How much does wedding hair and makeup cost?
How much does wedding hair and makeup cost?
$100 – $300 wedding hair cost
$80 – $300 wedding makeup cost
$180 – $600 wedding hair and makeup cost
Average cost of wedding hair and makeup
Wedding hair and makeup cost $180 to $600 on average, with most brides spending about $400. A bridal hair and makeup trial run costs $100 to $200 if not included.
Wedding makeup prices are $80 to $300 for the bride and $75 to $150 per person for the bridal party.
Wedding hair costs $100 to $300 for the bride and $70 to $100 per person for the bridal party.
| Package | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Bridal hair trial | $60 – $200 |
| Bridal makeup trial | $60 – $180 |
| Bridal hair and makeup trial | $100 – $200 |
| Wedding hair (bride) | $100 – $300 |
| Wedding makeup (bride) | $80 – $300 |
| Wedding hair and makeup package (bride) | $180 – $600 |
| Bridesmaid hair | $70 – $100 |
| Bridesmaid makeup | $75 – $150 |
| Bridesmaid hair and makeup package | $150 – $250 |
| Junior bridesmaid hair or makeup | $40 – $80 |
| Flower girl hair | $45 – $60 |
| Flower girl makeup | $10 – $50 |
| Groom hair or makeup | $25 – $70 |
Wedding makeup prices
Wedding makeup prices are $80 to $300 for the bride and $75 to $150 per person for the bridal party or guests. Airbrush makeup typically costs more than traditional foundation. Some makeup artists include false lashes in their standard price.
| Bridal makeup style | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Bridal makeup — traditional | $80 – $240 |
| Bridal makeup — airbrush | $120 – $300 |
| Bridesmaid or guest makeup — traditional | $75 – $130 |
| Bridesmaid or guest makeup — airbrush | $90 – $150 |
| Junior bridesmaid makeup | $40 – $80 |
| Flower girl makeup | $10 – $50 |
| Groom makeup | $25 – $70 |
| Faux eyelashes | $15 – $30 |
| Brow shaping / tweezing | $20 – $40 |
| Tattoo or scar cover-up | $30 – $80+ |
| Body makeup (chest, arms, or back) | $25 – $40+ |
Bridal makeup costs more than other applications because the artist spends more time, uses more products, and is more meticulous to ensure the bride’s look is flawless.
Some makeup artists include complimentary flower girl makeup.
Individual lash application costs more than strip eyelashes.
Tattoo or scar cover-up prices depend on the size of the area needing coverage.
Wedding hair cost
Wedding hair costs $100 to $300 on average for the bride and $70 to $100 per person for the bridal party. Elaborate updos and vintage Hollywood waves cost the most as these styles take longer than blowouts and simpler styles.
Some wedding hair stylists charge extra for longer hair.
| Hairstyle type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Blowout | $50 – $90 |
| Bridal updo | $90 – $200 |
| Hollywood waves | $100 – $300 |
| Clip-in extensions* | $20 – $50 |
| Bridesmaid hair | $70 – $100 |
| Junior bridesmaid hair | $40 – $80 |
| Flower girl hair | $45 – $60 |
*Extension price not included.
Bridal hair and makeup costs by type
Bridal hair and makeup costs depend on the hairstyle, makeup type, and if it's the bride or bridesmaids. Prices at the high end of the range typically include a trial run.
Cost of wedding hair and makeup for bridesmaids
The average cost of hair and makeup for bridesmaids is $150 to $250 each when purchasing both services together. Junior bridesmaid hair and makeup typically costs less.
Bridesmaid makeup alone costs $75 to $150 per person, depending on whether it’s traditional or airbrush.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Bridesmaid hair | $70 – $100 |
| Bridesmaid makeup | $75 – $150 |
| Bridesmaid hair and makeup package | $150 – $250 |
| Junior bridesmaid hair or makeup | $40 – $80 |
Bridal hair and makeup trial run cost
A bridal hair and makeup trial run costs $100 to $200 before the tip and lets you confirm the wedding day look you envision. One trial is usually sufficient, but you may need additional visits if the first trial causes you to rethink and change your desired look.
