Hairstyles for Brides

The possibilities for bridal hairstyles are endless. With a little research, you can find the style that is uniquely you, whether it is simple or intricate. Make an appointment to have your stylist work with your hair to determine your final style and decide if you want to use hair accessories. Whether up or down, curly or straight, a bride's hair on her wedding day will be seen in photographs for years to come.

Function

Bridal hairstyles complement the wedding gown and bring attention upward to the bride's face. The distinct hairdo accentuates facial features and makes the bride stand out on her special day. Some women prefer all of their hair pinned up so it stays in place throughout the events of the day, while others prefer to have their hair down.

Features

Wedding day hairstyles are more glamorous than everyday hairdos. Most brides choose an up do, where all of the hair is swept up into a bun, French twist or curls. Some hairstyles are relaxed and casual, with the hair left down or only a portion of it pulled back. Any style can be accented with glittery accessories like combs, pins or tiaras, or with a one large or a few small flowers--such as baby's breath--tucked in.

Types

Tousled hairstyles can be achieved easily if the bride's hair is naturally wavy, otherwise, a slight curl is put into the hair and gently brushed out. Straight styles necessitate a blow-out or the use of a flat iron. Curly styles require a curling iron. Bobby pins are most commonly used to pin up hair into up dos, but combs are generally used for French twists. A decorative clip can accommodate half-up, half-down styles.

Time Frame

The length of time necessary for creating a bridal hairstyle depends on the design chosen. A simple blow-out can take 10 to 15 minutes, while extremely intricate designs require upwards of an hour. It also depends on the speed of the stylist. If you are doing your hair yourself on the day of the wedding, allow extra time so you are not feeling rushed.

Considerations

It helps to decide on your bridal hairstyle before the day of the wedding. Consult with your hairstylist and make an appointment for a hair trial so you can play around with your hair and experiment with different hairdos to determine what you like best. If your hair is overly frizzy or needs to be straightened with an iron, take the weather into consideration, since a humid or rainy day can wreak havoc on your hairstyle.

Identification

Look at bridal or beauty magazines for pictures of hairstyles before going to the salon. Clip the ones you like and bring them with you so the stylist can replicate them during the hair consultation. Alternately, wedding websites offer photo galleries of bridal hairdos.