when you begin looking for wedding updos, let’s just say it can get real scary, real quick. Image after image of tight curls piled high on the head, doused in so much hairspray that the slightest flame would ignite the whole thing? AKA, what you wore to your 8th grade dinner dance. Or at least what I wore to my 8th grade dinner dance (So many curls. So high on my head.) And that might not be what you’re into these days…. or um, for your wedding.
That’s why in the past we’ve rounded up wedding updos for black hair, unique hairstyles, long hair, short hair, and curly hair. But today we wanted to round up updo hairstyles for all hair types. The truth is, an updo executed with skill generally leaves you clueless as to how long the person’s hair is. It just looks so pretty! But styles vary, and some are really updo hairstyles for long hair, and some are updos for medium hair. So on each updo hairstyle, we marked what length of hair they’d work best on, to make sure you focus your hopes and dreams on something achievable (or leave a budget for extensions).
Some of these wedding updos will take a pro to pull off, but some of them are easy updos that you can DIY with the help of a friend, if that’s how you plan on making this happen. But first, let’s do a quick rundown of what makes (and breaks) the almighty updo:
Braids are great for so many reasons, and they have almost endless uses in updos. They can be pulled apart for a looser, tousled look, or kept tight to the head. Either way, braids add tons of visual texture, which means great things for your photographer to snap images of. Some stylists specialize in braiding, so if you’re looking for something a little extra, seek out someone who knows what they’re doing.
Classic does not have to mean stuffy. Many updos like the French Twist, for example, bring to mind a certain era. But with more texture and modern accessories, these looks can absolutely feel contemporary and on point. Many of these updos have clean lines and simple forms, which makes them perfect for adding accessories. While this may feel like something you don’t totally need, accessories just give you a fun way to tie-in all the goodness that’s happening in your dress/shoes/jewelry/etc. to your hair. Also, so great for photos and makes it feel finished.
Going the DIY route on your hair doesn’t mean it won’t have great style (our own EIC went DIY on her wedding hair, and it was glorious). We’ve shown you some great tutorials for updos like a braided bun, vintage rolls, an edgy curly hair updo, and a side-swept curled updo. When searching for a DIY style, less can definitely be more. Look for styles that use a similar hair type to your own, so you’ll know it’s feasible. DEFINITELY do a trial run, or two, to figure out how much time you’ll need and work out the kinks—we can’t stress this enough. Get creative with bobby pins and other accessories to give your style a completed feel.
Less is typically more with modern updos. Keep the overall shape fairly sleek, but don’t be afraid to have some texture. Go bold with a great metallic accessory or weave a long strand of beading or chains for an unexpected look. Modern styles have structure to them, meaning they’re not overly loose. These styles can appear to be rather simple on the surface, but require precision and technique to make them appear that way.
Looking to go really bold with your updo? Use color, texture, and shape to create a mega statement. These styles toe the line of editorial or runway looks, but with the right combination of attire, they can truly be a showstopper. Using color to highlight certain aspects of the style will only enhance the look.
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