I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with over a decade of salon experience—and I’ve curated 21 wedding hairstyles for women to suit every bride’s vision. From timeless low buns and elegant chignons to romantic curls, intricate braids, boho updos and modern half-up styles, these looks are selected to flatter different hair lengths, textures and face shapes. In this post you’ll find photos and practical styling notes for fine, thick, curly and straight hair, plus guidance on extensions, veil placement and accessory pairing. I’ll also share go-to products and quick tips to keep your style secure from the ceremony through the reception. Whether you’re a classic bride, a free-spirited boho, or planning a destination wedding, these 21 images and professional suggestions will help you choose a look that complements your dress, venue and personality. Don’t forget to schedule a trial and pack an emergency touch-up kit for the big day.
Voluminous Textured Updo with Soft Side-Swept Fringe
This elegant textured updo with a side-swept fringe suits medium to long hair and works best on medium-to-thick or naturally wavy hair; fine hair can achieve the same look with light padding or clip-in extensions. Start by applying heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry with a round brush for root lift, then create loose S-shaped curls through the mid-lengths and ends with a 1 curling iron for movement. Backcomb the crown lightly for volume, then gather hair into a low, slightly off-center bun, twisting and pinning small sections to form soft loops and airy height. Leave a few face-framing pieces and sweep the fringe across the brow. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron, teasing comb, bobby pins, and small elastics. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light-hold mousse, medium-hold hairspray, and a drop of shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires some pinning practice and timing (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-pin loosened loops, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and touch up shape with a few pins and light misting of hairspray.
Romantic Textured Low Twist with Pearl Accents (Bridal Updo)
This soft, romantic low twist is ideal for medium to thick hair and works beautifully on natural waves or blow‑dried straight hair. Fine hair can achieve the same look with light extensions or added padding. Start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair; rough‑dry while lifting at the roots. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 in curling wand for texture, then backcomb at the crown for gentle lift. Section the hair and form a low twisted/rope braid, pinning each twist into a soft stacked shape at the nape. Pull face‑framing pieces free and loosen sections with your fingers for an undone finish; secure a pearl spray or comb into the base. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, teasing comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or salt spray, light serum for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — expect 45–60 minutes in salon. Maintenance tips: bring styling pins and mini hairspray for touch‑ups, avoid heavy rain/humidity, sleep with a silk scarf or loose braid, and book a trial for veil/accessory placement.
Romantic Voluminous Side‑Swept Curly Ponytail — Bridal/Bridesmaid Style
This soft, side‑swept voluminous ponytail with loose cascading curls suits medium to long hair best. It works well on thick or naturally wavy hair; fine hair benefits from clip‑in extensions or light backcombing for fullness. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and a root‑lifting mousse, then blow‑dry with a round brush to create volume at the crown. Create a deep side part, curl 1–2 inch sections with a 1–1.25 curling iron, and let the curls cool. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, smooth the top layer, then gather hair to one side into a low, loose ponytail using a clear elastic. Twist and pin sections of the curled ponytail to build a cascading, pulled‑apart look; leave a few face‑framing pieces soft. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron/wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, bobby pins, clear elastic. Products: heat protectant, root lift mousse, texturizing/dry shampoo for grip, smoothing serum for ends, medium‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — salon result at home with practice (30–50 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh curls with a light mist or quick re‑curl, retighten pins as needed, and avoid heavy oils at roots to preserve lift.
Romantic Tousled Bridal Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
A soft, textured high updo topped with a jeweled headpiece and delicate face‑framing tendrils — ideal for weddings and formal events. Suitable for medium to thick hair and shoulder‑length to long lengths; fine hair benefits from volumizing products or strategically placed clip‑in extensions, while very curly hair should be smoothed to shape then retextured for hold. Start on second‑day hair for natural grip: apply heat protectant, root‑lift mousse and a salt or texturizing spray. Use a round brush and blow dryer to add volume at the crown, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron to develop movement. Tease gently at the crown for lift, gather hair into a loose high bun, securing sections with strong bobby pins and an elastic. Pull out soft front pieces and backcomb slightly for that lived‑in look. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, teasing comb, pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizer, light serum for sheen, flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — a stylist trial is recommended for bridal timing. Maintenance: bring extra pins, mini hairspray, and spare tendril clips; touch up with a curling iron for stray pieces and avoid heavy humidity exposure.
