Interview: Chantelle Rees of Boho Hair + Makeup

Words by Amy Richardson
August 22, 2017

With a focus on bringing out the natural beauty in her brides, and some sweet braiding skills, Chantelle Rees of Boho Hair + Makeup is our go-to girl for the soft, romantic bridal look.

Putting her years of experience as a hair stylist to good use; Chantelle works with brides in Sydney and surrounds to create dreamy styles that match their personalities. Specialising in the popular trend of bohemian style bridal beauty, she has mastered the art of soft natural waves and intricate braids.

With creative hair and makeup rolled into one neat little package, Boho H&M crafts looks for brides and their tribes to compliment individual looks and work as a whole. Glowing skin and kickass hair all round!

We chatted to head stylist Chantelle about the journey she has taken with Boho Hair + Makeup, beauty inspiration and her love for the art.

boho beach bride with flower crown

Hair and makeup by Boho Hair + Makeup, image by Weddings by Tim, gown by White Meadow Bridal, flower crown and bouquet by Blumette.

Tell us a little about your background and the path that brought you to Boho Hair + Makeup.

I have always been mezmorised by how powerful hairdressers and makeup artists are to women. They can find their clients’ best features and enhance them to make them feel amazing within minutes.

After working in a hair salon for years I knew I wanted to work for myself. I work harder and I have so much passion and drive. I can braid hair with my eyes closed and quickly became obsessed with the bohemian style. This is where I seem to gain a lot of love. After learning the ropes of the wedding industry I worked up the courage to go out on my own. I’ve never looked back.

Six months into my solo venture I could see there was demand for someone who can do both hair and makeup, so I went off to study makeup and walked away head of the class. I have Sydney hair and makeup artist, Sandra Wograndl, to thank for this. She saw my passion and guided me the whole way.

My focus now is on education about current and upcoming trends, creative projects and providing clients with a flawless service. I have so many exciting upcoming projects I cannot wait to share with my brides.

pink hair in loose waves

pink hair in relaxed braid

Pink-haired model Sophie Louise Hughes with hair and makeup by Boho Hair + Makeup. Images by Jaclyn Treu.

How would you describe your hair and makeup style?

Bohemian, romantic and soft

I’m all about natural beauty. I want my clients to be happy with who they are and how they look. I also want them to realise they are beautiful and unique in their own way. This is who their Fiancé fell in love with.

What are some of your most popular looks?

Braids, braids and …oh braids! Soft ,romantic upstyles come a close second.

What are your favourite products?

KMS anti humidity spray and my Babyliss conical wand is my life saver

What’s trending in bridal hair and makeup in 2017/18?

Brides are definitely more relaxed in their hair and makeup look. They tend to be moving away from the tightly pulled back upstyles. I think this is also coming from the wedding trends as a whole.

layered braided up-do

Layered braided up-do by Boho Hair + Makeup. Image by Joe Pollard.

coral peony bouquet

Braided bridal updo by Boho Hair + Makeup. Image by Sam Powyer.

bridal half-up braid

Boho braided half up-do by Boho Hair + Makeup. Image by Little Love Photography.

Do you have some favourite wedding vendors (photographers, designers, florists etc) you love working alongside?

I have so many people I admire. I stalk Alana Taylor on Instagram quite a lot. I love her approach to capturing a couple’s moment.

I’m slightly obsessed with Rue de Seine Bridal gowns, and the girls from Willow + Ink wedding signs are nothing short of amazing.

Whenever I have a creative project, Joe Pollard and Bella May are always ready to jump on board.

Being in the wedding industry I have found that all the vendors are so supportive of one another. Everyone wants to see everyone succeed and grow, which is so refreshing.

What would be your dream creative project?

I have so many creative projects running through my head and it’s one of my dreams to be in the position where I can do a styled shoot every month. One that’s currently sticking is a styled bridal shoot in the Swiss alps with a Rue de Seine Bridal gown, Adriana Lima and Natalia Vodianova and a team of Australian vendors. There is so much beauty in the alps and so much versatility for styled shoots.

boho beach wedding

Styled shoot with hair and makeup by Boho Hair + Makeup, gown by White Meadow Bridal, image by The Salty Shutter.

What are some of your go-to sources of inspiration and/or professional development?

Instagram, wedding blogs and Pinterest are my go-to for inspiration. I’m constantly pushing my education in new techniques and products. I’m also surrounding myself with like-minded vendors. You can never stop learning in this industry.

Any tips for brides-to-be when choosing a hair and makeup artist?

Communication is everything. Find someone who can not only create amazing hair and makeup but also takes the time to sit down and find out about your wedding, how he proposed, what you do and especially what you don’t like when it comes to hair and makeup.

I love everything about love stories. I like my clients to feel as if we have known each other for a long time.

boho bridesmaids in blush dressses with an alpaca

Boho bride tribe with hair and makeup by Boho Hair + Makeup. Image by Bedford Photography.

Credits

Hair & Makeup Boho Hair + Makeup | Header image Boho Hair + Makeup | Other images as captioned |


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