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

Whether you're a DIY bride or simply looking to save some money, doing your own wedding hair can be a great option. It can be a fun and creative process, and with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful and elegant hairstyle for your big day. From elegant updos to loose waves and glamorous curls, the possibilities are endless.

The key to success is practice and preparation. Start by gathering inspiration and deciding on the look you want to achieve. Then, get your hands on the right tools, from hairdryers and curling wands to round brushes and hair products. Don't be afraid to watch tutorials and learn from the experts. YouTube is a great resource for step-by-step guides, and you can find people with similar hair textures to yours.

Most importantly, don't leave it until the last minute. Give yourself time to experiment and make mistakes. You'll be surprised at what you can achieve with a little practice and the right products. So, whether you're a beauty guru or a total newbie, creating your own wedding hairstyle is definitely achievable.

Prepping your hair

Start with Second-Day Hair

Celebrity and destination wedding hairstylist Shani Gailbreath recommends starting with second-day hair, which "holds style better" than freshly washed locks. This means you should avoid washing your hair on the morning of your wedding and instead work with hair that hasn't been washed for a day or two.

Use a Hair Balm or Mousse

Applying a hair balm or mousse to your hair before styling will give your tresses a better grip. This step is especially important if you want your hairstyle to hold its shape throughout the day.

Protect Your Hair

If you plan on using heat styling tools, it's crucial to use a heat protectant product to safeguard your hair from damage. Additionally, consider using a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to add moisture and protect your hair from the high temperatures of styling tools.

Practice the Hairstyle in Advance

Don't wait until the big day to try out your wedding hairstyle for the first time. Practice the hairstyle several times beforehand to ensure you're comfortable with the process and make any necessary adjustments. This will help you feel more confident and ensure a seamless styling process on your wedding day.

Choose the Right Tools

Different hair tools serve different purposes. For example, a hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle attachment helps direct airflow, making blow-drying faster and easier. A curling wand creates loose waves, while a curling iron with a clamp can be used for tighter curls or waves. Select the tools that align with your desired hairstyle.

Use Clips for Sectioning

When styling your hair, use clips to section off parts of your hair. This will help you focus on specific areas without the rest of your hair getting in the way. It's helpful to have a variety of clip types, such as alligator clips for thicker hair and no-crease clips to prevent dents or creases in your hair.

Using hair tools

• Hair Dryer: Opt for a high-quality hairdryer with adjustable heat and speed settings to minimise frizz and add volume. A concentrator nozzle attachment can help direct airflow for faster and easier blow-drying.
• Curling Wand or Iron: Choose a curling wand with multiple barrel sizes to create different curl styles, such as soft, wavy, beachy, or spiral curls. Alternatively, you can use a curling iron to create loose waves or tight curls, depending on the barrel size.
• Straightening Iron: For a sharp, polished look, invest in a high-quality straightening iron with keratin or safe plates and adjustable heat settings. This can also be used to create soft waves or curls.
• Round Brush: Round brushes help add volume and control while blow-drying. Smaller brushes give more volume, while larger brushes are great for smoothing.
• Clips and Pins: Use clips to section your hair while styling and bobby pins to secure your final hairstyle in place. No-crease clips are ideal for holding back bangs or front strands without leaving dents.
• Heat Protectant: To protect your hair from heat damage, always use a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools.
• Styling Products: Mousse, hair balm, or serum can help give your hair grip and hold, while a texture or volume spray can enhance volume. Finish your style with a good hairspray to keep it in place.
• Combs and Brushes: In addition to your regular comb, consider using a round brush for blow-drying, a teasing comb for adding volume, and a detangling brush to manage knots.

With the right tools and some practice, you can create a variety of beautiful wedding hairstyles. Remember to prep your hair properly and work in small sections for maximum impact.

DIY wedding hair basics

Doing your own wedding hair can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can achieve a salon-worthy style. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect bridal hairstyle.

Know Your Hair

Understanding your hair type and texture is crucial when choosing a wedding hairstyle. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or natural hair, there are styles that will complement your hair's unique characteristics.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don't wait until the big day to try out your wedding hairstyle for the first time. Practice the style several times beforehand to refine your technique and build your confidence. This will also help you figure out what works best for your hair.

Gather the Right Tools

Having the right tools is essential for achieving your desired look. Here are some basic tools to have on hand:

• Hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle attachment: This helps direct airflow for faster and easier blow-drying.
• Curling wand or iron: Choose the size based on your desired curl size—smaller for tighter curls and larger for loose waves.
• Straightening iron: Look for one with "ceramic" and "ionic" or "ions" for better results. A 1" iron is the most versatile.
• Round brush: This helps add volume and control while blow-drying.
• Clips: Use these to section and hold your hair in place while styling.

Prepare Your Hair

Start with second-day hair, which holds styles better than freshly washed locks. Use a heat protectant and styling products, such as hair balm, mousse, or serum, to protect your hair and enhance its grip.

Choose a Style

Select a hairstyle that complements your wedding dress, the climate, the venue, and your personal taste. Consider the following:

• Updos: Braided buns, low buns, and twisted styles are elegant and timeless choices.
• Half-up, half-down: This style is playful, romantic, and perfect for beach or boho weddings.
• Down: Sleek and straight, loose waves, or curly—embrace your natural texture or add some waves or curls.

