so, you’ve booked the venue, sent the invites, and got the dress of your dreams, all you need now is the perfect wedding hairstyle that’ll tie everything together and elevate your overall look. and with all eyes on you for your special day, the pressure of picking the best bridal hairstyle can be difficult.
to help you make the decision that will complement current trends, your personality and your outfit, we’ve selected 10 of the best bridal hairstyles for 2024. it’s time to say yes to the hairstyle.
wedding hair top tips
much like picking your dress, before deciding on your wedding hairstyle, there are a few things to consider:
think about the weather
if you could predict the weather, knowing what to wear, when to plan an event and how to do your hair would be so easy. however, the weather can have a mind of its own, which may make planning a wedding hairstyle difficult. but there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re prepared:
check the weather forecast beforehand. if it’s due to rain an updo may be more practical.
consider the climate. if it’s hot, to avoid humidity causing flyaways, opt for hair-up, and if it’s cooler enjoy cascading curls or other hair-down looks.
if curling, consider hair extensions, as they’re more resilient to heat and humidity.
add your own personality
endlessly scrolling through pinterest can make it hard to pick just one look. however, it’s important to ensure the final decision not only complements your big day but also your own style. whether you’re seeking a sophisticated or free-spirited look, or prefer chic over pretty, there are plenty of hairstyles that could fit your personality.
along with this, it is also important to pick a style you’re comfortable with. although it might be tempting to try out a hairstyle that is completely out of your comfort zone, your wedding day might not be the right time to start experimenting.
if you think the hairstyle itself isn’t enough to showcase your personality, why not add some hair accessories? it could be as minimalistic as a couple of clips here and there or you could experiment with something a little more show-stopping like a pearl headband, an ethereal flower crown or a ballet core-inspired bow as finishing touches.
consider your dress
if your dress has detailing that you want to show off, whether that be a lace neckline, or a striking back, you may want to consider selecting a hair look that allows these details to shine.
do a trial run
before the big day, it is important to carry out a trial run ahead of time. even if you’re creating the hairstyle yourself, it’s only when seeing it that you will discover what you like and don’t like about the look. being prepared ensures that any changes can be made prior to your big day and makes getting ready to walk down the aisle much more relaxing.
our favourite wedding hairstyles
now you know our top tips for deciding the look for your big day, here are our favourite wedding hair ideas to spark some inspiration. whether you’re looking for wedding styles for short or long hair, we’ve got you covered!
wedding hair down
hollywood waves
radiating luxury and glamour, hollywood waves are a timeless wedding look that features perfectly sculpted curls that are suitable for all hair lengths and dress styles.
how to: achieve this look with a ¾ inch curling barrel, hairspray, shine spray and a gentle bristle brush to lightly soften the curls. to add an extra layer of flair, add a statement hair accessory such as a pearl headband or a vintage jewelled clip.
you could adapt the look further by turning the style into side swept curls.
how to: after curling, simply section to your preferred side and secure at the back with bobby pins. once secure, spritz with hairspray for extra hold.
sleek ear tuck
a low maintenance yet sleek hairstyle that will keep your hair away from your eyes and face, while complementing your luscious locks. this style is refined and elegant, making it perfect for almost all dress silhouettes. additionally, this look is super easy to achieve.
how to: start by parting in the middle and separating the top section of your hair into two parts, around one to two inches wide, and tucking them behind each ear. use bobby pins to discreetly secure, before finishing with hairspray to maximise hold.
beachy waves
an effortless look that flatters all face shapes and hair types, beachy waves are a simple yet effective boho wedding hairstyle that provides an undone yet chic look on your special day – they're also super easy to create. if you’re after a soft, natural hairdo, this style is for you!
how to: the perfect balance between straight and curly hair, you can achieve this look by using our high tide deep waver. to enhance the texture, add a spritz of texture spray and gently brush through your hair with a wide-tooth comb.
slicked-back hair down
this striking hairstyle lends a refined finish. this is the perfect pared back style to complement the elegance of a classic, straight wedding dress.
how to: the trick to this look is to keep the styling cream to a minimum, so you can achieve the perfect sleek style and avoid the appearance of grease. apply hair wax to the crown and brush the hair back to bond the rest of your mane. continue to brush back until you’re happy with the positioning of your hair before securing with hairspray.
half-up half-down wedding hairstyles
a popular hairstyle amongst brides, half-up half-down wedding hair offers the best of both worlds. whether you have short or long hair, this style is perfect for all lengths, textures, and it can be styled straight or curly. it also makes a great foundation for a veil. to help you decide, here are a few ways you can create this timeless hairstyle:
- half-up braid:from dutch, fishtail and waterfall braids, braids are a unique way to adapt this updo to suit your preferences.
