Your Ultimate Bridal Hair Prep Guide

Your complete guide to growing, nourishing, and styling your healthiest, glossiest hair yet—straight from the chair of bridal hair expert and SILKE London co-founder, Maria Sotiriou.

There’s a certain magic in the air when wedding season rolls around—the scent of fresh florals, the clink of champagne glasses, the flutter of nerves and excitement. But amid all the spreadsheets and Pinterest boards, one often overlooked (yet utterly essential) element of the big day? Your hair.

Whether you’re the bride, part of the bridal party, or a guest aiming to turn heads, your hair deserves as much attention as the venue, dress or bouquet. And who better to guide us through the bridal hair journey than Maria Sotiriou—co-founder of SILKE London and hairstylist to thousands of brides over the past three decades. With 35 years of experience transforming tired, damaged, or unruly hair into glossy, jaw-dropping masterpieces, Maria knows precisely what it takes to get your strands prepped and perfected for the most photographed day of your life.

“So much of your confidence on your wedding day comes down to how you feel—and your hair plays a huge role in that,” Maria says. “It’s not just about the style you choose, but how healthy and nourished your hair is underneath it.”

So, whether you're months out or just beginning your countdown, this is your ultimate wedding hair prep plan—expert-backed, edit-worthy, and designed to make you feel like the very best version of yourself, from your engagement shoot to the final dance floor moment.

1. Book Your Appointments & Build Your Hair Strategy Early

Let’s start at the top—planning.

Just as you wouldn't wait until a month before your wedding to choose a dress, your hair prep deserves the same level of foresight. According to Maria, the first step is a consultation with the stylist you’ve chosen for the big day, whether that’s your go-to hairdresser or someone new who specialises in bridal looks.

“In that first meeting, discuss everything—from your dress and neckline to whether you’ll be wearing a veil or hair accessories,” Maria explains. “The shape of your gown and the type of ceremony you’re having will influence the most flattering hairstyle.”

From there, map out the key appointments:

• Haircuts to maintain healthy ends (scheduled every 8–12 weeks)
• Colour touch-ups or gradual changes to tone
• Deep conditioning treatments (especially if you’re growing your hair out)
• Hair trials to test styles, accessories, and placement

Many brides decide to grow their hair before their wedding, which means the prep may begin months—if not a year—in advance. That early planning allows time to identify what’s achievable for your hair type, texture, and timeline.

“Some brides want extra length, others want fullness,” says Maria. “We assess if extensions will be needed, whether there’s enough time to grow it naturally, or if we need to rethink the style based on hair density or face shape.”

Maria also recommends considering the season of your wedding: is it mid-summer with high humidity? Or a winter ceremony in dry, central-heated venues? If your hair is prone to frizz or dryness, build that into your prep.

“Bridal hair is about creating a look that will not only last through the entire day but also feel comfortable, wearable, and true to you,” she adds.

2. Focus on Hair Health: Heatless Styling, Hydration & Growth-Boosting Routines

Behind every unforgettable bridal hairstyle is a foundation of healthy hair. Whether you're aiming for sleek and sculptural or soft and tousled, it's the health and condition of your hair that will determine how it holds and photographs.

Step one? Cut the heat.

“I always begin by asking how often a bride uses hot tools,” Maria says. “From there, we reduce—or ideally, eliminate—heat usage altogether.”

Instead, opt for a weekly blow-dry if styling is necessary, or go fully heatless with the SILKE Heatless Curler Kit—an elegant, time-saving solution for glossy curls and waves without the damage.

And what about in-between styling? That’s where the real magic happens.

Maria’s backstage secret is the SILKE London Hair Wrap—a luxurious, 100% silk turban that extends your blow-dry, minimises frizz, and distributes natural oils from root to tip while you sleep. A true multitasker, it protects your pillow (and in turn, your skin) from product build-up, dirt, and sweat—common contributors to pre-wedding breakouts.

“We’re often so focused on cleansing our faces before bed but forget that our hair is carrying the whole day with it,” she explains. “By tying it up and wrapping it in silk, you’re protecting both your strands and your skin.”

