BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES
Updated: Sep 25
Bridal hairstyles have a long day ahead of them. Your hair has to suit the dress, hold a veil or flowers, and still look like you in the last photo of the night. Most bridal styles fall into three families: updos, braids, and waves. Here's how each one works for the bride and her bridal party, and what to tell us so we can plan it.
Updos
The updo is the classic. A low bun, a French twist, and a half-up, half-down style all belong here, and each can be finished with flowers or hair jewelry. Updos suit a formal ballroom and a casual beach wedding alike. On a windy or hot day, an updo keeps hair off your skin and off the dress, which helps a lot at an outdoor ceremony.
Braids
Braids add texture and detail. A fishtail, a simple three-strand braid, or a braid worked into an updo all show from behind, and that's the view your guests have during the ceremony. A braided updo is also practical: it keeps hair out of your face all day.
Hollywood waves
Hollywood waves are deep, glossy waves set with a curling iron or hot rollers. It's an old-glamour look for hair worn down or swept to one side. Waves need more structure than you'd expect to last through photos, hugs, and dancing, so we set them firmly, especially if you'll be outside.
Match the hair to the makeup
Hair and makeup should look like one plan, for the bride and for the bridal party. As a rough guide, natural makeup goes with a clean blowout or a low bun, soft glam with set waves or a half-up style, and full glam with Hollywood waves or a tighter bun. Our soft glam vs full glam vs natural glam guide goes into more detail.
Veils, pieces, and extensions
If you're wearing a veil, a comb, or hair pieces, bring them to your trial so we can place them before the wedding morning. We don't sell extensions, but we'll style and blend the pieces you bring. Here's what to know about wedding-day extensions and hair pieces.
Try it before the day
A trial is where you test the style with your neckline, veil, and accessories, and see how it holds. Two to three months before the wedding is a good window. Our bridal hair and makeup trial guide explains what happens.
When you're ready, request availability and a quote. Include your date, city, getting-ready address, how many people need hair, and photos of your dress and any styles you like.
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