25 Wedding Updo Ideas For Every Kind of Bride

Here’s a fun game to play at parties: Try to identify the two words in the English language that, when combined, sound as terrifyingly cheesy as bridal and updo. (Try it. Knock yourself out. Can’t be done.) Unfortunately, decades of overly “done” hair — curled, pinned, and shellacked in place with hair spray – have struck fear into the hearts of many brides who are considering wearing their hair up for their big day. But one easy way to guarantee a chic and timeless outcome is to stay far away from what we traditionally picture when we think of wedding-day updos.

The good news? There are plenty of classic ways to wear your hair up if you know where to look for inspiration: namely, the red carpet, and even fashionable people who inspire you in your everyday life. In fact, the basic ponytail you wear to the gym can be lifted to more elegant heights with the right texture and placement. The tendrils in your old prom photo have made a fresh and modern comeback. And yes, even a messy, piecey bun can feel like the most fabulous wedding hairstyle in the world as long as it’s secured in place properly and makes you feel like you.

No matter your hair texture, length, or wedding day style, there’s a way to wear your hair up and get it out of your way, you just have to know what you’re looking for. We spoke to a group of talented hairstylists to get their top tips on busting the mold of wedding-updo stereotypes and getting exactly the look you want to wear while walking down the aisle. Find all of the techniques and product recommendations you could ever hope for here so you, your partner, and your hair can live happily ever after — IRL and in photos.

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