Easy Wedding Hairstyles: Diy Guide For Brides

Wedding hairstyles can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. But with a little practice and the right tools, it is possible to create beautiful bridal hair at home. Whether you're looking for a simple style or something more complex, there are plenty of options to choose from that will leave you looking and feeling fabulous on your big day. From elegant low buns to twisted waterfall braids, there's a DIY wedding hairstyle to suit every taste and hair type.

Prepping your hair

Before you start styling your hair, it's important to prep it to ensure you get salon-worthy results. Here are some tips to help you prep your hair for a wedding hairstyle:

Start with Second-Day Hair

Celebrity and destination wedding hairstylist Shani Gailbreath recommends starting with second-day hair. Second-day hair "holds style better" than freshly washed locks. If you usually wash your hair daily, you may want to experiment with skipping a day to see how your hair behaves.

Use the Right Products

To give your hair a better grip and make it easier to style, use a hair balm or mousse. If you're concerned about frizz or humidity affecting your hairstyle, consider using anti-humidity and smoothing products, especially if you'll be in a muggy climate.

Protect Your Hair

If you plan to use heat styling tools, it's essential to use a heat protectant product to safeguard your hair from damage. Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying or heat styling.

Get the Right Tools

Having the right tools can make a big difference in achieving your desired wedding hairstyle. Here are some tools to consider:

• Hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle attachment: This helps direct airflow for faster and easier blow-drying, and it can also be used to smooth hair without causing damage.
• Curling wand or iron: For loose waves or curls, opt for a larger barrel (25mm to 32mm). For tighter curls or ringlets, choose a smaller barrel (19mm or smaller).
• Straightening iron: Look for keywords like "ceramic" and "ionic" or "ions," indicating a higher-quality tool. A 1" iron is the most versatile for creating straight, wavy, or curly styles.
• Round brush: Round brushes help add volume and are easier to control during blow-drying. Smaller brushes provide more volume at the roots, while larger brushes are ideal for smoothing.
• Clips: Use clips to section and hold your hair while styling. For fine hair, silicone clips work well, while alligator-style clips are better for thicker hair. No-crease clips are ideal for holding freshly smoothed hair or bangs in place without leaving dents.

Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. Give yourself plenty of time to experiment with different styles and techniques before the wedding. This will help you feel more confident and ensure a seamless styling process on the big day.

DIY tools and products

The tools and products you'll need for your DIY wedding hairstyle will depend on the look you're going for. Here are some essentials to help you achieve a variety of styles:

• Hair dryer: Look for one with a concentrator nozzle attachment, which helps direct airflow for faster and easier blow-drying.
• Curling wand: Choose the size of your curling wand depending on the type of curls you want. A 25mm wand is standard, while a smaller size like 19mm will give you tighter curls, and a larger wand (32mm or more) will create bigger waves.
• Straightening iron: If you're going for a sleek look, a straightening iron is a must. Look for one with "ceramic" and "ionic" or "ions" in the description, as these features indicate a higher quality tool. A 1" iron is the most versatile, suitable for creating straight looks as well as soft waves or curls.
• Round brush: Round brushes help add volume and are easier to control when blow-drying hair. For smoothing, go for a bigger brush, and for more volume at the roots, opt for a smaller brush.
• Clips: You'll need something to hold your hair in place while styling, and clips are perfect for this. For fine hair, try silicone clips, while for thicker hair, alligator-style clips will provide a stronger hold. No-crease clips are ideal for holding back bangs or freshly smoothed hair without leaving dents.
• Heat protectant: Before applying any heat to your hair, use a heat protectant product to shield your hair from damage. Options include leave-in conditioner, mousse, curl cream, or hair serum.
• Styling products: Depending on your hair type, you may want to use additional styling products to enhance your look. For example, a texture spray can add volume without the stickiness of hairspray, while a hair serum can define curls and add texture.
• Hair accessories: From bobby pins and hair elastics to jewelled clips and fresh flowers, hair accessories can take your DIY wedding hairstyle to the next level.

