Creating Wedding Hairstyles: Tips And Tricks For Your Big Day

Whether you're the bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest, you'll want to look and feel your best on the big day. Your hairstyle is an important part of that.

If you're thinking of doing your own hair for a wedding, it's a good idea to practice beforehand. You can find tutorials on YouTube, or in books if you prefer. It's also worth investing in some good products and tools, like a hairdryer, curling wand, and round brush.

When deciding on a hairstyle, it's important to consider your hair type, dress, face shape, and the climate. For example, if you have long hair, you might want to wear it down to show off your length and volume. But if you're attending a wedding in a hot climate, an updo might be more comfortable.

If you're a guest, you'll also want to consider the dress code and venue. For a formal wedding, opt for a more polished style, while a casual wedding is the perfect opportunity to try a relaxed look. And if you're attending a beach wedding, go for an updo or braids to keep your hair out of your face and avoid any potential frizz.

Whatever your role at the wedding, there are endless hairstyle options to choose from, from sleek and straight to big and bouncy. So have fun, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Prepping your hair

When it comes to prepping your hair for a wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to consider your hair type, dress neckline, face shape, and the climate of the wedding venue. For example, if you have long and full hair, wearing it down will showcase your length and volume. On the other hand, if you're attending a wedding in a humid location, loose styles may not be the best option as they can make you feel uncomfortable.

• If you plan on wearing your hair down, use a blow dryer and a hydrating product to ensure your strands look silky and smooth.
• A middle part can add a contemporary flair to any hairstyle and suits all face shapes.
• To add volume to your hair, consider using a blow dryer and styling products such as mousse or hairspray.
• If you want to try a new hairstyle, practice it a few times before the wedding to ensure you're comfortable with it.
• Use hair accessories such as clips, headbands, or flowers to enhance your hairstyle and add a touch of glamour.
• Consider the weather and venue when choosing your hairstyle. For example, opt for an updo for outdoor summer weddings to keep cool.
• If you're not sure what hairstyle to choose, consult a hairstylist who can recommend the best option for your hair type and the wedding setting.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident with your chosen hairstyle. Whether you decide to wear your hair up, down, or in a half-updo, there are endless options to make you look and feel your best on the big day.

Choosing a style that suits your hair type

For Long Hair:

Long hair offers the most versatility when it comes to styling. If you want to showcase your long locks, consider wearing them down and styling them with romantic or loose waves. You can also try a wavy half-up, half-down style and add a sparkly statement clip for a more dressed-up look. If your hair is fine or lacks volume, consider using subtle extensions to boost volume.

Another option is to gather your hair to one side with hair-toned bobby pins for an asymmetrical look. For a more dramatic effect, you can even sweep your hair to the side with a deep side part. If you prefer an updo, a classic bun or a sleek, sophisticated ponytail are always elegant choices.

For Medium Hair:

Styling medium-length hair may seem tricky, but there are plenty of gorgeous options to choose from. If you decide to wear your hair down, consider using a flat iron to add instant life to limp strands by flicking the ends up or inwards. If you prefer an updo, a messy bun or a twisted half-up, half-down style can be a great choice.

To create a messy bun, start by blow-drying your hair to add texture, then curl your hair using a large curling iron. Focus on teasing the roots to create height at the crown of your head. Pull your hair to the top of your head and twist it while leaving the ends out, securing it with bobby pins. Leave a few loose curls out to frame your face and give it a natural, effortless look.

For Short Hair:

If you have short hair, embrace the cropped look and give it a sleek, movie star-inspired style! For classic pixie cuts, you can wear your hair sleek and straight or add some curls if your hair is longer at the crown. Top it off with a bit of pomade to add shine. For a retro vibe, create soft finger waves to achieve a timeless, vintage look.

For Curly Hair:

If you have curly hair, there's no need to straighten it. Instead, embrace your natural texture! Before the big day, visit your salon for a trim and ask for a haircut that complements your natural curl pattern. Choose a style that takes the weather into account. If it's a humidity-free day, you may be able to wear your hair down by properly diffusing it. If it's a hot and sticky summer day, an elegant updo with some loose, face-framing curls can be a better option.

For Thin Hair:

Styling thin hair can be challenging, but with the right techniques and products, you can create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. Avoid heavy, moisture-rich products, and instead, opt for volumizing products such as texture sprays or mousses applied to the roots. Sweeping your hair into a sleek bun can help disguise fine hair, or you can add extensions for more body and volume.

For Thick Hair:

To make the most of your thick hair, use high-quality hair tools and be strategic about your styling methods. Start by detangling your hair with a wide-tooth comb and blow-drying your strands in small sections to ensure thorough drying and sleekness. Then, apply a tiny amount of lightweight hair oil to the ends to add shine and control frizz.

Creating long-lasting curls with thick hair can be tricky, so start by using a heat-protecting and setting spray. Divide your hair into small sections and use hot rollers or a curling iron to create curls. Pin the curls to your head and set them with hairspray to ensure they hold their shape.

For Natural Hair:

Natural hair is versatile, so embrace its unique texture! Whichever style you choose, prepping your hair a few days in advance is crucial. Natural hair tends to be drier, so keep it moisturized and in protective styles leading up to the wedding. Consider getting a deep conditioning treatment at a salon to ensure your curls are shiny and easy to style.

Bonus Tips:

• Schedule a hair trial a few months before the wedding to experiment with different styles and find what works best for you.
• Consider the climate and how your hair type will react to the elements, especially if you need to maintain your hairstyle for an extended period.
• Take into account the neckline of your dress and choose a hairstyle that complements it. For example, strapless dresses offer the most versatility, while a backless dress may call for an updo to showcase the intricate back design.
• Don't be afraid to use hair accessories, extensions, or even wigs to achieve your desired look.
• Most importantly, choose a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable!

