Wedding August

 Lisa gives you her top advice for the perfect Bridal hair countdown and top tips for getting it right on the day.

Eight months to go
The secret to shiny, healthy hair is to cleanse, moisturise and maintain in the run up to your wedding day. Begin by investing in a top-quality shampoo and conditioner. Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturising Shampoo, £17, and Conditioner, £18, will add long-lasting moisture to your hair without weighing it down, and can be used on colour-treated locks.

Six months
Think about the length and style you want for your wedding day. If you're planning a completely new look, do it now so you have time to get used to it. Keep in mind your dress and any hair accessories you might want to wear, as these could all affect what you do with your hair between now and the day. A sleek up-do works well for formal weddings, whereas a relaxed celebration allows you more choice. "Collate a scrapbook of styles you like to help your hairdresser visualise the look you want," advises colour expert Lisa Shepherd.

Five months
Start researching the salon you're going to use and consider its distance from your venue. Once you've chosen your hairdresser, discuss your schedule from now until the day. Show them a picture of your dress and any hairstyles you have in mind, particularly if you're in the process of growing your hair. "It's a really good idea to get all cuts and colours pre-booked to avoid a last-minute panic," says Lisa Shepherd. Now is also the time to experiment with colour if you're thinking of a change.

Three months
Book an in-salon conditioning treatment. A luxury Shu Uemura Art of Hair Beauty Ceremony, from £25, combines a bespoke hair treatment of precious oils with a head and upper-body massage. Follow this up with a product you can apply at home once a week to intensely nourish your hair.

Two months
It's time for your first hair trial. "This can act as a road-test to ensure the style is practical, looks good and has staying power," says top hairdresser Daniel Galvin. Take along a tiara or any hair accessories you're thinking of wearing so you can see how you'll look on the day, and try different styles until you get a look you're happy with. "Get your stylist to not only experiment with your bridal look, but to show you some easy-to-recreate honeymoon styles," advises Richard Ward. "Your stylist is an expert - so use that expertise!"

One month
If you're wearing your hair up, have it trimmed for the last time now so the ends aren't too blunt and difficult to tuck into your up-do. It wil also ensure your hair is tidy throughout the honeymoon. "At this stage, everything should have been finalised for the day, but if you have any reservations, address them with your hairdresser - don't start raising concerns too close to the day," says hairdresser Daniel Galvin.
Two weeks
Book in for a final colour to enhance your shade. "This will give it a chance to settle, but still look fresh," says Lisa Shepherd. Steer clear of trying anything new at this stage. If you're wearing your hair down, have your final trim now so that it's defined but doesn't look too 'new'.

The day before
Enjoy one final home-conditioning treatment. Wash your hair if you will be wearing it up, as day-old hair is less slippery and will be easier for your stylist to work with.

The big day
Arrive at the salon early wearing a top that can be easily removed without ruining your hair. If you can't bear not washing your hair on the day, ask your stylist to use REDKEN Touch Control 05 Volumizing Texture Whip, £10.20, for shape and volume. Create an emergency hair kit of grips and mini hairspray for touch-ups throughout the day - L'Oreal Elnett Diamond Hold & Shine Hairspray, £2.45 (75ml), is small enough to fit in your (or your bridesmaid's) clutch bag. Now go and turn heads!