36 Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair 2024: Elegant and Curly Updos Braids for Brides and Bridesmaids

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and one of the most cherished aspects is choosing the perfect hairstyle. For brides with long hair, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re aiming for an elegant look or a more relaxed, boho style, there’s a perfect hairstyle for your big day. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best wedding hairstyles for long hair in 2024, from traditional updos to curly styles and everything in between. Let’s dive into the world of bridal hair and find the perfect look for you.

Half Up Half Down

The half up half down hairstyle is a timeless classic that exudes romance and grace. This versatile style is perfect for brides who want to showcase their long locks while still having the structure and elegance of an updo. The top half of the hair is pulled back and secured, often with intricate braids or twists, while the bottom half cascades in loose curls. This look is ideal for almost any wedding setting, from a beach ceremony to a traditional church wedding. It complements oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully and enhances eye colors like blue and green.

To achieve the half up half down style, start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron. Gather the top half of your hair and secure it with bobby pins or a decorative clip. For added texture and volume, consider teasing the roots before pinning the hair back. Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place without making it stiff. A good brand to use for this style is L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray. For maintenance, ensure your curls stay bouncy by using a curl-enhancing shampoo like OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo.

Elegant Chignon

The elegant chignon is a sophisticated updo that exudes timeless beauty. This style involves gathering the hair at the nape of the neck and securing it into a smooth, low bun. It’s a fantastic choice for formal weddings and looks stunning with a veil or bridal hair accessories. The chignon suits brides with oval, round, and square face shapes, and it’s particularly flattering for dark-haired brides as it accentuates the sleek, glossy finish of the hair.

To create the elegant chignon, start by straightening your hair to eliminate any frizz. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail, then twist it into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Smooth any flyaways with a light gel or pomade. For added shine and smoothness, use a product like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. To maintain this sleek look, consider using a keratin-infused shampoo and conditioner, such as TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner.

Curly Glam

For brides who love to embrace their natural curls or want to add some voluminous waves, the curly glam hairstyle is perfect. This style is all about enhancing your curls and adding a touch of Hollywood glamour. Big, bouncy curls cascading down your back create a stunning and dramatic effect, ideal for evening weddings or black-tie events. This hairstyle is flattering for all face shapes and particularly enhances brown and hazel eyes.

To achieve the curly glam look, start with freshly washed hair. Apply a curl-enhancing mousse, like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse, to damp hair. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your curls without frizzing them. For additional volume, use a curling wand to define some of the curls. Finish with a shine spray, such as Kenra Professional Shine Spray, to give your curls a glossy finish. To keep your curls looking fresh, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.

Boho Braids

Boho braids are perfect for brides who want a relaxed yet chic look for their wedding day. This style incorporates multiple braids, such as fishtail or Dutch braids, intertwined with loose waves or curls. The boho braid hairstyle is ideal for outdoor weddings, especially in rustic or beach settings. It complements heart and square face shapes and looks particularly striking on blonde hair.

To create the boho braids, start by curling your hair with a medium-barrel curling iron. Create two or three braids of your choice, leaving some hair loose for a relaxed feel. Secure the braids with small, clear elastics and gently pull on the edges of the braids to create a fuller look. For a whimsical touch, weave in small flowers or greenery. Use a flexible hold hairspray like Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode Flexible Hold Hairspray to keep the style in place. To maintain the texture and softness of your hair, use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, such as OGX Hydrate & Defrizz Kukui Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.

Classic Updo

The classic updo is a bridal staple that never goes out of style. This hairstyle involves sweeping all the hair up and securing it into a bun or twist, creating a clean and polished look. It’s perfect for traditional or formal weddings and works well with a veil or other headpieces. The classic updo suits all face shapes and is particularly elegant on dark or blonde hair.

To achieve the classic updo, start by blow-drying your hair straight. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, then twist it into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Smooth any flyaways with a bit of hair gel and finish with a strong-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus. For extra volume, consider adding a hair donut before twisting your hair into a bun. To keep your updo looking sleek, use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner, such as Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner.

Beach Waves

Beach waves are a relaxed yet stunning hairstyle perfect for brides wanting a laid-back yet elegant look. This style features loose, tousled waves that give a natural, sun-kissed appearance. Beach waves are ideal for seaside or outdoor weddings and look great on all hair colors and face shapes. This style enhances the natural beauty of the hair and is particularly striking on blonde hair.

