Long Hair, Don't Care: Wedding Hairstyle Guide

Wedding hairstyles for long hair can be tricky but swoon-worthy. There are several options beyond the basic bun that will let long hair shine on the big day. From romantic braided styles to glamorous curls, easy half-up looks, and more, there's a style to suit every bride's unique taste and vision.

Updos are chic and practical for long events like weddings. They keep hair off the neck and shoulders, providing all-day comfort. Braids, twists, and curls can be incorporated into updos for added texture and interest. For a more relaxed and feminine vibe, brides can embrace their long locks with loose waves or cascading curls.

- Braided Half-Up Crown: Create two braids from small sections of hair on each side of the head, then cross them at the back and secure with bobby pins for a bohemian look.

- High Bun with Wisps: This elegant hairstyle pairs well with a-line or mermaid dresses, as well as dresses with an open back.

- Romantic Braided Updo: Intertwine delicate strands to form a textured crown or weave them throughout the updo for a whimsical touch, perfect for bohemian, garden, or beach weddings.

- Classic Half-Up, Half-Down: This versatile style suits almost every hair texture and length, allowing brides to show off their long locks and radiant faces.

- Voluminous Bridal Bun: Use a volumizing mousse at the roots and keep hair in a high ponytail overnight to achieve maximum volume.

- Face-Framing Tendrils: Add a soft and romantic touch to an updo by letting a few face-framing strands shine.

- Glamorous Hollywood Waves: Achieve a polished and sophisticated look with glossy waves cascading elegantly over the shoulders, adding a touch of old-school glamour.

- Regal Low Chignon: This polished updo exudes sophistication and is especially elegant for traditional or black-tie weddings.

- Curly Half-Updo: Show off your long hair's colour transition with loose, flowing curls that fall effortlessly.

- Braided Crown with Headband: Achieve a romantic, Renaissance-inspired look with loose curls and a braid crown, secured with a jewelled headband.

- Large Hair Accessories: Liven up any wedding hairstyle with a chunky accessory, such as a large clip, a hat, or a short veil.

- Side Part Hollywood Waves: Create sleek curls using a curling iron on small sections of hair, then secure each curl until it cools before releasing for a luxurious finish.

- Flower Crown: Instead of a veil or slicked-back updo, opt for a sweet and simple crown of flowers for a spring or summer wedding.

- Loose Wedding Downdo: Try a loose and oversized braid, adding in some fresh flowers or loose jewels to elevate this casual style.

- Extra Long Half-Up Pony: Showcase your lengthy locks with this effortless, textured half ponytail, letting the remaining hair flow freely.

- Braid and Low Chignon: Create a beautiful braided headband that trails from one side of the head and continues into a bohemian bridal bun.

- Curly Wedding Ponytail: This feminine style is ideal for various hair types, and the longer the hair, the more impressive the cascade of twists will be.

- Sophisticated Low Bun: A simple, discreet low bun with a veil pinned underneath is a classic choice that will never go out of style.

Long hair updos

High Bun with Strands

This elegant hairstyle features a high bun with wispy strands, which can be paired beautifully with an A-line or mermaid dress, or a dress with an open back.

Romantic Braided Updo

Weave delicate strands of hair together to form a textured crown, or intertwine them throughout the updo for a whimsical touch. This style complements bohemian, garden-inspired, or beach weddings.

Timeless Chignon

The chignon is a classic and elegant choice for brides. Create a sleek low bun at the nape of your neck, or opt for a slightly higher variation for a modern twist. Adorn your chignon with sparkling hairpins or floral accents.

Graceful Twisted Updo

Add dimension and interest to your updo with graceful twists. Sweep your hair back and intertwine sections to form an intricate design. These twists can be incorporated into a low bun, a side-swept updo, or an asymmetrical style.

Voluminous Bridal Bun

If you have thick hair, make the most of it with a voluminous bridal bun. Use a volumizing mousse at the roots and keep your hair in a high ponytail the night before your wedding to seal in the volume.

Woven Chignon

A woven chignon is a beautiful and romantic choice for an updo. This style features soft waves and an intricate braid, creating an elegant and whimsical look.

French Twist

A French twist is a timeless and elegant updo, perfect for a formal wedding. The volume of this style will depend on the length and thickness of your hair, and it can also serve as a stunning base for a cascading veil.

Braided Ballerina Bun

A ballerina bun is a sophisticated and artful choice for an updo. For added depth and dimension, create a braided bun, which will emphasise the elegance of your dress while maintaining softness around your face.

Half-up, half-down styles

Half-up, half-down hairstyles are a perfect mix of elegance and natural beauty. They are versatile, working with all hair types, textures, and lengths, and can be styled to look classic, polished, loose, or bohemian. Here are some tips and ideas for creating beautiful half-up, half-down wedding hairstyles for long hair:

Braided Half-Up Hairstyles

Braids add texture and detail to a half-up hairstyle and can be incorporated in various ways. For a romantic and bohemian look, consider a braided crown or halo around the back of your head. If you want something more intricate, try a braided top knot or a waterfall braid with an embedded hairpiece. Soft braids or a few small plaits can also be added to a half-up hairstyle with loose waves for a dreamy, textured look.