Some professionals include a trial run in their basic bridal makeup or wedding hair service price.
| Trial type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Bridal hair trial | $60 – $200 |
| Bridal makeup trial | $60 – $180 |
| Wedding hair and makeup trial | $100 – $200 |
Wedding hair and makeup charges & factors
Extra makeup artist charges for a wedding may include gratuity, travel-related expenses, or extras like lash extensions and tattoo cover-ups.
Additional factors that affect the total cost include:
Package – Purchasing a hair and makeup package with a trial run often costs less than a single service.
Touch-ups – Makeup artists charge $60 to $220 per hour to be available throughout the wedding day for touch-ups. Some artists offer half- and full-day rates instead. Alternatively, many artists offer a touch-up kit for $40 to $75.
Geographic location – Prices are higher in major metropolitan cities than in rural areas.
Travel – Salons charge more when the artist or stylist travels to you. Professionals typically expect you to cover all travel-related expenses.
Skill level – Master artists and in-demand stylists charge more than newer or lesser-known professionals.
Wedding date – Stylists charge more during peak wedding season and some charge extra or have a higher minimum requirement on weekends.
Time of day – Early morning appointments often increase costs by $25 to $50+.
Minimum service fees – Many stylists require a minimum of $300 to $1,000. Weekend minimums typically fall at the higher end.
Multiple locations – If your wedding and reception are at different locations and you require your stylist at both destinations, plan for added take-down and set-up fees.
Urgency – Booking a last-minute appointment can add 5% to the total.
Reception changes – Double your expected cost if you plan to update your hair and makeup to a different look for the reception.
Number of people – Some stylists offer reduced rates for booking a group of 3 or more.
Add-on services – Extra services such as pre-wedding beauty treatments, eyelash extensions, eyebrow microblading, and hair extensions increase the total cost.
Makeup brand & type – Makeup artists using high-end brands or organic products tend to charge more due to their increased overhead.
Assistant – An assistant or a second artist adds $100 to $250 but reduces the getting ready time on the wedding day.
Deposit – Most makeup artists and stylists require a 50% or flat-rate deposit when booking the appointment, depending on the stylist and services scheduled.
Wedding hair and makeup FAQs
Who pays for bridal party hair and makeup?
The bridal party typically pays for their hair and makeup if they have the option to do it themselves or hire a professional. If the bride requires the bridesmaids to get professional hair and makeup, she typically covers the cost.
Consider paying for the bridal party’s hair and makeup as a thank-you gesture or if they are already paying for travel and lodging for a destination wedding.
How much do you tip for wedding hair and makeup?
Tip each hair and makeup artist 15% to 25% of the total cost. Remember to include any assistants or additional artists.
Consider leaving a positive review on their website or sharing their information on social media if you were happy with the service.
How to save money on bridal hair and makeup
Consider these strategies to save money on bridal hair and makeup:
Skip the add-ons – Many makeup artists have a list of optional extras, such as a pre-makeup facial, clip-in hair extension application, and eyelash extensions, which can increase the total by $50 to $100+.
Choose traditional foundation – Most makeup artists charge $20 to $50 more for airbrush makeup application.
Partial makeup – Eyes and lashes or foundation only cost $30 to $80 on average. Choose partial makeup only if you are comfortable handling the other aspects of your makeup application.
Weekday appointment – Makeup artists and stylists charge more for holidays and weekend appointments.
Supply the lashes – While some artists include lashes with a basic makeup application, many offer them as an add-on or charge a smaller fee for their application when you bring your lashes.
Bundle services – Many businesses offer hair and makeup packages or discounted rates when hiring a makeup artist or stylist for a group of 3 or more.
Go to them – Most makeup artists and stylists charge extra for travel and parking. Traveling to the stylist instead saves you money.
Hire an assistant – Makeup artist assistants have hands-on experience and often charge less than a makeup artist. Consider hiring an assistant if you already have some makeup application skills and want a hand in making sure your look is flawless for the big day.