To create beach waves, start with damp hair and apply a sea salt spray like Bumble and bumble Surf Spray. Use a diffuser to dry your hair, scrunching it as you go to create natural waves. For additional definition, use a curling iron on random sections of hair. Finish with a texturizing spray, such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, to add volume and hold. To keep your waves looking fresh and beachy, use a lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, like OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray.

Braided Crown

The braided crown is a regal and romantic hairstyle that involves braiding the hair around the head, creating a crown-like effect. This style is perfect for outdoor and garden weddings and works well with floral accessories or a veil. The braided crown suits round and oval face shapes and is particularly stunning on blonde hair as it highlights the intricate braiding.

To create the braided crown, start by parting your hair down the middle. Create two braids on each side of your head, starting from the temples and working towards the back. Cross the braids over the top of your head and secure them with bobby pins. Gently pull on the edges of the braids to create a fuller look. Use a light-hold hairspray like Aveda Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray to keep the style in place. To maintain the texture and health of your hair, use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner, such as Aveda Nutriplenish Shampoo and Conditioner.

Simple Ponytail

The simple ponytail is a sleek and modern hairstyle that is both easy to achieve and effortlessly chic. This style involves pulling the hair back into a high or low ponytail and securing it with a hair tie. It’s perfect for contemporary weddings and looks great with statement earrings or a bold lip color. The simple ponytail suits all face shapes and is particularly flattering on long, straight hair.

To achieve the simple ponytail, start by straightening your hair with a flat iron. Gather your hair into a high or low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie and secure it with a bobby pin. Smooth any flyaways with a bit of hair gel and finish with a shine spray like Kenra Professional Shine Spray. To keep your ponytail looking sleek and smooth, use a keratin-infused shampoo and conditioner, such as TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner.

Messy Bun

The messy bun is a fun and relaxed hairstyle perfect for brides who want a more casual yet chic look. This style involves pulling the hair into a loose bun, allowing some strands to fall naturally around the face. It’s ideal for boho or rustic weddings and looks great with floral accessories or a simple headband. The messy bun suits all face shapes and is particularly flattering on wavy or curly hair.

To create the messy bun, start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron. Gather your hair into a loose ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. Allow some strands to fall naturally around your face for a relaxed look. Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and hold. To maintain the texture and health of your hair, use a lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, such as OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo and Conditioner.

Voluminous Waves

Voluminous waves are a glamorous and romantic hairstyle perfect for brides who want to make a statement. This style features big, bouncy waves that add volume and movement to the hair. It’s ideal for evening weddings and looks great with a veil or bridal hair accessories. Voluminous waves suit all face shapes and are particularly stunning on blonde and highlighted hair.

To create voluminous waves, start by applying a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry your hair using a round brush to add volume. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create big, loose waves. Finish with a volumizing hairspray like Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 to keep the waves in place. To keep your waves looking full and bouncy, use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, such as John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo and Conditioner.

Romantic Side-Swept Curls

Romantic side-swept curls are a beautiful option for brides wanting to showcase their long hair with a touch of elegance. This style involves sweeping the hair to one side and creating soft, cascading curls. It’s perfect for outdoor or beach weddings and looks stunning with a statement earring or hair accessory. The romantic side-swept curls suit oval and heart-shaped faces and enhance eye colors like blue and green.

To achieve this style, start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron. Part your hair to one side and sweep it over the shoulder, securing it with bobby pins if necessary. Use a light-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the curls in place without making them stiff. For maintenance, ensure your curls stay bouncy by using a curl-enhancing shampoo like OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo.

Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid is a trendy and intricate hairstyle that adds a unique twist to the classic braid. This style involves weaving two sections of hair together to create a fishtail pattern. It’s perfect for boho or rustic weddings and looks great with floral accessories. The fishtail braid suits all face shapes and is particularly striking on blonde or highlighted hair.

To create a fishtail braid, start by dividing your hair into two sections. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right section. Repeat on the other side, alternating until you reach the end of your hair. Secure with a clear elastic. Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add volume and hold. To maintain the texture and softness of your hair, use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, such as OGX Hydrate & Defrizz Kukui Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.

Sleek High Ponytail

The sleek high ponytail is a modern and chic hairstyle that exudes confidence and elegance. This style involves pulling the hair back into a high ponytail and smoothing it for a polished finish. It’s perfect for contemporary or formal weddings and looks great with a bold lip color or statement earrings. The sleek high ponytail suits all face shapes and is particularly flattering on long, straight hair.

