Creating Wedding Hair Combs: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding hair combs are a beautiful way to express your personal style on your special day. Whether you opt for fresh or faux flowers, a side or bridal comb, or a simple or elaborate design, creating your own hair accessory is a fun and easy DIY project. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can make a unique statement that complements your hairstyle and wedding look perfectly. In this guide, we will cover everything from choosing the right comb to adding the final touches, so you can feel confident and elegant on your wedding day.

Choosing the right comb for your hairstyle

Updos:

For an intricate updo, opt for a smaller, delicate comb. If you want to add a touch of drama and elegance, go for a larger, more ornate comb. A smaller comb will enhance the complexity of your hairstyle, while a larger one will make a bold statement.

Half-up Styles:

For a half-up style, a medium-sized comb is your best bet. Look for a design that balances the volume and texture of your hair. You want something that will sit comfortably in the middle, blending seamlessly with your hairstyle.

Loose Waves:

If you're rocking loose waves, go for a lightweight and less intricate comb. You don't want something too heavy that will pull on your hair. A side comb is an excellent choice for this style, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to your look.

Floral Combs:

Floral hair combs are a beautiful alternative to a full flower crown. You can use fresh or faux flowers, small branches, and leaves to create a unique design. Play around with different shapes, colours, and sizes to find the perfect arrangement. Floral combs add a whimsical romantic touch to your wedding day look and are simple to make yourself.

Remember, the right comb will depend on your hairstyle and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. It's essential to consider the weight, size, and design of the comb to ensure it complements your hairstyle and stays securely in place throughout your special day.

Preparing your hair

Choose the Right Comb for Your Hairstyle:

Before you start, select a bridal hair comb that complements your hairstyle. For intricate updos, a smaller, delicate comb works well, while a larger, more ornate comb can add drama and elegance. If you're going for a half-up style, opt for a medium-sized comb that will sit comfortably. Loose waves call for a lightweight, less elaborate comb, and a side comb is a perfect option for Hollywood-inspired looks.

The Tease:

Also known as backcombing, this method involves lifting a layer of hair and gently teasing the underside with a fine-tooth comb. This creates a cushioned base for the comb to sit and provides extra hold. Lower the section of hair and use bobby pins across the teeth of the comb to secure it in place.

Elastic Bands:

If you have short hair, your stylist may use small clear elastic bands to create miniature ponytails where you plan to position the comb. Nestle the teeth of the comb into these little bands and reinforce with bobby pins.

The Pincurl:

Gather a small amount of hair where you want the comb to sit. Twirl it around your fingers to create a curl, then pin it to your head with two bobby pins in an X shape. A little hairspray will help fix it in position before you nestle your comb behind the pins.

Positioning the Comb:

The placement of your bridal hair comb depends on your hairstyle and the look you want to achieve. For a classic updo, position the comb above or to the side of your bun or chignon. A more modern or bohemian look can be achieved by placing it at the base of a low bun or at an angle.

Inserting the Comb:

Hold the hair in place with your fingers, being gentle if you've backcombed this section. Insert the comb into your hair with the teeth pointing in the opposite direction of where you want it to sit. Once partially inserted, gently flip it in the desired direction to anchor the teeth securely.

Add Extra Security:

Use bobby pins that match your hair colour and slide them over the teeth of the comb to ensure it stays put. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to set your hairstyle and add extra hold.

Using wire cutters

Firstly, it is important to select the right type of wire cutter for your project. Different types of wire cutters are designed for specific applications. For example, if you are working with electrical wires, a side cutter or cable cutter with insulated handles is a suitable choice to prevent electrical shocks. Diagonal cutting pliers, also known as "dikes", are a standard, all-purpose option that can be used for most types of wire. If you are working with small-gauge wires, long-nose pliers are ideal as they can access tight spaces.

Once you have selected the appropriate wire cutter, it is crucial to prioritise safety. Always wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from any flyaway pieces of wire. Additionally, it is recommended to wear gloves to prevent accidental cuts. Ensure your work area is clean and well-lit, and stand comfortably with your work surface at a convenient height. If you are cutting electrical wires, be sure to shut down the power source before beginning.

