Your wedding day is the culmination of months (perhaps years!) of meticulous planning, Pinterest boards bursting with inspiration, and countless conversations about every tiny detail. But amidst the venue hunting, cake tasting and dress fittings, your crowning glory – quite literally – deserves just as much attention. After all, your hair will be immortalised in photographs that you’ll cherish forever, not to mention scrutinised by your great-aunt Mildred who still hasn’t forgiven her niece for that “experimental” fringe in her 1987 wedding photos.
Let’s ensure your locks are living their best life when you say “I do” with these essential wedding hair tips that will have you looking fabulous from the first look to the last dance. Here’s our top tips on how to elevate your wedding day hair…
Don’t Do A Look You Never Rock
On your most important day, why do a look you never rock? One of the biggest mistakes brides make is trying to get too experimental and going with hairstyles that they’ll later come to regret. If you’ve never worn your hair in a towering updo, your wedding day might not be the ideal moment to debut this look.
Think about your everyday style and how you feel most comfortable and confident. Are you typically a ponytail person? Perhaps a sleek, elevated ponytail with some face-framing tendrils would be perfect. Do you love your natural curls? Consider embracing them rather than straightening for the first time. The key is to look like the most magnificent version of yourself, not someone your partner might struggle to recognise at the altar.
Remember that wedding days are emotional enough without adding the stress of constantly touching a hairstyle that feels foreign to you. When you feel like yourself – just more polished – you’ll be able to focus on the joy of the day rather than worrying if that unfamiliar fringe is still sitting right.
What’s The Weather Like?
Before committing to those perfect beach waves or that intricate updo, take a moment to consider the forecast. Nothing will deflate your carefully crafted curls faster than unexpected humidity, and a blustery wind will have those loose tendrils looking more windswept than whimsical.
For summer weddings, especially those in humid locations, consider styles that keep hair off your neck – not just for aesthetics but for comfort too. Nobody wants to be dealing with sweaty strands while saying their vows. Braided elements can add both security and style to summer wedding looks, while adding extra hold products will help combat humidity.
Winter brides face different challenges – static from dry air, potential rain or snow, and the stark contrast between heated indoor venues and chilly outdoor photo locations. Updos often fare better in winter conditions, and your stylist can recommend anti-humidity and anti-static products to keep everything in place regardless of what the British weather decides to throw at you on your big day.
The location matters too – a windswept beach wedding might call for a different approach than a controlled indoor environment. Always have a backup plan or style adjustment ready if Mother Nature decides not to cooperate with your hair goals.
Investigate Looks With Your Stylist
A hair stylist can and should provide guidance on how you should wear your hair. They can help you find a style that suits your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. They can also recommend products and techniques for styling and maintaining your hair throughout your special day.
Don’t be shy about scheduling multiple consultations if needed. A good bridal hair stylist will welcome your questions and concerns, and they’ll have extensive experience in dealing with wedding day hair emergencies. Bring along a mood board – whether physical or digital – showing various angles of styles you’re drawn to, as well as images of your dress and any hair accessories you’re considering.
During your consultation, be open about your hair history too. If you’ve recently coloured your hair, if you have extensions, or if you have concerns about thin areas or cowlicks, your stylist needs to know. They might suggest treatments in the months leading up to your wedding to ensure your hair is in its best condition for the big day.
Remember that professional stylists have seen it all – they know which styles photograph well, which ones will last through a night of dancing, and which ones might cause you discomfort after a few hours. Trust their expertise while ensuring your preferences are heard.
Read: The IDEAL Guide To A Great Wedding Beauty Regime
What’s The Wig Idea?
Consider adding a hairpiece to your wedding day arsenal. In the past, wigs have had a bit of a bad reputation. However, wigs have been mainstream for quite some time and the technology has improved dramatically. Today’s options are virtually undetectable and can be customised to match your natural hair perfectly. Many celebrities like Adele, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj are proud to talk about their wigs, normalising what was once considered a secret styling tool.
Layered wigs are particularly versatile for bridal looks, as they provide incredible dimension and movement that photographs beautifully. The varied lengths create a natural-looking texture that can be styled in multiple ways, from romantic waves to sophisticated updos, giving you flexibility for your wedding day vision.