To achieve the sleek high ponytail, start by straightening your hair with a flat iron. Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie and secure it with a bobby pin. Smooth any flyaways with a bit of hair gel and finish with a shine spray like Kenra Professional Shine Spray. To keep your ponytail looking sleek and smooth, use a keratin-infused shampoo and conditioner, such as TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner.

Vintage Waves

Vintage waves are a glamorous and timeless hairstyle perfect for brides who love retro looks. This style involves creating defined waves reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. It’s ideal for formal weddings and looks great with vintage-inspired accessories. Vintage waves suit all face shapes and are particularly stunning on dark hair.

To create vintage waves, start by applying a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry your hair using a round brush to add volume. Use a medium-barrel curling iron to create waves, then brush them out gently to soften the look. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus. To maintain the volume and shine of your waves, use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, such as John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo and Conditioner.

Floral Crown

The floral crown hairstyle is perfect for brides wanting a whimsical and romantic look. This style involves incorporating a crown of fresh or artificial flowers into loose waves or curls. It’s ideal for garden or outdoor weddings and complements heart and oval face shapes beautifully. The floral crown looks particularly striking on wavy or curly hair.

To create the floral crown look, start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron. Place the floral crown on your head, adjusting it until it’s secure. For added texture, consider using a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. To maintain the health and shine of your hair, use a lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, such as OGX Moroccan Sea Salt Spray.

Twisted Updo

The twisted updo is a sophisticated and elegant hairstyle perfect for brides who want a polished look. This style involves twisting sections of hair and pinning them into a bun or chignon. It’s ideal for formal or traditional weddings and suits all face shapes. The twisted updo looks particularly elegant on dark or highlighted hair.

To create the twisted updo, start by straightening your hair with a flat iron. Twist sections of hair and pin them into a bun at the nape of your neck. Smooth any flyaways with a bit of hair gel and finish with a strong-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus. To keep your updo looking sleek and polished, use a keratin-infused shampoo and conditioner, such as TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner.

Waterfall Braid

The waterfall braid is a beautiful and intricate hairstyle that adds a touch of romance to any bridal look. This style involves braiding the hair in a way that creates a cascading effect. It’s perfect for boho or garden weddings and suits all face shapes. The waterfall braid looks particularly stunning on blonde or highlighted hair.

To create a waterfall braid, start by parting your hair to one side. Begin braiding near the front of your head, dropping a section of hair with each twist and picking up a new section. Continue braiding around your head and secure with a clear elastic. Use a light-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the braid in place. To maintain the texture and softness of your hair, use a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, such as OGX Hydrate & Defrizz Kukui Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.

Hollywood Waves

Hollywood waves are a glamorous and sophisticated hairstyle perfect for brides who want to channel old Hollywood glamour. This style involves creating large, defined waves that exude elegance. It’s ideal for evening or formal weddings and looks great with vintage-inspired accessories. Hollywood waves suit all face shapes and are particularly stunning on dark hair.

To create Hollywood waves, start by applying a volumizing mousse like Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse to damp hair. Blow-dry your hair using a round brush to add volume. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create waves, then brush them out gently to soften the look. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus. To maintain the volume and shine of your waves, use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, such as John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo and Conditioner.

Braided Bun

The braided bun is a chic and elegant hairstyle that combines the beauty of braids with the sophistication of a bun. This style involves creating braids and wrapping them into a bun at the nape of the neck. It’s perfect for formal or traditional weddings and suits all face shapes. The braided bun looks particularly elegant on dark or highlighted hair.

To create the braided bun, start by straightening your hair with a flat iron. Create two or three braids and wrap them into a bun, securing them with bobby pins. Smooth any flyaways with a bit of hair gel and finish with a strong-hold hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus. To keep your braided bun looking sleek and polished, use a keratin-infused shampoo and conditioner, such as TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner.

Loose Waves

Loose waves are a versatile and romantic hairstyle perfect for brides who want a relaxed yet elegant look. This style features soft, loose waves that add a touch of glamour without being overly formal. It’s ideal for outdoor or beach weddings and looks great on all hair colors and face shapes. Loose waves are particularly stunning on blonde or highlighted hair.

To create loose waves, start by applying a curl-enhancing mousse like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse to damp hair. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your curls without frizzing them. For additional volume, use a curling wand to define some of the curls. Finish with a shine spray, such as Kenra Professional Shine Spray, to give your curls a glossy finish. To keep your waves looking fresh and bouncy, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.