First the make-up is completed and only then is the hairstyle decided. Mrs. Krishna, owner of Shy's Nest beauty parlour, on V K Iyer Road , Mandevelli says, "After putting on the make-up we decide the best suited hairstyle. This way we give the make-up the time needed to set (ice cubes are rubbed over the face to help the make-up set) and also we will be able to choose the correct hairstyle according to the way she looks."

The face is first thoroughly cleaned and then a concealer applied in areas where the skin colour is patchy or not uniform. It is mainly used to conceal dark circles and other blemishes in the skin. Pancake is then applied next to the skin texture giving the face a uniform base on which the next layer of make-up can be built upon. According to the skin tone, the correct shade of foundation is smoothed over. It should beapplied in such a way that it blends in with the skin colour. The concealer, pancake, and the foundation are applied both on the face and  neck. Next the eyeliner, the mascara and the eye shadow are applied and then compact and translucent powder added to hide the shine, as touch-up. The lips are outlined with a lip liner and then filled out with lipstick. To give the bride a special glow, light touches of 'glitters' are added over the eyebrows, cheekbones and the chin.

Mrs. Krishna lists some absolute no-no's in bridal makeup, "Eye shadow colours must suit the skin colour, so daring colours like blue and green must not be used. They tend to give a weird look to the face. Maroons and browns are  the best lipstick shades for our skin types, therefore pinks should be avoided, as they clash with our dusky skin colour". She says that gold tones are the best for our skin types, they highlight the face and make the bride look luminous and attractive. The make-up will last for 4 hours and the bride is advised to blot out the beads of sweat and not rub or wipe it, because then the make-up will be removed from that spot, and the original skin colour will show as a patch.

Hairstyles range from the simple French braid to the complex buns and rolls. Readymade hair switches are also available for elaborate hairstyles. Pearls, rhinestones, flower buds, golden lace, satin ribbons, jewelled hair bands, are used for decorating the hairstyle. The hair ornaments differ from beautician to beautician. As Mrs. Krishna says, "we choose the hairstyle according to the hair type and the bone structure of the face. For example, some brides still insist on wearing a long plait which may not suit them. So I arrange her hair in a more suitable way, but if she still insists on a plait, then I do it for her."