Date Night Hairstyles for Valentines Day

Date Night Hairstyles for Valentines Day

Hey Love Birds…

So tomorrow is Valentines Day. Valentines Day falls on a Thursday this year. This is an issue for two main reasons:

1. You probably have to get up and go to work on Friday which means you (may) have to limit your Prosecco intake

…and

2. You probably have to be at work on Thursday too (why is it not a bank holiday!?), which seriously eats into your ‘looking absolutely beautiful in time for a romantic valentines dinner, ready to get picked up at 7pm even though you only got in at 5:45pm’ time scale! 

Prep is key, especially when you know that you want to look good but time is limited . Wash, blow dry and straighten your hair the night before hand and you’ll save lots of time (well, you’ll have more time to decide between your six new outfit choices at the very least).

Fear not, one thing you won’t need to worry about is your hair. I’ve devised three super easy hair styles that can all be completed in just five steps and all take less than five minutes each. The biggest issue will be deciding which one to go for!

Date Night Hairstyle Style No. 1

‘The stylish and chic ponytail’

This is the way to say ‘I’m low maintenance (kinda!) but I have style, class and I know what looks good‘.

Step1: Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic

Step2: Use a styling product to tame any flyway hair and add that extra bit of smoothness and shine. I love Goldwell StyleSign Creative Texture Unlimitor. Available from Capital Hair and Beauty. It gives just the right amount of hold with that little bit of extra added shine.

Step3: Take a small section from the ponytail from the bottom/underside of the elastic and re apply the spray wax to this section only. Use enough product that you find the hair starts to cling together and be sure to run in through right to the ends.

Step 4: Wind the hair from the small section you have removed from the ponytail around the elastic that you are using to secure the hair. Dependent on your hair length you might find this goes round just a couple of times or maybe even several. Once you have used all of the hair, tuck the end into the section that now covers the elastic. You might want to use a hair grip to secure this but be sure to tuck this into the ponytail so its hidden from view.

Step 5: Finish the look by adding a shine spray, I love Bed Head Headrush Shine Spray (which has the added bonus of smelling amazing too!) and running some serum through the length of your hair to keep it sleek. Add a light spritz of hairspray (I use Kenra 25 for a strong hold so I know it’s not going anywhere!) and you’re good to go!

Date Night Hairstyle Style No. 2

‘All Tied Up’

I love this easy chignon. It’s on trend, cute and fashionable and especially easy if you’re in a rush but still want to make a statement.

Step 1: Pull your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic.

Step 2: Select your scarf/ribbon/fabric of choice and find the middle. Tie this around your elastic so equal lengths remain either side.

Step 3: Separate your hair into three strands so you can begin to plait. Use a light spray of texture spray or dry shampoo. I love Batiste Dry Shampoo (it’s not only for greasy hair you know!). Add one side of your remaining scarf to the left side of your three strands, and add the other the right side. The only section not containing fabric will be the middle section.

Step 4: Braid the hair into a basic three strand plait. Your chosen accessory will become woven amongst the hair and look like part of the plait. When you reach the bottom secure with an elastic.

Step 5: Holding the bottom of your braid, wind the hair up onto your head and around the elastic at the bottom of your neck. Secure into place with hair grips. Voila!

Date Night Hairstyle Style No. 3

‘Braided Beauty’

This hair screams ‘I have style and character and I’m not afraid to stand out from the crowd’. Although it looks intricate, its easily done with a simple French braid.

Step 1: Section off the top of the hair from the hairline above the mid point of your eyebrows backward in a triangle movement until you find yourself half way back across the top section of your head. Secure this with a clip so it stays separate from the rest of the hair.

Step 2: Gather the rest of the hair into a ponytail in line with your ears. This is generally around half way up the head. Secure this with an elastic at the central point of your head.  At this point I add my Kenra 25 Strong Hold Hairspray to secure and flyaways and ensure that the ponytail is solid and secure.

Step 3: Release the front section of hair, add some texture spray or dry shampoo. This time I used Goldwell StyleSign Creative Texture Texturizer to add body, and starting nearest to your hair line, begin to French braid following the direction of your hair. If you can’t French braid then a simple plait will also give the same effect although you may find that you need to use a smaller section closer to the front of your hair. Once you reach the end of the hair secure with an elastic.

Step 4: Spray the braid with a texture spray and gently start to pull each section , starting with the bottom to loosen the braid. This technique is known as ‘pancaking’ and will ensure that the braid is wider, larger, bigger and sits flatter to your head .