Twisted Half-Up Hairstyles

Twists offer a glamorous and sophisticated alternative to braids. They are perfect for brides who want to adorn their hair with a detailed headpiece or crown. A twisted half-up hairstyle can be created by twisting sections of hair from the sides and back, securing them together at the crown, and leaving the rest of the hair loose. This style exudes sophistication while still feeling relaxed and effortless.

Half-Up Hairstyles with Volume

Adding volume to the crown is a simple yet impactful detail that elongates the face and silhouette. This style can be achieved by backcombing or teasing the hair at the crown before securing it with an elastic or clip. For a playful touch, finish the look with a pretty bow. If you want to avoid an overly girly look, mess up the half-updo or incorporate small braids or plaits.

Accessories

Accessories can elevate a half-up, half-down hairstyle and make it more personalised. Delicate hair vines, crowns, or headpieces can be added to frame the face and enhance the overall look. Fresh or silk flowers, pearl pins, beaded clips, and gilded crowns are also beautiful options. For a modern twist, opt for a bubble braid or a high bun instead of a traditional ponytail.

Braided hairstyles

Bohemian Braided Crown:

This style is perfect for free-spirited brides who want a chic and effortless look. Here's how to create it:

• Part your hair down the middle.
• Create two braids on each side of your head.
• Cross the braids over the top of your head and secure them with pins.
• Add small flowers or beads along the braids for a bohemian touch.

Ethereal Half-Up, Half-Down:

This style captures youthful grace and sophistication. It is perfect for brides who want to look polished yet natural. Here's how to achieve this look:

• Take small sections of hair from each side of your head and twist them towards the back.
• Secure the twists together with a decorative clip or pins.
• Leave the rest of your hair flowing down.

Braided Faux Hawk:

If you want to add a touch of edge to your bridal look, consider a braided faux hawk. Here's how to create this unique style:

• Divide your hair into two sections.
• Twist or braid each section.
• Cross the twisted or braided sections over each other at the back and secure them with pins.
• You can also add additional braids on the sides for a more intricate look.

Loose French Braid with Flowers:

For a minimalistic and romantic look, try a loose French braid with small floral accents. Here's how to achieve this style:

• Create a loose French braid, tying in more hair as you go down.
• Mark each tier of the braid with a small, bejewelled floral hairpin.
• You can use pins of descending sizes to add visual interest.

Braided Bun with a Pop of Color:

Add a touch of colour to your bridal look by incorporating pastel-coloured strands into your braids. Here's how to create this fairy-tale-inspired updo:

• Clip in coloured hair extensions following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Create thick box braids and style them into an updo.
• Secure the hairstyle with pins and hairspray.

Curly hairstyles

Curly hair is a true asset when it comes to creating breathtaking wedding hairstyles. The natural texture and volume of curly locks offer endless possibilities for stunning and romantic looks. Whether you prefer to wear your curls cascading down or styled into an updo, here are some ideas for curly hairstyles for your wedding day:

Curly Half-Updo

Showcase the beauty of your curls while keeping them under control with a half-updo. This style creates a harmonious balance between elegance and effortless charm. It's a great way to secure your hair and keep it off your face, especially if your wedding will be outdoors and windy. You can also easily secure a veil in this hairstyle.

Voluminous Updo

Gather your curls into a high or low bun, incorporating twists or braids for added texture. Let some tendrils frame your face for a soft and romantic touch. This style is perfect if you want to show off the neckline or back of your wedding dress. It's also a great option for keeping your hair off your neck and shoulders during a long day of celebrations.

Floral Crown with Loose Curls

Enhance the whimsy and romance of your long curly hair by pairing it with a floral crown. Leave your curls loose and flowing, accentuating them with a crown of fresh flowers or delicate blooms. This style is ideal for a bohemian, garden-inspired, or beach wedding.

Curly High Bun with Strands

This elegant wedding hairstyle will complete any wedding look. A high bun with wispy strands is a perfect variant for A-line or mermaid dresses, as well as dresses with an open back. It's a no-fuss style that will allow you to dance the night away without worrying about your hair.

Curly Low Bun with Accessories

The timeless chignon is a go-to choice for brides seeking an elegant and polished look. Create a low, sleek bun at the nape of your neck, or opt for a slightly higher variation for a modern twist. Adorn your bun with accessories such as sparkling pins, delicate floral accents, or a statement hairpiece.

Ponytails

High Ponytail

Most bridal ponytails are gathered demurely at the nape of the neck, but you could choose to wear yours high and proud. A sky-high ponytail of bountiful, glossy locks provides all the benefits of an updo while still letting your hair cascade around your face.

Ponytail with a Twist

This unique spin on a classic ponytail boasts plenty of fairy-tale vibes. To achieve this look, simply leave out a small section from the bottom of the ponytail before securing it. Fasten the ends into the base with a bobby pin. Use a bit of smoothing serum to keep the strands looking polished and frizz-free.

Ponytail with Veil

A wedding veil can be worn with a ponytail, but it's recommended to choose a minimalist veil on a small comb. This will ensure that your hairstyle remains the focal point, while the veil adds a traditional touch.

Ponytail with Statement Earrings

Finish off your ponytail with a pair of statement earrings to frame your neckline and face. Go for bold, eye-catching earrings that will be visible against your hair.

Ponytail with Delicate Hair Pins

Delicate hair pins scattered to the side of a ponytail will add a touch of detail and create a beautiful focal point from the back. Opt for pins with a hint of sparkle or a floral detail to complement your wedding look.

Frequently asked questions