Up the ’Do and Down the Aisle

What’s the last thing a bride needs? A bad hair day, or even worse — a boring hair day. Luckily, the stylists at Changing Heads Salon in Tappan are up to the challenge. “We love to take a risk, take a chance — to be unconventional,” states owner Bob Press. “Anything is possible. We’re here to give our brides options, something other than that typical updo or French twist.” The salon’s stylists specialize in hair designs that are versatile, wearable, and fresh. “This isn’t your everyday bridal hair,” Press notes. “It’s very modern, and yet personalized for what fits you.” So what’s in style for marriage-ready manes in 2010? “Look out for more height, texture, and geometric shapes rolled into one,” says Press.

Photography by Dyana Van Campen
Artistic Director: Bob Press of Changing Heads Salon • Hair stylists: Brian Grieve, Cheryl Conklin, Colleen Vilbig
Gown stylist: Tanya Smith of Bijou Bridal & Special Occasion, Paramus, NJ • Makeup: Lynn Margiotta
Shoot team: Cheryl Press, Selena Piazza, Patrycja Kobylarz, Magda Pasecka, Shannen Deloatch, Kayla Press
Models from Meredith East Model & Talent Agency: Jaclyn Jones, Gina Daniels, Elise Rooker
Location: George Washington’s Headquarters at the DeWint House, owned & maintained by the Trustees of the Free & Accepted Masons of New York

Click on the gallery of images below to brush up on all the latest trends.

: The unconventional bride isn’t afraid to show a little personality — be it with dramatic color, an accessory, show-stopping hair — or all three. “When I first saw that bow [pictured at left], I thought, ‘Wow.’ This dress really has a Marie Antoinette feel to it,” says Bob Press of Changing Heads Couture Salon in Tappan. “For the hair, it’s all about building out volume while keeping it very fresh, creative, and romantic.” Leaving the hair unfinished at the ends softens the texture for a more natural look.

: Details of the hair.

: Details of the dress and hair.

: Full view of the dress.

: “Here is your destination dress,” says Press of this flowing design. On an island or a yacht, a bride’s hair will need to stay put in the breeze, and this ’do will accomplish that. For a sweet, enchanting look, keep the front bangs sleek and simple, and build the hair out and back. “The curls are tighter, but still very soft and whimsical. And the dress is playful as well — it almost doesn’t look like a wedding dress,” says Press.

: Details of the dress and hair.

: For a futuristic take on the French twist, hair is swept up and back, tucked into a roll at the crown of the head, and finished with a braid. The style perfectly complements the princess feel of the dress — like a modern-day Rapunzel. “This is very edgy and retro,” says Press. “It’s so sleek, it’s almost aerodynamic.”

: In Press’ opinion, “This dress is off-the-charts. It’s extremely form-fitting — and a little unforgiving.” Such a bold dress calls for out-there hair, and for the stylists, it’s all about height. “For such a sleek and elongating gown, there has to be some kind of continuity and balance. The half-up, half-down style achieves that.” And how did they get that beehive? “We didn’t use extensions,” Press attests, “but we did add soft foam rings to mold it. It’s one of our trade secrets.”

For an alternate hairdo with this dress, see next image

: Yes, this is the same dress as shown above (“We loved it so much, we just had to use it again,” says Press) — but with an entirely different hairstyle. To achieve this daring, Scotland-inspired mane, use fingers — not a teasing comb — to build volume into the hair without losing the integrity of the curl.

: Full view of the dress and hair.

: More brides are expressing their playful side with their get-ups — and that includes their tresses. “With weddings today, brides often have more than one dress: one for the ceremony, and one for the reception,” says Press. “You could wear this hairstyle for both — it’s that versatile.” As for veil-wearers: “You can definitely rock a veil with any of these looks,” he says. “Just place it toward the back of the head, not on top. And keep it simple: Less is more!”