Bridal Hair Tips from Teddi Cranford
Jewelry designer Pamela Love at her wedding. (Photo: White Rose Collective)
Teddi Cranford has spent ten years as part of a rarefied group of tastemakers devising runway hair looks for such industry giants as Alexander Wang, Celine, and Dior. She’s taken that expertise and created White Rose Collective, a New York City-based hair and makeup agency for weddings and special events that counts Pamela Love, Jemima Kirke, and the Dannijo jewelry designers as clients.
“White Rose Collective is about collaboration, tapping into the essence of each woman’s personal style and discovering together how to enhance it,” says Cranford. “Our looks are inspired by the runway but informed by our clients own tastes and preferences.”
A White Rose booking affords clients access to an artist who is fresh off the backstage or magazine set and is familiar with deadline-oriented environments, invaluable when dealing with big-day challenges. Craving the dewy skin seen at DVF or the slightly askew cat eye at Prada? White Rose offers makeup artists whose work passes muster with makeup legends like Pat McGrath and Diane Kendall. Hairdressers have braided with the best as members of Redken Creative Director Guido Paulau’s team and Bumble and bumble’s backstage elite.
Cranford also encourages clients to embrace their DIY spirit, offering one-on-one tutorials for destination brides who plan to do their own hair. Cranford is sharing her tips for the ultimate blowout (the backbone to dozens of big-day looks), the secret to artfully tousled waves, and what’s inspiring her from the most recent 2016 bridal collections.
Blow Out Secrets
Whether you opt for a Dolce and Gabbana-inspired textured chignon or long and loose locks, a light and airy blowout is essential and it’s all in the product and tools. The backstage staple every notable hairdresser swears by is TIGI Queen for a Day ($20). The high alcohol content delivers the perfect amount of volume and an ideal, no-product finish. The brush I prefer is the YS Park Round Brush ($78) for its mixed bristles. The metal bristles deliver tension while the soft bristles gently smooth the hair shaft. When blowing out hair, be patient and careful, and dry sections of hair only as wide as your brush.
Jewelry designer Jodie Snyder of Dannijo at her wedding. (Photo: White Rose Collective)
Making Waves
The classic waves and believable bright highlights sported at the Badgley Mischka show were a favorite of mine from the Spring 2016 bridal collections. Lots of my clients opt for a customized version of this look and many women feel their best with their hair down, so don’t feel compelled to opt for an updo. When I blow out the hair I use the YS Park Round Brush and the heat of the blower to set the hair, molding sections around the brush so the hair dries with intentional bend. I then go in and define the hair with a one-inch Marcel Hot Tools iron ($40). Hot Tools irons consistently perform better than the fancier, costlier options.
For hair that moves and feels touchable, resist the urge to apply product prior to curling. To ensure a natural-looking bend, twist one-inch sections of hair away from the face but stop mid-shaft and pull the iron a bit to stretch the curl then continue to curl the rest of the length. Once set, go in and use a soft-hold hairspray to add staying power. I love Bumble and bumble’s Does it All ($10). L’Oreal’s Elnett is often lauded for its malleability, but Bb. Does it All offers the same versatility with a better scent.
Bride Jamie in a Maria Elena headpiece. (Photo: White Rose Collective)
Crystal Light
I love the clean buns adorned with delicate Maria Elena headpieces shown at Romona Keveza. The handmade headpieces have an heirloom quality and add a discreet amount of sparkle. Placing the accessory along the part is one unconventional but beautiful option. If you don’t want to commit to a headpiece for the big day, try it out for the rehearsal dinner when you have a bit less pressure to appear timeless.
Touch Ups
Hair powder options are many, but I always recommend Sachajuan Hair Powder ($34) to my brides. The sea algae and starch combo absorbs moisture while delivering volume. It’s the perfect anecdote to hair that might have wilted after several hours of dancing.
To book a White Rose Collective artist contact:
Phone: (646) 477-9573, info@whiterosecollective.com
Related:
11 Ways to Look Gorgeous on Your Wedding Day