- volume crown pony: this crown pony injects volume to your locks, while maintaining a polished style. perfectly showcasing your facial features, the upper half of your hair is gathered and secured into a chic ponytail.
- bouffant half-updo: known for its retro-inspired, voluminous look, the bouffant half-up half-down hairstyle, is a glamorous style characterised by height at the crown of the head. seen all over tiktok with the rise of the recent ‘ballet core’ trend, you’ll need a backcombing brush to create that extra oomph. after backcombing the top half of your hair, gather into a ponytail and secure.
- half-knot bun: the half-knot hairstyle is a trendy and versatile hairdo that involves tying the upper section of your hair into a knot. it's also comfortable, allowing you to feel at ease and look stunning all day and night regardless of how hard you hit the dancefloor.
wedding hair updos
an updo is a classic hairstyle that can be adapted to showcase your personality. from trending sleek and refined buns to relaxed ponytails, there are endless updos to choose from.
the classic chignon
the classic chignon offers an air of poise and charm, making it ideal for brides seeking a refined look. traditionally sitting low at the nape of the neck, this hairstyle provides a soft, timeless appearance that can be finished with lightly waved face-framing pieces. the beauty of this intricate bridal look is that it works well on all hair types and textures.
how to: sport this look by starting off with a low pony at the nape of your neck and dividing it into two smaller sections. twist each section before twisting together to make one ponytail. finish by wrapping it round like a bun and securing with bobby pins.
braided bun
a braided bun is an intricate hairstyle that involves weaving and plaiting the hair in various ways before styling it into a bun.
how to: it typically includes one or more braids, which can be french, dutch, fishtail, or any other preferred braid style. the braids are arranged and secured to create a polished finish, then wrapped around to form a bun shape. the structured nature of a braid ensures it stays in place throughout the wedding day and will look impeccable in photos.
ponytail
there are numerous ponytail variations for you to choose from. if you’re searching for a practical but elegant look, the low fuss ponytail offers timeless beauty.
how to: this can be created by gathering your hair at the back of your head and securing at the nape - you may want to leave some face-framing strands out at the front to soften the overall look.
if you’re looking for a little more height, the '60s-inspired high pony is a simple style to recreate but the overall finish is effective. it exudes grace and sophistication, which may appeal to many contemporary brides.
how to: create by teasing the crown for added volume and gathering the hair into a high pony. for extra elegance, you can wrap hair around the base of your ponytail to hide the hair tie or finish with a bow.
the sleek bun
the sleek bun is often chosen for its chic and contemporary appearance. this style’s power lies in its understated charm, which complements various bridal dresses. it can be tailored to the individual, whether that means creating a poised, low bun that exudes a sense of quiet grace, a mid-level bun that strikes the perfect balance between modern and classic, or a high bun that proudly displays a touch of regal glamour.
how to: pull the hair back into a sleek pony at your desired height, apply wax and hairspray for a sleek finish, twist the ponytail and wrap it round so it imitates the look of a doughnut. secure with a hair band and pins for further support.
french twist
the french twist updo is nothing short of a masterpiece, boasting a design that is equal parts sleek and luxurious. with a unique ability to transcend time and fashion trends, the french twist remains an iconic choice that bridges the gap between the classic and the modern. it is an everlasting favourite among brides in search of an enduring style for their special day.
how to: begin by gathering your hair in a low pony and twisting your hair upwards around your fingers. secure with bobby pins or a pearled clip and some hairspray.
now you’ve found the perfect bridal hairstyle, check out our range of hair styling tools to help you achieve these looks.
