15 Gorgeous Hollywood Waves Wedding Hairstyles
Discover the best tips from wedding hair experts to master the most beautiful Hollywood waves for your wedding day
If timeless glamour is top of your wedding hair and makeup wish list, Hollywood waves might just be your dream ‘do. This iconic style oozes sophistication, channeling vintage screen sirens like Veronica Lake and Rita Hayworth. Whether you’re planning a sleek, black-tie affair or a romantic countryside ceremony, Hollywood waves wedding hair is a classic choice that’s still making a major statement down the aisle.
We spoke to wedding hair expert Pam Wrigley to get her top tips on how to achieve this sculpted, statement look - plus we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about styling Hollywood waves for your big day, whether you’ve got long locks, a bob, or something in between.
- 15 Hollywood waves wedding hair ideas
- Expert advice for Hollywood waves
- Top tips for Hollywood waves wedding hair
Hollywood Waves Wedding Hair: 15 Looks We Love
Old Hollywood waves wedding hair is all about soft, structured glamour. Think glossy, side-swept curls that fall in smooth, sculpted ‘S’ shapes. The look is polished and romantic, with just the right touch of red-carpet drama - perfect for brides who want their hairstyle to be as unforgettable as the dress.
Here are some of our favourite looks to show your wedding hair stylist for inspiration.
1. Glamorous Hollywood Waves - Anastasiia Kot Makeup & Hair
Hollywood waves exude pure glamour - and that's clear to see here with this striking look by Anastasiia Kot.
With over a decade of experience in wedding hair and makeup, Anastasiia has a vast portfolio and experience creating a range of styles, but her Hollywood waves technique is unmatched!
- Pricing: from £150
- Deals: 5% discount for Hitched couples
2. Long Hair with Hollywood Waves - Sabrina Duparcq Hair & Makeup
Two-times Hitched Wedding Awards winner Sabrina Duparcq specialises in Hollywood waves. She has heaps of glowing reviews from happy newlyweds - just take a look at her listing to see evidence of her amazing work.
- Pricing: from £290
3. Sleek Hollywood Wave Wedding Hair - Izabella Bordignon Hair & Makeup
Izabella Bordignon London is a luxury wedding hair and makeup bouquet, with over 10 years' of experience styling nearlyweds on their big day.
This gentle, relaxed Hollywood wave style is typical of their timeless and chic style.
- Pricing: from £695
- Deals: 5% discount for Hitched couples
4. Retro Hollywood Waves - Oh You Pretty Things Bridal Hair
Oh You Pretty Things Bridal Hair specialises in retro and vintage wedding hairstyles - owner Lindsay has studied techniques and styles from the 1920s onwards to ensure her work has a vintage flair.
This is evident in this gorgeous, retro inspired style - pairing it with a red lipstick is the ideal finishing touch.
- Pricing: from £65
5. Gentle Hollywood Waves - Hair by Lynsey Le Keux
Lynsey Le Keux is a specialist in retro wedding hair, especially Hollywood Waves. She can create a range of styles using these sculpted waves, and is experienced working with all different hair types.
- Pricing: from £65
- Deals: 5% discount for Hitched couples
6. Hollywood Waves with Hairband - Enhanced Bridal Beauty
Enhanced Bridal Beauty specialises in bringing out natural beauty, and can create a range of wedding hairstyles, but it's the Hollywood waves that caught our attention. We love the way this bride-to-be has styled her smooth waves with a pearl headband,
- Pricing: from £50
- Deals: 10% discount for Hitched couples
7. Side-Swept Hollywood Waves - Rebecca Middleton Hair & Makeup
A great way to make your Hollywood waves wedding hair look even more glamorous is to have part of it swept back and held in place with a gorgeous hair accessory - just like this look styled by Rebecca Middleton Hair & Makeup.
- Pricing: from £150
- Deals: 5% discount for Hitched couples
8. Hollywood Waves Wedding Ponytail - Francesca Bridal Hair
Three-times Hitched Wedding Awards winner Francesca Bridal Hair has lots of gorgeous Hollywood wave wedding hair inspiration on their listing - but this ponytail style stood out to us as it's a great way to put a twist on a classic bridal style and modernise it.
- Pricing: from £75
9. Soft Glam Hollywood Waves - Glam by Sam
Glam by Sam describes her signature style as 'soft glam' which definitely comes across in this look! The versatility of Hollywood waves can't be overlooked, as they work well with so many different wedding styles.
- Pricing: from £75
10. Short Hollywood Waves - Cambridge Hair & Makeup Artists
Don't think that short hair rules you out of Hollywood wave wedding hair! Short hair looks super glam when it's styled in Hollywood waves - just look at this gorgeous look by Cambridge Hair & Makeup Artists.
- Pricing: from £75
11. Half Up Half Down Hair with Hollywood Waves - Elligance Hair & Makeup Artistry
Half up half down wedding hair is a classic style, so why not combine it with Hollywood waves for a super glamorous, feminine bridal hair look? This style by Elligance Hair & Makeup Artistry is simply stunning.
