Wedding hair and makeup Des Moines brides

Wedding Day Hair and Makeup for Des Moines Brides: Your Essential Prep Timeline

For Des Moines brides, achieving perfect wedding day hair and makeup is all about following a well-planned beauty timeline. From timely hair trims and color touch-ups to essential skincare treatments, this guide will help you stay on track to look your best. Designed specifically for brides preparing for their big day, these steps ensure you’ll be wedding-ready with flawless hair and glowing skin.

12 Months Out: Initial Hair and Makeup Goals for Des Moines Brides

Starting early gives you plenty of time to build a beauty routine that aligns with your wedding vision.

Hair Goals:

  • What to Do: Schedule a consultation with your hairstylist to discuss your bridal look, hair length goals, color preferences, and any specific treatments, like conditioning or strengthening.
  • Why It Matters: Setting goals with your stylist allows for consistent hair growth, if needed, and prepares your hair for any planned color changes or style preferences.

Skincare Goals:

  • What to Do: Book a consultation with a dermatologist or esthetician to discuss your skincare needs and address any concerns, such as acne, dryness, or sensitivity.
  • Why It Matters: With a professional’s advice, you can start addressing any specific skin issues and create a plan that keeps your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing.

6-8 Months Out: Trim and Care Routine for Wedding-Ready Hair

Hair Prep:

  • What to Do: Start a trim schedule every 8-10 weeks to maintain healthy ends, even if you’re growing out your hair. Trimming prevents split ends and helps hair stay strong and manageable.
  • Why It Matters: Consistent trims create a solid foundation for a beautiful bridal style, whether you’re going for loose waves or an elegant updo.

Skincare Routine:

  • What to Do: Establish a skincare routine with cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and SPF application. Add in serums like vitamin C for brightness and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
  • Why It Matters: Following a consistent skincare routine keeps your skin balanced and radiant, creating the perfect base for bridal makeup.

Top Products for This Stage:

3-4 Months Out: Hair Color & Skincare Treatments for Des Moines Brides

Hair Color Prep:

  • What to Do: Schedule your first color session if you’re planning highlights or a new shade, and use this time to finalize your color preferences.
  • Why It Matters: Planning color changes early allows time for adjustments, ensuring your color looks fresh and vibrant by the wedding day.

Skincare Treatments:

  • What to Do: Begin scheduling monthly facials or treatments tailored to your skin type, like chemical peels or hydrating facials.
  • Why It Matters: Professional treatments provide deeper cleansing and hydration, enhancing your skin’s texture and glow.

Top Products for This Stage:

1-3 Months Out: Final Hair Color Touch-Up and Makeup Trial

Hair Color Touch-Up:

  • What to Do: Schedule a final color touch-up 4-6 weeks before the wedding to ensure your color looks fresh. Opt for a gloss treatment if needed for extra shine.
  • Why It Matters: The timing allows your color to settle while maintaining vibrancy on the big day.

Makeup Trial:

  • What to Do: Book your makeup trial with a professional artist to test your desired look, taking photos in different lighting to see how it appears.
  • Why It Matters: A trial helps you perfect your look, avoid any last-minute surprises, and ensures you feel confident.

Skin Refinement:

  • What to Do: Schedule any remaining facials or gentle peels at least 3-4 weeks before the wedding to avoid last-minute redness.
  • Why It Matters: Allows your skin time to fully recover, ensuring a smooth, flawless base for makeup.

Top Products for This Stage:

2 Weeks Out: Preparing Hair and Skin for Your Wedding Day

Final Trim:

  • What to Do: Schedule a final trim two weeks before your wedding to freshen up ends and keep hair healthy.
  • Why It Matters: Avoids split ends while maintaining your chosen length and style.

Stick to Familiar Skincare Products:

  • What to Do: Avoid introducing any new skincare products or treatments to reduce the risk of irritation or breakouts.
  • Why It Matters: Using products you know well keeps your skin calm and ensures it’s ready for makeup application.

Top Products for This Stage:

1 Week Out: Perfecting Last-Minute Hair and Makeup for Des Moines Brides

Hair Prep:

  • What to Do: Wash and condition your hair a day or two before the wedding to ensure it’s clean and manageable.
  • Why It Matters: Day-old hair typically holds styles better than freshly washed hair, providing the right texture for long-lasting curls or updos.

Skincare and Hydration:

  • What to Do: Focus on drinking plenty of water, avoiding salty foods, and sticking to a simple skincare routine.
  • Why It Matters: Hydration and good rest give your skin a natural glow, setting the stage for flawless makeup.

Top Products for This Stage:

Bonus: Download Our Bridal Hair and Skincare Planner for Des Moines Brides!

Organizing your beauty timeline can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created a Bridal Hair and Skincare Planner to keep you on track. Download it to track appointments, plan treatments, and organize your wedding beauty journey all in one place.

HAIRCARE PLANNER

SKINCARE PLANNER

Schedule a Bridal Beauty Consultation with Hello Darlin’ Glam

Want a personalized approach to your wedding beauty timeline? Our team of experienced hairstylists and makeup artists in Des Moines is here to help you achieve your dream look. Schedule a consultation to discuss your hair and skincare needs, and we’ll create a plan that ensures you look your best on the big day.


Following a structured beauty timeline for your hair and makeup ensures that every detail is taken care of for your wedding day. By staying consistent with these steps, using the right products, and working with professionals, you’ll achieve the perfect look to complement your special day. For more bridal beauty tips, follow our blog and explore our resources. Here’s to flawless, memorable wedding day beauty!