Wedding Updo: A Step-By-Step Guide For Brides

how to do an updo for wedding

Wedding updos are a timeless and versatile hairstyle, complementing any wedding aesthetic and personal style. From low buns to high ponytails, there are many different updo styles to choose from. The first step to achieving the perfect bridal updo is to prep the hair with a primer, followed by blow-drying. Then, depending on the desired look, you can create a chic, slicked-back low bun, a playful high ponytail, or a romantic, vintage-inspired updo with braids and curls. Wedding updos can be easily achieved by anyone, with or without the help of a professional hairstylist, and are perfect for drawing attention to the attire's defining features.

Characteristics Values
Difficulty Ranging from easy to meticulous
Required Hair Length Most updos can be achieved with shoulder-length hair or longer
Required Tools Blow dryer, flat iron, rubber band, bobby pins, tail comb, boar bristle brush, L'Oréal Liss Control, curling iron
Recommended Attire Halter neck, open-back, mock neck with intricate embellishments, blazer dresses, jumpsuits
Occasion Wedding guest, bride
Benefits Low-maintenance, practical, draws attention to attire, suitable for reception and after-party
Styles Low bun, high bun, high ponytail, braids, French braid, fishtail, half-up half-down

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Prepping your hair

Clean and Prepped Hair:

Start by washing your hair the night before or the day of the wedding. Clean hair provides a better foundation for styling and ensures your hair is free of oil and buildup. If your hair tends to get oily quickly, consider washing it on the morning of the wedding. After washing, apply a light mist of hair spray or dry shampoo at the roots to absorb excess oil and create a good base for styling.

Hair Texture and Type:

The products you use will depend on your hair texture and type. For fine or thin hair, volumizing sprays and mousses can boost volume and add shine. If you have curly or wavy hair, you can use a serum or conditioning product, followed by a blowout straightening product if you want to straighten your hair. If you plan to keep your natural curls, use a curl-enhancing product and diffuse your hair.

Part and Styling:

Before you begin styling, ensure your hair part is in the desired location, whether it's a center part or a side part. This will make it easier to style your hair and create a neat updo. If you're using heat tools, apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage. You can also use a tail comb or a soft bristle brush to smooth out your hair and tame flyaways.

Practice and Trial:

It is essential to practice and do a trial run of your desired updo before the wedding. This will help you perfect the style and make any necessary adjustments. If you're working with a stylist, bring pictures of the look you want, and they can guide you on specific prep steps for your hair type.

Remember, proper hair prep is key to achieving a beautiful and long-lasting wedding updo. By following these steps and choosing the right products for your hair, you'll be well on your way to stunning bridal hair.

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Slicked-back low bun

Slicked-back buns are a versatile hairstyle that can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for weddings. This look is achievable for all hair types and textures, and it works best with second-day hair.

To start, apply a hair primer or moisturize lengths with a preferred cream or oil to add shine and protect your hair. Blow-dry your hair straight, or at least straighter, to minimize frizz and create a smooth finish.

Next, create a precise middle parting and use a natural-bristled brush to pull your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie, and then wrap the ponytail around its base to form a bun. Secure any loose ends under the bun with hairpins.

For additional hold, apply a strong gel to the hair, and finish with a spritz of hairspray to keep the style in place. For a super sleek finish, apply a lightweight hair oil to smooth any flyaways and add shine.

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High ponytail

A high ponytail is a fun and bouncy hairstyle that can be perfect for a wedding. It can be accessorized with a ribbon, bow, or scrunchie to match the wedding outfit. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect high ponytail:

First, tilt your head downwards and use a brush to gather all your hair into a ponytail at the top of your head. Brushing your hair upside down will help smooth out any bumps and ensure a sleek look. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie. A phone cord hair tie or a large-sized Teletie is recommended for a secure hold.

