Tressed Up
Weighing whether to wear hair in a retro side bun or completely down is the stuff that keeps brides-to-be up at night. Comb through wedding blogs or search Pinterest alone and you’re bound to see a high volume of bridal hairstyle inspiration.
Spot lots of dazzling down ’dos and loose chignons at 100LayerCake.com. Relaxed waves, side buns and braids decorate the pages of GreenWeddingShoes.com. For brides seeking a Cinderella coif, there’s always celebrity inspiration, too, such as the slicked-back high bun creation showcased elegantly by Molly Sims at her Ojai wedding last September.
Ultimately, the bride and groom should both opt for styles that complement their hair texture and density, and, if not taken too literally, wedding theme or attire.
Effortless & Down
Ramped up requests for natural locks, worn down with a bit of bounce, seem to defy any preconceived need for structure and formality. Tara Maietta, general manager of the Vera Wang store on Melrose, has met countless brides who try for the “Gisele” beachy ’do to complement their gowns on their grand day. Veteran wedding and celebrity styling maven Betsy diFrancesca simply calls it the “looks like I just got outta bed” style that lends a sensual feel.
Thicker hair can sustain curls well, which is why this is great option for those with robust manes. DiFrancesca suggests applying Redken’s Thermal Setting Mist before setting strands of hair in hot rollers.
Romantic Whimsical Updo
Don’t know what to do with naturally curly or thin hair? Try pulling your hair back in a loose, feminine way. “The romantic whimsical updo is full of curly and wavy texture, giving an overall romantic, elegant look,” said Warren-Tricomi Los Angeles stylist Lorenzo Calderon, who uses L’Oréal Professionnel Curl Satin to enhance curls. “This style is also great for finer hair, as it eliminates curls falling flat on a bride!”
Bohemian Braid
The practical braid, once reserved for dirty hair or Girl Scouts, is now more fashion-forward than ever — with various braid bars cropping up all over the place to prove it. Brides can capitalize on this trend with luscious knots worn to the side or in a nymph-like halo.
Haute Couture Volume
Go bold with a runway-worthy voluminous style. The sleeker, smoother and more polished the upswept ’do the better, said Maurice Dadoun, creative director of Frédéric Fekkai salon located in Melrose Place. This look will “enhance the bride’s facial features and beauty” and easily transition for elegant reception revelry after the ceremony.
Simple Side Bun
The simple side bun is a catchall coif for “any length or texture of hair,” diFrancesca said. It’s easy to accomplish, too. Part the hair and gather into a side ponytail then a bun, and lock into place with a flexible hair spray such as Fekkai’s Sheerhold Hairspray.
Perfectly Groomed
Hair gurus warn that decisions about the groom should not be left to the last minute. There are plenty of no-fuss options that will make him feel debonair for the occasion. For grooms who take their cue from Jon Hamm’s Don Draper, Calderon suggests “Mad Men”-inspired “slicked down” hair, achieved with a fine-tooth comb and application of L’Oréal Professionnel Or Graphic — ideal for grooms with thicker hair. Grooms with finer hair should consider the “messy yet still refined” look. Try a matte paste for fudged fullness, or Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray for extra texture.
We’ve all learned from our prom days and perms that a bad hairstyle is haunting. Say “I do” to the right ’do by leaving plenty of time for hair trials. For brides, make sure to bring headpieces or veils to your consults. For grooms, stylists advise cutting hair around 10 days before the big day to let the hair grow in properly. “Your hairstyle must always represent who you are, not what you wish for,” Dadoun said. “You must always stay true to your style.”
—Allison Kornberg Walch
Custom Publishing Writer