With the right tools and products, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful DIY wedding hairstyle. Remember to practice beforehand and allow yourself enough time to get ready on the big day.

Basic techniques

Before you start styling your hair for your wedding, it's important to get into the right headspace. Remember that figuring out what works for your hair will take time and practice. Set aside time when you can patiently deal with mistakes.

• Get inspired: Find someone with a similar hair texture to yours and watch their hand movements as they style their hair. This could be through YouTube tutorials or by paying close attention to your hairdresser during your next appointment.
• Start simple: Begin by learning how to blow-dry your hair if you don't already know how. Then, move on to basic braiding techniques before attempting a full-on wedding updo.
• Use the right tools: Different tools serve different purposes. Here are some essentials to have on hand:
• A hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle attachment for faster and easier blowouts.
• Curling wands of varying sizes to create loose waves or tighter curls.
• A straightening iron to straighten your hair or create soft waves or curls.
• A round brush to add volume and control while blow-drying.
• Clips to hold sections of your hair in place while styling.
• Prepare your hair: Start with second-day hair, which holds styles better than freshly washed locks. Apply a protective product to your hair before using any heat tools.
• Work in sections: Divide your hair into small sections, usually one to two inches, for maximum impact. Start with the front section to prevent it from drying in a weird way or getting curly kinks.
• Use hairspray: A good hairspray will help your style hold without flaking. Spray each section after curling and allow it to cool before brushing it out or shaking it loose.
• Pin curls for extra hold: If your hair struggles to hold a curl, try pinning each section until it cools. Then, spray again and let the hairspray dry before finishing your style.
• Brush out for a softer look: If you want a more natural finish, simply run your fingers through your curls or use a brush to soften them. Add a bit of serum or paste to define the curls.
• Alternate curl directions: For a romantic or bohemian vibe, wrap each section of hair around the curling wand in alternating directions—sometimes away from your face, and sometimes towards it.
• Bobby pin tips: If you have soft or fine hair, spray your bobby pins with hairspray before use. Also, resist the urge to open the pins up wide as you slide them into your hair. Instead, keep them closed to prevent forcing too much hair into the pin, which will cause it to slide out.

Wedding hairstyle ideas

Your wedding hairstyle is an important choice as it will elevate your overall look, make you feel confident, and live on forever in your wedding photos. If you're thinking of styling your own hair for your wedding, there are plenty of options to choose from that are easy to do yourself. Here are some ideas for wedding hairstyles that you can do at home.

The Low Bun

A low bun is a chic and classy look, especially when paired with a low-back dress. This hairstyle takes just two minutes and can be secured with bobby pins to last all night. For a modern twist, try a knotted low bun – the messier it looks, the more graceful. Or, for a more traditional take, opt for a braided bun by plaiting your hair before twisting it into a bun. You could even add pearls to your braid for a glamorous look.

Half-Up, Half-Down

A half-up, half-down hairstyle is undeniably romantic and gives you tons of volume. Depending on your hair texture, you can add loose waves, or try a half-up version of a top knot. If you're going for a beach wedding or a laid-back vibe, try loosening the style by lightly pulling on the ponytail and removing a few pieces of hair near your face. Finish off by wrapping some strands around a curling iron.

The Ponytail

A slicked-back, high ponytail is an easy wedding hairstyle that requires minimal effort to manage and maintain. First, use hair wax on the strands near your roots to achieve a sleek look, then gather your locks at the crown of your head and secure with a hair tie. You can also add waves to the shaft of your ponytail with a curling iron. For short hair, a sophisticated ponytail is a great way to embrace your natural texture. Pull your hair back near the crown of your head, making sure there aren't any bumps or strays, and secure it with a hair tie.

Braids

Braids are a great way to add a little personality to your hairstyle. For something simple, try a twisted crown – this is a sophisticated and glamorous option, particularly for medium-length hair. If you're feeling more adventurous, you could try a French braid, a fishtail braid, or even a Game of Thrones-inspired braid. Braids can also be used to create a beautiful updo, like a braided low bun or a flower crown.

