For brides and grooms, having a good skin- and hair-care regimen is essential. Everyone wants flawless-looking skin, and the best way to achieve that is to start preparing five months before the big day. This could include everything from nutrition and vitamins to sleep and exercise.
Shireen Mustafa, owner and director of operations at Skin Haus, 1238 South St., insisted that when it comes to skin care, “Maintenance is key.” She recommended talking with a dermatologist to determine if eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or acne are issues, as stress — and who doesn’t have wedding stress? — can cause flare-ups.
Skin Haus offers a range of services for women and men ranging from peels, masks and facials, to microdermabrasion, dermaplaning and dermalinfusions that exfoliate, extract, infuse and even regenerate cells. Mustafa suggested getting monthly peels and/or microdermabrasion treatments based on one’s skin condition; having a treatment two weeks before the wedding will not have brides or grooms looking their best. It’s important to find a good, budget-friendly aesthetician who knows your goals and can help you achieve the look you want.
The basics of skin care involve cleansing with warm (not hot) water and a good gel or lotion — not soap! — to remove oil and dirt, followed by toning and hydrating (moisturizing). Masks every two weeks can be beneficial for hydration. Eye creams can be used if needed to reduce puffiness. Mustafa acknowledged that “skin is acidic,” so balancing one’s pH is important. She urged, “Shop for products based not on how your skin is, but how your skin feels.”
Mustafa said that we all get a new layer of skin each month. Seasonal changes and stress can cause flair ups. She described facials as, “A workout for your skin. It wakes it up and helps with puffiness.” Skin Haus offers microcurrent technology and electrical muscle stimulation that lifts, tones and sculpts the skin and face. Services such as a hydrate peel help with exfoliation and hydrates skin to improve cell turnover.
Some brides — and grooms — may consider Botox treatments to minimize facial lines. Mustafa cautioned about doing this last minute or without a good professional. Each line around one’s eyes or smile can respond differently to treatment and it can take three weeks for the Botox to settle in; adjustments may be needed. Plan at least two months out to know what to expect as results may vary.
Ultimately Mustafa insisted brides and grooms should look and feel their best. Her goal is to guide clients based on their skin condition, which can change based on climes, exercise and hydration.
But skin isn’t the only consideration in looking one’s best. If brides and grooms want to whiten their teeth for a bright smile, they should try whiteners (if desired) about four months before the wedding to avoid last-minute issues. Teeth bleaching should be done a month prior. Makeup products and styles should be tested once the individuals know what they will wear. It can take time to find the right shade or combination. That said, getting a mani/pedi the day before the wedding is fine (and hopefully relaxing before the big day).
As for eyebrows, threading, tints and shaping should be tested two months out and the final “look” and touchups should be done about three days before the wedding since the skin can be sensitive. The same holds true for any waxing.
Regarding tanning, finding the perfect shade is important; folks should determine what they want months in advance, but do a spray tan two days before the wedding.
When it comes to hair care for grooms, it’s important to communicate what you want to your stylist. Let the barber know it is your wedding, so he or she can pay extra attention to the details.
Diego Rivera, the owner of The King of Shave, at 12th and Pine, a professional barber shop, has some tips for grooms.
Plan to get a classic scissors cut about a week before the wedding and leave time for any touchups the day before. For grooms with very short hair, a cut two or three days before is sufficient.
Changing a hairstyle weeks before the wedding is a bad idea. So is making any drastic color changes. Better to test any new looks out at least two months before the ceremony so there is time to make any adjustments if/as necessary.
If guys plan to get a professional shave the day of the wedding, Rivera recommended getting a straight-razor shave at least a month before the wedding to see how your skin reacts (especially if this is the first time you get this service). The King of Shave offers a one-hour service that involves an application of pre-shave oil and hot-lather shaving cream followed by two hot towels and another round of shaving cream. Then the straight-razor shave begins. Once the shaving is done, the barber applies an avocado mask on the shaved area, an exfoliant cream on the nose and forehead and then a cold towel. It makes the skin radiant and soft.
The King of Shave also offers services for groomsmen, including classic shaves or a beard trim or full-beard sculpting. It’s best to make appointments one to two months before the wedding.
Lastly, Rivera shared some tips and best practices: do not drink heavily the night before a shave or take blood thinners as bleeding can occur; plan the bachelor party days before the wedding so as not to be tired or hungover; and ask your barber how to properly style your hair and what products he recommends you use on the day of the wedding.
Most importantly, taking care of your skin and your hair and taking it seriously, will ensure brides and grooms look and feel their best on their big day.