Finish and Set

Once you've created your desired style, finish with hairspray to hold everything in place. Keep a travel-sized bottle of hairspray handy for touch-ups throughout the day and night.

Wedding hair accessories

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a beautiful and romantic addition to any bridal hairstyle. You can choose flowers that complement your bouquet or the overall theme of your wedding. For example, baby's breath for a delicate look or large blooms for a bold statement.

Veils

A veil is a traditional wedding hair accessory that can add a touch of elegance to your look. There are many different styles of veils to choose from, such as a simple long tulle veil with a comb or a birdcage veil for a more vintage-inspired look.

Headpieces

Headpieces come in various styles, from delicate vines and combs to bold crowns and tiaras. They can add a touch of sparkle or a statement to your hairstyle. For example, you could choose a crystal-studded headpiece or a pearl-embellished headband.

Hair Jewellery

Hair jewellery, such as dainty hairpins, barrettes, or bobby pins with pearls or crystals, can add a subtle touch of glamour to your hairstyle. You can also find hairpins with words or symbols that have a special meaning to you, such as "love" or "forever."

Ribbons and Bows

A ribbon or bow can be a sweet and romantic addition to your bridal hairstyle. You can choose a colour that matches your wedding palette or opt for a classic white or ivory. Silk or satin ribbons are particularly elegant and can be easily tied into a bow or woven into a braid.

DIY Accessories

If you're feeling crafty, you can even make your own wedding hair accessories. For example, you could make fabric flowers, beaded hairpins, or a pearl-embellished headband. There are many online tutorials and DIY kits available to help you create unique and personalized accessories.

Wedding hair for different hair types

Wedding hair is a pivotal part of your bridal look, and choosing the right hairstyle is important to elevate your overall look and make you feel confident. There are endless options to choose from, and you can opt for a professional stylist or do it yourself. Here are some ideas for wedding hair for different hair types:

Straight Hair (Type 1)

Straight hair has fine strands with no natural curl definition. To add some bounce, you can create soft, natural-looking curls or beach waves using a curling iron or wand. For an elegant look, try a fishtail braid, which can be worn in various ways. A sleek ponytail or twist is another option to hold your hair taut and away from your face, while a bone-straight bob is a bold choice, particularly for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. If you're looking for something more understated, a chignon with softly curled face-framing pieces is a great option.

Wavy Hair (Type 2)

Wavy hair is the most common type and can be styled in many ways. To enhance your natural waves, use a curling iron or twist your hair into a bun overnight. For a sleek and voluminous look, try a blowout. If you're going for a boho vibe, add a floral headpiece to your tousled waves. A half-up, half-down style is a classic choice, especially if you're wearing a veil, and a deep middle part can add volume. For an old Hollywood-inspired look, simply tuck your hair behind your ears, securing it with bobby pins if needed.

Curly Hair (Type 3)

Curly hair has natural volume and bounce, and there are many ways to style it. You can create a curly fishtail braid for an elegant, bohemian look or let your curls flow loose and natural. For a fun and messy look, try the pin curl style, leaving a few strands loose around your face. Side-pinning your curls is a great way to reduce frizz, especially at an outdoor wedding, and you can further dress up the style with a glamorous hairpin. Chignons are versatile and can be adapted to suit any length.

Kinky Hair (Type 4)

Kinky hair has the tightest curl pattern and requires manipulation to stretch out the coils. You can embrace your natural texture or try a blowout for a bold statement. Protective styles, such as buns and braids, are a great way to prevent heat damage and breakage. For a classy look, gently braid your coils into a knot and accessorize with jewels and hairpins. If you want curls, try using curl rods or bantu knots overnight, and unravel them on your wedding day.

Short Hair

There are many creative options for short hair, including headpieces and accessories. For a vintage look, try the 1920s-inspired finger waves. A deep side part can add volume and is a great way to showcase a flower or other accessory. Buzz cuts can also be dressed up with a headpiece. Asymmetrical bobs and pixie cuts are stylish choices, and you can add gentle curls or a bold flip for extra glamour. A simple way to add drama is with a statement headband.

Medium Hair

With medium-length hair, you can add shape and volume by flipping out the ends of your curls. Floral headbands also pair well with soft beach waves. A messy bun is a romantic and relaxed style, and twin French braids are a cute and versatile option. Teasing your hair and adding soft curls will give you a sensual, old Hollywood-inspired look. For a half-up, half-down style with a twist, create braids on both sides of your face and pull them back.

Long Hair

The versatility of long hair means you can choose from a range of styles, from updos to loose tresses. A low bun is always a good choice, whether messy or sleek, and you can add a tiara or headpiece for extra glamour. Braids are a great way to keep your hair out of your face, and you can secure them with a hair piece or floral accessory. A topknot is a quick and chic look, and brushed-out waves create a lush, glossy finish. For a smooth and shiny style, straighten your hair and add some hair sheen.

Remember, you can always add hair extensions to achieve a particular style or look.

Frequently asked questions