Would you believe me when I say that cutting my wedding hair was the hardest part of my wedding planning process? It may seem like a small thing, but your ‘do plays a big role in your overall appearance. Most brides (myself included) aim for a style that complements the silhouette of their dress, makes them feel great on the big day, and makes them look like themselves. That is no cake walk!
Ultimately, you should choose a wedding hairstyle that feels natural to you and try not to get too swept up in the cycle of trends. “Avoid making a big change for a moment like this so that you don’t like it when you look back at the pictures. If you wear your hair down most of the time, I would say that your wedding is not the time to switch to an updo,” advises the celebrity hairstylist. Dimitris Giannetos. “Sometimes, people make the mistake of thinking that they need to do something that makes statements and courage when, in fact, this is the time to stay true to yourself.”
That said, gathering inspiration isn’t a bad place to start. To help with your mood swings, I’ve consulted celebrity hair stylists (Giannetos, Marc Menaagain Evanie Frausto) wedding looks they love and recommend, patterns they see in 2026 brides, and tips to ensure your style stays timeless. Scroll ahead to narrow down your options. If doing so helps reduce your decision fatigue, I’ll consider my job well done.
The Classic Chignon
(Photo credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
All three stylists are quick to recommend the low chignon—one of the most classic wedding styles. “A low, soft bun or chignon worn around the neck will always stand the test of time,” says Mena. Polished and precise, these buns “feel sophisticated without looking dated,” added Frausto. In addition, they are compatible with various silhouettes.
“I love this style combined with an embellished neck. It also looks lovely with a strapless cut,” says Giannetos, adding that subtle hair accessories and clips (like the ones Lupita Nyong’o dons above) can add a special touch. But keeping it clean and simple always works, too, as style simply exudes beauty.
Glazed Bun
If you’d like to dress up the chignon even more, Giannetos recommends going bolder. “I created this shiny bun for Khloé [Kardashian] last year in Venice,” she says. “It’s the ultimate bridal look with a smooth beauty and a glossy finish.” A smoothing cream and oil mist will help you protect all that shine, and a small boar brush will be your best friend for touch-ups.
Waves of Love
“Soft, romantic waves with a natural, polished finish are one of the most timeless bridal looks—not overly beachy and not overly glamorous,” says Frausto. It’s a delicate dance, but the right balance between soft and bold will ensure that your hair looks effortless but purposeful. Not to mention, it photographs well, says Frausto. “It flatters the face, works seamlessly with veils and accessories, and goes with a variety of outfits and environments,” she notes. “Because the texture is classic rather than trend-driven, it grows well in the images and doesn’t feel tied to a particular era.”
Half-Up, Half-Down
You can leave those romantic waves loose or tie a few strands into an up-and-down, half-up style. “I love this look for brides,” Giannetos said. “And it held up well throughout the festival.” Chic and practical. Also, you can always decorate the elastic with a brooch or French comb for a touch of glamour.
Curly Updo
There’s something so romantic about an updo with loose, bouncy curls. It feels relaxed yet purposeful, which is the ultimate balance to strike when it comes to wedding hairstyles, IMO. Feel free to play with the length of the bun itself, from piled length to low twists at the nape.
Cool Bob
(Photo credit: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)
“For a short length, a clean, cropped style or a sleek bob that follows a natural haircut is timeless,” says Mena. Take Ariana Greenblatt’s 2025 Cannes Film Festival hairstyle, for example (styled by Mena herself), which looks modern and chic. “A sharp, polished shape can feel superior in a normal way if it’s done on purpose,” he says of the polished crop.
Old Hollywood Curls
Retro, Old Hollywood curls will also never go out of love despite having old fashioned locks. The look can’t help but exude calmness, and according to Giannetos, who wrote the same ‘do. by Amal Clooneyit fits very well with the overlapping side part. He says: “It feels luxurious.
The French Twist
Another vintage-inspired style that’s still hitting? A beautiful French twist, either with framed tendrils or secured with a chic comb. It makes you look like a king, which is why we see style in the breakdown of fashionable brides.
Soft Curves
(Photo credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
For my wedding, I wanted my hair to give… almost nothing. A soft, effortless texture was my ultimate goal, which was actually a lot of work for my curls! “That kind of texture captures well and brings a softness that works well on a wedding day,” says Mena. It also reads a bit boho, as we know it, a renaissance in beauty and fashion.
Hair Tuck
(Photo credit: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)
Do you want to wear your hair down but worry about it falling on your face and lipstick? I present to you the versatile hair tuck, a popular wedding style that always looks polished. Your stylist will simply smooth the front sections of your hair and pin behind your ears as if you had a permanent tuck. It keeps the front secured—ready for dancing!—while giving you the freedom to let loose, flowing strands. Also, there are many ways you can style that remaining length: retro curls, romantic waves, etc.
What is the most popular hairstyle for a wedding?
The good thing about the 10 styles above is that they are not decreasing in popularity. They are timeless for a reason! That being said, the people of 2026 have always tended towards the easy ways. “Sleek, polished blowouts, chic bobs, slightly tucked-in shapes, and simple textures are everywhere. Volume is very controlled, parts are clean, and the focus is on movement and shape rather than excess,” says Mena.
Frausto agrees, noting the clean, shiny uptick and refined shape with minimal embellishment. “Brides are leaning towards less complicated and simpler writing,” she adds.
How to Choose the Best Wedding Hairstyle
Also, the best wedding hairstyle is the one that feels natural to you. “Choose a style that feels like you, not a trendy version,” suggests Mena. That said, considering your outfit, location, and overall aesthetic can help you get somewhere, says Frausto. Don’t feel like you need to reinvent the wheel. As Giannetos said, don’t force yourself to do something if you feel comfortable with your hair down. Mena recommends that you also respect the length of your hair—whether it’s short, medium, or long—though you can always add volume with extensions if you like. (Both Mena and Giannetos recommend these are premium tape-ins.)
All experts recommend doing a hair trial well before the big day so you know exactly how the style will hold. “Make sure you take pictures from different angles throughout the day so you can reference them,” advises Giannetos. Of course, the health of your hair can make or break your ‘do. As Frausto said, “light, power, and form elevate any style.”
Shop the Style Products You Must Have
L’Oréal
Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray
“To keep your hair in place during the ceremony, reception, and many photos, you’ll want to have a hair spray you can rely on,” explains Giannetos. He’s an Elnett stalwart, praising its extra firm grip that never makes the fibers feel too mushy. Take a small size for a daytime touch!
Action
Mini Glossy Shine Heat Protectant Spray
Stylists often keep a glow in their wedding kits for instant moisture—always welcome before walking down the aisle.
Marly’s oil
Delina Hair Mist
“I like to finish watching a special event with a nice scent,” added Giannetos. Delina by Parfums de Marly is such a wonderful wedding day fragrance, so why not enhance the romantic flowers with a matching hair mist?
Redken
Control Hairspray 28
“For sleek chignons and structured styles, Redken Control 28 offers incredible longevity without being heavy,” says Frausto.
Redken
Frizz Deflate Instant Deflate Oil-in-Serum
She also recommends this anti-static oil mist, which not only eliminates frizz but also gives a radiant glow.
Chris McMillan
Smooth and Soft Hair Stick
Here are some must-haves for sleek styles. The precision wand is perfect for smoothing flyaways at the crown and hairline.
La Bonne Brosse
Small brush N03
Having a small boar-bristle brush on hand is always a good idea. This premium option from La Bonne Brosse sounds like such a treasure. Consider it an anniversary gift.
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