Timeless classics with a modern twist are the wedding hairstyles that I am being asked about the most. Think Royal Wedding hair - but not in the traditional way. Feminine, effortless and chic has been the dominant hair and makeup trend for past few years and it has fed through to the wedding hairstyles and makeup looks I am being asked to recreate. And of course we are all different - thank goodness, so I’ve also had a fair few brides that are asking to create the complete opposite to classic wedding hair going instead for tousled beach waves and a boho look with elaborate wedding hair accessories. Effortless and natural hairstyles though are the two words I hear a lot.
In this blog I thought I would share the inspiration for some of the best wedding hair creations I have had the pleasure of working on and the top 5 bridal hairstyles I am being asked about leading into Summer and Winter weddings. With pics of course!
A simple chignon with a few strands of hair left loose is the epitome of effortless and elegant you can see more of this style in my inspiration gallery Bridal Hair by Kimberley
Most Brides that come for their hair trial with me are looking to create something on trend, but also want to make sure the look is timeless so that looking back on wedding photographs in the future does not make you cringe! It is important to think forwards and to remember your wedding photos will also be displayed in other peoples homes so make sure you think that hairstyle through!
From hairstyles at the Met Gala, Catwalks and the Oscars to Celebrity brides and Royal Weddings I have been asked to look at photos and re-create and individualise these picture perfect wedding hairstyles for my brides. I always start with the neckline of your wedding dress and I have some examples of other styles in my advice blog ‘which bridal hairstyle will suit my wedding dress?’ Connect with me on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date and to see other ideas. I’d love to see your pics too!
1. Effortless Wedding Up-dos
Classic and chic chignons have had a makeover this year and I suppose the most famous effortless updo hairstyle of the moment is Meghan Markle Duchess of Sussex. I get shown that picture a lot! Either all swept back with a low bun and centre parting or with tendrils of hair left tousled at the front framing the face. For some brides adding some texture to create waves will create a more relaxed and romantic wedding hairstyle.
You can also personalise this look with some simple wedding hair accessories like fresh flowers or a unique piece of jewellery. To create the Duchess' look a veil and a detailed comb, tiara or crown will finish this beautiful updo off perfectly. For a textured more romantic or boho look you can style your updo hairstyle with bridal hair flowers, a hair vine or flower crown - in fact this hairstyle is so versatile that the options are endless!
A lot of brides ask how to create something that is a little different but keeping their hair natural at the same time. This hairstyle is perfect for that - by leaving a few bits of hair loose creates a simple undone natural look.
There is such a range of different wedding hairstyles you can create along the theme of an easy wedding updo hairstyle. If you like the idea of creating an updo then also come back soon to take a look at my next advice blog Top 10 updos for brides.
Here are some effortless updos that I have created and also some other inspiration - you can find all the sources at the end of the pictures. I’d love to see your pics and ideas too - connect with me on Instagram and/or Facebook to see more.
If you have shorter hair check out my advice blog on pretty hairstyles for short hair. You will see that you can still achieve this look and if you want to go longer you can always consider having hair extensions added before the big day.
A twisted, low up-do will work on any hair colour, at any age. Taken from the Dior show, the style is side-parted at the front with a little root lift.
Photo credit via Glamour
For the next two photos my brides had long and medium length hair - the messy low bun with tendrils and a twist for a boho romantic look or a perfect chignon for elegance can work for both. It can also work on short hair - such as a long bob or a lob. And there is room for flowers or a wedding tiara and veil. This wedding hairstyle suits all dresses and really shows off your neckline. Great for brides and bridesmaids looking for an effortless wedding hairstyle.
Braids, twists, low bun with flower hair accessories boho and chic at the same time! Photo credit: Hair by Bridal Hair by Kimberley
A lovely soft low bun with curls with diamanté's hair comb accessory created during bridal hair trial at my wedding hair studio near Bristol.
2. ROMANTIC SOFT WAVES
As a wedding hairdresser I get asked about creating hairstyles that look similar to Kate Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge. Her glossy bouncy blow-dry is an all time classic look and every time she is pictured I get a flurry of questions about recreating her hairstyle. For her wedding she pulled her hair off her face but kept it half down and natural. I have no doubt that this classic look will continue through 2021 into 2022. Hair needs to be in great condition of course and we can discuss how to get your hair into the best condition it can be before your wedding at your hair trial.
