Friends, we have a very special guest post today! I interviewed Ali of Ali Lomazzo Beauty. She is a hair and makeup artist based in New England and beyond. I booked Ali’s company when I got married in 2018, so it was super fun to get some insight into all the behind-the-scenes of her business now that I am in the wedding business. It also made me realize how much Ali and all the girls that work for her care about their clients. So without further ado, let’s get to her answers!
Related: Everything you should know about wedding makeup
ABOUT YOU
-Tell us a little about you and your company!
I’ve been in the industry for 12 years and started ALB in 2012! We are heading into our 10th wedding season (which is crazy to believe). We specialize in bridal and special event hair & makeup in New England and beyond. I have an extremely talented group of 14 artists who help rep my business. I graduated from Toni & Guy and then went to makeup school in NYC at Makeup Designory. When I’m not doing hair and makeup, I’m spending time with my 2 daughters and my husband.
-What is your favorite part about being a hairstylist?
My favorite part about being a hair stylist is making women feel their best. I have the privilege of doing hair for one of the best days of someone’s life. I’m able to use my creativity to make something gorgeous while also boosting someone’s confidence on a day they’ll never forget. It’s really special and something I don’t take for granted.
-What are some misconceptions about hairstylists?
The biggest misconception in my opinion is pricing. When people get a quote from a hair stylist (or anyone in the beauty industry), they’re just seeing it as “just doing hair.” But it’s so much more than that. There’s the product, the time away from your family, the overhead, education, etc. you’re not just paying for the hair style, you’re paying for experience.
-Are there questions couples are not asking but they should be?
I find that the biggest question that is overlooked when I receive inquiries is “Do I need extensions?” Extensions can make a huge difference in how your style looks and holds. When you’re searching on Pinterest for Inpso pictures, 99% of the time, they have multiple packs of extensions. I think they’re always a game changer and worth every penny.
This is me getting MY hair done on my wedding day! I can attest to the fact that having extensions in make all the difference! It didn’t just give me longer and more voluminous hair, it also made the curls last longer.
ABOUT THE BIZ
-How far out should brides book a hairstylist?
You should really be booking your hair stylist as soon as you book your venue. We book out 1-1.5 years most of the time.
Speaking of booking vendors…Are you still looking for wedding invitations? Book a free consult with me and let’s chat about your wedding paper!
-What do you think will be some trends in 2023?
The hair trends that I’m seeing so far in 2023 are very sleek buns with some pieces out (thanks to Haley Beiber) and glam waves and party pony.
-Do you care about trends? Should brides go classic or trendy?
As an artist I always have to stay up on the trends but I truly believe brides should just do what style catches their eye. Don’t focus too much on what’s trendy or classic. Do the style you’ve pinned the most throughout your research and you won’t regret it.
-Are there any trends you are sick of?
If I’m being totally honest, I’m sick of the glam waves. I’ll do them for my clients, but I just think they’re so overdone at this point.
-Do you suggest brides do a trial before the wedding day?
I highly suggest doing a trial before the wedding. It allows you the chance to meet your artist beforehand so you can be sure you connect and you’re not meeting a stranger the day of your wedding. It also allows you to try the style you think and be sure it’s actually the one you want. At the trial we also go over the plan for how to prep your hair and whether or not you need extensions.
-What are some do’s and don’t’s for hair prep? (e.g. washing beforehand, putting product in, etc)
Every stylist is different, but I prefer my clients to have clean hair! I can always dirty it up with products if needed, but I can’t make it clean if it’s too dirty. Things you absolutely don’t want to do are as follows: don’t flat iron your hair, don’t let it be greasy or oily, don’t put product in it before getting it styled.
-What is the best way to not ruin your hair on the wedding day?
The best way to allow your style to last all day is to choose a style that is realistic for your hair texture/type/season. If you’re getting married in July, I’d highly suggest putting it up so you don’t need to worry about the humidity ruining it. Also, don’t touch it once it’s done. So many clients will get their hair done and then start pulling at it or tucking hair behind their ears. That will cause frizz amongst other things.
-Do you suggest grooms get a hairstylist as well?
I truly don’t think a hair stylist is needed for the groom. Just be sure he gets a haircut the week of and he should be good!
-What is something couples can start doing NOW so they will have great hair on their wedding day?
To ensure you have the perfect wedding day hair, be sure to keep your ends healthy and your color the way you want it. If you have dead/split ends or a hair color you don’t want, it will affect your vision.
-Have you seen any changes in hair choice for brides with the popularity of TikTok?
I haven’t personally seen hair changes due to tik tok. If anything, it’s just made the trendy styles even more popular.
SOME FUN QUESTIONS
-What is your favorite hair product or tool?
My favorite hair product is powder play by Big Sexy Hair. Gives the perfect amount of grit and volume.
-If you had to pick: hair up or down?
I will always pick hair up over hair down. I can leave my bride knowing that hair is staying intact through dinner, dancing and the after-party. I also think it’s more comfortable.
-Any funny memorable stories from a wedding?
I’ll never forget in 2015 when we flew to Disney for a client’s wedding. We got to stay at the boardwalk resort where she was getting married, did her hair and makeup, and then she invited us to her after-party. That was a dessert and fireworks party and it was just so fun and special for us. It was the first wedding we did where we had to fly and it’s kind of the moment where I felt like we made it.
I hope you enjoyed our conversation. If you’re still looking for hair and makeup artists (they also do makeup!), check out Ali’s website here.