Step 5: If needed you can use a hair grip to secure the underneath of the braid at the point just above the hair elastic that is holding your ponytail, but please do be sure to push the grip into the hair – you don’t want to ruin the effect of the style with any visible pins. Finish with another spritz of Kenra 25 Hairspray to secure and tame any flyaways.

Hope this helps, told you it was easy!

So easy in fact that you can almost sneak off to the ‘ladies room’ on work time to get it done before you run out the door as you’re counting down to home time (but if anyone asks then I didn’t even suggest that!).

Please do like, share and if you want any more inspiration have a look here at the GALLERY pages.  

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Katie x

Pretty Please by Katie 2018 Review

Pretty Please by Katie 2018 Review

So, it’s that time again… The first day of the month, a brand new year, a fresh new start…

 

But even more than that it’s a chance to stop and take a moment to look back over the last year, those 12 stupidly long yet ridiculously quick months which are nothing more than a blur now! In fact its easy to forget just how much you’ve managed. In fact I’ve worked out that I’ve completed around 70 weddings in 2018, plus wedding day hair styling for approximately 262 additional people in the bridal parties, and even 198 (–ish) additional make ups! That of course doesn’t include the preview sessions, the event hair and make up styling, the birthday hair ups, the Christmas works do makes up, the training, the master classes – and of course everything in between! 2018 has been a whirl wind, I’ve even managed to squeeze in around 2 and a half months of holidays and a little one starting school!

 

I always joke with my clients that ‘I don’t go to work, I go to weddings!’ and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Imagine a job where you get to turn up on the happiest day of someone’s life, enjoy the entire build up of the morning with them, make them look incredible –  and still make it home for a late lunch! I simply don’t know what it feels like anymore to have a ‘bad day at work!’

 

January 1stlast year started at the gorgeous local venue that is Old Kent Barn for Rebecca’s Wedding. What a fabulous way to spend the very first morning of my new year at such a beautiful wedding with such fabulous people. And what a day to it! Starting off your new year with a wedding!  January finished on a high also as I exhibited at Detling show ground, a fab one stop shop for brides in Kent who are looking for local and fabulous suppliers to help with their every need! Seriously, everything from light up dance floors to drones can be found here and the show is not only a great way for me to promote myself and what I do but its also a great way to meet so many of my lovely brides and put faces to the names on my booking forms!

February was an amazing month. I spent almost the entirety of it in the gorgeous Thailand, working my way from beach to beach, bathing elephants and eating my body weight in noodles! I made it back just in time for the end of the month and the weddings of Emily and Lucy. Lucy used to be a manager of mine when I worked at Claire’s accessories ( longer ago than I even care to remember! ) so it was so nice to see her again!

 

In March I got to see my brother who returned home from Gibraltar for the wedding of his best friend Sarah. An honorary male bridesmaid – luckily for him she allowed him to simply match his tie to the bridesmaids girls dresses!

 

April was a crazy month for trials and preview sessions. Even the enquiries seem to rocket around this time too! It’s a busy time for mid week weddings, I had three weddings for brides called ‘Michelle’ this month ( random! ) and I always know when there’s a half term coming as I start to get wedding bookings on Mondays and Tuesday of the same week. So many teachers opt for mid week half term dates and they get booked up fast!

 

In May we had the biggest wedding of all – the royal one! I , like many others, waited in keen anticipation to see just what Meghan’s dress would look like and how she would style her hair and make up. She looked beautiful, effortlessly stunning – Harry is a very lucky man! This was also the month that I planned a styled shoot down at Herne Bay  to showcase a vintage/boho type beach wedding vibe. The new venue at the end of the pier Beach Hut Weddings makes a fabulous alternative to a small and intimate ceremony otherwise held in a registry office for those looking for something a little bit different. . The beach front made the perfect backdrop for our sunny day shoot and I’m so pleased with the photos ( Simon Hawkins weddings)  A big thankyou to Jen from Country Brides for the use of some gorgeous gowns, my two wonderful models, and everyone else who helped bring it all together on the day!

 

June was the month I got to work with the photographer who took my wedding photos many years ago! Tony Gamerio shot the beautiful Christinas day at Port Lympne mansion house and she was a simply stunning bride.

 

July was a busy one – a special mention goes to Gill who celebrated her 70thbirthday with friends and family by getting married at the gorgeous Westernhanger castle. An old friend Kelly finally got the wedding she had been dreaming of with her twins Isla and George making the most gorgeous flower girl and page boy and her dad surprising her by hiring a stunning vintage car to take her to the venue! Suzanne, another bride with another gorgeous daughter, looked incredible on her big day at The Orangery – complete vintage bridal glam! And lastly, not forgetting Levi who married at The Gardens, Yalding who’s husband to be was a DJ and had compiled a complete wedding morning ‘radio show’ for her to listen to, featuring a variety of messages from friends and family, stories and songs. Absolutely the best wedding morning soundtrack I think I will ever hear!

