Your Hair Questions Answered by Bridal Expert & Stylist to the Stars Sian Sharkey!

We’ve got the inside scoop on all things hair from Dancing with the Stars Stylist and Bridal Expert Sian Sharkey. Whether you’re after tips and tricks to keep your tresses in check or want to know what a professional recommends, it’s all here in our exclusive Q&A!

Q: Hi Sian! One of our most popular questions is when should we wash our hair before getting it styled for an event like weddings, christenings, parties? Should we have a freshly washed mane or does day-old-hair fare better?

A: There’s an urban myth that hairstylists like dirty hair before getting an up style, I’d like to clear that up! Freshly washed, bone dry hair is ideal for styling. So I usually ask my bridal parties to wash and blast off their hair the night before. This means it will be 100% dry and hold a style. If your hair is particularly oily or fine then I’d say to wash it the morning of, but the night before is perfect.

Q: Should we be putting any products in our hair before styling it ourselves or when getting it styled? For example, a wedding morning? Or should it be just a simple shampoo and condition and that’s it?

A: If you are getting your hair styled by a professional then you just need to wash and condition as normal - I always recommend using a professional shampoo and conditioner. Your hair stylist will have all the products they like to work with. If you’re styling it yourself, you should use a heat protector like the Moroccanoil Perfect Defense to avoid damage, and something to hold the style you’re creating Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Medium Hold. I think hairspray is under used when people do their hair at home, it’s a hero product and something everyone should have at home.

Q: I got married myself recently when Covid cases were quite high, and I probably should have had a plan in place for if my hairdresser couldn’t make it on the day. With everything that has been happening in recent years, it’s a possibility. So what is a girl to do as a plan B if we have to do our own hair?

A: Keep it simple if you have to do your own hair! Ask your stylist what products and tools they recommend. Maybe plan a Zoom call before the day with your stylist to run through techniques. Loads of stylists made demos during lockdown (including me!) and shared them on their Instagram, look out for them and you could pick up great tips.

Q: How should we prepare our hair for styling in general? Should we be using things like Olaplex as a preventative measure? How soon before colouring or styling do we need to get our hair in tip top shape for something like a wedding? 

A: So I really think everyone should be using a professional shampoo and conditioner. It can really make a difference in the way your hair looks. When I worked in a salon people didn’t really believe me, I think they thought I was just trying to sell them something. Now, I’ve nothing to sell, people believe me! After that, just keep up with your usual appointments for cuts and colour. Maybe get a treatment when you get your colour done. My pet hate is when people grow out their usual style for their wedding, I think if you’re a fringe girl, keep your fringe! Layers can make a style really work- You don’t see celebrities grow out all their layers for a red carpet!

Q:  Agreed - staying true to yourself is something to be championed! That said, what are the biggest styling mistakes that we’re making with our hair?

A: Looking at pictures on the internet that don’t resemble your hair! If you have brown hair, look at brown inspo pics. Be realistic about if there’s extensions in a style and your hair type.

Q: What style looks best with a veil, is there anything to avoid?

A: I think any style can work with a veil. Where you place the veil might be determined by the style as in, if you have height around the crown of your head then the veil will have to be placed in front or behind this height. Or if you’re wearing your hair down, you can’t place it very low on the head. You can figure these things out with your stylist at the trial, it’s a great opportunity to look at your options.

Q: What would you say is the most popular style that your clients ask for? Is there anything that's really trending at the moment that we should all be doing?

A: In the bridal world it’s all about the Hollywood Wave - This is an all down style with glossy waves, usually pinned back behind one ear. And for bridesmaids, it’s a soft low up style or half- up, half -down styles.

Q: Do you have any top tips for achieving the perfect upstyle?

A: Book an experienced stylist!! There are so many amazing bridal stylists in Ireland, book one of them and you will most definitely get the perfect upstyle!

Q: As a stylist, you’ve seen it all! What are your favourite products for getting expert-approved hair?

A: As a freelance stylist, I can mix it up between brands I love. I love getting a look inside other stylists’ kits to see what they’re using too. Anyone who follows me in Instagram will know I have some products you will see me working with over and over again - the main one being my hairspray - Bed Head Masterpiece hairspray. I love it so much! It’s a buildable spray that brushes out so no chalky build up or hard wet finish. And the Smell of gorgeous!!! I think everyone should have a good texture spray in their kit too like the Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray . It’s great for giving your hair extra volume and staying power.

