LOVE IS IN THE HAIR | TOP TIPS FROM GUSTAV FOUCHE

Get ready bride-to-be, because this month’s guest spot glitters with the unique spirit and hair styling skills of the one and only Gustav Fouche. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, this is a man who has done everything, from creating looks for red-carpet events, to working on editorial shoots and TV commercials as well as styling the likes of Kate Hudson, Gal Gadot and Leanne Rimes. His work has graced the pages of your favourite bridal glossies, and he’s worked with the likes of bridal powerhouses, Jenny Packham, Suzanne Neville and Oscar de la Renta (not to mention recently opened his very own salon in Notting Hill). Get your wedding planner out bridal babe, because this is definitely the time to take notes… 

 Photography by Nkima De Faria Photography

#1 What’s the first thing, in your opinion, a bride should do when looking for her perfect wedding day hair stylist? 

“I have always said to look for someone who does quality work and who is versatile. So often brides find a stylist who does one look very well - like textured or classic, but that’s all they do. You really need a stylist who sits you down, gets a real feel for you, your taste, and of course your dress, then guides you to the most spectacular bridal look created just for you.”

#2 When do you think brides should start looking?  

“I like my brides to come and see me as soon as they get engaged. I like to set out a plan of action to make sure we get their hair in great healthy condition before the big day. Once they have found the dream dress, we then start working on the magic hair will bring to the look.” 

#3 What are the best sources of inspiration for bridal hair? Magazine? Blogs? Pinterest? Instagram? 

“All of the above are really good for inspiration, just remember that styling hair for a photo need only look great for a moment but at a real wedding your hair needs to stand the test of everything from dancing, hugging, weather and so much more.

I always ask my brides to bring five photos with them, this helps me to see the things they like and is where the conversation starts.”

#4 What’s super helpful to a wedding hair stylist when it comes to their first trial? What can they bring with them to make the process easier? 

“I always let my brides know that the trial is there to have fun with the hair and we will most likely need more than one trial. Bring five photos of hairstyles you like as this gives me more insight of what you want to see in the final look. But the dress is everything. Once I have seen the dress I can tell what we need to do.

Think about what you want the feel of the wedding to be - is it a glamour, fashion, country or city wedding? This helps me guide you to where you need to be.”

#5 What’s your advice on bridal accessories? 

“I love hair accessories, they can bring some extra fabulosity to the finished look. Just remember to make sure the accessory complements the hair - no competing for attention.

I love a bride who brings something personal to her look, something blue, borrowed and new or just a really sultry garter.”

#6 In terms of bridal day styles? What should a bride NOT do?

“Definitely do not do heavy treatments on your hair the week before the wedding: they can leave the hair heavy and make the hair slippery. I prefer my brides to wash their hair the night before and leave it to dry naturally. On the morning of the wedding itself, just rinse the hair without shampoo.

To be perfectly honest though, my brides don’t need to worry about what not to do - I give them all the information before hand: nothing is left to chance.”

#7 When it comes to prepping the hair the day before the big day - what’s best? 

“When my bride comes to see me I work out a plan of action. We schedule all her cuts, colours and treatments. I like to boost the hair with as much moisture as possible up to 10 days before the wedding day. The week before I generally change the treatment depending on what the hair needs and what I need to help me do a better job on the day.

I prefer clients with coarse hair to wash their hair the night before whereas clients with fine hair should wash or rinse the hair the morning of the wedding. All of this is decided as I get to know the clients hair.”

#8 How can brides get their hair in better health for the big day? What are your top tips?

“Every bride is unique and so is her hair requirements.

I use a combination of silicone free products to help her get the most fabulous glossy tresses. When a bride chooses me to do her hair, she also signs up to only see me for her cut and colour. I would recommend brides really focus on getting the correct colour to minimise any damage to the hair. By looking after my brides’ every need, this helps me to make sure their hair is never over processed and the cut works with the wedding day hairstyle.”

#9 Your favourite bridal dress designer? 

“I have a few. In the UK I love Jenny Packham and Suzanne Neville. Internationally I love Reem Acra, Berta, Zuhair and my absolute favourite is Ellie Saab.”

#10 A style you think will look sassy for the hen party?

“I love a messy ponytail. It’s fun, sexy, feminine and glam, all the things I love in a hairstyle.”

Head back to our blog for more wedding planning advice.