Should you do your hair or makeup first on your wedding day?
When it comes to wedding day preparations, what should you do first? Makeup or hairstyle? It’s like asking what came first, the chicken or the egg. This beauty debate has undoubtedly been going on for decades. You’ve come to the right place if you’re curious about the correct order to create your beautiful look. Read on to determine whether you should prioritize your hair or makeup.
Should you do your hair or makeup first?
And the answer is whatever you prefer! Yes, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the hair or makeup first debate. It depends on personal preference, the occasion, and other factors influencing which order is preferable. However, sometimes, you should comb your hair before applying makeup, and vice versa.
Key points to consider
As you can see, there is no golden rule. Take time to think about all the important factors before you make your final decision:
- Skin type: Makeup is most beneficial for oily skin. Dry or normal skin may be more flexible.
- Hair type: A simple, heat-free hairstyle is always appropriate to start with makeup. A complex, heat-based, or high-end hairstyle suggests starting with hair.
- Today’s weather: Heat and humidity are the enemies of long-lasting makeup, and it’s best to start with your hair.
- General Schedule: The time of the event, the arrival of photographers, and the number of people getting dressed will affect the time available for each task.
- Your personal preference: Do you feel more comfortable prepping your face first, or prefer your skin to be fresh while applying makeup?
4 situations when it's better to style your hair first
As we said, there are times when you should clean your hair before applying makeup. Here are 4 important things to consider!
Comb your hair first if you have oily skin
For those with very oily or shiny hair, it is best to style it first. This will allow you to cleanse your face thoroughly before applying makeup, allowing you to apply makeup on a fresh face that will last the entire time.
Comb your hair first if it’s your wedding day
If you’re torn between doing your hair or makeup on your wedding day, we’ll make it easy for you: hair first! If your stylist breaks a sweat while using their heating tools, you won’t have to worry about your makeup melting. Plus, you won’t have to worry about hairspray getting on your makeup!
Comb your hair first if it’s summer
It’s best to style your hair before applying makeup in the summer. This is because you have to use heating tools to style your hair, which can make you sweat in hot weather. That’s why it’s wise to style your hair before your wedding day and apply makeup. Be more considerate of yourself—do your makeup last so everything is in order.
Comb your hair first if you need to style your hair
Some hairstyles, like curling with hot rollers, take time to set properly—meaning you have to hold the curls in place until they cool down to keep their shape. So, if you want your hair to set properly, here’s a smart trick: style your hair partially first, then apply makeup while it takes time to set. This will get the two tasks done simultaneously, saving you time.
4 situations when makeup should come first
Of course, there are times when makeup should be an important part of your routine. Here are four to keep in mind!
Do your makeup first—if you don’t want to heat your hair
If you don’t want to use heat styling tools, apply your makeup first. Then, apply a wave spray or mousse to your hair—that way, you can style your hair without any heat.
If it’s your second-day hair, do your makeup first
If your hair is set the night before, a light touch-up the next day is enough. So, in such cases, apply your makeup first, and then use a little dry shampoo.
If you’re worried about tying your hair, apply makeup first
Don’t you want your hair to get tangled? Although there are many hair clips now that tie your hair without leaving any tangles, we understand your concern. So, if you want to be safe, apply your makeup first—you don’t have to worry about tying your hair.
Do your makeup first if you’re short on time
Short on time? First, spend more time on your makeup. Then, check your watch to see how much time you have to style your hair.
If you’re short on time, choose a quick hairstyle—like a smart low bun, which can be done in just 5 minutes.
Conclusion
There’s no single answer to whether to do your hair or makeup first on your wedding day. It depends on a combination of personal and logistical factors. Consider your skin and hair type, desired style, expected weather, and the overall schedule for the day. The most important thing is to discuss this with your beauty professional and conduct a trial run to determine the correct sequence and timing. Plan and get the right help to make your wedding morning smooth and help you look your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
The night before is important. Be sure to cleanse and moisturize your face thoroughly. Use products you trust. Avoid using new products or having invasive facial treatments (such as peels or lifts) in the weeks leading up to the wedding.
Time varies depending on the professionalism and complexity of the look. Generally, for a group (bride, mother, etc.), hair and makeup usually take 45 minutes to 1 hour per person to assemble (or 30-45 minutes per service if done separately). Give at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the bride’s hair, and plan the same time for makeup.