30 Chic Bridal Hairstyles For Your Special Day
Your bridal hairstyle doesn’t have to be boring, stuffy, or traditional. Instead, they can be trendy, chic, and fresh! From long, loose waves to pixie cuts and braids, we’ve collected the best of today’s bridal hairstyles to suit every face shape, hair texture, and length. You’re guaranteed to fall in love with one of these looks – so why wait until your wedding day to try them out?
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If you’ve always wanted the hair of a fairy-tale princess, the romantic updo is for you. These hairstyles are all about feminine details, like braids and flowers. However, they aren’t too smooth or polished. Remember not to plait your hair too tightly and to leave some pieces out to soften the look and flatter your face. Tiny flowers like baby’s breath suit the romantic updo because they are petite enough not to distract from the braided details. Pair the style with an equally romantic bridal gown.
A classic formal hairstyle, the chignon was a massive trend in the ’90s. So, it’s no wonder it’s coming back now! The chignon adds a sophisticated and polished finish to any look. It goes well with a silk slip-style wedding dress, so it’s perfect for modern brides who have a minimalist aesthetic.
There are so many braided hairstyles out there; you’re bound to find one you love. Better yet, some of them only require a brush and hair elastics to create. From Dutch and French to classic three-strand and pull-through braids, your options are endless. Most look best with thick hair, so be sure to clip in hair extensions and start taking hair vitamins to get your mane in perfect condition for your wedding day.
You can still show off a gorgeous bridal braid if you don’t have ultra-long hair. Using just pieces from the top section of your hair, create two simple three-strand plaits starting from your temples. Braid it towards the back of your head, then secure them with a pretty floral clip. Leave the rest of your hair loose in soft waves; this will make it look thicker. The half-braided hairstyle is also a great choice if you’re a bridesmaid or wedding guest.
The ponytail is one of the most versatile hairstyles out there. Even on your wedding day, you can take this style to the next level by adding a few glamorous details. For an ultra-flattering look, be sure to create lots of volume at the crown of your head. Use hair extensions to give the ponytail extra thickness, and cover any hair elastics or pins by wrapping a piece of hair around it. The bonus of a ponytail is that there’s no hair to hide or distract from your wedding makeup, and you can show off a pair of gorgeous statement earrings too.
For the more bohemian brides, a side braid is a great wedding day hairstyle. It’s feminine and stylish without being too fussy or ‘done up.’ Because this style looks best when worn in a loose and relaxed way, you’ll never have to worry about fixing your hair on your wedding day! A side braid is an effortless, romantic style that gets better the longer you wear it. It also won’t fall victim to sudden weather changes, like wind or humidity.
Loose waves are the ideal hairstyle for brides planning a beach wedding. They also suit those with naturally long and thick hair with a wavy texture. To make the most of the style, dust your roots with volumizing powder and use a finishing spray to prevent your waves from getting fluffy. Loose waves also look beautiful when paired with hair accessories like clips, flowers, and headbands. Another popular choice is a half-up style with loose waves underneath.
A popular bridal style in the early 2000s, the ballerina bun is coming back. That’s because this chic hairstyle is classically elegant and puts your make-up in the spotlight. It suits those with oval face shapes and high cheekbones. It draws the eye up, so it’s the perfect partner for a bold eye makeup look. It’s also a great bridal choice if you want to show off your jewelry, such as a statement pair of earrings or a diamond choker, as your hair won’t hide them. Many brides choose to pair this hairstyle with a ballet-inspired gown, too – but make sure you don’t go too heavy on the tulle as you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a costume.
There’s no better time to let your curls shine than on your wedding day. Make sure your kinks and coils are on point by prepping with a moisturizing product and finishing with a curl-defining spray. While many curly-haired brides choose to let their mane run free, there are also lots of styling options available. One popular choice is a half-up, half-down look. It shows off your texture but ensures your face isn’t overwhelmed with hair. It’s also ideal if you’re having a summer wedding and don’t want to overheat!
