Weddings are a momentous occasion, and choosing the right hairstyle can elevate your entire bridal look. Whether you’re a bride, a bridesmaid, or even a guest, the right hairstyle can complement your face shape, wedding theme, and gown. From classic updos to elegant styles for long hair and short tresses, there’s a look for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore beautiful hairstyles to inspire you for the big day.
Half Up Half Down with Loose Curls
The half up half down hairstyle is a timeless option that strikes the perfect balance between elegant and relaxed. This look combines soft, flowing curls with the sophistication of a pinned-up crown, making it ideal for long hair. Brides with oval or heart-shaped faces will find this style particularly flattering, as it highlights the cheekbones and jawline while leaving the rest of the hair to cascade gracefully over the shoulders. It works especially well for outdoor weddings, where natural, effortless beauty is key.
To achieve this look, begin by curling the hair with a large-barrel curling iron. Once the curls are in place, take sections of hair from the front and pin them at the back using bobby pins or decorative clips. A strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal’s Elnett Satin is essential to maintain the volume throughout the day, especially if you’re dealing with outdoor elements.
Classic Low Chignon
The classic low chignon is a sleek and sophisticated updo that never goes out of style. This hairstyle is perfect for a formal wedding, offering a minimalist yet elegant look. It suits nearly all face shapes, especially round and square, as it elongates the neck and adds a touch of refinement. Brides who choose to wear a veil will find this style ideal, as it provides a secure base for attaching the veil without disturbing the hairstyle.
To create this look, the hair is parted in the middle or side, then gathered into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Secure it with hairpins, and use a smoothing serum like Moroccanoil Treatment to tame flyaways and give the bun a glossy finish. This hairstyle stays intact throughout the day, with little need for touch-ups.
Braided Crown
A braided crown is a beautiful option for boho-chic brides looking for something whimsical yet polished. This hairstyle features braids woven across the top of the head, creating a “halo” effect. It’s a great choice for bridesmaids or a bride who wants a more relaxed, fairy-tale-like appearance. The braided crown looks particularly stunning on brides with diamond-shaped faces, as it softens the angles and draws attention to the eyes.
This style is achieved by dividing the hair into sections and braiding each portion. The braids are then pinned across the top of the head to form a crown. Add flowers or small jeweled pins for extra charm. A lightweight mousse like TRESemmé’s Flawless Curls helps maintain the braid’s texture while preventing frizz.
Elegant French Twist
The French twist is a classic updo that exudes elegance and sophistication. This style is ideal for brides seeking a formal look that works well with a veil or statement hairpiece. Brides with long necks or oval faces will love how this hairstyle adds height and drama, creating a regal appearance. It’s a great choice for black-tie weddings or vintage-themed events.
To create a French twist, the hair is brushed back and twisted upward, securing it at the back of the head with bobby pins. Use a strong-hold gel, such as Redken’s Triple Take 32, to keep the twist in place. For added volume, you can tease the crown before twisting the hair.
Loose Waves with Flower Crown
For brides with long hair, loose waves paired with a flower crown offer a dreamy, ethereal vibe. This hairstyle is perfect for outdoor or garden weddings, where natural elements play a significant role. It’s best suited for brides with oval or heart-shaped faces, as the waves frame the face and soften the features. This look works well for bridesmaids, too, giving them a cohesive yet personalized style.
To create loose waves, use a curling wand to create large, soft curls. Gently run your fingers through the curls to break them up and create a more relaxed look. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray like Herbal Essences Bio: Renew to keep the waves in place without making them too stiff.
Vintage Finger Waves
For brides who love a retro look, finger waves are a stunning option. This 1920s-inspired style is perfect for short hair, offering a sleek and glamorous finish. Finger waves are best suited for brides with oval or rectangular face shapes, as they add texture and interest to the face. This style works well with both vintage-themed weddings and modern, minimalist gowns.
To achieve finger waves, use a comb and mousse to create deep, defined waves. The hair is sectioned and styled using a wave clip or fingers, and it’s then left to set. A high-shine spray, like Sebastian Professional Shaper Shine, adds the finishing touch to this look.
