You've been itching to try that Japanese hair straightening technique for ages. Now that your wedding day is looming, you're having vivid images of yourself shaking on that parquet dance floor like Jennifer Lopez with stick straight strands, except at the current moment, your strands look more like fusili pasta. Not so smart, sista. Check out the following advice from hair stylist and bridal expert Ruben Colon of Sally Hershberger Downtown in New York City, who has seen more brides turn into bridezillas because of good hair gone very badly.

Don’t start a chemical romance with your hair eight to twelve weeks before your big day. Major color changes, perms and straightening methods contain harsh chemicals that could wreak havoc on your hair. Not such a great thing to deal with at this particular time in your life.

Do opt for a color touch up and/or some natural looking highlights one to two weeks prior to your wedding. “You want to look like yourself on a really good hair day,” says Colon.”

Don’t get a Beckham if you’re a Gisele. You want people to recognize you, right? Then save your desire for a drastic makeover till after your wedding day. If you possess long, luscious locks, let ’em cascade down your back. Got a short, sexy shag? Lightly tousle it and anchor a few pieces to the side with some luxe rhinestone hairpins.

Do have your hairstylist trim and shape your locks a couple weeks beforehand. This will insure your strands will be at their very best.

Don’t play roulette with your hairstylist. Maybe your regular stylist is fantastic at cutting and color, but not as skilled in evening looks and updos. Sometimes, they might not even tell you, but then you go for a trial and it takes you $85 or so to find out.

Do some research before settling on a stylist. “It’s important to work with someone who is willing and able to achieve your goal. I always try to get my brides to make an appointment for a hair and makeup trial on the day of one of her dress fittings,” says Colon. “This way, you get the whole picture of what your day will really look like. You may even find out that your hairstyle doesn’t look that good with your dress and you need to make some changes.”

Don’t weigh down your ’do with a tacky tiara. “Those are best kept for pageants,” says Colon.

Do opt for an elegant veil or chic hair accessory. There are tons of beautiful veils as well as barrettes, headbands, pins and combs to choose from. Also, let your hairstyle dictate your accessory decision. Remember, comfort is key. If necessary, bring tear sheets from bridal magazines of looks you love or even of things you can’t stand so your stylist gains a better understanding of how you truly want to appear.

Don’t wash your hair the day of your wedding. Just washed strands tend to be slippery and flyaway. They don’t behave as well as hair that’s been on a 24-hour hiatus.

Do shampoo and lightly condition your locks the day before. This way, your strands will submit more willingly to you and your stylist’s demands. However, hair doesn’t always listen, especially when an unexpected downpour frees your natural corkscrews from submission. For last minute weather catastrophes, better to let those raindrops land where they may. Apply some curl definition cream to your locks (try Kérastase Crème Oléo-Curl) and let them revel in their natural wave.

Don’t ignore your watch. Hair, makeup, getting dressed, smiling for the camera, they all take time. Nothing is worse than a rushed bride on her wedding day, so don’t dilly-dally!

Do make a schedule for the day of your nuptials and stick to it! Allow yourself enough time to prepare for your wedding so that you are relaxed, glowing and of course, gorgeous.