Waves and Curls

Loose waves and curls are a good foundation for most wedding hairstyles and are pretty versatile, no matter the length of your hair. To get loose waves, use a large-barrelled curling wand and work in small sections, wrapping your hair around the wand as you go. For tighter curls, use a smaller wand. If you want to add some va-va-voom, try voluminous curls by prepping damp hair with mousse and a styling cream, then using a curling iron once your hair is completely dry.

Styling tips

• If you're used to styling your hair daily, you might be confident enough to create your own wedding hairstyle. It will save you money, and you'll know your hair better than anyone else.
• Practice your chosen style a few times before the big day to feel more comfortable and ensure the process goes smoothly.
• Start with second-day hair, which holds styles better than freshly washed locks.
• Use a hair balm or mousse for grip, and finish with anti-humidity and smoothing products to lock your style in place.
• Keep a travel-sized bottle of hairspray with you for touch-ups throughout the day.
• If you have naturally curly hair, embrace your natural texture. Add a styling cream to damp hair, diffuse it until dry, then gather your hair to the side and secure it into a bun at the nape of your neck.
• For a Parisian-inspired look that works on any hair texture, part your hair down the middle, then curl your locks with a wide-barrel curling iron or hot rollers. Brush out your hair to create waves, using hairspray sparingly for hold.
• For a sleek, sophisticated look, apply a smoothing cream and heat protectant to damp hair before blow-drying. Section your hair into horizontal layers and use a straightener to glide over each section from root to end. Finish with a little hair oil for added shine.
• For a simple, romantic style, try a half-up, half-down 'do. Tie back the top half of your hair, adding waves for a playful, boho vibe.
• For a low-maintenance, elegant style, opt for a high, slicked-back ponytail. Use hair wax on the strands near the roots for a sleek finish, then gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie. You can add waves to the shaft of the ponytail with a curling iron.
• For a fun, daring look, try a high bun. Pull your hair into a ponytail on top of your head and secure it with an elastic band, then twist the shaft into a bun and pin it in place. Add pearl embellishments for a fashionable touch.
• For a classic, timeless look, try a low bun with face-framing pieces. Part your hair down the middle, then twist your hair into a chignon at the nape of your neck. Pull out a thin strand of hair on either side of the part and curl the strands with a heated tool for added texture.
• For a glamorous, red-carpet-inspired style, opt for a sleek, high ponytail. Gather your natural curls at the top of your head and secure them with an elastic band.
• For a boho or beach wedding, try loose waves with a flower crown. Curl your hair with a curling wand, then add a flower crown or weave in fresh flowers.
• For a vintage-inspired look, try a twisted low bun. Take two sections of hair from either side of your head and twist them into swirls, securing them together at the back. Loosen the swirls and add flowers or other accessories for a romantic finish.
• For a unique, modern style, try a braided bun. This look requires some knowledge of braiding, but it's sure to make a statement. You can add pearls or other accessories to the braid for extra glamour.
• For a simple, elegant style, try a knotted low bun. This look works best when it's a little messy, with loose strands framing your face. Add accessories or gems to the bun for a touch of sparkle.
• For a quick and easy style, try a messy bun. Take sections of hair from both sides and convert them into ponytails, then do the same with the back section. Combine the three ponytails into one, invert it, and secure it with bobby pins. Take small strands from either side and tie them at the back for a traditional finish.
• For a chic, modern look, try a smooth, bouncy lob. Apply a smoothing cream to damp hair, then section it into horizontal layers. Blow-dry the bottom layer, then work your way up, setting each layer with a cool blast of air.
• For a bold, statement style, try a faux hawk. This look is easier to achieve than it seems and adds a rock-chic edge to your wedding ensemble.
• For a soft, romantic look, try a loose waterfall braid.

Frequently asked questions