How to Find the Right Bridal Hairstyle for You
There are hundreds of great bridal hairstyles and settling on one is no easy feat. We give you the pros and cons of four classic looks.
by Erin Whitty
We asked Mandy Kingsman, Toni&Guy Hair Care Artistic Director, to explain the positives and negatives of these four basic bridal styles.
Peek-a-boo
Pros: This is timeless and glamorous style for a bride. This hairstyle best suits layered locks or shoulder-blade length hair. Because it makes such a style statement, very few other embellishments to your dress or jewellery are needed.
Cons: “If your hair is really heavy, or all one length, the wave will drop out,” Mandy says. “Keep a brush handy on the day if it’s raining [so you can manage any frizz].”
Half Up
Pros: With this style you can have your hair down, and not have to constantly sweep it away from your face. If your hair doesn’t hold curl very well, with part of your hair pinned back, it will still look polished hours into the day. “Increase the volume at the crown if you don’t have a lot of natural volume or want to look taller,” Mandy says. “The back combing will also give your veil better grip and hold.”
Cons: “This look requires a good amount of length,” so avoid it if your hair hangs above your shoulders, or you have short bangs around your face.
Top Knot
Pros: “Rain won’t ruin this look,” Mandy says. It’s a good choice if you’re saying your “I do’s” in the rainy months. Wear it smooth and sleek, or soft and dishevelled for a more casual take. Because it is so simple, it works well with a gorgeous hair accessory. Adorn it with a pretty crystal headband or clip (attach this to the underside of the bun and if you’re wearing a veil, slide it in directly beneath your top knot).
Cons: With your hair scraped back it draws attention to your face and features. “If you’re overly self conscious about your ears sticking out or if you feel your nose is on the larger side, don’t choose this look,” Mandy says. “But really, you only have to avoid it if you’ll worry about how your ears or nose look, rather than enjoy the day.”
Soft Side Pony
Pros: This is a very contemporary approach to bridal hair.“If you have a structured dress, it will help soften your look, and it’s fantastic on a windy day,” she says.
Cons: You’ll need relatively thick hair and a defined jaw line to balance the weight of the hair which is gathered to one side. “Avoid this look if you have overly layered hair as the shorter lengths will show up too much.”
Loose Up ‘Do
Pros: This soft hair up is great for the majority of hair types but is particularly “good for brides with lots of hair or heavy hair that doesn’t hold curl.” It works well on oval face shapes and round face shapes too, “if you work more height at the top,” Mandy says.
Cons: “If you have a lot of baby hair around the face, you’ll see it with this look. Fringes also don’t work well with this particular style.”
Have you decided on your hair style? What factors (weather, location, face shape) have helped form your choice?
More great bridal hair ideas:
> On the Red Carpet at 2012 Cannes Film Festival
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