The top wedding hairstyles for long hair make an elegant accessory for brides and maids of honor on a special day. You may wear your hair in a variety of ways – whether it’s sleek and straight, dramatic with waves, styled “up” and effortless, Hollywood glam and classic, and so on.
Chicago-based stylist Angelica Mirela Tanta graciously agreed to meet with me to discuss this hair concept. Look into what she has to say about it.
💡 Key Things to Know First
Consultation is essential to figure out the quality of your hair and the best style you can wear on the big day. The biggest benefit of having a gorgeous appearance is that it may boost your mood and self-esteem. The problem occurs when you choose a hairstyle that doesn’t work with your own face shape and features, as well as hair texture and density. The stylist must be very open to explaining how to keep the style throughout the event.
Look at this photo gallery and discover stunning wedding hairstyles for long hair. You better prepare for the big day!
Vintage Wedding Updo
This hairstyle is a vintage-inspired bob up-do. I braided the bottom part first so that the rest could be rolled and secured onto the braid. Styling-wise, I curled her hair with a 1.5″ curling iron, spraying and setting as I went. All curls in the same direction. I created a slight finger wave on both sides and started pinning from the bottom up. This look would be stunning on a bride who loved the flapper era or if you were heading to a themed party where you needed to stand out. I like to think that classic hair looks never go out of style.
Loose Bridal Updo
This is a loose bridal updo. This bride wanted to be able to wear her hair to either side or behind her back. In order to achieve this style, you’ll need long hair. If you don’t have long hair, then you could use clip-in extensions. This style works best with someone who has medium to coarse hair. It can be worn by anyone with any dress style.
Soft & Bohemian
I would describe this look as soft and bohemian. I tried to keep the structure at a minimum to give more of an effortless look. My favorite thing about this look is how versatile it can be. It could be dressed up for a bridesmaid or dressed down for a festival look.
This style will work for any hair type, but I would recommend it for someone who wants their hair to look styled but not overdone. The product use is very minimal and requires very little maintenance to last all day. The more piecey and undone it gets, the better!
Amazing Infinity Braid
There are very intricate ways to twist and lock the hair. One of my favorites is the infinity braid. You can use this to tie back your hair for school or to dress up for a formal event. Some elements make the style possible. For example, light-colored hair shows the design. And, a lack of layers allows the braid to stay intact. Yet for styles like this, you have to have length to be able to work in a design.
Side Ponytail
Hair is curled, then twisted and pinned into a low-side ponytail with pin-curls resting on top of it. Keep the curls in your ponytail maintained with serum. I love Moroccan Oil. Extra long hair is best for this style. Curling hair makes it shrink, so the extra length will keep hair looking long even after it’s curled and put into a ponytail.
The soft curls in this will soften a square jaw. Avoid this style if you have a round face. It will only add more body to the sides. Backcomb underneath the hair that will go into the ponytail to add more body.
Stunning Messy Braid with Flowers
The perfect up style for an elegant event is a stunning messy braid with flowers. If you typically wear your hair down and aren’t too comfortable with your hair fully up and pulled back, this is a nice option to meet in the middle. Your hair will look like a half-up style, yet it will lay low. The style will hold all night, so be prepared to have lots of pins to take out at the end of the night, but well worth it for this beautiful style!
Sleek Updo
This look is all about class. Hair is softly swept away from your face and pinned to the middle of the back of your head in a sleek, yet tousled shape. When going for a sleek wedding hairstyle for long hair, make sure to add some shine to your hair to help it look polished. My favorite shine spray is Unite Eurotherapy Shina-Mist. Healthy, shiny hair is what this bridal style needs.
Since this style is completely pulled away from your face, it works best on an oval face. If your face is longer, add extra body to the sides. If it is round, add extra body to the top. Even though this is all taking place in the back of your head, don’t ignore the front. Make sure to create a flattering shape in the front and add some waves on the sides to keep it interesting.
Blonde Bombshell Down Do
Whether you’re looking for a wedding, prom, or a girl’s night out hair idea, give this “down do” a try! You can never go wrong with a classic beach wave style. The most effective way to get this look is by using a 1-1.5” wand or curling iron, making sure to take medium sized sections. After your hair has cooled down, brush the waves out with a flat brush. This will give your hair a softer look. To prevent the curls from falling straight, use a sea salt or texture spray to give the curls a tackiness to hold on to. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray for a look that will last you all night.
