Christmas, Wedding and School Ball Hair: When to Book
The best time to book event hair is earlier than you think. Get your colour done about two weeks before the day, then have a blow wave the day before or on the day. Melissa isn't closing over Christmas, so you don't need to squeeze everything in before a shutdown.
Quick answer: Book colour about two weeks ahead, a grey touch-up about a week ahead, and a blow wave for the day before or the day itself. For weddings, talk to your stylist months in advance.
By Melissa, owner and stylist at Hair By Melissa, Kaukapakapa · Updated
A simple timeline for event hair
| When | What to book |
|---|---|
| Six months or more out | Weddings: talk to Melissa |
| About two weeks out | Colour: balayage, foils or tint |
| About a week out | Grey or regrowth touch-up, if that's all you need |
| The day before, or on the day | Blow wave |
Christmas parties and family photos
December gets busy, so pick your date now. If you're colouring, leave about two weeks before the party or the family photos. A half head of foils is $200 and a good way to brighten up for summer. A women's cut and finish is $70 and a blow wave is $50. A blow wave usually lasts 3 to 5 days, so one appointment can carry you through a busy run of events.
Melissa is open Sundays from 9am to 5pm, which is handy when weekdays are taken up with end-of-year work and school events.
Wedding hair, including mother of the bride
NZ wedding stylist Brooke Mann advises booking your stylist at least six months out, and having your final colour about two weeks before the day.
At Hair By Melissa, bridal styling is by request only, so call 0274 799 320 before you plan around it. Colour, cuts and blow waves for the mother of the bride and guests can be booked online as normal.
School ball hair
Ball dates vary from school to school, so check yours and book as soon as you know it. A blow wave on the day or the day before is usually all that's needed. If your teen wants colour, the same two-week rule applies.
Keratin or nanoplasty before an event
Smoothing is great before a big event if you leave enough time. Keratin needs 72 hours with no washing, no tying up and no clips, and you should wait at least two weeks after keratin before colouring. Nanoplasty can be washed straight away, so it's easier to fit in.
Source: Viva, NZ Herald.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our services and booking process.
How far ahead should I book wedding hair?
NZ wedding stylist Brooke Mann suggests booking your stylist at least six months before the wedding. It's worth asking early.
When should I get my hair coloured before a wedding or event?
About two weeks out is a good rule. It gives your colour time to settle and leaves room to adjust anything. If you only need your greys touched up, about a week before may be enough.
How long does a blow wave last?
Most blow waves last 3 to 5 days with proper care, so you can have it done the day before your event, or on the day if your appointment fits.
Does Melissa do bridal hair?
Bridal styling is by request only. Call Melissa on 0274 799 320 to talk about your date before you plan around it.
Is Hair By Melissa open over Christmas?
Melissa isn't closing over the Christmas period. Check the booking page for the exact days and times you'd like.
Have More Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? I'd be happy to help with any specific questions about your hair care needs.
Got something coming up?
Book your colour first, then your blow wave, and you're set.
Book online