Bride-to-be Blogger Alyse: Growing My Hair For The Wedding
George Doyle
It’s funny how being a bride can turn every day things about life that you just accepted into “problems.” I use the word “problems” loosely, of course—but right now, my “problem” is that my hair grows extremely slowly. Before I was engaged, this didn’t really bother me. I just didn’t get my hair cut that often, and only needed to get highlights three times per year. Problem? No, it was a blessing.
I’ve been a obsessing a little more than normal about this now, though, because I recently booked my hair trial for the Big Day. This may seem like a simple task, but it had to be coordinated around times that I would be in the Philly area with enough time to sit and get my hair done. I decided that I am going to get my hair done at a salon that morning, and then hopefully get my makeup done at my parents’ house, where I am getting ready. The bridesmaids will have an option of whether to get their hair done or not. The style of the wedding is a little more casual, so updos certainly aren’t required, but since it will be July, and possibly very hot, some may prefer to have their hair out of their way. It’s totally up to them. (At least I can be relaxed when it comes to other people’s hair.)
I’d like to wear my hair in a half-up, half-down style, which requires that my hair be a certain length. This is why I have been consciously trying to grow and manage my hair for at least a year. Despite my best efforts—like taking a vitamin that allegedly helps hair and nails grow—I am pretty sure it has grown one inch total. I have been a little too eager to take any and all advice about hair growth and management. This includes the advice of a hairstylist who told me I should wash my hair once a week and said in an accusatory tone, “Unless you work in construction, your hair is not dirty! Do you work in construction? Do you? Answer me.” I was scared into cutting back to two to three washes per week … and finding a new place to get my hair cut. I have seen improvement in the texture, but in crazy-bride mind, the improvement just isn’t good enough.
When I find myself getting annoyed at my hair, I have to laugh. My hair has always been like this. Did I think things would magically change once I got engaged? (I am sure there is a metaphor here about how you can’t expect things to change when you get engaged, but I will just stick to the superficial for now.) I have fantasies about being cliche and chopping all of my hair off the day after the wedding. If I do go through with it, I will patiently wait for it to grow back, and not think twice about it.
In what ways are you preparing your hair for your Big Day ‘do? Getting frustrated with anything, like I am?
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