Maria also suggests planning a week’s worth of heat-free hairstyles in advance:

Day 1-2: Fresh blow-dry

Day 3-4: Half-up styles or low ponytail

Day 5-6: Sleek bun, enhanced with oils or accessories

Day 7: Wash day, treatment, reset

During the final few days before washing, add in a pre-wash oil treatment to nourish and hydrate the hair—especially important if you’re frequently styling or experiencing split ends.

3. Get to Know Your Hair's Needs: Protein vs Hydration

Here’s the truth: not all damaged hair is the same. Some strands are crying out for protein, while others are parched and desperate for moisture. Identifying which camp your hair falls into is essential for creating a routine that works. “If your hair feels limp and doesn’t bounce back, it’s likely lacking protein,” Maria advises. “If it’s dry, brittle, frizzy, or dull, then hydration is the issue.”

Her suggested protocol:

For protein deficiency: Use a strengthening mask, shampoo, and molecular repair leave-in treatment

For dehydration: Apply coconut, argan or olive oil as a pre-wash treatment; follow with a hydrating double shampoo and moisture-rich mask

And if your hair has both issues (as many do)? Alternate treatments and focus on balance. “Healthy hair isn't a one-off miracle,” Maria reminds us. “It’s the result of consistency. Build a routine you can realistically maintain in the months leading up to the wedding.”

4. Dream Colour, Done Right

Wedding colour changes are a huge trend—but they can also be a major source of hair stress. Maria’s golden rule? “Only make colour decisions that prioritise long-term health.”

Blondes may need to limit bleaching to regrowth only. Brunettes might experiment with glosses for shine. Redheads should work closely with their colourist to maintain tone without over-processing. Timing is also key.

“Avoid any major colour appointments right before a sunny holiday,” Maria warns. “UV rays fade your colour and dehydrate the hair. Always schedule colour post-holiday to keep it fresh.”

Look for multi-tasking leave-in products with built-in UV and heat protection, and again—wear that Hair Wrap! It’s your colour-preserving shield while you sleep and your sun-safe saviour at the beach. 

5. Frizz-Fighting, Extension-Supporting, Style-Locking Must-Knows

For those concerned about frizz, especially in unpredictable weather or humid locations, Maria has two words: hair wefts. “Extensions don’t just add length or thickness—they help maintain shape, prevent puffiness, and blend textures seamlessly.”

Paired with pro-approved frizz-reducing products like Colour WOW Dream Coat, and locked in with a powerful yet brushable hairspray, you can breathe easy from aisle to afterparty. Also crucial? Your hair tie of choice. Repeated ponytails and tight up-dos, especially with standard elastics, can wreak havoc on the outermost (and driest) layer of your hair. Maria recommends the 100% silk SILKE London Hair Ties—designed to hold styles securely while minimising breakage and creasing. A small switch, with major impact.

6. The 8-Hour Rule: Don’t Undo Months of Work the Night Before

Perhaps the most important step in your entire bridal hair journey happens the night before. “You’ve put in all this work—so don’t risk it by sleeping on cotton,” Maria says. “Pillowcases absorb moisture and create friction. That’s breakage waiting to happen.”

Instead, wrap your hair in the SILKE Hair Wrap, ensuring every strand—from root to tip—is cocooned in silk. The result? Hair that wakes up smooth, glossy and wedding-ready. “Silk pillowcases are a good start—but they can’t protect the underside of your hair the way a wrap can,” she adds. “Think of it as the final step in your bridal hair transformation.”

Introducing: The Sofia Hair Wrap — Bridal Hairwear Redefined

You don’t have to sacrifice style for function. SILKE’s ‘The Sofia’ Hair Wrap—crafted in a stunning bridal ivory silk—is as beautiful as it is practical. Perfect for those wedding morning ‘getting ready’ shots, it blends effortlessly into the glam process and makes a thoughtful gift for your bridal party.

Beautiful hair isn’t just for your big day—it’s for every day.

So whether you’re deep into your countdown or just getting started, trust the process, trust the silk, and above all—trust your hair. You’ve got this.

Love,
SILKE xo