Q. How can I make my short hair look feminine for my wedding?
'Short hair doesn’t need to look masculine. The key is to make sure that the cut is soft – this is much more flattering than blunt, harsh styles. Also, ease off on products and wear your hair quite natural – this will leave hair with a lovely texture so it looks touchable, rather than looking as though it’s loaded with gel or cream.'
Q. I have long hair and I’m getting married on a beach. I’m worried that if there’s a breeze, I’ll end up looking a mess. What do you suggest? 'If you're getting married on a beach, it's best to go with a style that works with the elements, rather than against them. Anything heavily styled will look too stiff and contrived so go for a wavy look instead. Our Daniel Hersheson waving tongs, £71, are brilliant at creating soft waves and if your hair gets a little bit tousled, it will only look better.'
Q. I want to have extensions but I'm worried about damaging my hair. Are certain types gentler than others?
'Bonded extensions are great and can make a huge difference to your style – without looking fake – but you should only see someone who really knows what they’re doing. To avoid damaging your own hair, it’s important that the bonds are small so they aren't burdening your hair with too much weight. Also make sure the hair used matches your own perfectly so you get a natural look.'
Q. My hair is dry and brittle and nothing I put on it is making a difference. What can I do?'It would be worth booking in for a couple of in-salon treatments in the run-up to your big day. In our salon we offer Kérastase Rituals. They start at just £15 and work wonders on processed, out-of-condition hair. It's also good to make sure you have regular trims so you’re getting rid of old, damaged hair and split-ends.'
Q. My hair’s really slippery and I’m worried that if I have an updo for my wedding, it’ll fall down. Do I really have to do it on unwashed hair?
'No! It’s a real myth that you can’t do an up-do on clean hair. Day-old hair certainly slips less but a good hairdresser can definitely make clean hair stay put by using the right products. Just make sure you have a hair trial before the big day so you can check the style holds.'
Q. I want to wear accessories in my hair but I don’t want to look dated. How can I keep it looking contemporary?'Tiaras and flowers can look great but don’t overdo it. Simple is much more modern so try a single flower just behind your ear or a simple jewelled headband worn low with a bit of height in the hair behind it.'
Q. My hair is dyed very blonde but I’m having a tan done for my wedding and don’t want to look tacky when wearing white. Is there a way I can tone down the blonde for my wedding?
'Yes, you need to ask your hairdresser to use a toner on your hair. They are usually semi-permanent and will just tone down the colour to make it look a bit more natural. A good hairdresser should always give you a natural blonde colour anyway so you might want to switch hairdressers!'
Q. I’m having five young bridesmaids and don’t want to pay for them all to have their hair done. Can you recommend a simple style their mums can do?
'If they all have long hair, I’d just use tongs to give them some soft loose waves. It’s really quick to do but looks like it took a lot longer! Just take a section of hair, wrap it around the tong, starting at the mid-length of the hair, hold for about 20 seconds and then release. You could then pin back the top sections of their hair and secure with some pretty accessories like flower grips.'
To read Ariane Poole's make-up Q&A, click here
For wedding hairstyle inspiration, click here
