10 Easy Wedding Hair Styles Brides Can Do Themselves
Weddings are expensive. In fact, The Knot’s Real Wedding Survey found the average cost of a weddings is at an all time high of $35,329. So, if you’re not willing to sacrifice your dream dress or an awesome band, you might want to consider doing your own hair. Luckily, there are tons of easy styles to recreate. Here are 10 of our favorites.
1. Waterfall braid
Lizzie Rovsek shows off a gorgeous braid. | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Your special day is the time to pull out all the stops — and your hairdo is no exception. If you’re looking for something more elevated than your typical half up, half down style, why not try a waterfall braid? It’ll keep your hair out of your face when you’re dancing the night away with your special someone and will look great in all your wedding pictures. Fortunately, it’s easy to do, too.
According to Bridal Guide, you should start a small French braid on the side of your head and slowly braid from right to left. Once the braid reaches the other side of your hair, secure it with a couple of bobby pins and you’re good to go.
2. French braid
Eva Longoria sports a lovely updo. | Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
While we’re on the topic of braids, those French braids you used to wear back at camp could actually come in handy for your nuptials. You’ll likely shudder away from rocking two tight French braids down the aisle, but a more ethereal iteration might do the trick.
Instead of starting your braids at the top of your scalp, weave a single braid just above the nape of your neck. For a dreamy look, tease the root of your hair for extra volume and add some baby’s breath to your hair tie at the bottom of the braid.
3. Messy updo
Elena Carriere shows the new way to wear your hair up.| Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images
Sure, those messy updos virtually every bride wears look difficult. But in reality? Pretty easy. Start by drying your hair — Martha Stewart Weddings notes the more volume your hair has, the better. Divide your hair into two sections, loosely twist the two sections together, and pull your hair up to the middle of your head. Secure it with bobby pins and you’ll be ready to say, “I do.”
4. Braided crown
Salma Hayek looks like royalty in this style.| Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Consider a braided crown a great, and easy, alternative if you want to forego a traditional veil. And if you have long hair, this style should be on your shortlist of wedding hair styles. Real Simple says to separate your hair into two parts and braid both pieces. Wrap each braid above and over your head, then fasten your hair with bobby pins behind your ears.
As beautiful as this look is, it does have a tendency to fall out of place over the course of the night. To make sure your hair’s intact as you’re tearing it up on the dance floor, we recommend spritzing some extra hold spray and using as many bobby pins as possible.
5. Classic chignon
Queen Letizia of Spain shows why this look will always be in style. | Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images
A chignon is essentially the little black dress of hair styles, so if you’re in the market for something simple that will keep hair out of your face, this one’s for you. Thankfully, you don’t need to enlist some pricey hair stylist to get your locks into a chignon. According to Elle, you simply need to twist your hair from the nape of your neck to your ends and then roll your hair into a bun-like shape on the back of your head. Last but not least, add some bobby pins and hair spray for good measure.
6. Twisted side ponytail
Heather Hemmens rocks the updated side ponytail. | Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Ponytails aren’t just appropriate for the gym — you can wear them on your big day, too. But to give your ponytail an elegant and elevated spin, try the twisted side ponytail, which Bridal Guide says any newbie can master. All you need to do is give your hair a side part — the bridal magazine recommends a right part — but before you push all your hair to the left, set aside a section of strands. Next, you’re going to want to twist and pull that section of hair to the rest of your mane so you can ultimately tie both sections into a ponytail. This style could work with any texture, but we think adding soft waves to your ends would be a nice, feminine touch.
7. Pretty half-up
Katherine Bailess does the half-up do with complete elegance.| Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Can’t decide if you want to sport a sophisticated updo or show off your lengthy locks on your wedding day? A half-up style is the perfect middle ground. And if you want something more special than the half-up you sport on the weekends, we found the perfect solution for you on Bridal Guide. Before you tease the top of your head to mimic a bouffant, separate two chunks of hair from each side of your head. Slowly twist and weave the pieces toward the center of your head for a regal take on the classic style. Keep your ‘do intact all night long by adding some bobby pins.
8. Beachy waves
Georgia Fowler looks lovely with waves.| Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Buns and braids are great options, but if you have short hair, they’re unattainable. Luckily, beachy waves can work on just about anyone — especially those brides to be who are sporting a long bob (aka lob) or bob. Plus, it’s pretty simple. After you give yourself a classic blow out, apply some salt spray to your hair. The salt will give your hair that fresh-from-the-ocean look you’ve been craving.
Your wedding day should be one of the best hair days of your life, so it’s a good idea to keep a curling iron nearby to enhance or correct any waves.
9. Sleek bun
Elisabeth Banks looks stunning in this classic bun. | Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images
Want something as elegant as your minimalist centerpieces? A sleek bun is your best bet. To start, dry your hair and use an anti-frizz serum to make your locks as straight as possible. Martha Stewart Weddings recommends you pull your hair into a ponytail, begin to secure it with a hair tie, and then stop once your hair is half-way through the tie, which will ultimately create a bun-like shape. For a sophisticated finishing touch, secure your bun with some bobby pins and wrap the access hair around your bun.
10. Elegant curls
If you need curl inspiration, look no further than this style on Naomie Harris. | Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
If you want to look like you on your wedding day — and are not much of a chignon or braid type of girl, a head full of loose curls might be just the thing. Simply plug in your curler — if you want big, loose curls, you should have a two-inch barrel on hand — wrap those strands around the wand, and release. If you want your hair to look more natural than manicured, try curling different sized chunks of hair at different heights. Just make sure you curl the hair by your face outward. That way, your veil will receive plenty of attention.