Wedding-Ready Hair: Simple Tips For A Perfect Look

There are many factors to consider when deciding on a wedding hairstyle, such as hair type, length, and texture, as well as the style of the wedding, the venue, and the wedding dress. For example, a casual daytime celebration may call for soft waves, while an elegant evening affair might require an extravagant updo. It's also important to think about the climate—will the wedding take place outdoors in hot or humid weather, or is it more likely to be cold? If you're doing your hair yourself, it's a good idea to practice the style a few times beforehand.

Prepping your hair

• Start with second-day hair, which "holds style better" than freshly washed locks.
• Use a hair balm or mousse to give your hair a better grip and enhance its texture.
• If you plan to curl your hair, apply a styling product to damp hair before drying it. This will help to create bounce and shine.
• For sleek and straight styles, apply a smoothing cream and heat protectant to damp hair before blow-drying.
• If you want to add volume, use a round brush while blow-drying your hair.
• To create loose waves, use a large-barrelled curling wand and work in small sections, wrapping each section of hair around the wand.
• For tighter curls, use a smaller curling wand and follow the same process as above.
• If you want to add some glamour to your hairstyle, consider using hair accessories such as rhinestones, pearls, or floral accessories.
• To ensure your hairstyle lasts all day, finish with an anti-humidity and smoothing product, especially if you're in a humid climate.
• Keep a travel-sized bottle of hairspray with you for any touch-ups throughout the day and evening.

DIY wedding hair tools

If you're looking to do your own hair for your wedding, there are a few tools you'll need to create your dream hairstyle. While the specific tools you'll require will depend on the style you're going for, here are some of the essentials:

• A hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle attachment: Concentrators help direct airflow, making blow-drying faster and easier. They can also be applied directly to the hair without causing damage.
• Curling wand(s): The size of the curling wand will depend on the type of curls you want. A 25mm curling wand is standard, while a smaller size like 19mm will give you tighter curls. If you're after bigger waves, opt for a larger barrel, such as a 32mm wand.
• Straightening iron: If you're after a sleek and smooth look, a straightening iron is a must. Look for buzzwords like "ceramic" and "ionic" when choosing one. A 1" iron is the most versatile, as it can easily get to your roots and create soft waves or curls.
• Round brush: Round brushes help add volume and are easier to control when drying your hair. The size of the brush will depend on the style you want – smaller brushes give more volume at the roots, while bigger brushes are great for smoothing.
• Clips: You'll need something to hold your hair in place while styling, and clips are a great option. Silicone clips are good for fine hair, while alligator-style clips are better for thicker hair. No-crease clips are also handy to prevent dents or creases in your hair.

In addition to these tools, there are also some products you should consider using to protect your hair and ensure your style lasts all day. Here are some recommendations:

• Protective products: If you're going to be using heat tools, it's important to use a protective product on your hair first. Options include leave-in conditioner, mousse, curl cream, or hair serum.
• Finishing products: To add volume and texture to your hair, a good texture spray is key. And to ensure your style lasts, a strong hairspray is essential.

Basic DIY wedding hair prep routine

If you're planning to do your own hair for your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to manage your expectations and be patient with yourself—you might create some bad hairdos before you land on the right technique. It's a good idea to set aside time when you can experiment without the pressure of an upcoming event.

Get Inspired

YouTube is a great resource for hair tutorials. Try to find someone with a similar hair texture to yours and pay close attention to their hand movements as they style. You can also observe your hairdresser's techniques during your next appointment.

Start Simple

Begin with simple styles and work your way up to more complex ones. If your normal routine is wash-and-go, try learning how to blow-dry your hair before moving on to basic braiding techniques and then more advanced updos.

Tools and Products

The tools and products you'll need will depend on the style you choose. However, some essentials include a hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle attachment, curling wands or irons of varying sizes, a straightening iron, a round brush, and hair clips.

If you plan to use heat, it's crucial to apply a protective product to your hair first. Examples include leave-in conditioner, mousse, curl cream, and hair serum. Finishing products like texture spray and hairspray will also help hold your style in place.

The Basic Routine

Many stylists follow a routine of blow-drying, then curling, then creating an updo. Loose curls are a versatile foundation for most wedding hairstyles and can also be left as-is if you're aiming for a more effortless look.

