Formal & Wedding Hairstyles

Formal weddings call for a formal hairstyle.

Whether your hair is long, short, straight or curly, you can pull off a formal hairstyle for a wedding or special occasion. Use magazines as inspiration or meet with your hairstylist to explore your options. You can achieve a look that is both elegant and you. You can add a veil, tiara or pins to the hairstyle no matter what the length or texture.

Long

Formal weddings and updo hairstyles go hand in hand. However, you do not have to settle for a plain bun on your wedding day or for a special occasion. Wear a side bun or chignon. Embellish your hair with clips, pins, ribbon or your veil. If you are not comfortable with wearing all of your hair up, then you can style your hair half up and half down or a side ponytail. With these styles you can add drama with cascading curls.

Short

There are elegant and formal hairstyle options for short hair. A soft bob is an option for shorter hair. A veil, headband or tiara can add an elegant look to the hairstyle. Another option is to curl all of your hair softly. You may want to have your stylist practice a few times to get the best curls to frame your face. Pixie cuts can be smoothed down with side-swept bangs.

Straight

Straight hair can be thin, thick or incapable of holding a curl. Understanding your hair's limitations will make it easier to select a hairstyle that will last through the wedding day or a formal affair. For thin hair, try a loose bun that will give the appearance of more volume. If your hair cannot hold a curl, consider straightening it so it is smooth and sleek. Then, pull it back into a ponytail. Wrap some of the hair from your ponytail around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie. Add a small flower or delicate hair pin to hold the hair in place.

Curly

If you have curly hair, you do have the option of straightening it to create a formal or wedding hairstyle. However, curly hair can be just as elegant as straight hair. If you are concerned with your curls being too unruly, then an updo is your best option. Pull the hair back and pin it in a bun. Shorter hair can be pulled back with a headband. Both styles will keep the curls in line. For longer hairstyles, style the hair half up and half down and add a tiara or veil. The style will also keep the curls out of your face.

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