High Ponytail with Curls
A high ponytail with voluminous curls is a great option for brides who want a youthful and playful look. This style works well for long hair and is perfect for modern weddings. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up with a veil or accessories, and it suits brides with heart or oval face shapes, as the height of the ponytail elongates the face and draws attention to the eyes.
To create this look, gather the hair into a high ponytail, curl the loose ends with a curling iron, and tease the crown for extra volume. A volumizing powder like Big Sexy Hair Powder Play can help maintain the lift at the roots.
Afro Puff with Accessories
For black women with natural hair, an afro puff adorned with accessories is a bold and stylish option. This look celebrates natural texture while giving it a modern twist. The puff can be as large or as sleek as you want, and it’s ideal for round or square face shapes. This style is perfect for both the bride and bridesmaids, offering a beautiful way to showcase natural curls.
To achieve an afro puff, gather the hair into a high ponytail and tease it to create volume. Use a leave-in conditioner, such as SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil, to keep the curls moisturized and defined. You can also add decorative hairpins or a tiara to complete the look.
Twisted Low Bun
The twisted low bun is a relaxed yet chic updo that works well for both brides and bridesmaids. This hairstyle is particularly flattering for brides with long necks or heart-shaped faces, as it highlights the neck and collarbone. It’s a versatile style that pairs beautifully with off-the-shoulder or strapless gowns.
To create this look, divide the hair into sections and twist each section before securing it into a low bun. A texturizing spray, like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, will add grip and volume to the hair, helping the twists stay in place.
Curly Updo with Veil
A curly updo is a romantic option that looks stunning when paired with a veil. This style allows you to keep your curls intact while giving you a polished, bridal finish. It’s ideal for brides with oval or heart-shaped faces, as the updo draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. The updo is perfect for both formal and casual weddings, depending on how tightly the curls are styled.
To create this look, gather the curls into a loose bun at the crown of the head, leaving a few tendrils loose to frame the face. A curl-defining cream, like DevaCurl SuperCream, will help keep the curls moisturized and defined throughout the day.
Messy Fishtail Braid
The messy fishtail braid is a stunning, bohemian-inspired look that adds texture and dimension to your hair. This hairstyle is perfect for bridesmaids or even brides looking for a relaxed yet elegant style. It’s a great option for long hair and works particularly well for oval or heart-shaped faces. The loose, carefree braid gives a whimsical vibe, ideal for outdoor or beach weddings.
To achieve this look, create a fishtail braid by sectioning the hair into two parts and alternating small strands from each side. Loosen the braid to add volume and texture, and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray like Bed Head by Tigi Masterpiece to maintain the shape without making it too stiff.
Sleek High Bun
The sleek high bun is a sophisticated choice that adds a modern touch to traditional bridal looks. This style is ideal for formal weddings and works beautifully with a strapless gown or off-the-shoulder dress. Brides with round or oval faces will find this look especially flattering, as it elongates the face and draws attention to the neck and shoulders. Pair it with statement earrings to complete the look.
To create a sleek high bun, gather the hair at the crown of the head and twist it into a tight bun. Use a smoothing serum, such as Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine, to tame flyaways and give the hair a glossy finish. Secure the bun with bobby pins, and mist with a strong-hold hairspray.
Textured Chignon
A textured chignon is a beautiful option for brides seeking a soft, romantic updo. This hairstyle features loose, textured waves pinned into a low bun, giving it a more relaxed feel than a traditional chignon. It’s ideal for bridesmaids or brides who want a less formal look without sacrificing elegance. Brides with square or heart-shaped faces will benefit from this style, as the waves soften sharp angles.
To achieve a textured chignon, curl the hair using a curling iron, then loosely pin sections into a low bun at the nape of the neck. A texturizing spray like Living Proof’s Full Dry Volume Blast will add grip and volume to the style.
Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is a romantic and whimsical hairstyle that creates a cascading effect through the hair. It’s perfect for brides or bridesmaids with long hair, and it suits round or oval face shapes well. This braid adds visual interest and works beautifully with floral accessories or delicate hairpins, making it ideal for outdoor, rustic, or garden weddings.