- Pricing: from £80
- Deals: a 10% discount is available for weekday weddings
12. Mermaid Style Hollywood Waves - Ieva Genovesi Hair & Makeup
Maybe it's the bride's deep red hair colour, or those silky, elegant waves, but this sleek style is so mermaid like! Ieva Genovesi Hair & Makeup, who created this look, has won three Hitched Wedding Awards for amazing service - it's not hard to see why.
- Pricing: from £110
13. Half Up Hollywood Wave Hair - Karen Amelia Hair & Makeup Team
Karen Amelia heads up a team of 18 talented hair and makeup artists, who specialise in sophisticated glamour. Just look at this flawless style - the bride's hair is half up, with the rest cascading down in immaculate Hollywood waves.
- Pricing: from £360
14. Bob Hair with Hollywood Waves - Charlotte Elizabeth Weddings
Bob hair looks especially chic when styled in Hollywood waves. Don't believe? Check out the evidence, styled by Charlotte Elizabeth Weddings.
- Pricing: from £90
- Deals: three deals currently available for Hitched couples, including a 5% discount
15. Subtle Hollywood Waves - Tara Pinnock Makeup & Hair Artist
Hollywood wave wedding hair doesn't have to mean all-out glamour - a gentle, more relaxed version of the look can create real understated elegance. We love this look by Tara Pinnock Makeup & Hair Artist.
- Pricing: from £160
Everything You Need to Know About Hollywood Waves for Your Wedding
Considering a Hollywood waves wedding hairstyle? We don't blame you - they're so glam and look effortlessly chic. We asked the experts for advice when it comes to rocking Hollywood waves for your wedding...
What Is Hollywood waves wedding hair?
Pam Wrigley explains: “Hollywood waves wedding hair is a timeless and glamorous hairstyle, perfect for a wedding day. A Hollywood wave hairstyle is a smooth, sculpted, S-shaped wave that cascades down the hair, popularised by 1940s film stars. You can bring this classic vintage hairstyle bang up to date by adding a sparkly clip or fresh flowers.”
One of the best things about Hollywood wave wedding hair? It’s incredibly versatile. You can wear it fully down, half-up for a softer finish, or swept into a voluminous low ponytail for something a little more modern.
Can you do Hollywood waves wedding Hair on short hair?
Yes, you absolutely can! Hollywood waves aren't just reserved for Rapunzel-length tresses. If you’re rocking a shoulder-length bob or lob, side swept Hollywood waves wedding hair can look just as stunning - and often even more defined.
Pam advises using a smaller tong (around 19mm) to help create those iconic ripples, especially if your hair is on the shorter side. She says: “Product is key - especially if your hair is naturally very straight. Use a strong hold mousse to prep, and a setting lotion or strong hairspray as you create each curl. Avoid over-conditioning, as too much moisture can cause the style to drop.”
Short-haired brides, this one’s for you - don’t be afraid to go big on shine spray and tuck one side behind the ear with a glam barrette or vintage clip for that full old Hollywood vibes.
Can you wear a veil with Hollywood waves wedding hair?
Definitely! Whether you're opting for a chic fingertip veil, a long cathedral train or even a whimsical birdcage, Hollywood waves hair wedding styles pair beautifully with any type of bridal veil.
Pam says: “Whatever length veil you’d like to wear, you can be sure it’ll look totally gorgeous with your Hollywood waves.”
The trick is placement - your hairstylist will help you secure the veil just above or behind the crown so it complements, rather than flattens, those glossy ripples. Add in a sparkling comb or floral detail where the veil meets the hair for an extra touch of vintage romance.
Are Hollywood waves still trendy for weddings?
Absolutely. If anything, Hollywood waves wedding hair is having a major moment right now - and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere.
“It’s a timeless, classic look that works across hair types and lengths,” says Pam. And she’s right - brides are loving this elegant style for its adaptability. From soft and loose to tight and sculpted, Hollywood waves are always camera-ready.
They also work brilliantly with both modern and vintage-inspired gowns, making them a go-to option for brides wanting a look that’s both sophisticated and endlessly Instagrammable.
Hollywood Waves Wedding Hair: Top Tips for Every Length
- Long Hair: Go full glam with glossy, sculpted waves that cascade down your back. Perfect for dramatic dresses and red-carpet entrances.
- Medium Hair: Try Hollywood waves paired with a centre or deep side parting. Add volume at the roots for that signature bounce.
- Short Hair: Create defined waves with a smaller tong and finish with a high-shine spray. Tuck one side behind the ear for a chic, modern twist.
- Side Swept Hollywood Waves Wedding Hair: Channel the ultimate vintage vibe with a deep side part and sweeping curls pinned just behind one ear. Add a bold lip for pure old-school glamour.
- Half-Up Hollywood Waves: For a softer look, pin back the top section of your waves with a pearl clip or comb, leaving the rest to flow freely.
Hollywood waves wedding hair is elegant, iconic, and effortlessly glamorous - no wonder it’s still one of the most requested bridal styles. Whether you’re after a full vintage moment or a modern take with a twist, these sculpted waves work beautifully for almost every bride.
Still feeling unsure? Check out our ultimate list of questions to ask before meeting with your hair stylist for your big day.