Beauty counter – Professional makeup application costs $50 to $100 at a department store, MAC Cosmetics, Sephora, or Ulta, and sometimes comes complimentary with a purchase. Still, a beauty counter makeup application is not as reliable as hiring a seasoned bridal makeup artist.
DIY touch-ups – Most makeup artists charge $60 to $220 per hour to stay onsite for touch-ups.
When to schedule a hair and makeup trial for a wedding?
Schedule your hair and makeup trial 1 to 3 months before the wedding. Align the hair and makeup trial with one of your dress fittings to preview the complete look.
Discuss the best timing for the trial with your stylist if you plan to cut or dye your hair.
When to book hair and makeup for a wedding?
Book hair and makeup at least 3 to 6 months before the wedding date. Depending on your location and wedding date, your preferred stylist may not be available if you wait until closer to the wedding.
Early booking allows time for a trial to finalize your desired look.
What does bridal makeup include?
Bridal makeup typically includes a primer, traditional foundation, concealer, blush, eyes (liner, shadow, mascara), lips, and setting powder or spray. Some artists include airbrushing, contouring, highlighting, false lashes, brows, and a touch-up kit in their basic service. Others offer these features as add-ons.
The makeup artist typically provides all the tools and products required to create your desired look.
Most brides have their hair done before their makeup on the wedding day.
How long does wedding hair and makeup take?
Wedding hair and makeup take 60 to 90 minutes for the bride and 30 to 45 minutes for each bridesmaid. The desired look and style impact the time needed. Allow more time for full glam makeup, dramatic updos with lots of curls, or intricate braiding.
Get lash extensions at least 2 to 3 days before the wedding day. Eyelash extensions take 24+ hours to set.
How much are typical pre-wedding beauty treatments?
Pre-wedding beauty treatments cost $30 to $700, depending on the service. Many spas offer packages for multiple services at a reduced price.
Tanning – Tanning services cost $40 to $60 per session on average or $70 to $150 for a trial run and pre-wedding tan.
Massage – Massage therapy costs $50 to $90 per hour.
Facials – Basic facials cost $40 to $80. High-end spa facials and specialized treatment facials cost $120 to $250.
Manicures – Manicures cost $30 to $60 on average. A standard manicure without polish or acrylics costs $10 to $20, while a full set of acrylic nails costs $70 to $80+.
Pedicures – Pedicures cost $30 to $80.
Body art – Bridal henna or mehndi costs $100 to $700, depending on the body parts covered and the intricacy of the design.
Finding and hiring a wedding hair and makeup artist
Before hiring a wedding hair and makeup artist or hair stylist, be sure to:
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or your other wedding vendors.
Check out their reviews on Fash and Google.
Look for licensed or certified stylists or members of:
International Association of Professional Makeup Artists (IAPO)
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
Browse their social media or review their portfolio to confirm their work matches your style.
Ask for references and contact them for personal feedback.
Confirm their availability for your wedding date.
Ask about what products they use, especially if you have skin sensitivities or allergies.
Do a trial run to ensure they can create the look you want.
Read all contract terms before signing.
Questions to ask a wedding stylist
Are you available on my wedding date?
What is required to secure the date?
How long have you been doing hair and makeup?
What education and certifications do you have?
Are you licensed and insured? (License requirements vary by state.)
Do you have a portfolio?
Are you able to create the look I want?
Do you have a minimum fee for wedding day services?
Is a trial run included in the price? If not, how much is the trial?
What is your fee structure – hourly, flat per service, etc.?
Do you require a contract?
Do I need to come to the salon, or do you travel to me? Is there an extra cost for travel?
Do you supply all the products and tools for my look?
How do you keep your products and tools clean and sanitized?
Is it better to wash my hair the day of or the day before the wedding day?
How long will it take to do my makeup and hair?
How long will the makeup last?
Do you offer a touch-up kit?
Do you have experience with my hair/skin type?
Are there any additional fees I should expect?