All the wedding hairstyle inspiration you could ever need
For all lengths and all textures ✨🔔👰🏻♀️
Struggling to find the perfect style for your bridal hair? We get it. There are so many options, do you go for an updo or leave your locks down? Opt for a fancy bridal headband or add some pretty hair clips? The options seem endless. Well, don't freak out, because whether your hair is short, long, or that awkward-in-between length - we've got all the bridal hair inspiration you could ever need...
There are a few things to bear in mind when figuring out what your dream wedding hairstyle is so we asked top hairstylist Tim Scott Wright what his advice is when it comes to choosing a wedding hairstyle. The first thing? “I always advise to pick the dress before you decide on the hair. The hair will very much depend on the style of dress,” he warns.
Also try not to be rigid with what you want initially, as they will have options that you might not have thought of, “be open to stylist suggestions. Sometimes the hair you had in mind doesn’t always work the best. Try the one you had in mind, but also let the stylist have their own creative input and try something from their own perspective. In my experience, this is the one you usually end up going for and it’s often something you didn’t dream would work.”
Make sure you take into account if you're wearing a veil too. "If you have your heart set on a veil then you’ll probably want a simple hairstyle," says Melissa Timperley, owner of Melissa Timperley salons. "It’s likely you’ll also want the style to work with the veil during the wedding ceremony and then, at the reception (when many brides remove the veil), to also make you look stunning."
Oh, and if you're still trying to decide on the perfect makeup look for the big day, be sure to check out our favourite wedding makeup looks next.
Softly shaped
Stefan Bertin's client list includes Leigh-Ann Pinnock and Leticia Wright, so it's no wonder he has all the inspiration coily girls could ever need.
We how he has kept the natural shape and accentuated it with some bridal worthy flowers.
The Classic Bun
The wedding that broke the internet, and took Sofia Riche Grainge's it-girl status stratospheric, featured the most classic and simple bun by Kathleen Riley and it was perfect. Not only is it simple and elegant, but it really allows all the other elements, the face, dress, jewels and veil, to all shine.
Gilded Butterfly
This look is simply magical. It's ethereal, it's luxurious, it captures a playful spirit while also being elegant. Simply obsessed with these butterflies from Jennifer Behr.
A twist on a classic
As soon as Florence Pugh stepped on the red carpet with this cute top knot, we knew it would be one we would want to recreate one day.
Styled by Peter Luxe, this is one to save if you want a modern up-do for your big day.
Bridal beachy waves
Our very own Editor-in-Chief, Claire, chose Emma Kim for her wedding. Not only is Emma the friendliest, warmest personality that totally puts you at ease, but she is a true pro at the “relaxed, undone and textured” aesthetic. Her skills strike the perfect balance between polished, carefully-constructed styles that’ll last all day, but also kinda look like you just happened to roll out of bed having your best ‘cool girl’ hair day ever.
Beautiful balayage
Taylor Taylor London was voted Hair Salon of the Year in 2023, and it’s the place to go if you want your hair colour to take centre stage on your big day. Creative colourist Stuart Marsh works wonders at their Liberty salon and has been doing our Editor-in-Chief Claire’s colour for two years. “Stuart is brilliant at creating really natural-looking blonde, using an arsenal of highlights, subtle balayage, toners and conditioning treatments.”
Bridal Bow
Half-up styles are great for looser curls and what better way to give it a stylish touch than a bow. Bows work great for adding to simple bridal looks, or for building on maximalist ones. This is another accessory from our fave, Jennifer Behr.
Hint of jewels
A wash-and-go is an effortless style for your big day – use a pik to create even more volume. The jewel gives a hint of extra glam in place of a veil.
Laid back bride
An up-do for people scared of up-dos. Created by @rock_n_roller_hair, this is a great compromise for anyone who wants the focus on their dress, but doesn't feel entirely comfortable having their hair fully off their face.
Pearl-Drop Princess Hair
Dreamy waves? Check. A half-up 'do? Check. Pearl hair pins? Check. All the essentials for royal-worthy hair.
Cool Girl Pearls
She's not a regular bride she's a cool bride. This simple loose bun is dotted with the prettiest pearls to give a special touch to an understated style. This would look so cute with a bridal suit.
Mermaid waves
Why not try mermaid waves on the big day? Prep damp strands with a salt spray to enhance the natural texture of your hair, then use a diffuser and scrunch the lengths to add texture whilst blow-drying. If your locks are naturally straight, be sure to hit up our guide to the best curling tongs here.
Intricate florals
Little flowers in an updo add a delicate finishing touch.
Bedazzeled Bob
You may be worried about making your bob feel bridal, but it's just because you don't see it enough! Short hair is just as beautiful on brides. And there are lots of gorgeous ways to elevate it if you want that bit more on your special day, like a jewel-encrusted headband.
A high pony
A playful high pony + backless wedding dress = beaut. Be sure your golden glow is on point though, if you need a little help in the fake tanning department check out our expert tips, here.
Crown + gown
Go all out with a floral crown on your big day, I mean weddings can never have too many flowers anyway!
Elegant Twist Up
Show off your natural hair with this dreamy half updo... The hairline twist is simply stunning.
Twisted boho braid
A combination of hair twists and mini braids make up the foundation for this oh-so beautiful power plait. It's all about the details with this look, so be sure to add an accessory.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Elena Chabo is Cosmopolitan UK's former beauty writer, working on everything from buzzy celeb news and trending beauty, to sincere first-person reviews and engaging video content for social media. She also creates meatier features and expert-led how-to guides, for print and online. Her passion for Black beauty, textured hair, and the ways beauty interacts with culture, society, identity and relationships, quickly took over her writing career and led her into beauty journalism. Following an MA in Magazine Journalism in 2017, she cut her teeth across various roles at Stylist Magazine, before taking on a Digital Writer role at Good Housekeeping. It was here that beauty took centre stage and she launched and ran the site's first stand-alone beauty section. Remaining at Hearst, she joined the Cosmo beauty team in 2022. Find her on LinkedIn.
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