Hair Report 202522 May 20254 MIN

Flavien Heldt’s guide to all things wedding hair

Mumbai’s go-to hairstylist for the A-list shares his expert tips and tricks for brides who want their hair to shine—literally and figuratively—through every look

Isha Ambani

instagram.com/flavienheldt

He's the master of sculpted elegance meets natural movement—and this has made him the hair stylist for some of India's most stylish women, including Isha Ambani, Natasha Poonawalla, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt. Flavien Heldt, the sought-after hair maestro and educator at Faze Management India, marries European technique with Indian glamour, which has led to his now signature fashion-forward approach to hairstyling. 

With a rich background in the global beauty industry, he brings a nuanced understanding of hair texture, structure and personal expression to every look he creates. So be it the red carpet or a big grand wedding, Hedlt’s artistry lies in making hair look both effortless and unforgettable. Here's his dos and don'ts for wedding hair, this season:

What are the biggest bridal hair trends you’re seeing this season?

“Brides today look for comfort and to enjoy their big day. They want to keep it minimal. They are gravitating more towards modern textured open hair, and are accessorising it with traditional pieces to strike that perfect compromise between the modern and traditional.”

Alia Bhatt
 

What’s your take on hair down vs. hair up for the wedding day—how should a bride decide?

“It’s totally up to the bride, depending, of course, on whether it is an indoor or an outdoor event. The weather also plays an important role in choosing a hairstyle.”

On hair prep & timeline

How far in advance should brides start prepping their hair for the big day?

“Healthy hair should not be time-bound. It should be a practice that is followed for life, the same way you take care of your skin. Deep conditioning, scalp scaling to remove any old product built up, regular shampooing, and conditioning your hair regularly are a must.”

What are some must-do treatments or rituals you recommend in the months leading up to the wedding?

“Keep yourself well-hydrated—a healthy, hydrated body reflects directly in the condition of your hair. Incorporate treatments that help reset and rejuvenate, like scalp detoxing, deep conditioning, head massages, or regular hair spa sessions. These not only nourish your hair but also promote overall relaxation and scalp health.”

Should brides avoid any hair services or treatments close to the wedding?

“Yes, any hair colour or treatment should be done at least 2 weeks in advance. Your hair needs time to settle and adjust, ensuring the final result looks natural, healthy, and perfectly blended by the big day.”

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On personalisation & consults

How important is a trial session, and how many should a bride ideally have?

“A detailed consultation about your envisioned look, paired with an open mind to your stylist’s professional input, is all you need. Once you're aligned, your stylist can confidently bring your vision to life, saving valuable time that would otherwise go into many a trial-and-error.”

Do you get requests for multiple looks across functions?

“Yes, by incorporating different textures—while staying true to what was discussed during the initial consultation.”

Alia Bhatt

On hair extensions & add-ons

Are hair extensions or padding a must for most bridal hairstyles today?

“That really depends on the bride and the vision she has for her wedding day look. If she has fine hair, achieving certain styles may require the use of padding or extensions to create the desired volume and shape.”

What should brides know about choosing quality extensions and maintaining them pre/post-wedding?

“As the name implies, hair extensions become an extension of you, once applied—so choosing high-quality, 100 per cent human hair is essential. They don’t just add length and volume; they should blend effortlessly with your natural hair and be easily customised to match your unique colour and texture. Since they're real human hair, they can be washed, styled, even coloured and cared for just like your own—making proper maintenance key to keeping your extensions looking their best.”

On the day-of advice

What are your top three tips to ensure the bridal hair stays intact all day (and night)?

“Proper hair prep is key—it's all about building the style in layers, not just with the right products, but through the structure and technique of the hairstyle itself.”

Katrina Kaif

Do you have any emergency fixes or products brides should keep in their clutch?

“A simple answer, a good dry shampoo. Sometimes weather and humidity can be a bit challenging to keep the hair in a good state. A good dry shampoo will help you to face those unexpected situations.”

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