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POV: Yourwedding dayis approaching and theres one more task on your to-do list finding the perfect bridal hairstyle.
Youve already secured the venue, created your guest list, and printed the invitations.
Youve even bought your dress.
The way you wear your hair can completely transform the mood of your look.
Your hairstyle, ideally, will complement not compete with the details of your outfit.
So, where to start when searching for the right ‘do when you say “I do?”
Same goes if you always wear it up."
Maybe a sleek bridal updo.
Try something down and loose."
Enlist the help of a hairstylist to do a trial after you’ve found your dress.
“I recommend acutandcolorin the two weeks leading up to your wedding.
Refreshing your color and touching up your face-framing is essential for most bridal looks.”
Read on for inspo from both real weddings and the red carpet.
Meet The Experts:
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’90s Updo
Sydney Sweeney’s updated French twist with bangs is giving majorPamela Andersonvibes.
It can’t betooneat, though.
“Having it a little choppy and imperfect is ideal,” Gallagher explains.
Aftershampooing and conditioningto soften and smooth her hair, Sturdivant-Drew used a blow-dryer to get it sleek and smooth.
Next, “Use a flatiron to smooth the hairline only,” she says.
Your hairstylist can add in extensions to have enough length to work with if you need it.
Top it off with an embellished clip.
Start with your hair parted wherever you want, whether it’s on the side or in the middle.
This will help the braid sit on top of the head.
Repeat on the other side.
Tucking the ends, then secure with elastic bands and bobby pins.
Classic Topknot
you’re able to’t go wrong with a classic topknot like Shay Mitchell’s.
Finish off with a jeweled hairpiece or comb affixed at the base of the bun.
In that case, place your natural hair front and center with a messy bun like Zendayas.
Spray a strong-hold hairspray on your ends before and after flat ironing them to create a stiff intentional texture.
The effect is both sophisticated and playful.
“This allows them to stay where they’re meant to stay.”
Use pins with pearly or jeweled ends throughout to make this look extra special.
Bow Bun
For a playful take on a classic wedding updo, add an oversized bow.
(If you have thin hair, this can still work if you use ahair donut).
She adds, “You may wish to pull out some strands to make the hairstyle look fuller.”
A few spritzes of hair spray will lock everything into place.
This style works as is or paired with hair jewelry or flowers, notes Diaz.
It is timeless, he continues.
you might add accessories to it or keep it simple, but it really will elevate your look.
“Then, twist your hair clockwise around into a bun and secure with hairpins all around.”
Finish with theOribe Superfine Strong Hairspray.
To recreate the look, Redway suggests sectioning a ponytail into three parts before working them into loops.
The strands of hair should overlap themselves in a figure-eight, creating a double loop, she says.
Modern French Twist
In the world of wedding updos, the French twist is a classic.
“Start taking all of your hair and sweeping it back to the occipital bone.
Gather it off-center to the left side,” Baxter explains.
Lightly backcomb the hair at the other side, then roll it to form the twist.
Secure on the side the roll stops.
Chic Chignon
The perfect chignon does exist, as evidenced by this look on Zazie Beetz.
“This is for the woman who has a strong sense of self,” says Cranford.
Add a statement hair comb or clip to complement your outfit as Beetz’s stylist did here.
Gallagher starts by prepping strands withmousseat the roots and a smoothingleave-in conditionerat the ends.
After prep, pull the hair into a low ponytail with the front pieces out.
Gently pull and loosen the pieces to create more texture and volume.
“The trick is to keep it secure without being too tight,” Gallagher notes.
First, prep the hair withheat protectant spray, and curl with acurling iron.
Finish the look by topping the braid with baby’s breath to make it extra ethereal.
“Baby hair will mold to the shape you desire and hold for longevity in the style.”
The well-placed side part helps create volume, making it look thicker than it is.
Have your stylist work in avolumizing hair productto help it last all day.
Letting your hairair-dryis also an option.
Finish this with a lightweight pomade or oil.
“This helps when taking down the braids to add shine and minimize frizz.”
