How to Prepare for Your Mobile Hair and Makeup Appointment

A mobile hair and makeup appointment runs best when your hair, your skin and the room are ready before your artist arrives. Most of the preparation takes a few minutes the night before, and it gives your look the best chance of lasting from the first photo to the end of the night.

Here is how to prepare, whether it is a home visit for a birthday dinner or a full bridal party on your wedding morning.

Wash your hair the day before

Your hair should be completely dry when your stylist arrives. Most styles hold best on hair washed the day before, as a little natural texture gives curls and updos something to grip.

If your hair is very fine or gets oily quickly, wash it on the morning instead and dry it fully. Skip heavy conditioners, oils and serums on the day, as they make hair slippery and stop a style from holding. If you have booked event hair styling and are unsure what suits your hair, mention it when you enquire and your stylist will let you know.

Choose a getting-ready space

Pick a spot with good natural light, ideally beside a window, so your makeup is matched to how you will look outside and in photos. Set out a chair you can sit in comfortably, a small table for tools and a power point within reach for hair dryers and curling irons. For at home hair styling, a bedroom or bathroom with a mirror works well, so you can watch your look come together.

For a group, allow room for each artist to work, plus seating for the people waiting their turn. If you are getting ready in a hotel, a room with a large window and a desk saves moving furniture on the morning.

Gather inspiration photos and accessories

Save a few reference photos of the hair and makeup you love, ideally showing the front and the back of a hairstyle. A photo of your outfit helps too, as the neckline and colour affect which looks suit it best. Send them with your enquiry or keep them ready on your phone.

Have your veil, hair piece, earrings and any other accessories laid out before your artist arrives. Hair pieces are pinned in as your style is finished, so they need to be on hand, not packed in a bag.

Prepare your skin

In the week before your appointment, stick to your usual skincare and avoid new products, facials or peels that could cause a reaction. On the day, start with clean, moisturised skin and no makeup, and skip heavy oils and fresh self-tan that morning. Our mobile makeup artists prep your skin before applying your base, so it sits smoothly and lasts.

If your event is outdoors in summer, protect your skin in the days leading up to it. SunSmart advises covering up whenever the UV Index reaches 3 or above, and sunburn or a peeling nose is hard to hide under foundation. Our tips for event makeup on a hot Melbourne day cover keeping makeup in place once you are out in the heat.

Tell us about any allergies, sensitivities or skin conditions when you book. Your artist will choose products to suit your skin, and a small patch test can be done before your makeup is applied if needed.

Plan your timing

Work out the time you need to be ready by, then let us know when you enquire. We work back from that time to set your start, allowing for each person's hair and makeup. Building in a little spare time means a late arrival or a last-minute change does not put the morning behind.

For wedding hair and makeup, tell us your photographer's arrival time as well. The bride usually has her final touches last, so she looks fresh for the photos. Make sure everyone has eaten breakfast before we start, as it is hard to eat once lipstick is on.

Appointments that start before 7am or after 7pm carry an early bird call-out fee. Our guide to how much a mobile hairdresser costs in Melbourne explains this and the other parts of a quote.

Wear a button-up top

Wear a button-up shirt or a robe while your hair and makeup are done. You can change into your outfit without pulling anything over your finished hair, and there is no risk of makeup marking your neckline.

What happens when your artist arrives

Your artist arrives with a full professional kit and sets up near your light and power point. Before starting, they talk through your reference photos, your outfit and the look you want, and adapt it to your hair and skin.

Makeup starts with skin prep and a colour-matched base, built in light layers, then eyes, lashes and lips. Hair is set and styled, with any accessories pinned in at the end. Your artist finishes with setting spray or a final check of your style, so everything is secure before you leave.

A quick checklist for the night before

• Hair washed and fully dried, with no heavy products
• Skin clean, with your usual skincare only
• Reference photos saved on your phone
• Veil, hair piece and accessories laid out
• Getting-ready space chosen, with a chair, a table and a power point
• Button-up shirt or robe ready to wear
• Breakfast planned for everyone getting ready

Book your appointment

If you would like help with any part of your preparation, ask when you book. Send an enquiry with your date, the time you need to be ready by and your address, or call (03) 4050 7078 to talk through your plans with our mobile hair and makeup team.