Extra Long Blonde Hairstyle
For your big day, once you have the dress, next comes deciding what to do with your hair. If you are thinking of wearing it down but aren’t there yet yourself, you could always add a halo set of extensions. This will definitely improve your long blonde hairstyle. Don’t forget to ask your bridal stylist if they’re comfortable working with them. If they are, bring them along for your hair trial.
Elegant Low Updo with Accessories
One of the best choices for your bridal style is an elegant low updo with accessories. You can face all weather and avoid messing up your hair while enjoying a fun night of dancing. To give your stylist a plan for your final look, try to have some accessories like your vail or a hair comb nearby.
Gorgeous Creamy Blonde Boho Style
A gorgeous creamy blonde boho style is the perfect wedding hair. One of the best ways to create a boho style is by adding an elegant, but simple braid to your hair. Creamy blonde hair showcase braids the best by accentuating different tones and depth in your hair. Don’t forget when doing a boho braid, keep the braid loose and organic.
Vintage Updo
A low, sleek bun in the back is dressed up with vintage pin-curls coming down each of the sides. Use a really hard hold hairspray such as TIGI Hard Head Hard Hold Hairspray when styling your hair. Medium to fine hair with at least medium-length layers works best for this style. This style works best if you have an oval face shape. Hair pulled back like this can be too harsh for a square-shaped face or a face with harsher features.
This is only the beginning when it comes to bridal hairstyle options for long hair. Whether you decide to show off your length or use it in a nice, full updo, hopefully, these creative wedding hairstyles for long hair ideas have given you inspiration and pointed you in the right direction.
Soft Curly Updo
It looks difficultly elegant but once you try it, you’ll be surprised at how easy this is! Just softly curl your hair and put them in a loose braid and you’re all set.
Simple Twist
Opt for a hairstyle that is classic, simple, romantic, and timeless. My favorite thing about this look is that it is so versatile, that it will fit perfectly with any wedding theme!
When choosing to wear your hair half down for your wedding, consider your hair texture, how well it holds a curl and what the weather will likely be that day!
I also feel it’s essential to pick a style you will feel completely comfortable in! If you usually wear it down or feel uncomfortable with your hair up, this will be the perfect look for you!
Vintage Glamour Wedding
This look is just like 1940s inspired Old Hollywood Glamour vintage brushed-out waves look. The best thing about it is its elegance and shine. It’s a way of creating a classic silhouette with a softer finish than the more traditional wave set. It’s an extremely wearable style that flatters most face shapes and really brings a sense of sophisticated elegance to your look.
My advice for someone considering wedding hairstyles for long hair like this is to aim for a one-length cut when considering their next cutting service. Layers tend to poke out and mess with the uniformity of the waves. Or, an even better-cut option would be to opt for a traditional horseshoe shape perimeter. This type of shape allows for better brush-outs and gives a consistent vintage finish to any curl set by framing the shape around the face where the hair is shortest and allowing the classic curved pageboy teardrop shape around the back.
Consider blow drying a good quality amplifying mousse product into the hair before curling and use a pomade to help smooth through any frizz during brush out.
Loose Braids with Pearls
Try loose braids with pearls for a style that’s got an elegant feel with a boho twist. The pearls add an extra touch of elegance to this simple and beautiful style. Ask your stylist if clip-in extensions can be added to the style for extra volume and length for fine and/or short hair.
Modern Half Up Ponytail
A modern half-up ponytail will never go out of style! Half up half down bridal hairstyles are the most popular style by far. The pulled-back pieces really compliment the soft waves and curled pieces that frame the face.
Double Ladder Braid Style
A double ladder braid is a unique and beautiful way to add elegance to any hairstyle. Braids are a styling technique that can work well with any hair texture and can be added to any hairstyle to create a point of interest.
Perfect for a Bridesmaid
A half-up style with curls is perfect for a bridesmaid with long, thick hair. An updo stylist can create the shape you want, whether more or less volume or beachy waves versus glamour waves. Bring options for ornamental accents to see what works the best for your look. A hairstylist can hide the pins within the curls for a seamless style.
Adorned Crown
Look even more charming with this icy blonde waves adorned with simple yet charming loose braids. You’ll surely be fit for royalty and a place on the throne!
