Creating The Perfect Wedding Braid: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding braids are a timeless choice for brides, with styles ranging from boho-chic to classic elegance. Braids can be adapted to suit any bride's style and can be a fun way to elevate your wedding hairstyle. Whether you're opting for a simple plait or something more intricate like a fishtail or French braid, there are endless possibilities to make it your own. Braids are also a great way to keep your hair contained and are considered a protective hairstyle, especially for Black hair. In this guide, we'll walk you through the different types of wedding braids, offer tips on how to style and accessorise them, and provide step-by-step instructions for creating a beginner-friendly braided hairstyle.

Braided updos

Braided Mohawk Updo

If you usually avoid common updos, a braided mohawk is a stylish alternative. You can add a twist to this look by incorporating both braids and twists.

Braided Bridal Updo

This simple yet effective style is perfect for bridal hair. To add thickness and volume to your hair, use root crimpers and texturizing products. Finish the look with a light hairspray to set the style.

Feed-in Braids Low Bun

This beautiful feed-in style is a great choice for a summer wedding. It can be worn as a low bun, providing a stylish and elegant look.

Braided High Ponytail with Front Side Braids

For an upgraded look, try a braided top knot with side braids. You can add beads or jewels to the end of your braids for an extra touch of glamour.

Braided Crown

A braided crown is a romantic and effortless look, perfect for a bohemian bride. To achieve this style, your hairstylist can create a multi-sectioned braid that doesn't have to be perfect or symmetrical. You can also add flowers or other accessories to enhance the look.

Braided Bun

A braided bun is a classic and elegant updo that can be dressed up or down. To create a fuller look, gently pull apart the strands of the braid to give them more width. You can also use volumizing powder or extensions to add volume. Finish the look with flowers, hair accessories, or a colourful ribbon for a whimsical touch.

French-Braided Chignon

The French braid is a classic and versatile style that suits all hair types and textures. For a design-forward look, try a slightly undone French braid that drops into an elegant knot at the nape of the neck.

Braided Faux Hawk

Bring a touch of edge to your bridal look with a braided faux hawk. You can keep the sides natural and slicked back, or add additional braids for a unique twist. This style is perfect for showcasing your glam and accessories.

Braided ponytails

The Pull-Through Braided Ponytail

This style is a trendy take on the classic ponytail. To achieve this look, create a pull-through braid and add pearl hairpins for a bridal touch. This style pairs well with embellished gowns and is a fun, modern option for your wedding day.

The Ultra-Long Braided Ponytail

If you're looking for a glamorous and dramatic style, consider this ponytail. It is perfect for brides who want to make a statement with their hair. This style is also a great option if you're looking to switch up your look from the ceremony to the reception.

The Floral Fishtail Ponytail

This romantic and bohemian style adds a punch of intricate braiding and accessories to a sleek ponytail. Face-framing tendrils and a floral swag on one side of the head complete the look. It is a beautiful and unique way to incorporate flowers into your wedding hairstyle.

The Braid and Ponytail Combo

This unique style combines a braid and a ponytail in an unexpected way. The front sections of the hair are braided back in a traditional French braid, while the rest of the hair is left unbraided, creating a classic ponytail with a twist. It's a creative way to incorporate a braid into your wedding hairstyle without committing to a fully braided look.

The Braided Ponytail with Jewels

For a glamorous and elegant look, consider adding some hair jewellery to your braided ponytail. Work with your stylist to choose hair hoops that complement your other accessories, such as pearls, coloured gemstones, or simple metallics. This style is a great way to add a touch of sparkle and elegance to your wedding hairstyle.

Braided half-updos

For Long Hair

Consider adding soft, face-framing layers to enhance the romantic allure of your look. These layers can be curled or left straight, creating a gentle cascade around your face. Secure the half-updo portion with clear elastics or matching bobby pins for a seamless and elegant finish. Focus on the subtle touches to elevate your bridal look.

For Medium-Length Hair

Mastering volume and texture is key for medium-length hair. Start by applying a lightweight volumizing mousse to damp hair before blow-drying. When creating the half-updo, add a subtle twist or braid to make your style stand out. Use a curling wand to create loose waves throughout the lower half of your hair for added texture and a touch of whimsy. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep the style in place without weighing your hair down.

For Short Hair

For brides with short hair or a bob, creativity and accessories are essential. Add texture to your hair with a small barrel curling iron to give it more body and make it easier to work with. For the half-up portion, take small sections from the front and pin them back with decorative pins or a small, elegant clip. Choose accessories that complement your wedding theme or dress, such as pearl pins or a vintage clip.

Braided Variations

Incorporate different braids such as fishtail or Dutch braids for a textured and intricate look. To ensure the braid stands out and remains secure, backcomb the hair at the crown before braiding. Weave in small flowers or pearls that match your wedding theme to enhance the romantic aesthetic.