Textured Curly Low Chignon Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This elegant textured curly chignon suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick densities; fine hair can achieve the same look with lightweight padding or clip‑in extensions. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow‑dry with a round brush to build lift. Section the hair and create defined curls with a 1/2–1 barrel curling iron or hot rollers. Lightly backcomb at the crown for extra height, then gather curls at the nape and pin groups of curls into a loose chignon, securing with strong bobby pins and hairpins to preserve texture. Leave a few face‑framing tendrils and soften them with a quick hot tool touch if needed. Tools: curling iron or rollers, teasing comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, hairpins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, medium‑hold hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: medium–advanced; allow 45–75 minutes. Maintenance: avoid heavy brushing, refresh with texturizing spray and extra pins, sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose wrap to preserve shape.
Romantic Low Chignon Updo with Soft Waves and Pearl Hairpiece
Suitable for medium to long hair and best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the same look by adding light padding or clip-in extensions. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the crown. Create a soft side part, and use a 1 curling iron to form loose S-waves. Backcomb lightly at the crown for structure, then gather hair at the nape and form a low, loose chignon by twisting and pinning sections with U-pins and strong bobby pins—leave a few face-framing tendrils for softness. Finish by tucking a pearl hairpiece into the top/back of the bun and securing it with pins. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, U-pins, optional padding. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible-then-strong hold hairspray, lightweight shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate (45–75 minutes in salon). Maintenance tips: avoid heavy oils, refresh texture with dry shampoo, retighten pins before events, and carry spare pins and travel hairspray for touch-ups.
Textured Messy Romantic Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, textured messy updo is ideal for medium to thick hair and works beautifully on naturally wavy or relaxed-straight textures; fine hair can achieve the same volume with lightweight extensions or targeted root‑teasing. Begin by prepping towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse and heat protectant. Create loose curls with a 1–1¼ barrel, brush them out slightly, and mist with a sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip. Lightly backcomb at the crown for lift, then gather hair into a low-to-mid messy bun by twisting and pinning sections with bobby pins and U-pins, leaving soft face‑framing tendrils out. Use fingers to loosen and shape for an undone, romantic silhouette. Tools: curling iron, round brush or blow dryer, teasing comb, sectioning clips, bobby/U-pins, and a fine-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing/salt spray, lightweight flexible-hold hairspray and a small smoothing balm for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin any loosened pieces, avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down, and bring spare pins/hairspray for event touch-ups.
Romantic Side-Swept Voluminous Curls for Long Hair
Best for medium to long lengths and medium-to-thick hair; natural waves or loose curls are ideal. Fine hair can be built up with volumizing products or temporary extensions, while very tight curls should be smoothed and re-curled for the larger, glossy coils seen here. Start on towel-dried hair with a heat protectant and volumizing mousse. Blow-dry with a round brush, lifting at the crown for height. Create 1–1.25-inch barrel curls away from the face, then loosely gather curls to one side and twist successive sections into a cascading rope, securing with bobby pins and small elastics; leave soft face-framing pieces for a romantic finish. Tools: 1–1.25-inch curling iron or hot rollers, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, bobby pins and small elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, light styling cream for frizz control, texturizing spray for grip, flexible-hold hairspray, light shine serum for ends. Difficulty: Moderate — plan 45–75 minutes; consider a stylist for formal events. Maintenance: sleep on silk, loosely pin the cascade, refresh with a water+mousse mist and re-shape curls, use dry shampoo at roots and avoid heavy oils at the crown.