Voluminous Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braided hairstyles like this look even more amazing when you add in subtle flower earrings.
Waterfall Braids with a Twist
This wedding hairstyle for long hair is called waterfall braid is an interesting version of an ordinary down style. It is perfect if you love braids, but you feel the best when your hair is down. It is suitable for various occasions, not only for a wedding.
This version with straight hair is the best choice for ladies who don’t feel well in curly or wavy hair. I recommend this style to those who love to wear an elegant style but also want to be a little cute and not too serious.
If you don’t have straight hair naturally, use heat protection and blow dry or iron them first. If you have dry, frizzy hair, make sure that you used smoothing milk or serum at least for your ends before using heat. I also love to use spray Sparkler by Osis for a shinier finish. Skip this step if you have fine hair with no volume.
Romantic Side Ponytail
The big curls look airy (light and fluffy) and fit well with a romantic playful bridal look that may show a pretty back neckline. I like the fact that it does not look too stuck and the bride can wear her hair as a piece of jewelry.
This look is well suited for a bride with very long hair which she would like to show. If the client has too fine hair or it is too short, but she still fell in love with this variant, it can be incorporated very well with clip extensions. The hairstyle is ideal for strapless (off-shoulder) dresses or dresses with specially designed back that should not be covered by the hair.
Braid-Wrapped Twist
This look is simple yet still elegant, sleek, and beautiful. Braiding is one of my biggest passions and I love that it allows styles to be unique and artistic. For instance, the bun in this style isn’t just your regular bun. It’s braided and twisted and I love that!
I would recommend this look to someone who is maybe wearing a one-shoulder dress or just wants some of their hair out of their face. It’s going to be a great look for someone who is more on the minimal side but it will still be a beautiful and unique look.
Twisted Back Waves
I would describe this as a romantic bridal look. I love how it incorporates the current braid trend, but still keeps a classic half-up silhouette which will allow it to remain timeless.
This is a great look for someone who wants to wear a veil for the ceremony and pictures but wants to be able to easily remove it for dinner and dancing, and have the look really last.
Since cascading length is the real show-stopper here, consider adding extensions for maximum volume and impact.
Extravagant Bridal Hairstyle
This is an extravagant bridal hairstyle.
It is the most requested updo from my brides, and my favorite thing about this particular hairstyle is that it represents me and my company, Belle Creations by Katlevu. It’s a very extravagant look and I love that I can achieve it. Many a hairstylist has told me they look up to me because this style is so difficult to create.
To achieve this look, I recommend having long, thick hair with extensions, lots of bobby pins, a hair bun for the volume, and a curling iron. As a hairstylist, I recommend taking your time to bring out every detail before pinning each curl and lightly use my favorite hairspray from Lóreal. This is what makes the hairstyle stand out and has a lot of detail.
I recommend this for brides that love that extravagant look.
Soft & Pretty
I would describe this look as soft, pretty, and modern. My favorite thing about this wedding hairstyle is that it’s very versatile and can be used for all occasions, ages, and hair types.
My advice to a client who is thinking about choosing this style would be to have a blow-dry and set beforehand to make sure the curls last all day.
The best product for this style is texture spray for the volume. My favorite is Wella’s EIMI Dry Me. I also recommend a smoothing serum to smooth the braid and curls. The best one I have found is Osmo Blinding Shine Definer.
Combination Side Braid
This braided style is one of my favorites! I incorporated a Dutch braid at the top and a loose fishtail braid into the remaining ends of the hair. The shorter pieces on the crown were left out to create volume and give extra texture to the style.
This type of style is perfect for weddings and other formal events.
For this look, I would inform the client that texture plays an important role. It can be created by prepping the hair with a volumizer (Redken Guts 10 is my favorite) and blow drying it into the hair. Use a curling iron with a heat-protecting product (I used Redken Iron Shape 11) to create movement.
While braiding, I like to use a flexible hairspray (Pureology Strengthening Control is my go-to) to help pull apart the braid and keep it looking and feeling soft.
Boho Half Up Half Down
Go for a romantic yet bohemian half up half down style. This is a perfect look for any bride who wants to leave her hair down and loose, while still maintaining some special detailing in the back.
The best thing about this look is the twist and big braid in the back. Stretching out the braid creates a lot of movement and texture in the hair that will stand out both in real life and in photos.