Q: If you could only have five products in your kit, what would you choose and why? No pressure!

A: My top five -

• Hairspray (Bed Head Masterpiece Extra Strong Hairspray and Moroccanoil - Luminous Hairspray Medium Hold)
• Texture spray (Label M or Moroccanoil - Dry Texture Spray)
• Thermo modelling spray (L’oreal Pli)
• Shine spray (Bed Head)
• A light mousse (Bed Head - Superstar)

Q: As an expert, you've likely seen a multitude of wonderful looks! What would you say is your favourite style to do? Is there anything that’s particularly easy that you’d recommend we can try at home?

A: I’m a big fan of texture, I love a cool undone upstyle. I’m also a big fan of a ponytail at the moment. This kind of undone, laid back hair can look amazing for a formal event like a wedding or a night out with your friends and its easily achievable at home. The key is to prep your hair well before you do your pony, curl and use some product like texture spray or hairspray so your hair is easier to work with.

Q: Do you recommend getting hair coloured close to a wedding/event or a few weeks before?

A: I never recommend doing anything new too close to your wedding. I would start to look for a regular stylist when you get engaged if you don’t already have one so there’s no risks taken! Then you can time your appointments so your colour and cut will be perfect for the day. It will be different for everyone depending on the type of colour you have and they difference between your natural colour and the colour you get done. Your stylist will be the best person to advise you on that.

Q: I’m not sure if I want to wear my hair up or down for an event. Do you have any tips on how to decide?

A: I always advise my clients to be themselves. If you are a “hair down” person, don’t feel like you need to wear it up just because it’s a certain type of event. Also, everyone knows their own hair type too, so if your hair never holds a curl it’s probably best not to wear it down and curly. An upstyle might be a better option, especially if it’s a long day. It’s also a good idea to try out different things and see how they look. If you’re a bride your stylist will probably provide a trial appointment so you can do this.

Q: Should bridesmaids have matching hairstyles?

A: I don’t think bridesmaids need to all have matching styles. Some bridal parties don’t even wear matching dresses any more. It totally depends what look you’re going for. I find bridesmaids can be much more relaxed if they can have a style that they feel comfortable with. I would always have a theme between all the girls, and the bride’s style will dictate that. I don’t think it looks right if the bride is wearing a soft boho style and one bridesmaid goes for a full on Hollywood wave! So I would say the bridal party should have a similar vibe, but not necessarily matching styles.

Q: I’m thinking of doing my own hair for my wedding. How much time do I need to allow?

A: I would get started earlier than you think and give yourself more time than you think you need! Timing is everything on a wedding morning so being ready early is the key, especially if you’re doing things yourself. Definitely don’t start anything in the last hour before the ceremony. I always aim to have everyone finished with an hour to spare, that last hour is busy!

Q: I have naturally curly hair, should I straighten it before I get it styled or leave it to the experts?

A: If the style you have chosen uses your natural hair texture then do what you usually do and leave it to dry naturally. Ideally the night before. If the style you’ve chosen has a smoother/straighter finish then you need to smoothen out, again the night before. It doesn’t need to be perfect but it needs to be smoothened out and fully dry. So doing it the night before means if will be fully dry. I can take it from it from there, smoothen out any kinks and style it as I need to.

Q: My hair is quite fine and thin; what style do you recommend?

A: Hair extensions can make all the difference for fine hair - I recommend clip in extensions as I find them easier to work with. Often an upstyle can be a better option for fine or thin hair as a stylist will be able to make it look fuller and then you won’t need to think about it again for the day!

Q: I want to wear my hair down but don’t want it to look flat and unstructured, do you have any tips?

A: Again - clip in extensions! They have a different texture to a lot of people’s hair as they are treated so they don’t drop a curl like natural hair. Once they’re in there with your own hair they can really help a style last.

Q: It’s the one we all want to know; how do I make my style last all day?

A: So, having your hair professionally styled will definitely help your style last. If you choose a style that suits your hair type it should last all day. Upstyles are always safer option as once they’re up they’re up! If you do go for a down style, I usually give my clients tips on what they can do to help their style last. Even something as simple as brushing though waves during the day can bring them back to life.

And there you have it - top tips to keep your gruaig looking gorgeous for every eventuality! Check out Sian's Instagram Here for your go-to for all things hair!