Our regular feature in which an expert answers your wedding answers. In this issue Gabrio Staff in Florence consider the bride getting her hair done in Italy for the big day

Every issue we’ll be asking a wedding expert to answer questions you’ve sent in about your forthcoming wedding or honeymoon in Italy. If you have a question you would like answered then send it in to editor@italymag.co.uk

Dear: Dream Italian Weddings & Honeymoons

How can I be sure that my hair will be in absolutely superb condition for my wedding? I’m worried that it might look a bit lifeless on the day – any tips?
Suzy Megan (by email)

Clare Wallace, wedding hair and make up specialist

– Use a really good professional shampoo and conditioner. You really do get what you pay for.
– Don’t get into the habit of washing you hair too frequently unless you really need to. The hair contains natural sebum (which is its own natural oils) and if washed too frequently, could stimulate the hair to be over-greasy or too dry from over washing.
– Do a conditioning treatment on your hair at least once a week, preferably one which matches your shampoo and conditioner and you hair type. It’s always a good idea to leave the treatment on the hair for about one hour to get maximum affect.
– Go to your salon and have regular trims to get rid of any split ends. If the hair is split and it is left without being cut off, it will continue to split up the shaft causing damage and possible breakage.
– Get your salon to advise you on the best possible styling products and how to efficiently use them. These will actually help protect your hair from the heat of the dryer and the outside elements.
– Be aware of what is in your styling products. Often products which are in an aerosol contain alcohol. This has an extremely drying affect on the hair. Pump action products are often much better and are kinder to the environment.
– Look at the types of brushes and combs you are using. Cheap tools can contribute to damaging the hair, splitting and breaking it. Long hair is better with a paddle or bristle brush.
– Use electric appliances, especially straightening irons, to a minimum. Straightening irons, although giving a great finished look for a lot of people, can highly damage the hair. They are an extremely concentrated heat and over used can in fact just break the hair off.
– If you have colour in you hair, it is important that you don’t have it done too often. Get your salon to advise you on how regularly you should be having it done to keep your hair in peak condition.
– Drink plenty of water. Skin and hair benefit from constant rehydration. For those people who work in offices, often the air conditioning can dry the hair out.

For more tips and advice about wedding hair and make-up from Clare, log onto: www.clairewallacehairdressing.co.uk

Dear: Dream Italian Weddings & Honeymoons

My wedding in Tuscany, this September, is very nearly there with planning but I have yet to find a hairdresser. Can you help please?

Reply From: Zeno Sorini from Gabrio Staff, Florence one of the country’s best
stylists

I can recommend how we work to get the best wedding hair results as a benchmark when looking where to go. We offer brides two different trials, both for the make-up and hairstyle, so that we know we’ve got the best possible look for the bride. We also ask to see the style of the wedding dress and ask about the theme of the ceremony and the reception to keep everything in context.
Obviously the bride may already know exactly what she wants for her wedding hairstyle and, depending on all the factors above, including her face shape and hair type, we’ll do all we can to make it perfect and see that she gets exactly the look she desires. We also make sure that we are available on the wedding day if the bride needs us for her hair or make-up, as well as for her bridesmaids and parents. If you are unsure about how much it will cost, the best thing is to get a quote based on every single person you think might need the hairdresser to get prepared on the big day!
www.gabriostaff.it

Reply From: Melissa Ormiston, Editor of Dream Italian Weddings & Honeymoons

When trying to find local hairdressers for your wedding, log on to www.paginegialle.it and click ‘en’ for the English version (unless you read Italian of course). Type in ‘hairdresser’ and ‘Tuscany’ to narrow down the search or you may prefer to type in the Italian version ‘parrucchieri per donna’ and ‘Toscana’. Some of the hairdressers listed also have videos so you can get a feel for the place which might help if you can’t get to see them immediately.
Another suggestion would be to ask whoever is hosting your wedding reception in Italy or the accommodation in which you are staying. Local advice is always very good!