Experts on layered wigs from UNice tell us that the best way to find the perfect wig for your wedding is to try on different styles and colours. They suggest visiting a wig shop or trying on wigs online to get a better idea of what works for you. They add “if you are not experienced in wig styling, you may want to consider hiring a wig stylist to help you choose and style your wig for your wedding. They can help you choose the best wig for your face shape and hair color, and ensure that your wig looks natural and beautiful on your special day”.
Not ready for a full wig? Consider the middle ground with high-quality clip-in extensions that can add volume, length, or both. These can be particularly useful for brides with fine hair who want a fuller look for their wedding day. Clip-ins can be coloured to match your hair perfectly and can be styled along with your natural hair for a seamless blend.
For those concerned about hair thinning or particular areas of the scalp showing, there are also targeted toppers that add volume and coverage just where you need it. Your stylist can help integrate these pieces so naturally that even your closest friends won’t be able to tell what’s yours and what’s added.
With wigs, you no longer have limits on the look you want to achieve for your wedding day. Just remember to purchase your hairpieces well in advance of the wedding to allow time for any necessary customisation, and be sure to bring them to your hair trial so your stylist can practice working with them.
Read: The Different Types Of Hair Extensions: A Comprehensive Guide
Take Your Dress Into Consideration
Your goal should be to choose a hair look that will make you “feel the most beautiful” for your special occasion, while complementing your wedding dress perfectly. Some dress styles look better with an updo than a down-do, and finding the right balance is essential for a harmonious overall look.
For dresses with high necklines or intricate bodice details, lifting the hair away from the face and neck often works best to showcase these elements. A high-necked lace gown, for instance, pairs beautifully with a classic chignon or French twist that won’t compete with the detail work.
Conversely, strapless or off-the-shoulder designs create a beautiful canvas for hair worn down or partially down. Soft waves cascading over bare shoulders can create a romantic, ethereal effect that photographs beautifully. Backless gowns present another consideration – an updo will showcase the dramatic back detail, while hair worn down might conceal what could be your dress’s most striking feature.
Ballgowns with their dramatic silhouettes often pair well with equally dramatic updos that balance the proportions, while sleek, minimalist column dresses might call for sleeker, more contemporary hair styling. Bohemian or relaxed dress styles naturally complement more tousled, relaxed hair looks.
Don’t forget to consider your veil attachment and any dress changes planned for the reception. If you’ll be removing your veil after the ceremony or changing into a second dress, discuss with your stylist how your hair can transition seamlessly between looks without needing a complete restyle.
Don’t Go Too Trendy
While scrolling through Instagram might tempt you to try the latest hair trend, consider the versatility and timelessness of your chosen style. Updos are classic and beautiful for a reason – they’ve stood the test of time and rarely look dated in wedding photos decades later.
Think about iconic brides throughout history whose looks still inspire us today – from Grace Kelly’s timeless elegance to Kate Middleton’s perfect balance of tradition and modernity. Their choices weren’t driven by fleeting trends but by styles that enhanced their natural beauty and complemented their overall bridal aesthetic.
That’s not to say you can’t incorporate modern elements. The key is to choose trends with staying power or to incorporate them subtly. Perhaps you love the current trend of pearl hair accessories – these have a classic quality that won’t immediately date your photos. Or maybe you’re drawn to the modern textured updo – this too has elements of classic styling while feeling fresh and contemporary.
Another approach is to save trendier styles for your reception or hen party, keeping your ceremony look more timeless. This gives you the best of both worlds – classic photos for posterity and the fun of embracing current trends for celebration.
Remember that wedding photos last forever, and what seems cutting-edge now might look distinctly “2025” when you’re celebrating your silver anniversary. Aim for a style that enhances your natural beauty in a way that will still make you smile when you look back at your albums decades from now.
Get Cuts & Colour Treatments Done In Advance
Get colour treatments done in advance of the wedding. You don’t want the added stress of getting your extensions, highlights or colour done a day or two before your big day. This buffer allows time for any necessary adjustments and for your hair to settle into its most natural state.
Fresh colour can sometimes appear too vibrant or slightly unnatural immediately after application. That week-long window gives the colour time to soften slightly and blend more naturally with your skin tone. It also allows time for any scalp irritation from chemical processes to subside completely.
For cuts, the timing depends on your hair type and the style you’re planning. If you wear your hair in a precision cut like a bob, scheduling your trim 1-2 weeks before the wedding ensures it looks fresh but not too freshly cut. For longer styles, especially those being put up, 3-4 weeks pre-wedding is often ideal – this gives enough time for any harsh edges to soften while still maintaining the shape.