• Blow Out: Start with damp hair and your chosen products. Get your hair about 80% dry, focusing on the roots and midsection. Then, work in small sections with a round brush, wrapping your hair around the brush as you go.
• Loose Waves: Use a larger-barreled curling wand (25mm to 32mm) and wrap small sections of hair (about an inch) around the wand.
• Big Bouncy Curls: For tighter curls, use a smaller wand (19mm to 25mm).

Tips and Tricks

• Always work in small sections, especially when blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair.
• Don't be afraid to use hairspray. It will help hold your style, especially if your hair tends to be straight or curly.
• For extra hold, try the heat and pin curls method. After curling a section of hair, hold it until it's cool, then spray and roll it into a pin curl. Once your hair is completely cool, remove the pins and spray again.
• For a softer, more natural look, brush out your curls and add some serum or paste to define them.
• For a romantic or bohemian feel, alternate the direction you wrap your hair around the curling wand.
• If you have soft or fine hair, spray your bobby pins with hairspray before use, and slide them in closed instead of opening them up wide.

Pro DIY wedding hair tips

• Get yourself in the right headspace: styling your own hair for your wedding can be stressful, so set aside plenty of time to practice when you can deal with mistakes patiently.
• YouTube is your friend: find someone with a similar hair texture to yours and watch their hand movements, copying as they go.
• Walk before you run: start with learning how to blow-dry your hair, then move on to basic braiding techniques, and finally attempt a fancy updo.
• Always work in sections: whether you're blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair, work in small sections for maximum impact.
• Don't be afraid of hairspray: if you have fine or straight hair that doesn't hold a style, wrap a section around your curling iron, spray, and release.
• Heat + pin curls = ultimate hold: if your hair struggles to hold a curl, try pinning your hair until it cools. After curling a section, release the curl, spray, and roll it back up into a pin curl.
• Brush out your style to soften it: if you want softer, more natural curls, simply run your fingers through your hair when you're finished styling.
• Alternate directions for more romantic or bohemian curls and waves: for uniform curls, wrap each section of hair around your curling wand in the same direction. For a more bohemian or romantic look, alternate the direction with each section.
• Bobby pin hack: if you have soft or fine hair that pins fall out of, spray your pins with hairspray before use, and slide them in closed rather than opening them up wide.

Choosing a hairstyle

Your Hair Type

The first thing to consider is your hair type. This includes the length, texture, density, and cut of your hair. If you have short hair, you might want to go for a sleek and straight look or add some simple waves for a romantic appearance. For medium to long hair, there are more options, from loose and flowing styles to intricate updos. Consider your hair's natural texture and whether you want to wear it up or down.

The Weather and Location

If you're having an outdoor ceremony or reception, the weather can play a big part in your hairstyle choice. For example, if it's going to be hot and humid, you might want to opt for an updo to keep cool and avoid frizz. Similarly, if it's windy, you'll want a style that can withstand the elements without falling flat or becoming messy.

Your Wedding Dress

The style of your dress is another important factor. Consider the neckline and back detail of your gown. If you have a detailed back, you might want to wear your hair up to show it off. Strapless dresses offer more versatility, allowing you to wear your hair up, half-up, or down. If your dress has a high neckline or longer sleeves, wearing your hair up can be a good option.

Your Wedding Theme or Aesthetic

Your wedding theme or aesthetic can also guide your hairstyle choice. For example, if you're going for a bohemian or eclectic theme, a large braid or undone style might be a perfect fit. For a glamorous wedding, try a voluminous, curled style, and don't be afraid to add some sparkly accessories.

Veil or No Veil?

If you plan to wear a veil, consider the length and weight of it when choosing your hairstyle. A heavy veil might require a more secure hairstyle, like an updo, to anchor it. Alternatively, you can opt for a half-up or all-down style with proper pin reinforcements to hold the veil in place.

Your Schedule for the Day

Finally, think about your wedding day schedule. If you have a packed day full of activities, you'll want a hairstyle that will last. Consider the time between your morning preparations and the evening ceremony, and choose a style that will stay intact. If you plan on dancing the night away, a more secure hairstyle might be a better option than something loose.

Remember, it's essential to feel confident and comfortable with your chosen hairstyle. You can always consult a bridal hair specialist for advice and inspiration.

Frequently asked questions