Next, gently backcomb the hair closest to the base of the ponytail with a teasing comb. Add another hair tie about an inch below the first one, and gently pull the hair between the two hair ties outwards to create a bubble effect. Repeat this process, adding more hair ties and pulling the hair outwards until you reach the end of your hair.

Finally, style the high ponytail to your liking. You can accessorize it with a ribbon, bow, or scrunchie for a touch of elegance. The high ponytail is a versatile and stylish option that can be dressed up or down, making it a perfect choice for a wedding updo.

With these simple steps, you can achieve a sleek and elegant high ponytail updo, perfect for a wedding or any other special occasion.

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Braids

A braided updo can be an elegant choice, especially with a milkmaid-inspired style, where the hair is fully pulled off the face and neck, showcasing the gown's neckline and back. This style works well with dresses that have a statement bow at the back or a one-shoulder silhouette. For a playful twist on this look, the hair can be knotted off at each level to resemble a bow.

For a sophisticated and modern take on the low chignon, consider cornrow braids. This style works well for Black hair of any length. The braids can be gathered at the nape of the neck, or for a unique optical illusion, each braided strand can be tucked into the bun, blurring where one braid ends and the next begins. To add a touch of softness, pull out a few strands in the front to frame the face.

If you're seeking a more effortless and bohemian vibe, there are several options to consider. A half-up braided hairstyle is a beautiful foundation for a statement hairpiece, such as a floral piece or a tiara, and can also be adorned with bridal hairpins. For an outdoor wedding, a braided hairstyle can be topped with a flower crown for a nature-inspired look. You can also incorporate flowers into a complex fishtail, French braid, or pull-through braid. For a boho-inspired wedding, a braided hairstyle can be topped with a bridal crown.

For a fairytale-inspired wedding, consider a braided crown, where thick braids are twisted into an updo reminiscent of royalty. This style can be enhanced with a tiara. Another option is to wear box braids long and loose, parted to the side, paired with diamond earrings for a formal affair or a flowy gown for a barefoot beach wedding.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a reverse French braid, also known as a Dutch braid, which displays the braid on top of the hair rather than underneath. This style can be paired with loose waves and a messy braided bun at the nape of the neck, perfect for showing off an open-back gown.

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Adding accessories

Accessories can elevate your wedding updo to the next level. Whether you're going for a vintage or contemporary look, there are many options to choose from.

If you're wearing a low bun, add a bit of sparkle with a crescent barrette or a veil for extra elegance. Floral barrettes can also add a whimsical touch, especially for fall weddings. For a delicate and ethereal look, opt for a wide metal headband or a ribbon. If you're a minimalist, a tiny accessory like a chic hairpin or comb can add a touch of sparkle while keeping loose strands away from your face.

Pearls are a classic choice for any bride and can be incorporated in various ways. You can scatter delicate pearl pins throughout your hair or embellish your updo with tiny, delicate pearls for a glamorous yet pared-back look. For a vintage feel, a birdcage veil or an embellished comb can elevate your bridal updo.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate elements of your wedding dress into your hair accessories. For example, you can use lace from your gown to create a custom hair accessory, combining rocker-chic and feminine styles.

Frequently asked questions

A high bun or ponytail can be a stylish choice for brides with long hair. A high ponytail is easy to do yourself and can be paired with a mock neck dress with intricate embellishments. A high bun is a fashion-forward look that can be paired with a blazer dress or jumpsuit.

A low bun or chignon is a good option for brides with short hair. This style is refined and elegant, and can be paired with a dress that has a low back or an embroidered neckline.

First, blow your hair dry or straighten it to make it sleek. Then, gather your hair into a ponytail and smooth it out with a tail comb or boar bristle brush. Twist the ponytail in a clockwise motion and secure it with an elastic.

Curly hair can be styled into a romantic updo with loose tendrils and soft curls. Braids are also a good option for curly hair, especially for a boho wedding.

Straight hair can be styled into a sleek, slicked-back low bun or a high ponytail. If you're looking for something more intricate, try a French braid or a fishtail braid.

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