With the month of March just beginning, the warmth of spring is opening its doors for us. As the trees regain life and the world looks a little less gray, we can collectively breathe a sigh of relief for extra daylight—thank goodness.
The sight of all this is a beautiful reminder of the beginning of the 2023 WEDDING SEASON. This week we sat down with hair expert and artist, Paige Wanamaker, to discuss ALL things Wedding Hair 2023! What styles to look out for, the breakout trends of the year, and timeless looks for the season.
Paige spent her adolescence wholeheartedly engaged to the beauty of hairstyling.
““I sort of just always was “the hair girl!” Having an older sister, I made her and her friends become my “clients” for school dances and events growing up. I took clients to our upstairs jack-and-jill bathroom and did my first wedding when I was in the 8th grade.” ”
Working as an assistant in a hair salon in High School gave Paige the validation she needed to know this is what she wanted to pursue long-term. For Paige, this was so much more than a hobby.
““When I graduated high school, Kim Hightower from Gypset Beauty Co. reached out to me and I began doing weddings regularly with Gypset’s beauty team as their lead hair stylist. Fast forward 6 years and I am styling full time, specializing in all things bridal, editorial, and special events.” ”
The 2023 hair trend that Paige can’t get enough of, both in bridal and the fashion industry, is all pointing back to the 90s—and all the fellow butterfly clip loving, boy band crushing, 90s babies around the world can smile with GLEE.
““The “mid-way” updo (A.K.A. “The Pamela Anderson” or “The modern 90’s updo”) comes to mind immediately. I think 2022 was the year of Glam Waves and 2023 will be the year of more high updo’s, inspired from the 90’s. That being said, I don’t think “Hailey Beiber inspired” low sleek buns are going anywhere this season either. Good thing I’m a huge fan of both!”
The style that Paige finds herself coming back to like a long-distance best friend is always Glam Waves. She loves perfecting this style so much, she could do it in her sleep!
““I’d be lying if I said I didn’t consider this style for my own wedding a couple months ago. I love the glam waves because it’s one of those styles that yes, is a trend, but is such a timeless, classic look on its own. I think it’s a flattering style on almost everyone and while it is a bit more time consuming, I swear there are FEW things more satisfying in this life than that curl pattern forming together.””
While we often can’t help but fall for trends, more than anything, your wedding day should be a moment where you feel the best in the body that warms you and gives you the ability to love. Whatever version of yourself you most want to showcase should be completely up to YOU, regardless of what is trending.
“ “For me, “timeless hairstyles” mean something that isn’t going to come and go just because others are doing it or you saw it on TikTok. Something that is true to you and really makes you feel beautiful from the inside out is always going to shine brighter and look better than blindly following what’s “cool”.” ”
For Paige, the mantra that keeps her grounded remains, “You will always remember how you felt more than how you looked for a few hours.”
““I had to remember this when I was debating my own wedding day look... I remember thinking how I had to have this particular hairstyle just because that’s what the trends said would look best with a strapless, fitted dress in December. If I had gone with that original style, I would’ve been so uncomfortable all night, not feeling like myself & worrying about what others saw. Although I love seeing what certain trends have come back around, or what’s really gaining a lot of popularity in terms of hairstyles this year, it’s important to remember that that’s all it is - a trend that will eventually go (and come back... and go again...). Ask yourself what makes YOU feel the most beautiful & most yourself?””
Paige is instantly fulfilled the second she sees her brides light up as their wedding hair comes together. The electricity and simple joy of this moment is something Paige takes with her. Watching her clients come to life is the kind of serendipity that Paige would give for free if she could.
Styled shoots ignite the fire of Paige’s creativity and is something she loves getting to be part of when given the chance.
““I offer all kinds of hair services & would love to have you in my chair! Personally, I believe every event in life deserves a little celebration and excuse to dress up.””
