Tips & Prep
Skin Prep
- Arrive to your appointment with a clean, moisturized face. Perform your normal cleansing routine. PaperDolls Beauty & Hair will provide any additional prep priming products necessary based on our assessment.
- Avoid clinical microdermabrasion appointments within a week of your makeup session. If you have never had microdermabrsion done, you don’t want to risk having an adverse reaction that cannot be concealed by makeup. A light, over the counter exfoliant is permissible and recommended the week of or even day of your appointment.
- If you wax your eyebrows, please schedule your appointment at least a week before your appointment. On occasion the wax may take off the top layer of skin making it virtually impossible for makeup to adhere to that area of the face.
Hair Prep
- Hair should be totally dry with little to no shine or anti-frizz products. Many follow the myth that “dirty hair responds better for updos”, but our philosophy is that we would prefer to add product to your hair as needed in order to optimize our ability to style your hair. Your personal products may not respond in conjunction with the tools/products we use for styling. We are capable of handling any “hairy” situation!
- Curly hair does not necessarily need to be straightened and it is preferred that it remains in its natural state for optimum styling. Please contact PaperDolls Beauty & Hair regarding curly hair prep as you may be given special instructions based on the style selected.
- Hair with some texture is most desired and will offer the best results. Super clean hair won’t respond well nor will hair that is oily or greasy.
Work Environment
- Please bear in mind that our team comes equipped with a makeup chair, studio lighting and the many tools needed to produce your desired look. Depending on the size of your group, a space conducive to our setup would be approximately a 10’x10’ with access to outlets and a tabletop space. This would accommodate both hair and makeup stations. Contrary to belief, mirrors are not necessary for hair styling therefore setup in a bathroom is not required nor recommended. A space such as a dining or kitchen area are preferred. Or a suite that has a separate dining space or isolated room works perfectly.
- The hair and makeup area should be setup away from high traffic areas in order to lessen distractions and encourage a positive work flow. Guests and onlookers should be restricted or kept to a minimum in the work area.
- It is our request that the person receiving services (hair or makeup) refrain from conversation with others, cell phone usage, as well as eating and drinking.
Additional Recommendations
- It is a great idea to have someone bring music (i.e. MP3 player, IPOD, radio). This really helps to keep things calm and less awkward especially when energy may be low. Some hotel rooms will have radios with audio adapters but having your own docking station or laptop is a safe choice as well.
- Have your group members bring a sweater or jacket due to the possible chilly temperature of the room. Because our styling tools and studio light generate LOTS of heat, the ac is usually turned down considerably in order to accommodate those in the “hot seat”.
- “Drinks” and snacks are definitely a must in a celebratory environment. Whether you opt for mimosas or Shirley Temples, be sure to have straws on hand. Just remember to put yours aside when you’re up for hair and makeup.
- If you have extremely particular family or bridesmaids who are concerned about their hair and makeup, please encourage them to do a trial run. This way there are no surprises on the big day and at the trial run we can take time to ensure they get what they want and are happy. Charges will apply.
- If possible, book a suite to accommodate you and your bridal party during the “getting ready” phase of the day. This eliminates feeling cramped and crowded and everyone can relax and enjoy their time of pampering. This also provides ample space for our setup without concerns of reorganizing home spaces for our use.