If you’re getting married outdoors, this look would be a perfect fit! This style is recommended to anyone who likes a more undone and relaxed look versus something tightly pulled back and structured. It works great on longer, highlighted hair so you can really see the dimension in the braid and twist details.
The must-have products for this look include a great texture spray and a large barrel curling iron. Try the Drybar Triple Sec spray to prep beforehand with a Babyliss Pro 1 1/4-inch curling iron.
Long Retro Waves
These are retro waves for long hair. My favorite thing about this is the volume and bounce it instantly gives the hair! It gives that real Hollywood glam look.
I recommend using a strong hold hair spray, dry wax spray, and shine spray is a must! I use all Eufora products.
I recommend this look for any client with medium to thick hair. This wedding style is so versatile and can be worn for all different events.
Sleek Faux Hawk
I would describe this look as a sleek faux hawk. My favorite thing about it is the height and luminous shine.
For this wedding hairstyle, I used Oribe Super Shine cream for the blowout. After straightening, I added height by backcombing the top section before securing with bobby pins. For a finishing touch, I used Oribe Shine Spray.
I recommend this look for someone who wants to keep their hair out of their face but still have a polished sophisticated look. It is a great style for fine hair and oval faces.
Cascading Curls
Different from a normal side swept updo, the majority of these curls are pinned up with some left cascading down the shoulder so you can still show off your length.
Recommended Products:
When it comes to a curly bridal hairstyle like this, the last thing you want is frizz. My favorite product for smoothing down frizz is Enjoy Creamy Pomade.
Hair Type:
This style works best on brides with medium to thick hair to help with fullness from top to bottom.
Face Shape:
This style will work with any face shape. If you have a long or square face, keep some fringe or curls out around your face.
Tip:
For this style, the longer and thicker the hair, the better. If you weren’t born with the right hair type, get some clip in extensions for your wedding day.
Half Up Half Down
An intricate half-ponytail is a great variation to your common hairstyle. You can show off your tresses while keeping a fresh face care of your tied hair.
Half Up
The hair is softly curled and halfway pinned up in barrel curls in the back, sweeping the sides away from the face.
To help your half-updo stay in place, backcomb it at the base first so the bobby pins have something to grab onto. Volume in the sides will help this hairstyle look better from the front. Before you blow-dry, apply Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus Mousse.
Hair that is medium to fine is best for this hairstyle. If your hair is too heavy, you might have a hard time keeping your barrel curls in place. Sweeping the sides down and back in the front of this will compliment square, oval or heart-shaped faces.
Twisted Chignon
Photo by Julie Parker Photography
This chignon starts with a twist braid in the front, twisting across the back of the head and ending in a low side chignon on the opposite side.
Recommended Products:
Doing a twist braid on tangled hair is nearly impossible! Make your job easier by applying Unite 7 Seconds Leave-in Conditioner before you blow dry.
Hair Type:
This style works best on hair with little to no layers. Too many layers will disrupt the flow of the braid.
Face Shape:
This style works best on round or oval face shapes. If your face is round, just be sure to give it enough volume on top to add length to your face shape.
Tip:
Give your hair some volume by backcombing it first and holding the hair gently in your hands as you braid.
Braided Bridal Updo
Photo by Ciara Richardson Photography
A classic updo gets an update look with a braid going across the top in the back.
Recommended Products:
Big Sexy Hair Powder Play is an amazing product you have to try. This product will add grip to your roots making bobby pins stay in place better.
Hair Type:
The longer and thicker the hair, the better! Braids don’t show up as well with thin hair.
Face Shape:
Updos in the back are a classic choice for brides because they flatter nearly every face shape.
Tip:
When doing this style, create the braid very last. If you do it first it can get lost in the do while doing it last will ensure that the braid stands out.
Waterfall Twist
Photo by Ciara Richardson Photography
The waterfall twist adds a little something more to an all down style. Each side is twisted to the middle in the back and tied together with hair.
Recommended Products:
Give your curls more movement and texture with spray wax. I like the Short Sexy Hair Play Dirty spray wax.
Hair Type:
This will work best on those with long layers and thick hair. If your hair is thin, the twist won’t be as noticeable.
Face Shape:
This can work on any face shape. It’s soft enough to flatter everything from square to heart to round.
Tip:
Tie your waterfall twist together with a clear elastic, then hide the elastic with a strand of hair.
