How to Keep Your Curls Intact During Your Asheville Wedding
Introduction
Asheville is known for its breathtaking mountain views, lush forests, and picturesque outdoor venues, making it a popular choice for weddings. However, as stunning as Asheville’s natural beauty is, the region's weather can present unique challenges for brides who want to wear their hair in curls. Humidity, wind, and long hours outdoors can all threaten to undo even the most perfectly styled curls. But don’t worry — with proper preparation and the right techniques, you can ensure your curls stay intact throughout your special day.
Here’s how to keep your curls looking gorgeous for your Asheville wedding, no matter the weather.
Related: Bridal Hair and Makeup for Different Weather Conditions: Preparing for Rain or Shine
1. Start with Clean, Prepped Hair
One of the most important steps in ensuring your curls last throughout the day is starting with properly prepped hair. While it may seem counterintuitive, dirty hair is not always better for holding curls. Natural oils can weigh hair down, especially when combined with humidity, causing curls to fall flat more quickly.
To give your curls the best chance of lasting, wash your hair the night before or the morning of your wedding. Use a lightweight, volumizing shampoo and conditioner to avoid adding unnecessary weight to your hair. After washing, apply a heat protectant spray to guard against heat damage and a lightweight mousse or styling cream that enhances curl retention without making your hair stiff or greasy.
Read Also: Understanding the Different Types of Bridal Hairstyles: From Classic to Modern
2. Choose the Right Curling Method
The way you curl your hair can significantly impact how long your curls will last, especially in varying weather conditions. Consider using a curling iron or wand that is appropriate for your hair type. For fine hair, opt for a smaller barrel curling iron (around 1 inch) to create tighter curls, as these will loosen into soft waves throughout the day. For thicker or coarser hair, a larger barrel may be needed to create voluminous, defined curls.
Use the Right Heat Setting
It’s essential to use the right heat setting on your curling iron. High heat may seem like the quickest way to lock in curls, but it can damage your hair and cause the curls to fall flat faster. Stick to a medium heat setting, and hold each section of hair in the iron for about 10 seconds.
For even more long-lasting curls, consider pinning each curl to your head as soon as it comes off the iron. This allows the curls to cool in place, helping them hold their shape for a longer period.
3. Don’t Skimp on Products
The key to keeping curls intact isn’t just in the curling technique — it’s also about using the right hair products. To ensure your curls withstand Asheville’s outdoor conditions, especially humidity, make sure to apply styling products designed for curl retention.
Volumizing Mousse or Curl Cream
As mentioned earlier, starting with a lightweight mousse or curl cream can give your hair the structure it needs before heat styling. Look for products that add volume and texture without weighing the hair down, as this will help create longer-lasting curls.
Heat Protectant
A quality heat protectant is essential to shield your hair from damage while also locking in moisture, which can help maintain the integrity of your curls.
Texturizing Spray
Texturizing spray adds grip and texture to your hair, making it easier for curls to hold their shape. This is particularly useful for fine hair, which can sometimes struggle to maintain a curl due to its smooth texture.
Flexible Hold Hairspray
The final step in keeping your curls intact is setting them with a flexible hold hairspray. Look for a product that provides long-lasting hold without making your hair feel stiff or sticky. A flexible hold hairspray will allow your curls to move naturally while maintaining their shape throughout the day. Be generous with your application, but avoid over-saturating the hair, as too much product can weigh the curls down.
4. Consider the Weather
Asheville’s weather can be unpredictable, especially if you’re planning an outdoor wedding in the spring or summer. High humidity can cause curls to frizz and lose definition, while wind can make even the most perfectly styled hair look messy. Understanding the potential weather conditions for your wedding day and preparing accordingly is crucial.
Dealing with Humidity
Humidity is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to maintaining curls, as the moisture in the air can cause your hair to expand and frizz. To combat this, use anti-humidity hair products, such as serums or sprays that lock out moisture and prevent frizz. Applying a smoothing serum or lightweight oil after curling can also help tame flyaways and keep your curls looking polished.
If your wedding is taking place during one of Asheville’s more humid months, consider keeping a small bottle of anti-frizz spray or serum on hand throughout the day for touch-ups.
Wind and Outdoor Elements
If you’re having a mountaintop wedding or saying "I do" in one of Asheville’s open-air venues, wind can be another factor to consider. To protect your curls from getting too windblown, incorporate accessories like bobby pins, clips, or a veil to secure your hair in place. Half-up hairstyles are also a great option for outdoor weddings, as they allow you to showcase your curls while keeping some of your hair secured against the wind.
Related: How to Incorporate Your Personal Style into Your Bridal Hair and Makeup
5. Opt for a Style That Suits Your Curls
Choosing the right hairstyle can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your curls intact. Some styles are more resistant to environmental factors like wind and humidity, while others are more prone to losing their shape.
Half-Up, Half-Down Styles
A half-up, half-down hairstyle is a popular choice for brides who want to showcase their curls while still maintaining some control over their hair. This style keeps the top section of your hair secured, allowing the curls in the lower section to fall naturally. This is an excellent option for outdoor weddings, as it strikes a balance between elegance and practicality.
Loose Waves
If your curls tend to loosen throughout the day, embrace it by starting with tighter curls and allowing them to naturally fall into soft waves over time. This style creates a relaxed, romantic look that works beautifully with Asheville’s bohemian wedding venues.
Pinned Curls
For brides who want to keep their curls perfectly in place, consider a hairstyle that involves pinning your curls close to your head. This can be done in a variety of ways, from retro-inspired pin curls to more modern, textured updos. By pinning your curls, you ensure that they won’t be disrupted by wind or humidity.
6. Schedule Touch-Ups
While the goal is to have your curls last all day, it’s always a good idea to plan for touch-ups. Whether you have a stylist on hand or keep a small emergency kit nearby, being prepared for minor adjustments can help keep your curls looking fresh throughout the event.
Pack a Hair Kit
Create a small hair kit to bring to your wedding venue that includes a travel-sized hairspray, bobby pins, a smoothing serum, and a small comb or brush. This will allow you or a bridesmaid to quickly touch up your hair if needed.
Consider a Mid-Day Restyle
If your wedding day includes multiple events, like an outdoor ceremony followed by an indoor reception, consider having your stylist available for a mid-day restyle. This allows you to refresh your curls or even change your hairstyle for a completely new look during the reception.
Read Also: Top Reasons to Book Blue Waves Bridal Hair Artist in Weaverville for Your Wedding
Conclusion
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and having your curls last from the ceremony through the reception is key to feeling your best. By preparing your hair with the right products, choosing a curl-friendly styling method, and considering Asheville’s unpredictable weather, you can ensure that your curls stay intact throughout the entire event. Whether you’re getting married in the mountains, at a vineyard, or in a historic downtown venue, your curls will be picture-perfect from start to finish, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.
-
Anti-humidity sprays, smoothing serums, and lightweight oils can help lock out moisture and prevent frizz, which is essential for keeping curls defined in humid conditions.
-
Wind can impact your curls, but securing your hairstyle with bobby pins or opting for a half-up, half-down style can keep them more stable. Consider using accessories or a veil to help protect your hair.
-
Pack a small hair kit with essentials like hairspray, bobby pins, and a comb. Scheduling a stylist for mid-day touch-ups is another great option, especially if you're transitioning from an outdoor ceremony to an indoor reception.
