A moment with ‘Missy’s Magic Styles’
ABIA meets Canberra-based mobile bridal hair stylist Melissa Neville
@zinettehopperphotography
For more than 25 years bridal hair specialist Melissa Neville — or Missy as she’s known — has been pinning, curling and braiding hair, and the experienced Canberra hair stylist has picked up plenty of tips and tricks along the way.
“It’s a good idea for brides to talk to their hair stylist and be honest and upfront,” she advises from the outset.
It’s this combination of experience and Missy’s fun, calming approach that appeals to her brides, and often sees her taking bookings from second generation clients.
ABIA sat down with her to chat the latest wedding hairstyles, recommendations she shares with her brides and her thoughts on hair trials and pre-wedding hair prep.
@msouthamphoto
Tell us a little about your business and bridal hairstyling services.
I’m a bridal hair specialist and community hairdresser with more than 25 years’ experience and for 11 years now I’ve been providing a mobile hair service that comes to brides on their big day. Whatever the venue, I bring everything that’s needed to style hair onsite, and can usually provide hairstyling for bridesmaids and family members too. Most people call me ‘Missy’, which explains the name of my business.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
My Mum’s dream was to be a hairdresser and she wanted the same for me — looking back I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I got into event and bridal hair styling early in my career and over the years it’s become my specialty. I’ve been doing it so long now that I’ve moved on to the next generation, and I often find myself taking wedding bookings for the children of past brides — I’ve already taken a few bookings for 2029!
@hugginsphotography
@rubyowensphotography
Where are you based and what locations do you service?
I’m based in Canberra and travel throughout the ACT and NSW for my brides.
How did you start out in hairstyling?
I was a dancer and then became good at doing hair. I started styling hair for weddings and began getting more and more requests. So, I completed a hairdressing apprenticeship and never looked back. My background in dance taught me how to secure hair well and how to make it ‘pop’ on camera — skills that are both important for wedding hairstyling.
@TracyLeePhotography
@hugginsphotography
What recommendations do you have for brides when it comes to preparing their hair for their wedding day?
My first piece of advice is always to go for a look they love, not something others want them to have. I also generally suggest washing it the day before and drying it completely to help control frizz on the day. For very fine hair it can be best to wash on the morning of the wedding and let it dry naturally though — to keep the roots from becoming very oily fast — so my recommendations do vary depending on hair type and the bride’s intended hairstyle.
How important is a hair trial for a bride?
A hair trial can make or break the final look, so it’s a good idea for brides to talk to their hair stylist and be honest and upfront. Hair stylists often ask questions as we work on hair to get a feel for what our clients like and want, so I encourage my brides to answer openly and remember things can be changed, often right up to the last minute.
@olivialeigh_photography_
A Shot Above The Rest Photography
What do you suggest for bridesmaids’ hair?
I encourage bridesmaids to be honest with their bride about looks they like, as it’s the best way for everyone to shine, and even if the final look is a matching design, there are lots of ways to tweak it — a braid, a curl, a front fringe or some height — so any look can be personalised to suit the individual.
What should brides consider when choosing a hairstyle?
I find personality plays a big role in the hairstyles that brides are drawn to — introverts go for face-framing hair, while extraverts love it pulled off their face. Weather is a primary consideration when choosing a bridal hairstyle. Structured styles are best for windy days, when long hair, worn down, can blow into a bride’s lipstick and make a mess. Up-dos are also usually better for rain, though hair can be worn down as long as any rain-shot photography is saved for the end of the day.
@rosevearphotography
What general advice do you share with your brides?
I always remind them that it’s their wedding and they should do what they want, have fun and enjoy every moment — it goes by so quickly.
I also suggest they book professionals, not friends, as friends can get overwhelmed and drop out last-minute.
Plus, I didn’t get a videographer to record my parents’ speeches at my own wedding and now wish I had, so I always mention that.
What are the most popular bridal hairstyles at the moment? Any trends we should look out for?
Hollywood waves, messy mystical hair, messy buns and high ponytails are all popular right now, and I’ve noticed sleek looks are coming back.
What makes your bridal hairstyling service unique?
I am bubbly and become more of a sister on the day, and have had brides tell me they couldn't have done it without me. I think more than 25 years in the industry has given me the knowledge and ability to remain calm on the day, so I talk and laugh a lot with my brides, and I love making everyone in my chair shine bright.
Acacia & Grace
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