There’s endless variations of this look which means we can create a style just for you. For the elegant bridal look you could also go for Hollywood waves - which are making a real resurgence perhaps because they have been seen so much on the red carpet. Or for a textured voluminous look see Victoria’s Secret model Taylor Hill’s bouncy blow-dry at the Met Gala - this would make the perfect bridal hair do. You can even go for beachy messy waves to create a lovely bohemian vibe that still has a romantic feel.
Hollywood waves, bouncy curls and romantic soft waves can all be parted on the side or in the middle and pulled back with a side comb wedding hair accessory so that you can have your own unique look.
Medium or long hair work well with all these styles - but don’t worry if you have shorter hair such as a lob or bob as many of these looks can be adapted for brides who have shorter hair.
3. BRAIDS/PLAITS, TWISTED AND TEXTURED HAIRSTYLES
Everyone loves a braided hairstyle and I love doing braids and twists. It shows off brides perfectly as it keeps hair off of the face. Having five daughters definitely keeps me well practiced and also constantly creating new looks. 2021 has seen a real resurgence in braids - for both long and short hair. Perhaps this is because of the number of weddings where there has been a more nature, outdoors boho wedding theme trend. For an updated look the braid can be textured for a real boho chic look. Or add some volume on top to add height and sophistication to a fishtail braid. Create a mini braided bun or add a waterfall braid to straight or curled hair for super pretty half up half down styles. For elegance create a low bun or chignon with a side plait.
Hair by Bridal Hair by Kimberley created during a photo shoot @barleywood wedding venue in Somerset near Bristol.
Long cascading curls are gathered together with a wonderful waterfall braid, ideal for a rustic or country-style wedding day ‘do.
Hair by Bridal Hair by Kimberley
Hair by Bridal Hair by Kimberley
For an extra pretty and soft look you can have your plait coming over your shoulder with tendrils creates a natural wedding hairstyle.
A lovely textured fishtail - I love doing braids! See my instagram or inspiration gallery for more plaits and braids.
4. TWISTED AND TEXTURED HAIRSTYLES
You could go for a twisted look finishing in a low bun which can be styled to look both chic and glamorous. You can add extra details too - such as small braids or a twist at the sides and across the top of your low bun. I have created this style on bob and curly hair so you don’t always have to have long hair to achieve this look. Texture created from twists are just as beautiful in updos and half up hairstyles alike.
So if you like this look but you can’t decide between a bun or a braid - then why not go for both!
Lots of texture to create this boho look complete with lovely pearl and diamante hair vine accessory twisted through. Photo credit: Bridal Hair by Kimberley
Such lovely long hair curled and textured with a half up half down finish. Hair by Bridal Hair by Kimberley
WHAT ACCESSORIES WORK WITH BRAIDS/PLAITS, TEXTURED AND TWISTED WEDDING HAIRSTYLES?
It is important to compliment your hairstyle and accessorising this look is about accentuating the flow of the hair. For example a vine that flows along the twist or that is incorporated into the braid will look romantic and boho chic. You can add in little sparkle clips or small flowers - a line of gypsophila inserted into a twist or braid can look really pretty too.
A lovely twisted updo on fine hair with crystal and pearl wedding hair comb accessory. Hair by Bridal Hair by Kimberley
5. WEDDING PONYTAILS
You might be surprised to see this here. If you are like me you use a ponytail for pulling back your hair for the gym or for work to get it out of your face. But a ponytail can be made into something really special and I love this simple natural looking hairstyle which looks sweet on bridesmaids and brides alike. Modern, romantic and bohemian brides take a look at the playful ponytail as it can be styled to suit everyone and every wedding theme.
A ponytail not only keeps your hair off of your face but it can elongate your neck too. You can also pull down some hair in waves and set the ponytail so it falls over one shoulder for a romantic boho look. From polished smooth ponytails, high messy pony tails, low pony tails with texture and volume there is a style that will suit everyone. To accessorise you can add a little sparkle with jewel or crystal hairpins or a headpiece wrapped around the base of the ponytail.
Can I wear a veil with a pony tail? There is no reason why not! We can take a look at the best way to fix it that shows off your hair and dress.
I have been so lucky to have helped so many brides create their perfect wedding hairstyle and I am delighted to keep sharing these with you via my website, facebook and instagram. And now that wedding season is well and truly underway again I am loving all the different and new ideas that brides are coming up with. With calls coming in for winter weddings and 2o22 it is really exciting time to be a wedding hairstylist!
If you have a wedding coming up get in touch and we can talk about what look you would like and how we can personalise that for you.