Long layers, braids, curls and waves are all attention grabbers and show stealers when done up right. Your wedding should not be any different, but your hairstyle needs to compliment your dress while still wowing your groom. There are many options for you, such as leaving your hair long and loose, do a partial updo or a full updo, or pull it back into a bun. To see examples of all different hairstyles you can visit www.onewed.com. In most cases you should have a smoothing lotion or anti-frizz gel, a light hairspray, and lots of hair pins available to hold your hair in place. Most brides prefer to have a trusted stylist or friend help get them ready, and your hair is no exception; someone to see the back of it can help you find gaps or pooches you may miss with a mirror. Depending on what you prefer the end result to be, you may need to invest in a flat iron, large barrel curling iron, or rollers to complete your look from home.
Updo’s have gained in popularity and offer brides hundreds of choices in keeping hair up while still showcasing its beauty. If you desire the back of your dress to be a focal point as you take your vows, an updo provides the right amount of attention to detail to be soft and romantic while still showing off the back of the dress. Starting by layering your hair into sections 1-2″ thick, either put dry hair in rollers or use a large barrel curling iron. Be careful to not pull curls out but lightly spray them to keep them in place as you continue. Once all hair has been done, use a wide tooth comb or pick to loosely pull into a pony-tail mid crown or slightly higher. Use hair pins to gently hold hair in place and leave loose ends falling free, providing body and curl. A tiara or specialty comb or pins can be used as decoration, or if you prefer a veil it will fit nicely under the updo. If you want a softer look around the face, pull a few tendrils loose to frame your features. More detailed instructions and similar ideas and updos can be seen and printed at www.allupdos.com.
While updo’s have a fair following, many brides prefer to show off their long hair with curls, waves, and layers. In many cases longer hair can prove to be frizzy or wispy making the hair not behave as well you’d like. Using an anti-frizz lotion or serum will tame even the worst split ends and should also provide a little extra help to holding the style you choose. A simple yet elegant hairstyle for those who want their hair left down is simply curling it and styling it. Starting with layers, roll or use a large barreled curling iron to put oversize curls throughout. A light hairspray in addition to a serum applied before styling should hold this easily and not give the appearance of stiff or helmet hair. By using a large tooth comb you can gently comb hair back and tease at the roots framing your face for a natural look that stays out of your eyes. A veil can be placed at the crown, or use a tiara or beaded headband to provide a little continuity from your dress. If you prefer straight hair to curly, a simple option is a side part. This style is essentially exactly as it sounds. By parting your hair (usually on the right) you bring a simple and elegant style and use a barrette or pin to hold it in place. Hair will need to be free of frizz as usual and current trends dictate you simply use a flat iron to straighten and tame your hair leaving the ends uncurled. Using approximately the same amount of hair you would cut for bangs (or if you have longer bangs, simply use them) sweep the hair to one side and secure it. Spraying to hold in place, this style goes great from the wedding through the reception and beyond.
Although not an updo, a bun is a classic and traditional style that can be used to showcase a dress as well. Buns are simple to do, but a few key things should be considered before you start. In this instance it is an advantage to have hair that has not been washed for about 12-24 hours prior; the natural oils help to hold a bun in place. After brushing your hair out, brush it into a ponytail approximately in the middle of the crown or slightly higher. Fasten it and then check for smoothness all the way around – brushing or combing smooth as needed and then spraying to hold in place. Brush the ponytail straight and twist it clockwise into the bun. Using hair pins you can secure it and any loose strands that you may see. For a softer look you can pull random tendrils out all the way around and add a little curl if desired. Finish with a bit of hairspray and you can place a veil below the bun or simply thread some ribbons in and around it securing them with pins as well.
There are hundreds of ideas for hairstyles, and using your favorite products and some imagination you can achieve most any look. Sources for ideas don’t simply have to come from wedding styles, either. The best ideas can often be found by glancing through your favorite magazine, checking out pictures of your favorite actress, or just asking friends and family what they think is appropriate. An incredible resource for style and fashion is www.elle.com, but google searches for “fall hairstyles” will always return thousands of results. Usually your best ideas and knowledge for how to do your hair comes with having long hair and having to fight with it – style it – on a routine basis.