August, yet another crazy busy month. I had the pleasure of 17 brides this month and saw the back of a ten day wedding stint– exhausted was not the word!  I was back again to Old Kent Barn for Emma who has the most fabulous hair, styled with extensions we managed to create the most impressive mass of curls and twists – absolute princess hair dreams! And at the barn again for Jenny who was an absolute pleasure, not to mention and absolute hoot ( I miss you Jenny! ). I do of course have to mention  Jolie who married at Westernhanger too, Mum arranged for them to all turn up in a limo on the morning and one of my favourite photos from the whole year I think is mum after she clambered into the roll top bath , complete with prosecco, dressing gown and hat!

 

I always love September, as it’s my birthday month. I spent the beginning of the month styling Amy, ( a friend I’d made at baby massage four years ago! ) for her big day and it was so lovely to see their wonderful family photos! On my birthday I had the pleasure of providing hair and make up to Nikki and her bridesmaids, which she made extra special by not only remembering that it was my birthday -but also by buying me chocolates! Thank you Nikki, that was really kind of you!

 

October was quite a month… I made two more visits back to the Old Kent Barn, Denise went for the most stunning vintage glam look which I absolutely loved creating and Louise somehow managed to pull it all together with a grand total of  22 bridesmaids. Yes, that’s not a typo – 22 ! ( I didn’t have to do all their hair and make up don’t worry! ) Weddings aside , I had another great Wedding fair at Detlingwhere I showcased the magic of AIRBASE airbrush make up to lots of interested brides to be and It was also the month I was asked to showcase my work on stage at the prestigious hairdressing trade show in London Salon International. I created a bridal inspired floral updo for my lovely model Sam and had the best time presenting to an audience of stylists and professionals –  Massive tick on the bucket list!

 

November,  things slowed a little and finally I can breathe! I was delighted to be selected once again as a finalist for The Kent Wedding Awards. I won the award back in 2016 and have been making sure I work hard to keep my name on their finalist list ever since I first applied back in 2015. It’s a great way for local suppliers to showcase their work and the pride they take in it. It’s also a great chance to meet other industry professionals who’s work you admire and who you often see in passing at so many weddings throughout the busy year!

 

Finally we come to December, which always seems to fly by anyway! My best friends sister Emma married and looked stunning in her princess dress complete with dramatic make up and classic red lip! I had an early Christmas present two days before Christmas when I found out I had been selected as a finalist for the Hitched awards ( please be sure to vote for me ! ) a massive achievement and I’m really proud to have been considered for something that I consider to be such a big deal – fingers crossed!!!  Even after all that ,  (like I needed any other excuse to end this year on a high! ) , I finished my brides of 2018 on December 30ththis year with the fabulous Rhea and Fiona. There are not enough lovely words to describe these fun and full of life ladies, I am sure their day would have been just as enchanting as the two of them – least of all because they held it at the stunning Wotton House .  My first visit to this grand venue did not disappoint – if you’re looking for somewhere breath taking to hold your big day be sure to check it out!

 

Of course that’s not even close to mentioning every single one of the wonderful brides I had the pleasure of working with this year. Your trust and faith in me to bring your visions to life on your big day allow me to continue to do what I love. I take so much pleasure seeing all the photos and reading all the testimonials, the thank you cards you send are so appreciated, and the personal recommendations you give honestly mean the world to me.  Luckily for me I seem to attract the nicest ladies ( to the point where lots of you will probably have disappointedly asked me for my favourite ‘bridezilla moment’ story only to find that infact I don’t actually have one! ). Seriously, it sounds cliché but I love what I do and all of you make that possible. Thank you for supporting my dream and my business throughout 2018. I can’t wait to meet all of my 2019 brides! Every single person who reads a post, clicks a link, casts a vote, tells a friend, shares and likes – you all help me massively! And like I always say , I am so so grateful that ‘I don’t go to work, I go to weddings’.

 

Cheers to 2019 – Hope you all have a fabulous year!

 

When it comes to your Bridal Hair and Make up why risk it

When it comes to your Bridal Hair and Make up why risk it

Why risk it?!