For brides who love vintage style, a hairstyle from a bygone era is the only choice on their wedding day. If your wedding dress style is vintage or vintage-inspired, opt for a hairstyle from the same decade. With the 100th anniversary of the roaring ’20s just around the corner – and Downton Abbey back on the big screen – many brides are also embracing the finger wave updo.
Old Hollywood glamour never goes out of style, and a gorgeous vintage hair-down hairstyle is also super flattering on all face shapes. Also known as Golden Age waves, the look is polished, chic, and sexy without being overtly retro. The key elements are the side parting and smooth, structured waves. Add a classic 1950s red lip, and voila, you’re a bombshell bride.
The low bun is sleek and chic. That makes it ideal for brides who want a modern, on-trend hairstyle to go with their equally understated gown. Pearls are one of the significant trends in hair accessories this season and make a great addition to a low bun hairstyle. Because all your hair is pulled back, it’s also important to remember that all eyes will be on your face. As a result, glowing skin and perfect makeup are essential when wearing a low bun.
The half-up, half-down hairstyle gives you the best of both worlds. First, you’ll get to show off your hair’s natural length and volume with soft and pretty waves, giving you a romantic and feminine finish. Second, the pulled-back top section of your hair means you get to show more of your face. Plus, you can add beautiful details like braids and twists, and slide-in hair accessories to make your bridal style even better.
Where you part your hair can give your face a completely different look. It’s flattering on many different face shapes as it draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. The side part hairstyle is sultry and sophisticated, so it’s perfect for brides who want to look extra alluring. While a side part looks beautiful on any hair type, tousled waves are the classic way to style it.
Brides with a pixie cut have a surprising amount of flexibility when it comes to their wedding day hairstyle. Not only does short hair look fantastic when accessorized with headbands and flowers, but altering the texture can also give you a completely new feel. For a slick look, add some texturizing clay to your hair and part it to the side, sweeping forward to create a subtle angled look. It will draw attention to your eyes and balance your features – perfect for your wedding photos.
Brides who want a beautiful and angelic wedding day look should try the braided halo. The hairstyle is supposed to look effortless – soft, romantic, and imperfect – so there’s no need for advanced braiding skills. A braided halo is also an excellent choice for brides who have hair highlighted or balayage hair color, as it shows off the different tones beautifully. It’s so pretty; you will want to wear this style every day.
Fishtail braids are some of the most popular plait options for brides. That’s because they look intricate – but they’re effortless to create. Fishtail braids also have a more bohemian feel than other braids, like French or Dutch. For a beautiful bridal twist on the style, weave silk ribbon through your fishtail braid or add hair accessories and flowers.
Similar to the chignon, the French twist is a gorgeous bridal hairstyle that’s classy and sophisticated. Initially, it was popular in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, and is now coming back into fashion. The French twist is a more formal hairstyle, so it suits brides who want a polished, traditional wedding look. Best of all, it’s a relaxed style to create as it merely involves gathering and twisting the hair until it folds in on itself, then securing it with pins, slides, or a comb.
Oval, long, and heart-shaped faces suit the middle part hairstyle. Many consider it a casual look for every day. However, there’s nothing stopping fans of the hairstyle from embracing it for their wedding too! Many brides choose to contrast the razor-sharp central parting with soft, bohemian waves that frame their faces. If you decide to go for that type of hairstyle, opt for a long veil.
Headbands have been coming back into fashion recently. The latest trend pearl – or faux pearl – versions. For fashion-forward brides, it’s the must-have accessory on the big day! To stop the headband from looking too childish, team it with a chic updo rather than long, loose hair. Also, keeping your hairstyle minimal means the headband itself can make a bold statement – and you won’t have to worry about restyling your locks halfway through the night.
A flower-embellished hairstyle is a wedding classic for a reason. It works with long, short, or medium-length hair. Plus, it’s a beautiful addition to all hair types, from fine to thick, caucasian, or Afro texture. One option is to use fresh flowers that match your bouquet and decorations. Otherwise, opt for silk or faux flowers on a hair slide, so you don’t have to worry about the bloom wilting or shedding.
