Occasion hair: the timeline that actually works

The occasion-hair appointments that go wrong are almost never about the hair — they're about the timeline. Here's the one our brides swear by:

Eight weeks out: the trial. Bring photos, bring the dress neckline, bring an honest friend.

Three weeks out: colour. Close enough to be fresh, far enough to soften and settle.

One week out: the cut. Ends behave better with a few washes in them.

The day: arrive with day-old, dry hair unless we've said otherwise. Clean hair is slippery hair; updos need a little grip.

Our senior stylists and directors take occasion bookings at all four salons — Sofia in Altrincham runs the wedding diary and books out for spring, so plan ahead.