POV: Your wedding day is approaching and there’s one more task on your to-do list — finding the perfect bridal hairstyle. You’ve already secured the venue, created your guest list, and printed the invitations. You’ve even bought your dress. All that’s left is figuring out what to do with your hair, but choosing a style can be a difficult decision.
The way you wear your hair can completely transform the mood of your look. Your hairstyle, ideally, will complement — not compete with — the details of your outfit. So, where to start when searching for the right ‘do when you say “I do?” Consider this tip from New York City-based bridal hairstylist Lauren Baxter: “I always say that a bride should look and feel like a more polished version of herself on her wedding day. If you’re someone who always wears their hair down, and feel most comfortable with it down, then wear it down. Same goes if you always wear it up.”
Of course, your wedding hairstyle can also be decided depending on your outfit. Danielle Diaz, New York City-based wedding specialist at Butterfly Studio Salon, says, “If you have an open back, perhaps wear your hair up to play off the details. Wearing something classic? Maybe a sleek bridal updo. Going more boho? Try something down and loose.” The style of your veil — or whether you wear one at all — can also play a role in choosing the right look.
In short, bridal hairstyles should ideally complement three things: 1) your personality, 2) your ensemble, and 3) the aesthetic of your wedding.
Enlist the help of a hairstylist to do a trial after you’ve found your dress. “Hair-care wise, let them know once you’ve set a date, then they can come up with a timeline that best suits your needs,” says Diaz. “I recommend a cut and color in the two weeks leading up to your wedding. Refreshing your color and touching up your face-framing is essential for most bridal looks.”
Whether you’re aiming to go for a romantic, edgy, classic, or casual-cool feel, we’ve got you covered with ideas for almost any kind of bridal hairstyle you can think of. Read on for inspo from both real weddings and the red carpet.
Meet The Experts:
- Devin Toth is a hairstylist at New York City-based salon Salon SCK
- Glenn Ellis is a hair stylist based in New York City and Los Angeles whose clients include Chloe Cherry, Madonna, and Chloe Fineman
- Lacy Redway is a hairstylist for Shea Moisture based in New York City
- Erickson Arrunategui is hair stylist for Ashley Graham and Karlie Kloss based in New York City
- Lauren Baxter, is a New York City-based bridal hairstylist
- Danielle Diaz, is a wedding hair specialist at Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City
- Sean Gallagher, is a New York City-based hairstylist who specializes in wedding and event hair
- Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, is a hairstylist whose clients include Kerry Washington, Ariana DeBose, and Uzo Aduba at New York City based salon TSD Hair.
- Dana Tizzio, is a wedding hair specialist at Butterfly Studio Salon who works with clients in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area
- Teddi Cranford, is hairstylist, owner, and creative director at White Rose Collective salon in New York City
- Lisa Weller, is a hairstylist at San Antonio, Texas salon Twirl Salon.
- Cataanda James, is a New York City-based hairstylist, colorist, and educator in multicultural hair care
- Olga Markuse, is a Southampton, U.K bridal hairstylist and makeup artist
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