Textured Low Romantic Chignon Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This soft, textured low chignon suits medium to long hair and reads especially well on medium to thick hair; fine hair can achieve the same silhouette with light backcombing or a small padding/extension. Start on towel‑dried hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant. Blow‑dry with a round brush to build lift at the crown, then create loose 1–1.25
Textured Low Chignon Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This elegant textured low chignon with soft face‑framing tendrils suits medium‑to‑thick, medium‑to‑long hair; fine hair can achieve the same fullness with light padding or extension pieces. Start by blow‑drying with a round brush and applying a volumizing mousse at the roots for lift. Create loose curls with a 1–1.25 curling iron, then lightly backcomb the crown for height. Gather hair into a low pony at the nape, release and pin sections into a loose, sculpted chignon, leaving two small front pieces out for soft tendrils. Secure with long‑reach bobby pins and a hairnet if extra hold is needed, then finish with a flexible‑hold hairspray and a light shine serum on flyaways. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron/wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastics, optional padding/extensions. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or powder, light/medium hold hairspray, finishing serum. Difficulty: intermediate (salon 30–45 minutes; DIY 45–90 minutes). Maintenance: prep hair the night before for better grip, carry spare pins and mini‑spray for touchups, avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.
Romantic Voluminous Half-Up Curls for Long Hair
An elegant half-up, voluminous curl upstyle that works beautifully for bridal and formal occasions. Suitability: Ideal for long, medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or curly textures; fine hair can achieve the same effect with texturizing products or light extensions. Styling technique: Start on clean, towel-dried hair—apply heat protectant and volumizing mousse. Blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the roots, then create loose spiral curls with a 1–1.25 curling wand. Backcomb gently at the crown, gather the top half into soft twists or pinched sections, and secure with bobby pins and U-pins, leaving face-framing tendrils. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, teasing comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, and elastic. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, salt or texturizing spray, light-medium hold hairspray, and a lightweight shine serum. Difficulty level: Moderate — suitable for experienced stylists or confident at-home stylists; allow 45–60 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh curls with a quick re-wrap on the wand, touch up root volume, carry travel hairspray, sleep on a silk pillow or loose braid, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down.
Voluminous Low Chignon Bridal Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Layers
Suitability: Ideal for medium to thick hair in shoulder‑length to long lengths; fine hair can still achieve this look with light padding or clip‑in extensions. Works best on hair with natural wave or relaxed straight texture for hold and movement. Styling technique: Start with a root‑lift blow‑dry using a round brush to create volume at the crown. Create a deep side part and section face‑framing pieces aside. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then smooth the surface. Form loose twists and loops, pinning them into a low chignon at the nape while leaving soft pieces to frame the face. Use a 1–1.25
Textured Romantic Bridal Updo with Loose Curls and Pearl Hairpins
Suitable for medium-to-long hair and adaptable to fine, medium or slightly coarse textures; extensions can add density for very fine or thin hair. To create the style: prep hair with a volumizing mousse and thermal protectant, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then use a 1-1.25-inch curling wand to make loose, S-shaped waves. Lightly tease the crown for height, then work in vertical sections, twisting and pinning each curl into a low, textured chignon with a mix of bobby and U-pins; leave soft face-framing tendrils. Secure pearl or floral pins last, anchoring them into the hairs base rather than just the outer pieces. Tools needed: curling wand, blow-dryer and round brush, sectioning clips, rat-tail comb, teasing brush, bobby/U-pins, elastic bands. Products required: volumizing mousse, thermal protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, medium-flex hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — 30-60 minutes with an experienced stylist; allow extra time if using extensions. Maintenance tips: set with flexible-hold hairspray, carry spare pins for quick tucks, avoid heavy oils at the roots, refresh texture with texturizer or a quick re-curl before photos, and pin accessories into the base for secure wear.