 

Everyone has something about them that they dislike, that’s a fact. Every time some one sits in my chair they almost always start by apologising for their ‘wonky smile’ or ‘uneven brows’ or something else that simply doesn’t matter. The truth is that as Ladies we give ourselves a really hard time when we don’t think we look exactly how we imagine ‘perfect’ should look. Multiply that by ten and that’s how we feel as brides. Everyone is going to be looking at you, you’ll be the centre of attention, it has to look perfect…does that sound familiar?!

beck bride at high rocks make up application applied by pretty please by katie

I’ll let you in on a little secret – no one is perfect. Nope, not even the gorgeous Michelle Keegan or flawless Jennifer Aniston. When people come for their preview sessions and style trials they will often bring along pictures of airbrushed celebrities with a desire to look just like that. Of course, on your wedding day you want to look your most beautiful, but you always want to look like you. I always tell my brides that you simply want to be an enhanced version of yourself. The ‘you’ that you could quite easily achieve if you had three hours every morning and an extra pair of hands, trained specifically for that purpose, to help you create it! A big part of your day is your photos, after the day itself has passed , alongside your memories all you have are those images captured by your photographer to remind you or just how wonderfully it truly was. You certainly don’t want to look back upon those pictures and wish that you had invested a little more in a professional for the guarantee that your hair and make up would be exactly how you wished it would. I get a lot of last minute enquiries from bride to be’s that had opted to use a ‘friend of a friend’ or a ‘cheaper’ alternative, and whilst some of them are so lucky – finding some amazing new talent and stylists with real skills who are building a name for themselves – so many of them aren’t so fortunate. Brides have called me in tears the night before their wedding, begging for help when their ‘cheaper alternative’ has text to say they wont be turning up the following day.

Of all the things that you invest in on your wedding day and all the ways in which you choose to allocate your ever growing wedding budget , be sure that you don’t compromise in areas that you will regret later. Bridal hair and make up is what I do, It’s what I specialise in, and its what I love. The way you look on the very best day of your life is a very big deal – not just on the day, and not just for you- but for the next 50 years that you’ll spend looking at those amazing photos that yourself and your family will put up in pride of place on their mantelpiece or hang on their wall. (No pressure then!) If you’re looking for someone who can help you and work with you to create the very best version of you, for the very best day of your life then please do get in touch – I look forward to getting excited about your wedding with you!

 

The Wedding Industry Awards Finalist

The Wedding Industry Awards Finalist

pretty please by katie doing hair styling on the wedding day for a bride

TWIA – Hair Stylist nomination!

 

It must be my lucky month! Very excited to announce that I have received yet another nomination – this time for The Wedding Industry Awards Hair Stylist category!

Not only have I made regional finalist which I am beyond delighted about but more importantly these awards are voted for by my brides so it means even more knowing that I managed to get there because of them!

Thank you to everyone of you that took the time to vote for me and get me  to the finals! It means so much to know that you’ve appreciated my services and enjoyed having me with you on the big day as much as I’ve enjoyed being there!

I’ll be sure to let you know how I get on, but in the mean time If you’re thinking about booking for your big day then have a read of some of the kind words a few of my previous brides had to say on my testimonials page.

I’m currently booking for 2018 and 2019 so get in touch if you’re after a personalised quote – dates are filling fast!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kent Wedding Awards Finalist!!!

Kent Wedding Awards Finalist!!!

I found out today that I had made the finalist list again for The Kent Wedding Awards 2017 . Last year I was lucky enough to walk away with the trophy for the Hair Design category ( you can see my video below!) and this year ill be back there again!

 

These types of awards are a chance to showcase to potential brides the standard that myself and all of the other professionals who enter , are striving towards. It’s important to me, as I approach another year in business, to carry on growing and developing my skills, as well as my reputation.

It is so lovely to hear from brides that they have chosen to book me on the recommendation of a past bride or previous client. As cheesy as it may sound I really do love what I do. Everyday I go to work I get to go to someone’s wedding and play a part in the most important day of their life – it doesn’t get much cooler than that!

 

When I was younger I really didn’t know what I wanted to do – I travelled, I went from one rubbish sales job to another and then I finally decided that in order to really love what I was doing I had to do something that I really loved! When I first started my business I didn’t know how it was going to work, I wasn’t sure if id make enough money or take enough bookings. Now it seems bizarre to think back to that time! I’m booked well into 2018 – 2019 and I’m so grateful that I get to do this job, and even more grateful for the people that help me to continue doing it! For a bride to be, choosing the person that you trust enough with the way you are going to look in photos that will last a lifetime is no easy feat! If you looking and you want to see what some of my previous brides have to say about me then please do have a read…. www.prettypleasebykatie.co.uk/testimonials 

 

On a final note – Good luck to everyone who’s entered the awards – we all work so hard to do what we do and were all so proud of the businesses that we have created – you couldn’t go wrong with any of them! X