Now, you can begin the process of cutting the wire. Open the handles of your wire cutter and locate the sharp metal ridges inside the jaws. Place the wire you wish to cut between these ridges, centring the spot you want to cut with the tip of the cutter. Position the cutter at a right angle to the wire to ensure a clean, even cut. Gently and gradually apply force to the handles to make the cut, being careful not to rock the cutter or bend the wire. If the wire is not completely cut with the first attempt, reopen the handles and try again.

Wire cutters can also be used to "strip" wires. This involves lightly pressing the handles together to cut through the covering of the wire, allowing you to remove the covering and expose the wire underneath. Remember to always handle wire cutters with caution as the sharp edges can be dangerous. Keep your fingers away from the sharp ridges, and ensure children do not have access to these tools.

By following these steps, you can effectively and safely use wire cutters to create beautiful wedding hair combs.

Attaching flowers with hot glue

Hot glue is a versatile adhesive that can be used to attach flowers to a hair comb securely. It is important to note that hot glue can burn the flowers, so it should be used sparingly and with caution. Here is a step-by-step guide to attaching flowers with hot glue for your wedding hair comb:

• Prepare your flowers: Choose a variety of flowers, leaves, and greenery in different sizes and colours to create a dimensional and visually appealing arrangement. You can use fresh flowers or faux flowers, depending on your preference. If using fresh flowers, consider heartier options like mini succulents and eucalyptus leaves, which provide a good base and are durable.
• Gather your materials: You will need a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, floral wire, a hair comb, and any other decorative elements you wish to include. Ensure you have a safe workspace by laying out some newspaper or craft paper to protect the surface from glue drips.
• Design your arrangement: Play around with the flowers and greenery to create a composition that you like. Consider the balance of colours and sizes to ensure a harmonious design. You can trim the stems of the flowers to make them more manageable and easier to attach.
• Attach the flowers: Once you are happy with your arrangement, start attaching the flowers to the hair comb. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the base of each flower and press it onto the comb firmly. Hold each flower in place for a few seconds to allow the glue to set and ensure a strong bond.
• Use floral wire for added security: For a more sturdy hair comb, consider attaching floral wire between the teeth of the comb before gluing on the flowers. This creates a bracket that provides extra support for the flowers. Simply twist the floral wire with pliers and clip it to the desired size.
• Make final adjustments: After all the flowers are attached, take a step back and assess your creation. You can make any final adjustments to the arrangement or add any extra flowers or greenery to fill in any gaps.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a beautiful and secure floral hair comb using hot glue. Remember to work carefully and patiently, as attaching flowers with hot glue requires precision and a steady hand. Enjoy crafting your unique wedding hair accessory!

Securing the comb with bobby pins

Securing your hair comb properly is essential to ensuring it stays in place throughout your wedding day. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to secure a hair comb with bobby pins:

Choose the Right Bobby Pins

Firstly, select the right bobby pins that match your hair colour. This will ensure that the bobby pins blend seamlessly into your hair, creating a discreet and elegant look.

Prepare Your Hair

Before placing the comb, it is crucial to prepare your hair to ensure the comb stays securely in place. One effective method is backcombing, also known as teasing. Lift a layer of hair and gently tease the underside with a fine-tooth comb. This creates a cushioned base for the comb to sit on and provides extra hold.

Hold the Hair in Place

Use your fingers to gently hold the section of hair where you will insert the comb. If you have backcombed this section, be careful not to flatten the teased hair.

Insert the Comb Backwards

Start by inserting the comb into your hair with the teeth pointing in the opposite direction of where you want the comb to sit. For example, if you want the comb to face downward, insert it upward.

Flip and Secure the Comb

Once the comb is partially inserted, gently flip it in the desired direction. This flipping motion will help anchor the comb's teeth into your hair.

Secure with Bobby Pins

To ensure the comb is securely fastened, slide a couple of bobby pins over the teeth of the comb. This will reinforce the hold of the comb and prevent it from slipping out of place.

Finish with Hairspray

As a final step, use a light mist of hairspray to set your hairstyle and add extra hold. This will ensure that your hair comb remains securely in place throughout your special day.

By following these detailed steps, you can confidently secure your hair comb with bobby pins, creating a flawless and elegant look for your wedding.

Frequently asked questions