The lazy bride’s guide to gorgeous hair

Between wedding planning, endless fittings, and last-minute RSVP chaos, your hair routine should be the last thing causing stress. The good news? Achieving strong, shiny, and frizz-free hair doesn’t have to mean spending hours in front of the mirror or booking constant salon appointments. A few simple tweaks to your routine can keep your hair looking fabulous—before, during, and after the wedding.

We asked top hair experts for their best low-maintenance tips to keep your locks in check with minimal effort. Here’s everything you need to know!

Set the foundation

Dr. Suyomi Shah, dermatologist and formulator at Dr. Su, knows that a great hair routine doesn’t mean an intense one. “Healthy hair isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what works,” she says. And what works? Picking the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Oily scalps need a sulfate-based shampoo to keep grease in check, while dry hair thrives with sulfate-free formulas and moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and argan oil.

Weekly scalp exfoliation is another game-changer. A clarifying shampoo or a gentle scalp serum with glycolic acid will clear buildup and keep your roots happy. And if you’re still frying your hair with daily heat styling, it’s time to rethink. Loose braids, heat-free waves, and a simple switch to a silk pillowcase will keep hair smoother without all the damage.

The wedding week routine

The week before the wedding isn’t the time to experiment with new treatments—you want a simple routine that keeps your hair in top shape. “A bride’s best haircare strategy? Keep it consistent and uncomplicated,” says Vipul Chudasama, award-winning hairstylist and Chief Education Officer at VURVE Salon. He recommends washing hair two to three times a week with a sulfate-free shampoo, conditioning every time, and adding a deep-conditioning mask once a week for extra hydration. On non-wash days, a spritz of dry shampoo can work magic.

For daily care, detangling gently with a wide-tooth comb and applying a leave-in conditioner will keep things smooth. At night, brushing with a soft-bristle brush and adding a few drops of hair oil to the ends will prevent dryness. And if you want effortless waves on the big day? Braid damp hair before bed and wake up with natural, heat-free curls.

Stay polished way after

Between honeymoon adventures and post-wedding brunches, who has time for a complicated hair routine? Loic Chapoix, hairstylist at Dessange Mumbai, says keeping things simple is the way to go: “The secret to post-wedding hair? Embrace your natural texture and work with your hair, not against it.” A quick spritz of texturizing spray can bring back volume, while dry shampoo keeps things fresh between washes.

For easy styling, a loose bun or chic ponytail is your best friend, and if you need a little extra polish, a few quick curls with a flat iron will do the trick. Skipping the heat altogether? Just scrunch in some leave-in conditioner or lightweight oil for an effortlessly cool, undone look.

Your must-haves

Even the laziest hair routine benefits from the right products. “A good shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment are all you really need for great hair,” says Sneha J. Jhaveri, founder of Vous Salon. She swears by a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain moisture, a lightweight leave-in to keep frizz in check, and a dry shampoo to stretch time between washes. And for a little extra shine? A few drops of hair oil go a long way.

Aveda Nutriplenish™ Shampoo Deep Moisture, ₹3,300

FHair by Florian Hurel Volume Up Conditioner, ₹2,199

Brillare Onion & Bakuchiol Oil Shots, ₹895

Dr Su Hair Rescue Duo, ₹2,798

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Serum, ₹5,900

Wedding hair doesn’t have to be complicated. By sticking to a simple routine, choosing the right products, and skipping the excessive heat styling, you can have effortlessly gorgeous hair from the engagement party to the honeymoon and beyond. Less stress, more shine—that’s the bridal beauty goal, right?

Lead image: Pexels

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