Every woman deserves to feel like a princess on her wedding day. So what better way to show it than with a tiara? You can pair this elegant and pretty accessory with most hairstyles to create your desired effect. Long, loose waves with a tiara will give you a beauty queen look, while a half-up, half-down style is more understated and modern.
A hair comb is a quick and simple way to give your bridal hairstyle a boost. Look for accessories that match the details in your dress – like flowers, feathers, or beads – or elements of your wedding decor, like tablecloths or centerpieces. The best part is that you can use a decorative hair comb whether your hair is styled up or down. Just be sure to add styling spray or even a little clay, so your hair has enough texture to hold the comb. If your hair is too slippery, it could slide out!
Crystals are a gorgeous addition to your bridal hairstyle. That’s because they catch and reflect the light, creating a glittering and glowing effect. Because crystals can be a little heavier than other hair accessories – like flowers, for example – it’s best to opt for hair clips instead of a comb. The clip will secure them to your hair, ensuring they don’t fall off. Many brides choose to pair crystal hair clips with a side-parted hairstyle for a romantic, vintage vibe.
Long-haired ladies have plenty of options when it comes to bridal styles. One popular choice for those with thicker locks is a soft wave look. Even if your hair is naturally dead straight, curling tongs and firm-hold hairspray will help you to achieve this pretty style. If your hair isn’t quite long enough – or thick enough – to create the wavy effect, clip in some human hair extensions and blend them with your real hair, then style away!
Medium hair looks excellent with some volume and texture, particularly when being styled for a wedding. One of the most popular ways to wear this length is in a subtle half-up, half-down hairstyle. Leave some pieces out to frame your face, then twist and pin the top section to create a semi-braided effect. Meanwhile, gently curl and brush through the bottom part for a romantic result.
With the lob cut back in style, the options for short-haired brides have never been better. When you don’t have a lot of lengths to work with, it’s important to add volume, bounce, and dimension to your cut. Start by heat styling your hair to create waves and curls, then add lots of texture spray for a modern yet polished finish. For the final ‘cool bride’ touch, add a statement headpiece such as a hairband or fascinator.
Brides wanting to show off their natural hair have lots of styling options. For the more daring, Lemonade braids or a faux hawk might be a perfect choice. Otherwise, an Afro or natural updo could be ideal. Many brides with natural hair choose not to have a veil, so their curls and kinks can take center stage. In that case, you could keep the bridal feel by wearing a lacy or floral hair clip instead.
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Once you’ve chosen your veil, you can decide how to style your hair to best show it off – and vice versa! Your hairstyle should be firm and tight enough so you can secure your veil to it without getting a headache. Updos are a popular choice for this reason as they provide a solid base for the veil. If you pin your veil on top of a bun, it will have more height and volume. It’s also essential to bear in mind that some veil lengths go better with certain hairstyles too – for example, mantilla and cathedral veils suit a low bun.
A simple bridal hairstyle is perfect for brides who want an easy and quick look for their big day. One of the best choices for low-maintenance brides is to opt for a blowdry. After that, you can run a straightener through your locks for a sleek finish or create a subtle wave effect in just a few minutes. However, bear in mind that a simple bridal hairstyle does put more focus on your haircut is the best hairstyle for a wedding, so make sure you book in for a trim.
The best hairstyle for a wedding is unique to each bride. It should be flattering, complement the style and cut of your gown or suit, and express your personal style, as well as fit with the overall theme of your day – whether it be modern, traditional, boho, or something else entirely. Some of the most popular bridal hairstyles include an up ‘do, chignon, and soft waves.
Besides having a glamorous and feminine look; ‘dos and chignons are generally chosen by brides because they form a stable base for attaching a veil. These styles also allow you to show off the neckline of your wedding gown as well as your jewelry, such as a pair of earrings or a necklace.
To choose the perfect hairstyle for your special day, think about your favorite hairstyles to wear – being comfortable and feeling like yourself is as important as looking beautiful and photogenic on your wedding day! Next, consider the cut of your dress or suit, the type of jewelry you want to wear, and if you will be wearing a veil or not. This will allow you to eliminate some hairstyles that are unsuitable. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few options, schedule a hair and make-up trial to help you pick your final look.