Boho-Inspired Styles

For a boho wedding hair half-up style, embrace texture and natural movement. Start by adding waves with a large barrel curling iron or by braiding damp hair and letting it dry. Don't aim for perfection; instead, go for an effortless feel. You can also weave in elements like small braids or twists and secure them with a tie that blends into your hair. Accessorize with nature-inspired pieces, such as floral hairpins or a leafy vine, to enhance the bohemian vibe.

Curly Hair

For brides with curly hair, embrace your natural texture by choosing products that enhance your curls' bounce and reduce frizz. When styling the half-up portion, gently twist and pin sections back without pulling too tightly to avoid flattening your curls. Incorporate floral pins or a delicate hair vine to adorn your curls, adding a touch of elegance.

Thin Hair

For brides with thin hair, creating the illusion of volume is essential. Apply a volumizing spray or mousse at the roots of damp hair, focusing on the crown area. Blow-dry your hair with your head upside down to lift the roots, and consider using a curling iron to add soft waves to the bottom half for added fullness. When pulling back the top section, gently tease the hair at the crown before securing it to create height and volume. Opt for voluminous accessories, like a big floral piece or a bow, to draw attention upward and make your hair appear thicker.

Straight Hair

Add texture and movement to elevate straight hair. Use a lightweight texturizing spray or sea salt spray on dry hair to give it grip and make styling easier. Create a slight twist or braid on either side of your head before joining them in the back for a romantic touch. Secure with clear elastic or a small, elegant clip. For a sleeker look, smooth down the top section with a shine serum before pulling it back. Incorporate a minimalist hairpiece to add a focal point and enhance the hairstyle's elegance.

Braided hair accessories

Braided Headbands

Braided headbands are a simple yet elegant accessory that can be paired with any wedding dress silhouette. You can create a braided headband by braiding a small section of hair from ear to ear across your forehead, like a headband. This can be done with a French braid or a Dutch braid and can be secured with bobby pins or a clear elastic band. This style is perfect for brides who want a boho or romantic look.

Braided Crowns

A braided crown is a beautiful way to showcase your braid and can be achieved by braiding your hair around your head. You can create a milkmaid braid or a Dutch braid crown and add some fresh flowers or a jewelled headband for a more glamorous look. This style is perfect for brides who want an ethereal or fairy-tale-inspired look.

Braided Ponytails

Braided ponytails are a trendy and versatile option for your wedding hairstyle. You can create a braided ponytail by braiding your hair into a low or high ponytail and adding some hair accessories, such as pearl hairpins or a floral swag. This style is perfect for brides who want a modern or sleek look.

Braided Buns

Braided buns are a sophisticated and elegant option for your wedding hairstyle. You can create a braided bun by braiding your hair into a low or high bun and adding some hair accessories, such as a jewelled headband or a hair vine. This style is perfect for brides who want a classic or timeless look.

Braided Chignons

A braided chignon is a beautiful way to combine a braid with an updo. You can create a braided chignon by braiding your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck and adding some hair accessories, such as a hair vine or fresh flowers. This style is perfect for brides who want a romantic or elegant look.

When creating braided hair accessories, you can use different types of braids, such as French braids, Dutch braids, fishtail braids, or rope braids. You can also add hair accessories, such as hair beads, hair rings, hair clips, or fresh flowers, to enhance your braided hairstyle.

Braided hair for short hair

Wedding braids are in fashion, and there are many ways to style them. If you have short hair, there are still plenty of braided styles to choose from. Here are some ideas for braided hairstyles for short hair:

Braids for Pixie Cuts

If your hair is very short, you can try braiding the hair in areas where it is the longest. For example, you could try a face-framing braid or a diagonal braid across the crown of your head. It's best to try this style on unwashed hair, as it will be less slippery, but you can also use a mousse or volumising dry shampoo to create hold and texture.

Cornrows

Cornrows are a great option for short hair, especially for women with natural hair. You can elevate this style by adding knotted cornrow side braids or gold bobby pins.

Braided Pigtails

Pigtails are a cute and playful style for short hair. You can secure the braids at the nape of your neck to create a cute, short pigtail look. You can also add metal rings throughout the plaits to take this style up a notch.

Half-Up Braids

Even with short hair, you can create a half-up braid. This style starts and ends at the middle of your head and is a lovely way to style shorter strands.

Crown Braids

You can create a headband effect with braids by making a Dutch braid on each side of a centre parting and wrapping the ends into a messy bun.

Voluminous Side Braid Ponytail

To make short hair appear more voluminous, add some texturising hairspray and gently backcomb your hair before creating a standard French braid. Then, tie your hair into a ponytail.

Waterfall Braids

Waterfall braids are a great option for short hair. They create the illusion of a gorgeous waterfall cascading into a blanket of lush hair.

Halo Braids

Halo braids are a fun way to keep your hair out of your face. Before braiding, use a smoothing spray to prime your hair for styling and add smoothness. You can also add some floral embellishments for an eye-catching look.

Face-Framing Headband Braid

Headbands are back in style, but you don't need to buy one from the store. Instead, you can create tight braids along your hairline to frame your face.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a bit of creativity and experimentation, you can find the perfect braided hairstyle for your short hair.

Frequently asked questions