Boost your bridal business with great lengths

Bridal hair is big business, and with weddings back on the agenda for 2021, there’s never been a better time to introduce this most profitable of salon services with Great Lengths. For bridal stylists, Great Lengths hair extensions are just as much of a big day essential as a calming presence and copious tissues – and they’re not just for adding length on those dramatic low-backed dresses; they’re perfect for adding volume to updos, enhancing colour without the permanent commitment or creating texture and dimension. Just take a look at the gorgeous Own The Day collection from Great Lengths to see the variety of looks that can be created. We spoke to Great Lengths bridal specialists Louise Jenkins and Kirby Blythe for their expert insight on preparing for rearranged weddings, incorporating hair extensions into bridal consultations and working with Great Lengths to create the perfect big day ‘do. How do you talk about adding Great Lengths in when you’re consulting with bridal clients? Louise: Adding extensions will always give a bride a longer lasting style, regardless of her look. Brides want their hair to last all day and extensions provide the perfect solution to this. Don’t forget that the camera minimises volume, so adding extensions can help ensure the photos showcase the hair looking its absolute best. How far in advance would you recommend brides have their Great Lengths fitted? Kirby: We’d normally do a trial 6-8 weeks in advance and it’s helpful to have extensions in for that so we have the full impact. If someone is already a Great Lengths wearer, we’d have put them in 2-3 weeks ahead. It’s not just brides either, there’s something for everyone in the party. We often find the mother of the bride like to have them for added thickness. Do Great Lengths work for all bridal looks? Louise: The benefit of pre-bonded extensions is that they are easy to disguise, regardless of whether the hair is styled up or down. As they are individually fitted to the hair, they are very easy to hide when styling, for a natural look. The other main benefit is that they allow brides to have styles they might have never considered previously. Great Lengths give clients the hair that they might otherwise have only dreamt about. How can brides benefit from Great Lengths for added volume? Louise: Volume is key to bridal hair. You can never have too much hair for a finished look – especially when the day involves video or photography. Adding extensions to increase the density and volume of the hair definitely makes the finished look stronger. What are your top tips for bridal stylists? Kirby: It’s all in the prep – this gives the extensions longevity. Other than that, my top tips are:

• Be adventurous in the trial. Some people think they want a certain hairstyle but you can often wow them with an alternative, that they wouldn’t have picked.
• Understand each bride’s vision. I encourage them to tell me their likes and definitely their dislikes. My aim is always to create their version of perfection.
• Do all of your trials well in advance of the big day, so the bride can sit back and relax, knowing she’s in safe hands and that the morning will run smoothly.
• All my brides also come in for colour, cuts and treatments in the run up to their big day, so we can get to know each other really well.

Finally, use great products to help the hair shine and look its best. Remember it’s the bride’s biggest day – make her feel absolutely amazing. This is a sponsored news story in collaboration with Great Lengths.