Your wedding day is one of the most important moments in your life, and naturally, you want to look and feel your absolute best. Many brides-to-be will make sure they have a great skincare routine in place and will start having regular treatments in the months before the wedding. However, one key aspect that often gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations is hair care and it's so important to look after your hair on the build up to your big day; any wedding hair stylist will agree!
To help you achieve the perfect bridal hair look, we've gathered expert tips and inspiration for every hair type and style, as well as practical advice for your wedding hair trial. Whether you have long hair, short hair, fine tresses, or are considering hair extensions, these insights will help you feel confident and radiant on your special day.
Planning a Colour Change? Do It Early!
Giving yourself an extended timeframe also allows you to know when is best to book your final colour treatment before the wedding. For example, if your colour takes a week to settle into the tone you like, you'll know to book your appointment for 1 week before the big day.
Consider Your Wedding Hairstylist's Preferences
Understanding your hairstylist's preferences in regards to when to wash your hair in wedding week is crucial. We suggest consulting with your hairstylist about the ideal washing routine based on your chosen hairstyle (this is something that's imperative to discuss during your hair trial!).
Start Early with Home Hair Care Products
Visit your hairdresser and discuss your current hair routine well in advance. Allowing this amount of time means that if any changes need to be made to your current hair routine, you can ensure your hair has time to adjust to the new products or timings. This is not something you want to do 3 weeks before your wedding!
Consultation & Planning is Key
We recommend that you take your time to consult with your hairdresser, even if they aren't your wedding hairstylist. Let them know early on about your plans for your special day - they know your hair best and can discuss ideas and styles with you. Additionally, it's important to schedule in a wedding hair trial with your on-the-day stylist so that everyone is on the same page.
Wedding Hairstyles for Different Hair Types
Bridal Hair for Thin Hair
Wedding hairstyles are so important and cannot be overlooked. Not all of us are blessed with thick, luscious locks, but every bride wants to have an amazing hairdo. If you've got thin, fine, or limp hair, don't let it cause you any wedding stress—there are plenty of bridal styles that give the illusion of thick tresses!
- Keep It Simple: One secret is to keep it simple and low maintenance. When hair is kept simple, you don't have to worry about your locks going limp. That doesn't mean you can't inject personality—touch up your 'do with accessories, braids, flowers, or twists for a chic look.
- Have Your Hair Up: Thin hair can look limp in down-dos, but having your hair up makes it much harder to tell how thin it is, especially if you add strategic volume. Don't be afraid to have your hair backcombed—this helps bobby pins stay in and gives the hair a boost.
- Add Accessories: Detract attention from thin hair with accessories. Glam up with flowers, a gold hair-band, tiaras, diamante jewels or elegant embellishments.
- Add Braids: Braids, curls, and twists add texture and make hair look thicker. Braiding hair around the crown is especially effective and elegant. Dutch braids add more texture and thickness than French braids.
- Large Teased Bun: A large donut bun is a fantastic option, creating the appearance of thicker, fuller hair. Teasing around the crown injects more volume, and a low side bun with backcombing works wonders.
- Avoid Sleek Looks: Thin hair can get greasy and flat quickly. Avoid overly sleek styles and opt for messy, soft, and textured looks to add volume.
- Loosely Pinning, Curling, and Twisting: Loosely pinning and twisting hair pumps up your mane, giving the illusion of fullness. Curled hair looks thicker than straight, so pin it back gently.
- Wear Hair Toppers: Hair toppers (wiglets) can conceal hair loss and add needed volume, elevating your bridal look.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles to see what works best for you!
Bridal Style for Short Hair
Brides-to-be with short hair often think their hair is too short to wear down or up, but you don't need long hair to look glamorous and trendy on your wedding day. The range of head-turning short bridal hairstyles is just as extensive as for long hair. Short and sassy is the way forward—here are ten show-stopping tresses to inspire you:
- Monroe Inspired Curls: Glamorous and sultry, channel Marilyn Monroe with pin curls.
- Pixie Wedding Hairstyles: Chic and funky, accessorise with a silver flower crown or crystal vine.
- Brushed Back Bun: Add volume with a brushed-back bun; lots of back-brushing is key.
- Braided Styles: Yes, you can braid short hair! They're timeless and always in fashion.
- Askew Chignon Bun: A messy side bun that's feminine and classically romantic.
- Twisted Updo: Adds body and gives the illusion of length, perfect for fine hair.
- Short Layered Edgy Styles: Play with sharp layers and textures for a young, funky look.
- Short Hairstyles with Fringe: Define your fringe with a headband for a completed look.
- Accessories: Tiaras, flowers, clips, fascinators—short hair is perfect for statement pieces.
- Short Hairstyles Half Up: The best of both worlds for the illusion of thickness; veils suit this style beautifully.
Whatever style you choose, it will complete your bridal look and leave you feeling amazing.
Wedding Hair Inspiration
When choosing your wedding beauty look, it's essential to consider styles that complement your personality, wedding theme, and dress. Here are some popular options to inspire your bridal beauty:
Messy bun
The messy bun is the perfect combination of sophisticated, yet fun. This look is perfect for any bride that wants her hair out of her face on the day, but still craves a more relaxed and bohemian look.
Neat and Tidy
The most popular sophisticated wedding look; the tidy up-do. Styled to perfection and designed to stay out of your face (no matter how aggressive your dance moves!), this hairstyle is chic and timeless. Thinking about giving it a go?
Hollywood waves
A show-stopping look, the Hollywood waves are back in full force with their popularity skyrocketing over the past couple of years. Styled to perfection, this look is picture-perfect for any red carpet superstar or, better yet, your wedding day!
In the words of the Kardashians, Hollywood waves are "just like that effortless look, you know? But it's really a lot of effort". So, if you want this style on your wedding day, prepare for an earlier start as it takes a lot of time and effort to perfect this style.
Beach waves
Beach waves are always a popular choice amongst brides. The look gives off a care-free and bohemian style that works perfectly for those brides who love a bit of fun! This look pairs perfectly with natural makeup to create the perfect effortlessly chic bride.
Ponytail
Beach waves are always a popular choice amongst brides. The look gives off a care-free and bohemian style that works perfectly for those brides who love a bit of fun! This look pairs perfectly with natural makeup to create the perfect effortlessly chic bride. This look would work perfectly for a barn wedding!
Plaits, Plaits, Plaits
Plaits are almost seen as a wedding staple nowadays. With so many ways to style them, they are the perfect way to keep you hair out of your face in a fun and stylish manner. Fishtail plaits are popular amongst brides who love a bohemian look, while french plaits are often preferred amongst the more conservative bride. There really is something for everyone!
By planning ahead, consulting with your stylist, and experimenting with different styles, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect bridal hair—whatever your hair type or vision for the day. Start your journey early, trust the experts, and enjoy every step towards your big day.
If you haven't booked your stylist yet, find the best wedding hair stylists near you on Guides for Brides.