BEYOND BEAUTY & MAKEUP: The Right Type of Hydration for Hair and Complexion Before Your Hair & Makeup Appointment

When it comes to achieving flawless hair and makeup, the secret starts long before you're booking with your artist. Hydration is one of the most powerful - yet often overlooked - steps in preparing for a smooth, glowing, long lasting look. Whether you’re preparing for your wedding day, a branding shoot, or a special event, understanding how to properly hydrate your hair and complexion can make all the difference in how your final look wears and photographs.

Why Hydration Matters

Hydration helps create the perfect base. For makeup, it means smooth, supple skin that allows foundation to glide on evenly and sit beautifully all day. For hair, it means healthy strands that are easier to style, hold curls or volume longer, and have a natural shine that complements your finished look.

Overly dry skin can cause makeup to cling or appear patchy, while dehydrated hair can become frizzy, brittle, or resistant to styling. The goal is balanced hydration - not oily or heavy but nourished and prepped.

Hydration for Your Complexion

Start your prep at least a week before your appointment.

1. Drink plenty of water
Hydration starts from within. Aim for 1.5 - 2 litres of water a day in the lead up to your appointment and reduce dehydrating drinks like alcohol or excess caffeine if you can.

2. Moisturise consistently
Use a good quality moisturiser suited to your skin type - lightweight for oily or combination skin, richer for dry or mature skin. Don’t skip your morning or night routine, consistent hydration allows makeup to sit smoothly without texture showing through.

3. Gentle exfoliation
Two to three days before your appointment, gently exfoliate to remove dry or flaky skin. This helps your skincare products absorb better and ensures your foundation looks even and fresh.

4. Avoid new products
Stick with what your skin already knows. The week before an event isn’t the time to introduce new serums or treatments that could cause irritation.

5. The morning of your appointment
Cleanse your face and apply a light layer of moisturiser. Avoid SPF or heavy oils unless your artist specifically recommends it - these can affect how makeup adheres and photographs.

Hydration for Your Hair

Healthy, hydrated hair is the foundation of any great style.

1. Deep condition regularly
In the week leading up to your appointment, use a nourishing mask or deep conditioner once or twice. Focus on your mid lengths and ends for softness and shine.

2. Limit heat styling
Try to give your hair a break from straighteners or curling irons in the days before your booking. Overheating can strip moisture, making it harder for your stylist to achieve your desired finish.

3. Freshly washed hair on the day
Unless your artist advises otherwise, wash your hair the night before or the morning of your appointment with shampoo and conditioner only - no leave in oils, masks, or heavy products. Clean hair allows styling products to perform properly and gives your look longevity.

4. Hydrate from the inside out
Just like your skin, your hair benefits from internal hydration. Drinking enough water and including healthy fats in your diet (like avocado, salmon, and nuts) can support shine and strength over time.

Final Thoughts

Hydration isn’t just about slathering on moisturiser the morning of your appointment - it’s about caring for your skin and hair consistently in the days leading up to it. When your base is hydrated and healthy, your artist can create a look that not only lasts but enhances your natural features.

So, before your next hair and makeup session, think of hydration as part of your prep to maximise your experience