Textured Half-Up Romantic Waves with Face‑Framing Layers
This soft, textured half-up style suits medium-to-long hair and works best on natural waves or fine-to-medium straight hair that takes a curl. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush for lift, or diffuse to enhance natural texture. Create loose, S-shaped waves with a 1-inch curling wand, alternating direction and leaving the ends slightly undone for a lived-in finish. Lightly backcomb the crown for volume, gather two small sections from each temple and twist or loosely braid them back, securing with discreet pins so the face-framing pieces fall naturally. Tools: 1 curling wand, tail comb, clips, boar-bristle brush and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, root-lifting mousse or spray, salt/texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray and a small amount of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–medium (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with water or texturizing spray and re-shape a few pieces with the wand, use dry shampoo at the roots between washes, sleep on a silk pillowcase and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep the style airy and healthy.
Soft Romantic Low Chignon Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils
This elegant low chignon suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the same look with light backcombing or a small volumizing pad. Start on dry, second-day hair for better grip. Technique: create loose curls with a 1 barrel, lightly tease the crown for lift, then twist and pin sections into a relaxed low bun, leaving a few face‑framing tendrils soft and separated. Add a delicate accessory where desired. Tools needed: 1 curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and U‑pins, small elastic, and a teasing brush. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, flexible-hold hairspray, and a light shine serum. Difficulty level: moderate — a stylist can complete this in 30–45 minutes; at home expect 45–60 minutes if you’re less experienced. Maintenance tips: prep with dry shampoo for extra texture, bring extra pins and travel hairspray for touch-ups, avoid heavy conditioning before styling, and sleep with a silk wrap to preserve shape for the next day.
Romantic Low Messy Bun with Floral Accent and Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
This elegant low messy bun with a soft floral accent suits medium to long hair and works best on fine to medium‑density textures. For limp hair, add light extensions or a small padding donut to boost volume; very curly hair should be smoothed slightly for the soft waves. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protectant and volumizing mousse, blow‑dry with a round brush to create lift at the crown, then loosely curl sections with a 1–1.25″ curling iron for textured bends. Backcomb lightly at the crown, gather hair low at the nape, twist and pin into a loose bun, pulling pieces free for a relaxed shape; secure with bobby pins and hairpins. Finish with a texturizing spray for grip and a flexible hold hairspray to set. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, rat‑tail comb, section clips, bobby pins, elastic, optional padding. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, light/humidity‑resistant hairspray, smoothing serum. Difficulty: Moderate — 25–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and stray‑pin adjustments, avoid heavy humidity, and sleep on a silk pillow or use a loose satin wrap to preserve shape.
Romantic Half-Up Half-Down: Voluminous Side-Swept Waves with Crystal Hairpiece
This romantic half-up, half-down bridal look pairs soft, side-swept, voluminous waves with a floral crystal hairpiece for elegant movement and camera-ready shine. Suitability: best for medium to long hair; fine hair gains fullness with clip-in extensions, while thick or naturally curly hair should be smoothed and shaped first. Styling technique: prep with a volumizing mousse and blow-dry with a round brush for root lift. Create loose barrel curls (1–1.25 curling iron) working in 1–2 sections, alternate directions for natural texture, cool completely, then gently brush out into waves. Lightly backcomb the crown, gather the top half into a low side twist or loop, and secure with pins before tucking in the hairpiece and leaving face-framing tendrils. Tools needed: blow dryer + round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and hairpins, boar-bristle or paddle brush. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, flexible medium-hold hairspray, light shine serum, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: medium — requires consistent curling and secure pinning; a trial run is recommended. Maintenance tips: bring spare pins and travel-size hairspray, refresh texture with dry shampoo between photos, avoid heavy oil on roots, and re-pin/accessorize as needed throughout the day.