If you’re planning any more dramatic hair changes – like going significantly lighter or darker, or changing your cut substantially – give yourself at least three months of adjustment time. This allows for corrections if needed and for you to get comfortable with your new look.
For treatments like keratin smoothing or deep conditioning, schedule these 2-3 weeks before the wedding for optimal effect. And if you’re considering extensions, have these applied 2-3 weeks beforehand to allow time for any necessary adjustments and for you to get accustomed to styling and caring for them.
Don’t Skimp On A Stylist
“Whenever I’ve been a bridesmaid or had my hair done, I’ve hated it so I’m not getting a stylist”. Yes, we’ve been there. However, it’s worth investing in a hair stylist to make sure that your hair is perfect. They know all the little tricks so your hair will stay in place all day. Moreover, you can have hair trials before your big day so they know exactly what you’re looking for.
A professional wedding hair stylist isn’t just skilled at creating beautiful styles – they’re experts in creating beautiful styles that last. They understand how different hair types respond to humidity, activity, and hours of wear. They know exactly which products will give your particular hair the hold it needs without making it crunchy or dull in photographs.
When choosing your stylist, look for someone with specific bridal experience. Wedding hair requires different techniques from everyday styling or even formal event hair – it needs to look perfect from every angle for photos, withstand hugs from countless well-wishers, and remain intact through hours of celebration.
The hair trial is an essential part of this process. Use this opportunity not just to test the style but to test the stylist-client relationship too. Do they listen to your concerns? Are they receptive to adjustments? Do they explain their process and product choices? A good stylist will collaborate with you to refine the look until you’re completely happy.
Consider timing on the wedding day too – an experienced bridal stylist will know exactly how long your style will take and can help schedule the morning preparations accordingly. They’ll also know how to work efficiently within the often hectic getting-ready environment, staying calm and focused despite the surrounding excitement.
Remember to book your chosen stylist well in advance – the best wedding hair specialists often have calendars that fill up 12-18 months ahead, especially for peak wedding season.
To Veil, Crown Or Not?
Of course, your hair is your crown, so you should wear it proud. But don’t be scared to go and try on headpieces or a veil. It doesn’t have to be a veil that covers your face like in the olden days, and you needn’t think of it as a symbol of purity and modesty and all the religious and patriarchal connotations that go with it.
Modern veils come in countless styles, from dramatic cathedral-length statements to playful shoulder-skimming birdcage designs. They can be adorned with delicate beading, lace appliqués, or left elegantly plain. Some brides opt for coloured or ombré veils for a contemporary twist, while others choose subtle shimmer for a touch of magic.
When selecting your veil or headpiece, consider both the style of your dress and your chosen hairstyle. Some veils attach best to updos, while others are designed to float over hair worn down. Your hairstylist should be consulted about placement – they can ensure your veil is securely attached while remaining comfortable throughout the day.
Beyond veils, the options for bridal hair accessories are more diverse than ever. From vintage-inspired combs and pins to bohemian flower crowns, sleek minimalist headbands to dramatic tiaras – there’s something for every bridal aesthetic. Many brides choose hairpieces that incorporate meaningful elements – perhaps crystals that match jewellery passed down through generations, or flowers that echo their bouquet.
Changing Styles
Remember that you don’t need to commit to wearing your veil or headpiece all day. Many brides choose to wear their veil for the ceremony and formal photographs, then remove it for the reception to reveal a second hair detail, like crystal pins or fresh flowers. This gives you the traditional bridal moment while allowing for comfort and a style evolution as the celebration continues.
Just like it’s become the norm to change dresses on your big day, some brides opt for a complete hair change between ceremony and reception – perhaps transitioning from a formal updo with veil to loose waves adorned with a delicate hairpiece for dancing. Discuss these options with your stylist, who can create styles that transform easily.
Whatever you choose, ensure it feels authentic to you. The best bridal accessories enhance rather than overwhelm, complementing both your personal style and the overall wedding aesthetic you’ve created.
The Bottom Line
Remember, your wedding day hair should make you feel confident, beautiful, and most importantly, like yourself. With these expanded tips and the right professional support, you’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons as you make your way down the aisle. Your hair will be perfectly prepared to withstand tears of joy, enthusiastic hugs, hours of dancing, and all the magical moments in between. Now that’s what we call hair-ever after!