“Their wedding day should only enhance that.”
Cornrows
New York City-based hairstylistLacy Redwaycalls this look that she created on Tessa Thompson the cornrose.
The hairstyle features braids that gather into small buns at the nape of the neck.
At the bottom of the buns, you’ll see small, fresh roses that Redway secured using elastics.
We recommend blowing your hair out if your hair is curly or coarse.
I hope to see brides, guests, and flower girls everywhere in this style.
“you’ve got the option to pin it and forget it,” says James.
“It works well for her because she owns her look and isn’t afraid.”
Use amousseto maintain the shine and keep down the flyaways.
Old Hollywood Waves
Take a cue from Megan Thee Stallion’s2021 Met Galalook.
Old Hollywood hair never goes out of style, and it’s ideal for any classic-themed wedding.
Ornate Headpiece
The sheer elegance of Danai Gurira’s short ‘fro works beautifully for a wedding.
Gurira’s jeweled headband extends the opulence of the gown all the way to her coily crown.
Simple, subtle styling decisions can elevate your wedding day hair to runway-level heights.
Just look at this knit headband from Chanel’s Fall 2017 runway.
See how the bob here looks almost as if it’s been tucked underneath the headband?
The thin, gold headband instantly gave her look an angelic quality.
“It’s a simple and elegant way to work with your natural texture,” says Cranford.
Flowers not quite your thing?
No worries, you’re able to still achieve a similar style like this with other materials.
Side Flower Pins
We love this easy, texture-full style flourished with tiny blooms.
Pin the sides and add some flowers complementing your bridal bouquet.
Plus, “half-up half-down hairstyles are very versatile and suit most face shapes,” according to Markuse.
“double-check to leave some hair around the front to soften the look,” Markuse adds.
Classic Waves
Have short hair?
Add Aubrey Plazas full-bodied waves from the 2023 SAG Awards to your wedding mood board.
It is super elegant, works for almost everyone and is just a timeless style.
Wispy Bangs
Simple can still be sophisticated and chic.
Case in point: these wispy bangs paired with a bob.
“This is a no-fuss hairstyle where the haircut speaks for itself,” says Cranford.
Whether you choose to go bold with your makeup and outfit, this hairstyle will complement things nicely.
Be sure to apply a little hair oil (Cranford likesthis onefrom Crown Affair) for a glossy finish.
Then, she sectioned off the hair at the nape and clipped someextensionsto the crown.
It feels easy and still ultra-rich," says Cranford.
“The key to this is making it look relaxed yet expensive.”
Adding soft bends to the ends will do just that.
Swooped and Sleek
This mod hairstyle is for the bride who wants a polished, sophisticated style.
We recommend taking a glance at our guide forgrowing outyour pixie and the best products and tools to use.
Style it half-up, half-down with a few strands framing your face for a romantic feel.
Remember to pick a look “that youre going to feel your best in,” says hairstylistGlenn Ellis.
This half-up look on Winnie Harlow gathers the hair on her crown into a loose, messy bun.
It’s perfect for the bride who is looking for an easy-to-manage hairstyle that is still elegant.
Next, use aY.S.
Park Wide Tooth Combthen brush and blow-dry hair with a boar-bristle brush to stretch the waves out.
Finish by lightly spraying withL’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray.
Wet and Wavy
For a sexier take on wedding hair, try Ciara’s wet look.
But be warned: this sultry hairstyle isn’t as simple as hopping in a shower.
“[It’s] creative and will demand your attention,” Sturdivant-Drew explains.
You’ll probably want to decorate this with accessories that better suit your overall look but definitely add them.
Cranford is a fan of this little detail.
Wear this for your welcome lunch or even at your ceremony.
Loose Textured Braid
Have super-thick or curly hair with a mind of its own?
Low Ponytail
Maybe you’re having a summer wedding.
Perhaps your goal for your wedding day hairstyle is to keep it out of your face.
A hot tool for the job: our 2022 Best of Beauty winner,Trademark Beauty Sunny Styler.