Romantic Braided and Textured Low Updo with Floral Accent
Perfect for medium to thick hair and shoulder-length to long lengths, this romantic braided and textured low updo combines a loose crown braid with sculpted curls and a floral accent. Begin by prepping hair with a heat protectant and volumizing mousse; section the crown and create a loose French/Dutch braid feeding into the back. Use a 1 curling iron to curl remaining lengths into soft spirals, then backcomb lightly at the roots for lift. Gather curls into a low, asymmetric bun, securing with long pins and bobby pins in a cross pattern; leave delicate face-framing tendrils. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, long pins, bobby pins, small elastics. Products: heat protectant, mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or powder, medium-hold hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braid skills and pinning technique; allow 45–75 minutes. Maintenance: avoid heavy touching, refresh shape with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a loose silk wrap, and carry spare pins for quick repairs. For fine hair, add clip-in extensions or padding for fullness.
Soft Romantic Textured Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils — Bridal Hair
An elegant, soft-textured updo with loose face‑framing tendrils and a decorative vine — ideal for brides and formal events. Best suited to medium and thick hair; naturally wavy or curl-ready hair responds best, while fine hair benefits from light extensions or volumizing products. Start by applying heat protectant and volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow‑dry with a round brush for lift. Create loose waves with a 1 curling wand, section and backcomb at the crown for structure, then twist and pin sections into a low textured bun using a mix of bobby pins and U‑pins, leaving a few tendrils around the face. Finish by weaving a hair vine or comb into the side for sparkle. Tools: round brush, teasing brush, 1 curling wand, sectioning clips, bobby pins, U‑pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray, light smoothing serum. Difficulty: intermediate — salon-friendly; DIY doable with practice (30–60 minutes). Maintenance: carry extra pins and travel hairspray, retouch tendrils with the curling wand as needed, and avoid heavy oils that flatten the style.
Romantic Twisted Low Bridal Updo with Floral Hairpiece
This elegant twisted low updo suits medium-to-long hair and works well on fine, medium and thick textures—fine hair benefits from texturizing and light backcombing for grip, while very thick hair may require extra pins or sectioning. Technique: create soft face-framing waves, section the crown and lightly backcomb for lift, then twist and loop medium-width sections into overlapping loose coils at the nape. Secure each coil with U-pins and strong bobby pins, tucking ends and leaving a few tendrils for a romantic finish. Tools needed: 1 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, blow dryer and round brush, U-pins and assorted bobby pins, elastic. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for hold, smoothing serum for shine, flexible-hold hairspray and a light finishing mist. Difficulty level: Moderate to advanced — recommended for experienced stylists or an at-home user comfortable with pinning techniques; allow 45–60 minutes. Maintenance tips: reinforce pins after travel, carry a small pin/spray kit for touch-ups, avoid heavy humidity, and sleep on a satin pillowcase to preserve shape.
Textured Low Messy Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils
A versatile textured low messy updo that works beautifully for weddings, special occasions, and polished everyday looks. Best suited to medium-to-thick hair and natural waves — straight hair can be pre-texturized with curls, while fine hair will benefit from light padding or clip-in pieces for volume. In the salon I prep with a volumizing mousse on damp hair, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then create loose 1–1.25 barrel curls to add grip. Section the crown and lightly backcomb for height, then twist and pin small sections into an asymmetric low bun, securing with U-pins and medium-hold bobby pins; leave soft face-framing tendrils and gently pull pieces for that undone finish. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, U-pins/bobby pins, and a fine mist spray. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing or sea-salt spray, flexible-hold hairspray, and a light shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizer, retuck with spare pins as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose silk wrap to preserve shape.
After styling hundreds of brides, my top recommendations are simple: prep well, do a trial, and bring an emergency kit. Book your trial 4–6 weeks before the wedding, bring photos and any accessories, and consider clip-in extensions if you want extra volume or length. Wash hair 24–48 hours before styling for better hold, always use a heat protectant, and choose flexible but strong-hold products to maintain movement without stiffness. I secure updos with hidden pins and recommend a few extra long bobby pins placed internally for durability. For humid locations, ask for anti-frizz serums and humidity-resistant hairspray. Most importantly, pick a style that reflects your comfort and personality — when you feel comfortable, you’ll look confident in every photo. If you’d like personalized guidance or an in-salon trial, I’m Lena and I’d love to help you create the perfect bridal hairstyle.