Frequently asked questions

Planning a wedding in Ottawa comes with many details. Here are answers to the most common questions about bridal hairstyling, on-location services, and preparing for your hair for your wedding day.

If you have additional questions or would like to check availability for your wedding date, I would love to hear more about your plans.

Booking & Availability

  • Most brides book 8 to 14 months in advance.

    I take a limited number of weddings each season so I can be fully present for every bride I work with from inquiry to wedding day.

    Weddings are booked on a first come, first served basis, so securing your date early ensures a calm and organized start to your wedding morning.

  • A signed contract and 35% non-refundable retainer are required to reserve your wedding date.

    Payments are split into three installments:

    1. At the time of booking

    2. Six months before the wedding or at your bridal preview

    3. One month before the wedding day

    Payments can be made by e-transfer.

  • Additional services may be added if the timeline allows.

    However, services cannot be removed after the contract is signed because your date is reserved exclusively for your wedding.

Bridal Preview & Planning

  • Yes.

    Many brides choose to work with me in the months leading up to their wedding through the Wedding Hair Journey.

    This allows us to refine your colour, support healthy hair growth, and design a hairstyle that feels effortless by the time your wedding day arrives.

  • Your preview appointment is typically scheduled closer to the wedding date once your inspiration and wedding details are finalized.

    I will reach out 2-4 months from your wedding date to schedule the preview.

    During the preview we refine your hairstyle, test the structure of the style, and ensure everything feels aligned with your vision.

  • Your preview appointment allows us to explore your hairstyle in a relaxed setting.

    During the appointment we will:

    • review your inspiration and overall bridal look

    • test and refine your hairstyle

    • discuss veil or accessory placement

    • finalize the wedding morning timeline

    The goal is for you to feel completely confident about your hairstyle before the wedding day.

Wedding Morning Timeline

  • Timing varies depending on hair length, texture, and the chosen style.

    As a general guideline:

    Bride: about 2 hours

    Additional guests: 45 minutes to 1 hour each

    If clip-in extensions are being installed, additional time may be required.

  • The bride is usually scheduled in the middle of the timeline.

    This allows flexibility if the schedule shifts and ensures the hairstyle stays fresh for the ceremony.

    However, first or last can always be accommodated depending on your preference.

  • My focus is always the bride.

    I can style up to four additional guests, depending on the timeline.

    This keeps the morning calm and relaxed and works especially well for intimate weddings and elopements.

    If a larger bridal party requires services, additional stylists can sometimes be recommended.

Hair Preparation

  • The best thing you can do for your wedding hair is start early.

    Many brides choose to work with me through the Wedding Hair Journey in the months leading up to the wedding.

    Through regular salon appointments, we refine colour, support healthy growth, and build a hairstyle that feels effortless and intentional by the time your wedding day arrives.

    If you are interested in this approach, mention your wedding date when you book your consultation.

  • Hair must be completely dry before your scheduled service.

    Wash and dry your hair either the night before or the morning of the wedding.

    Avoid heavy oils, sticky products, or excessive hairspray beforehand, as these products can prevent the style from holding properly.

    All professional styling products will be provided during your service.

  • If your hair has strong texture, a smooth blow dry beforehand is recommended.

    You may dry your hair yourself or book a professional blowout prior to your styling appointment.

    A small amount of leave-in conditioner is fine if needed, but avoid heavy oils.

Hair Extensions

  • There are two ways I can help, depending on whether you are looking for something temporary or something more long-term.

    For the wedding day and special occasions, clip-in extensions are a beautiful temporary option. They add volume, length, or both, and are yours to keep and wear whenever you want after.

    For clients who want extensions as part of their everyday life, I offer permanent extension services using Great Lengths and HotHeads, including K-tip, tape-in, and weft methods. These are installed in the salon and are designed to last and grow with you over time.

    Both options begin with a conversation so we can figure out what is right for your hair, your goals, and your lifestyle.

  • Clip-in extensions are a temporary option that you apply and remove yourself at home. They are ideal for brides, special events, or anyone who wants to experiment with length and volume without any long-term commitment.

    I work with BFB Hair and Bombay Hair for clip-in extension ordering, offering a range of colours, lengths, and textures to suit different hair types.

    Here is how the process works:

    • We start with a colour matching conversation so we can identify the right shade and length for your hair

    • Once you confirm, the extensions are ordered and paid for in advance so they arrive ready for your appointment

    • I prep the extensions before you come in so everything is ready to go

    • At your appointment, I custom trim and blend them to suit your hair and your style

    • I also walk you through a tutorial so you feel confident applying them at home

    After your appointment, the extensions are yours. Wear them whenever you want. If you are a bride, I can hold onto them and bring them fully prepped on your wedding day, or you can take them home early and wear them for your bachelorette, bridal shower, or engagement photos.

    Payment for extensions is required before the styling and customizing appointment.

  • For clients looking for a more permanent option, I offer professional extension installation using Great Lengths and Hotheads, two of the most trusted names in the industry.

    Available methods include:

    • K-tip extensions (Keratin)

    • Tape-in extensions

    • Weft extensions

    Each method works differently and suits different hair types, textures, and lifestyles. Extensions are not one size fits all, and choosing the right method from the start makes a significant difference in how they look, feel, and last.

    All permanent extension services begin with a free consultation. This is where we take the time to properly assess your hair, understand your goals, and determine which method is the right fit for you. We will also go over what maintenance looks like so you know exactly what to expect before committing.

  • The consultation is complimentary and there is no obligation. It is simply a conversation to make sure we find the right approach for you.

    During the consultation we will cover:

    • Your hair type, texture, and density

    • Your goals, whether that is length, volume, or both

    • Which extension method is the best fit for your hair and lifestyle

    • Colour matching and customization

    • Maintenance expectations and how to care for your extensions

    • Realistic timelines and next steps

    Extensions done well feel seamless and move naturally. The consultation is how we make sure that happens from day one.

  • Most people are great candidates, but it does depend on your hair. Hair that is very fine, chemically compromised, or in a fragile state may need some preparation before extensions are a viable option.

    This is exactly what the consultation is for. I will look at your hair honestly and let you know whether extensions are the right next step, and if not, what we can do to get your hair there.

  • Absolutely.

    If you are working with me through the Wedding Hair Journey in the months leading up to your wedding, extensions can be part of that plan. Whether you are considering clip-ins for the wedding day or want to explore a more long-term option to build length and volume before the wedding, we can map that into your timeline together.

    Just mention your interest in extensions when you book your consultation and we will factor it into your hair plan from the start.

Travel & Location

  • Yes.

    Travel within 25 km of Centretown Ottawa is included when booking the Bridal Experience.

    Beyond 25 km, travel is billed at $2 per kilometre round trip.

    Weddings located more than 2 hours outside of Ottawa may require overnight accommodations and additional travel expenses.

Non-Bridal Services

  • Yes.

    Many brides choose to begin working together months before the wedding so we can refine colour, support healthy growth, and design a hairstyle that feels effortless when the day arrives.

  • Yes. I welcome clients seeking intentional, modern hair services.

    I also provide hairstyling for special events such as:

    • engagement photos

    • baby showers

    • galas

    • formals

    • prom

    • graduations

    Travel fees may apply for on-location styling.

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