An “unpopular opinion” made by a bridal hairstylist recently shared in a social media video has sparked debate among viewers online.
Harley, known online as @harleydoeshair_, talked about wedding hairstyle dos and don'ts in a TikTok post on May 28. The Arizona-based hairstylist's video saw more than 500 viewers chime in with their opinions, with the list written on a digital notepad in the background. The destination stylist's post has been viewed more than 282,000 times.
“I'm a bridal hairstylist and this is just my unpopular opinion,” Hurley says. “This is just my opinion, but I've been doing weddings for over 10 years.”
Hurley's first opinion is that brides should not only pay for their own hair and makeup on their wedding day, but also for their bridesmaids.
“I think the bride should pay for it, especially if she wants everyone to do it,” she says.
“[Professional] “Cosmetics these days can cost over $300,” Hurley added.
The hairstylist justified her point by pointing out that at most weddings, guests have to travel long distances to get to the venue, or have already paid for bachelorette parties and gifts. Hurley believes brides, and maybe grooms too, should be relieved of some of that financial burden.
She then moved on to talk about the photoshoot, saying that in her opinion, even the most excited bride should focus on the beauty of the monogrammed robe and personalized hangers, as well as the accompanying photos.
“I know a lot of people love this outfit,” Hurley said, referring to the image of a bride and bridesmaids in fluffy pajamas clinking champagne glasses.
“But are they really photographs to hang up and look back on?” Hurley says.
She added that involving photographers and videographers in the bride's preparation process can cause confusion and unnecessary stress for both wedding attendees and event officials.
“I think the photographer should arrive when your hair and makeup are 100% done, because it makes you nervous,” says Hurley. “From there, just pretend you're taking getting-ready photos.”
“But I don't think there's any need to do that. [take] “It shouldn't be more than five minutes. I don't think there's any need to take pictures in a robe,” she added.
The hairstylist concluded her list by saying she wants brides to not follow trends and to attend fittings alone.
“Don't follow trends,” Hurley says. “Do what you want to do and what you feel comfortable with.”
Regarding try-ons, Hurley told viewers that having the bride's mother or bridesmaids nearby while she is trying out her wedding hairstyle can lead to pressure and noise. Hurley, a hairstylist, said she often sees tensions arise during try-ons as the bride's guests tend to clash over what they think will look good on them.
Of the 500-plus viewers who shared their thoughts about the wedding in the post, many expressed views that contrasted with Hurley's.
“If I paid for all the bride's hair and makeup [cost] “$1250.00. That's nothing like the $30 pajamas each bridesmaid cost,” wrote one user @livski__.
@devlinar added: “Every Irish/UK bride I know pays for their bridesmaids hair, make-up and dresses – it's part of the cost of our wedding! Making a friend pay to be at your wedding is crazy!”
“However…it costs over $1000 for hair and makeup for everyone, and maybe $100-200 for robes and slippers. Unfortunately, that doesn't even compare,” a third user, @caitlyndivittis1, shared.
Another, @chloecasket, posted: “2025 bride! I humbly disagree with the sentiment that getting ready photos aren't necessary. I treasure getting ready photos of my grandmother and mother and have fond memories of looking at them as a child!”
Newsweek reached out to @harleydoeshair_ via TikTok for more information.
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A bride poses with a bouquet of flowers. Harley, a hairstylist known online as @harleydoeshair_, shared an “unpopular opinion” online about weddings. A bride poses with a bouquet of flowers. Harley, a hairstylist known online as @harleydoeshair_, shared an “unpopular opinion” online about weddings. Getty Images
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