To create a waterfall braid, section off the top portion of your hair and start braiding, dropping sections of hair as you go to create the cascading effect. Use a light-hold hairspray like Aussie Mega Hairspray to keep the braid in place while maintaining its softness.
Voluminous Half-Up Ponytail
For a modern, glamorous bridal look, the voluminous half-up ponytail is an excellent choice. This hairstyle combines the sleekness of a ponytail with the volume of an updo, making it a great option for long hair. It’s particularly flattering for heart-shaped or oval faces, as the height adds length and draws attention to the cheekbones.
To achieve this style, tease the crown of your hair to add volume, then gather the top section into a ponytail, leaving the bottom half down. Curl the ends for added texture, and use a volumizing spray like Batiste XXL Volume Spray to keep the hair lifted and full throughout the day.
Curly Mohawk Updo
For brides looking for something bold and unique, the curly mohawk updo is a perfect choice. This style works particularly well for black women with natural hair, as it highlights the natural curls while adding a modern twist. The mohawk effect is created by gathering the curls into a row down the center of the head, making it a standout option for edgy, non-traditional weddings.
To create this look, section the hair and pin the curls upward, leaving the sides slicked back. Use a curl-defining product like Cantu Shea Butter Define & Shine Custard to keep the curls bouncy and moisturized throughout the day.
Side-Swept Waves with Hair Clip
The side-swept waves offer a glamorous, old-Hollywood vibe that’s perfect for brides who want a classic yet sultry look. This style is particularly stunning for long hair and suits oval or rectangular faces well. The side sweep adds drama and elegance, making it ideal for evening or black-tie weddings. Pair it with a jeweled hair clip for extra sparkle.
To achieve this look, curl the hair with a medium-barrel curling iron, then brush out the curls to create soft waves. Sweep the hair to one side and secure it with a decorative clip. A shine-enhancing spray like John Frieda Frizz Ease will keep the waves glossy and frizz-free.
Braided Updo with Veil
For brides wanting an intricate yet practical hairstyle, a braided updo is a fantastic choice, especially if you plan on wearing a veil. This style combines various braids into an updo, creating a textured, elegant look that’s perfect for formal weddings. It works particularly well for long hair and suits oval or heart-shaped faces.
To create this look, braid sections of your hair and pin them into an updo at the back of the head. Secure the braids with bobby pins and attach the veil just above the updo. Use a strong-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray to ensure the braids stay in place all day.
Short Bob with Curls
The short bob with curls is a chic, modern option for short hair brides looking to add texture and dimension to their style. This look is ideal for round or square face shapes, as the curls soften the angles and add volume. It’s a great choice for casual weddings or brides looking for a minimalist yet stylish hairstyle.
To achieve this look, use a curling iron to create loose, bouncy curls. A curl-enhancing mousse like Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream will help define the curls and keep them in shape all day. Finish with a lightweight hairspray to maintain the volume without weighing the curls down.
Loose Boho Waves with Headband
For a laid-back, bohemian vibe, loose boho waves paired with a headband make for a relaxed yet beautiful bridal look. This style is perfect for long hair and works well for outdoor or beach weddings. Brides with heart or oval faces will find this style especially flattering, as the waves frame the face and add softness.
To create this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to create loose, natural waves. Place a boho-inspired headband across the crown of your head, letting the waves flow freely. A sea salt spray like Ouai Wave Spray will add texture and hold to the waves without making them too stiff.
Conclusion
These wedding hairstyle ideas offer a wide range of options for brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests alike. Whether you’re going for a classic updo or romantic waves, the right hairstyle can make all the difference on your special day. Let us know in the comments which style you love the most, or share your own unique wedding hair ideas!
Hi! I’m Alena Forushchenko, and I’ve been passionately creating beauty for over 8 years. My journey into the world of beauty started with an unexpected twist—I was studying art and realized my true canvas wasn’t paper or paint, but people. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to help others see the best versions of themselves.
