatisfaction with the makeup artist’s work.
To promote transparency and open communication between brides and their stylists, we’ve created this guide – with some help from our friends at JL Makeup Studio & Beauty Boutique – on what to do if you’re unhappy with your hair or makeup preview before your wedding. Feel empowered to voice your preferences, take plenty of photos, seek a second opinion, and ask for a redo!
Here’s what to do if you don’t love your hair or makeup preview for your wedding:
What Is a Hair or Makeup Preview?
A bridal preview is your chance to refine your wedding day hair or makeup look and ensure your stylist or artist understands your vision. It also helps you visualize how everything will come together, from your outfit and accessories to how a veil or hairpiece complements your hairstyle.
Bring Reference Photos
Bring a few inspirational photos, specifically from the artist’s portfolio, and be ready to talk through what you like about each one. Be specific about texture, volume, color, placement, and the overall vibe. Make sure your stylist understands the elements you love and the ones you’d rather skip or tweak.
Be sure to choose reference photos directly from your stylist’s portfolio. This helps ensure they’re familiar with the specific look you desire and the products and techniques it took to achieve it. Select inspiration images that reflect your hair color, skin tone, and hair texture to get a more accurate idea of how the style will translate on you. Avoid overly edited photos, especially those from Pinterest or professional shoots, as they can create unrealistic expectations.
You can also provide photos of what you don’t like! This will help steer your artists away from certain directions, which can be just as helpful as telling them what you do want.
Take Photos in Different Lighting
Once your look is complete, snap photos in various lighting – natural light, indoors, with and without flash. This gives you a more accurate sense of how your hair and makeup will appear throughout the day. If you feel comfortable, talk to your stylist right away about your initial thoughts. If you need time to process, send the photos to a trusted friend and share how you’re feeling.
Communicate Your Concerns
Don’t be afraid to speak up during your bridal preview! In fact, artists hope that you will communicate with them throughout the process, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you want something changed. Communication is key! When giving feedback, be honest and as specific as possible. A great hair or makeup artist will appreciate your input and collaborate with you to make the right adjustments, but they are not mind readers. Clear communication in the moment can save you the time and expense of booking a second trial.
Be As Specific As Possible
Rather than simply saying you don’t like the look, try to pinpoint what’s not working for you. Is the makeup too heavy or too minimal? Are the curls too tight, too loose, or not the style you envisioned? The more detailed your feedback, the better your artist can adjust and bring your vision to life.
Give It 24 Hours
If something feels off right away, don’t hesitate to speak up in the moment. If you’re on the fence, give yourself some space to reflect. Revisit the photos and consider wearing the hair and makeup around for the day to see how it settles. Sometimes, giving it 24 hours can help you better understand your feelings. But if you’re someone who knows immediately, trust that instinct and say something.
Have Realistic Expectations
Know your skin and hair type, and remember that a makeup artist or hairstylist can enhance your natural features – but they can’t change them. Ask your stylist for recommendations on how to care for your skin in the weeks leading up to the big day, as well as any treatments or prep needed for your hair, whether you’re going for a sleek style or embracing your natural curls. Remember that they are artists – not magicians.
Schedule a Second Preview
If it’s clear you’re not happy with the results of your first preview, go ahead and book a second one. There may not be time that day to redo everything, and starting fresh with a new perspective often feels easier – and more productive – than trying to course-correct on the spot. Be aware that some artists will charge for a second preview, but having the peace of mind that your artists understand and can now nail your vision is worth every penny.
Find a New Hair or Makeup Artist
If the look still doesn’t feel right, even after reviewing photos, offering feedback, or having a second beauty preview, it’s perfectly okay to move on. There’s likely another artist who’s a better fit for your style and vision. If you decide to make a switch, bring photos from your previous appointment to help your new artist understand what didn’t work and why.
You deserve to feel confident and comfortable with the person creating your wedding day look. Reread your contract and educate yourself on cancellation policies and refunds, if any, but again, the peace of mind of finding a new artist who is a better fit may be worth the loss.
A special thanks to JL Makeup Studio & Beauty Boutique for contributing their expertise to this post!
