Putting a veil in your hair securely involves creating a stable foundation to hold the accessory in place throughout your event. The most effective method often includes backcombing the hair and reinforcing the veil with bobby pins.
To properly secure a veil, especially one with a comb attachment, you'll need to prepare the hair adequately to prevent slippage and ensure it stays perfectly positioned.
1. Preparing Your Hair: The Backcombing Method
Creating a secure base is crucial, particularly for heavier veils or fine hair. This method ensures the veil's comb has something to grip onto.
- Step 1: Identify Placement: Decide exactly where you want the veil to sit – commonly at the crown, the back of the head, or underneath an updo.
- Step 2: Section the Hair: Lift the section of hair where you would like to wear the veil. This is the specific area where the veil's comb will be inserted.
- Step 3: Backcomb for Volume: Back comb the section underneath the lifted hair. This means gently pushing a fine-tooth comb downwards towards the scalp in short strokes, creating a cushioned, textured base.
- Step 4: Smooth and Conceal: Drop the top layer back over the backcombed section and smooth the hair over the top. This hides the backcombed section, giving a neat appearance while providing a strong anchor for the veil.
2. Inserting the Veil
Once your hair foundation is ready, it's time to insert the veil.
- Step 1: Position the Comb: Gently slide the veil's comb downwards into the backcombed section of your hair. Ensure the comb's teeth are fully embedded for maximum grip.
- Step 2: Wiggle for Security: Once inserted, give the veil a gentle wiggle from side to side to ensure it's firmly seated and feels secure.
3. Reinforcing with Bobby Pins
Even with a strong backcombed base, adding bobby pins provides crucial extra security, especially for long events or if you plan on dancing.
- Step 1: Locate Veil Loops: Most veils attached to combs have small loops on either side of the comb, or you can find a sturdy part of the comb's base to work with.
- Step 2: Insert Bobby Pins: Fix the veil into the hair using two bobby pins through the loops for extra security. Push the bobby pins through the loops (or around the comb's base) and then into the backcombed hair and scalp, ensuring they are well-hidden within your hairstyle. For added strength, insert the bobby pins in an 'X' shape.
- Step 3: Test Security: Gently tug on the veil to ensure it's not going anywhere. If it feels loose, adjust the comb or add more bobby pins.
Tips for Different Veil & Hair Types
| Hair Type | Veil Type | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Hair | Any | Always backcomb generously. Consider a small, clear elastic band tied around the section where the comb goes, providing even more grip before backcombing. |
| Thick Hair | Heavier/Longer | Ensure the comb is long enough to penetrate a substantial amount of hair. You might need stronger, longer bobby pins for reinforcement. |
| Updos | Any | For updos, the veil comb can often be slipped directly into the bun or braid and secured with bobby pins through the loops or into the base of the updo. The updo itself provides a strong anchor. |
| Half-Up Styles | Any | The backcombing method is ideal for these styles. Ensure the top layer is smoothed over neatly to hide any backcombing. |
| Mantilla Veils | Typically worn low | These often use a small comb at the front. They are usually secured with additional hairpins placed along the lace edge to keep them from sliding off the head. |
Following these steps will ensure your veil stays perfectly in place, allowing you to enjoy your special day without worry.
