Michelle O'Halloran

Watching Michelle work her magic is something to marvel, she is a sculptor of hair but manages to transform hair into this effortless but elegant style. I always feel so lucky to have met some of the best people in the wedding industry. True creatives that have only passion for what they do - Michelle is one of these people, a pleasure to work with and to know.

Who is your bride?
The effortless, chic bride. She prefers the more natural, casual and even ‘messy’ styles on the red carpet.
I love hair that isn’t ‘trying to hard’. It’s got a natural, effortless feel. It’s pretty, soft to the eye and in good condition. Obviously, when it comes to wedding styling, I have to apply techniques that make this type of hair last all day and look fresh in photos from the morning to night.

When do you feel most inspired?
Trust is major factor when it comes to being creative. On photoshoots, I am given free reign to be creative, with only a few guidelines and restrictions.
Of course, working with a bridal client is a different process, the more open the client is to suggestions, the more options she will have. I want my clients to be honest about what suggestions they like and don’t like. It is this collaboration that makes sure the bride leaves the trial happy and satisfied.

How do you feel meeting a new bride to be?
This question has a couple of answers for me
- Excited and curious! Usually by the time I meet a bride, we have been in touch over email for a number of months. It’s lovely to finally put a face to the name.
- Cautious! Most brides are excited about their hair trial. However, some are nervous and a little overwhelmed. By the time we meet, there can be a lot of wedding details to juggle. Getting married is EMOTIONAL. I need to tread lightly to help the bride enjoy the experience. I regularly find, that brides are much more relaxed on their wedding day, than at the trial.

What do you like to hear from a bride?
It is so important that the bride has thought about the hairstyle she wants before meeting me i.e. only the individual bride can know whether she feels most confident with her hair up or down. I like brides to do their research and collect inspiration pictures. A picture speaks a thousand words. Everyone’s definition of ‘soft’ or ‘casual’ is different and I need reference pictures to understand yours.

Best questions – Do I have the right haircut for this style? How can I prepare my hair? Most people don’t realise that without the right layering and condition, curls can fall flat more quickly. Wisps and tendrils look better when shorter and texturized (cutting technique). Artificial colour often gives better shine/gloss, than natural hair colour. There is a reason the model in the magazine and the Hollywood star on the red carpet looks so amazing - preparation is key.

How did you find your calling?
Hairstyling started out as a hobby for me. After finishing university, I felt a little lost and unprepared for the working world. I took a leap of faith, changed paths and signed up for a private hairdressing course. I loved it immediately and took to it very naturally. I started out doing photoshoots and met make up artist Emma Farrell (EF Creative Studios). She just kept giving my number out to brides. It was a bit of an accident, that turned out to be the best thing that could have happened!