Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have significantly influenced bridal hair & makeup choices in recent years. These platforms have created a culture of visual discovery and inspiration, with brides-to-be constantly exposed to a curated feed of beautiful, stylized images and videos.
As a result, many brides are now drawn to trendy, Instagrammable hair and makeup looks that photograph well, such as sleek, low buns, bold lip colors, and flawless, glowing skin.
Brides’ expectations for their wedding day hair and makeup looks have evolved significantly. There’s a growing trend towards embracing natural, effortless beauty, with brides opting for soft, romantic hairstyles and subtle, enhanced makeup looks. Many also prioritize comfort and practicality, choosing hairstyles that won’t compromise their ability to dance or enjoy their celebration.
Additionally, there’s a greater emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, with brides of all skin tones, hair textures, and personal styles seeking inspiration and guidance from makeup artists and hairstylists who can cater to their unique needs and preferences.
I wanted to share more about bridal hair & makeup trends, so I sought the advice of Nicole Samara Iyer. Founder of Samara Beauty, Nicole has made a name for herself and her brand within the bridal hair & makeup industry. It was fun to pick her brains about all things bridal hair and makeup. As always, I love sharing this wisdom with you as you progress in your wedding planning.
What are some current bridal hair and makeup trends that you believe are both on-trend and versatile enough to suit different wedding styles and locations?
The clean-girl makeup trend is here to stay! It’s all about achieving a natural look that highlights your features without overpowering them. Radiant, fresh skin is always in style and suits any setting. When it comes to bridal hair, about half of my brides prefer to wear their hair down in soft waves.
Many clients feel their most beautiful and confident with their hair flowing freely. To ensure this classic style lasts, we gently brush out the hair and refine the waves using anti-humidity spray, texture powder, and a good hairspray for lasting hold.
Your brides gravitate towards natural, elevated looks. What techniques or products do you use to achieve that glowing, fresh, modern finish while ensuring the makeup lasts all day?
Achieving long-lasting bridal hair & makeup looks depends on the right prep and setting of products. One of my go-to techniques is blending the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzing Drops or the Saie Glowy Super Gel into the foundation for a sheer, glowy look. I also love the By Terry Pressed Hyaluronic Powder to set. This powder blurs and mattifies where you need it without drying out the skin.
For a final setting spray, I use the Urban Decay Setting Spray. If I am in a hot or humid location, I love the De-Slick Oil Control Spray. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but it allows the glowy skin to stay intact without getting oily or greasy-looking. It’s the perfect balance!
Many brides want to feel like the best version of themselves. Can you share any tips or beauty rituals brides can adopt in the weeks leading up to the wedding to ensure their skin and hair are in the best condition?
One of the top pieces of advice I often share with brides is to book hydra facials in the months leading up to their wedding. Keeping your skin well-hydrated is essential for achieving that glowing complexion we all desire. Dermaplaning is also an excellent option to consider about a week or two before the big day, as it removes any peach fuzz, allowing makeup to apply smoothly and blend beautifully for a radiant look.
Furthermore, if you want a simple, natural way to make your eyes look more open, I highly recommend getting your lashes lifted and tinted approximately 7-10 days prior to the wedding.
How do you approach bridal hair & makeup for different skin tones and hair types, ensuring that each bride feels represented and beautiful?
Before I start on the bridal hair and makeup, I like to take a little time to sit down and talk with her about what she has in mind. I ask her to share any inspirational photos she has saved and also some pictures of herself when she felt really good about her look. This way, I can get a better sense of her style, and we can chat about any concerns she might have.
Everyone has their own insecurities regarding their appearance, and often, those around them, including myself, may not even notice until the client mentions them. I make it a point to discover which features my client loves most, whether it’s their skin tone, eye color, or hair, as well as any aspects they might feel self-conscious about. Through this conversation, we identify the features we want to highlight and those we prefer to downplay.
What should a bride do if her wedding day brings unexpected weather conditions (e.g., heat, humidity, rain)? How do you prepare for these challenges to keep her bridal hair and makeup looking perfect?
There are many aspects of wedding planning that you can control, but unfortunately, the weather isn’t one of them. Therefore, I highly recommend keeping your stylist nearby if you anticipate hot, humid, or rainy conditions on your wedding day. Having them available for touch-ups until the moment the ceremony begins will ensure you look flawless for your first look, family photos, and, of course, as you walk down the aisle.
We utilize anti-humidity sprays, oil control products, and blurring primers to combat weather-related challenges. However, the most effective strategy is to have your stylist on hand for those crucial touch-ups.
Are there any specific beauty trends or techniques that have emerged recently that you believe are here to stay in the bridal world?
My specialty has consistently been natural bridal hair and makeup. I’ve noticed a significant rise in popularity lately, thanks to influencers like Hailey Bieber, Nicole Richie, and Alex Cooper. I truly believe there will always be a demand for brides who aspire to look and feel like their best version, with hair and makeup that elevates their natural beauty without overpowering it.
Social media has transformed how brides approach their wedding day hair and makeup, driving demand for visually stunning, shareable bridal hair & make-up looks that authentically reflect their individuality and personal style. We adore seeing the finished look of each of our brides and cannot wait to see what 2025 has in store for us in the bridal hair & makeup department!
Happy Planning!
More On Nicole
Nicole Samara Iyer is a pioneering force in the bridal industry, bringing nearly 15 years of expertise as a leading hair and makeup artist. Her artistry has enhanced over 3,000 weddings, extending her impact worldwide. By collaborating on editorial projects, she plays a key role in shaping the trends that define modern bridal beauty.
With a natural talent for creating innovative, sophisticated looks that incorporate an editorial touch, Nicole’s signature style is truly distinctive. Backed by the skilled team at Samara Beauty, she is equipped to handle weddings of any scale. Their extensive selection of makeup and hair products caters to various ages and skin tones.
For Nicole, the heart of her work lies in the meaningful relationships she builds with each bride, nurturing collaborations that result in a perfectly personalized look.
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