Weather-proofing your hair

Opt for an Updo

If you're concerned about wind, rain, or humidity, an updo is a great option. Loose waves can give you an effortlessly elegant look, but they may get in the way during wild dancing or an unexpected breeze. Having your hair in an elegant updo will keep it out of your face and off your neck, so you can focus on enjoying your special day.

Choose the Right Hair Products

Invest in high-quality hair products, such as a good hair spray, shampoo, conditioner, and treatment masks. Look for a hair spray that offers a balance between strength and flexibility, giving you a touchable hold and shine while blocking frizz and protecting against heat and humidity. It's also important to use products that are suitable for your hair type, so consider booking an appointment with a professional hairstylist for personalized advice.

Test Your Hairstyle in Advance

A hairstyle that looks good in a studio might not hold up throughout your wedding day. Test your chosen hairstyle beforehand by wearing it for a long walk outside if you're getting married in the summer or having lunch on the coast if you're expecting wind. This will help you determine if the style works for you and give you practice adjusting it if needed.

Pack an Emergency Kit

No matter how well you prepare, unexpected things can happen on your wedding day. Pack an emergency kit with bobby pins, hairspray, and even a wide umbrella. Ask your hairstylist to show you and your bridesmaids some quick fixes for your hair, so you can make any necessary adjustments with ease.

Choose a Weather-Resistant Hairstyle

Some hairstyles are naturally more weather-resistant than others. Braids, buns, and chignons are great options for outdoor weddings as they can withstand wind and humidity. If you want to wear your hair down, consider adding some braids or twists to help keep your hair in place. You can also use anti-humidity products to prep your hair and finish your style to add extra hold.

Picking a style that suits the venue and season

When it comes to picking a hairstyle that suits the venue and season, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the weather and location of your ceremony and reception. If you're dealing with potential rain, wind, heat, humidity, or snow, an updo is a safe choice to ensure your hair stays put. For outdoor weddings, especially in humid climates, sleek updos or braided styles are a good option to keep you cool and comfortable. If you're having a beach wedding, go for loose waves or a low, loose chignon to complement the relaxed vibe. For a winter wedding, there is no specific hairstyle that suits the cold perfectly, but you may want to keep your hair inside to avoid any mess from falling snow.

The theme or aesthetic of your wedding can also guide your hairstyle choice. For a glamorous wedding, go for voluminous, curled styles with sparkly accessories. A bohemian or eclectic wedding calls for a large braid or undone style, perhaps with vintage accessories or fresh florals. For a timeless wedding, try a modern take on a classic look, like an airy version of finger waves or a pieced-out French twist.

Additionally, consider the neckline and style of your dress. Strapless dresses offer the most versatility, allowing for updos, half-up styles, or wearing your hair down. If your dress has a high neckline or longer sleeves, wearing your hair up can be a flattering choice. For a dress with a low or open back, a braid can be a beautiful option, especially if you have long hair.

Lastly, think about the activities and schedule for the day. If you have a packed itinerary with your bridal party, a secure hairstyle may be best to ensure it lasts all day. For fine or straight hair, avoid completely down styles as they may lose their curl. If you plan on dancing the night away, an updo or a more secure style will keep your hair in place.

DIY-ing your hair

Preparation:

Before you start styling, it is important to prepare your hair properly. Celebrity hairstylist Shani Gailbreath recommends starting with second-day hair, which holds styles better than freshly washed locks. Use a hair balm or mousse to give your hair grip and add a heat protectant if you plan on using hot tools. If you have thin hair, you may want to use volumizing products to add body and bounce.

Tools and Products:

Having the right tools and products is essential for DIY-ing your hair. Here are some basics that you may need:

• Hair curling irons, straighteners, or wands
• Hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle attachment
• Round brush
• Clips and bobby pins
• Hairspray, mousse, serum, or other styling products

Hairstyle Ideas:

Now, let's get into some specific hairstyle ideas that you can create yourself:

• Half-up, half-down: This style is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the wedding theme. You can add braids, twists, or curls to make it more interesting.
• Low bun: A low bun is a classic and elegant choice. You can make it sleek and tight or wavy and messy, depending on your preference. Add some twists, braids, or flowers to dress it up.
• High ponytail: If you're looking for something simple and elegant, a high ponytail is a great option. Use hair wax to achieve a sleek look and add some waves with a curling iron.
• Loose waves: Create loose waves with a curling wand and then brush out your hair to create a wavy texture. Use hairspray sparingly to hold the style.
• French braid: For those with a bit of experience, a French braid is a beautiful and intricate hairstyle. Apply styling cream to wet hair and let it air dry before braiding.
• Fishtail braid: This braid is created using two strands instead of three and can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely achievable with some practice.
• Curly updo: If you have curly hair, embrace your natural texture! Add some styling mousse and diffuse your hair to create bouncy curls. You can then pin it into an updo or leave it down.
• Braided headband: Create two large Dutch braids and pin them with bobby pins. Pull out a few pieces for a relaxed, summery look.
• Top knot: A half-up version of the top knot is a fun and trendy option for your wedding hairstyle.
• Old Hollywood waves: Channel the glamour of the '40s and '50s with big, glossy waves. Curl your hair in the desired direction and gently brush it out before setting it with hairspray.

Remember to practice your chosen hairstyle a few times before the wedding to ensure you feel comfortable and confident on the day.

Frequently asked questions