30 Beautiful Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair
If you’re after wedding hairstyle ideas for long hair, we’ve got all the bridal hair inspo you need, whether your hair is thick, thin, curly, straight or textured
It’s your crowning glory and you’ve put in the hours (and resisted the bob hype) to help it to grow long and strong before your wedding day, but now you need to make a decision on your wedding hairstyle and you’ve got no idea where to start.
The best thing about wedding hairstyles for long hair is that there are so many options, although that can also mean i's easy to get overwhelmed. Well fear not, we've rounded up some of our favourite styles, for all hair types, to provide endless inspiration from some of our favourite UK wedding hair experts...
30 Wedding Hairstyle Ideas for Long Hair
- Updos for Long Hair
- Half Up Half Down Hair
- Loose and Down Styles For Long Hair
- Braided Styles
- Ponytail Styles
- Long Bridal Hair FAQs
Updos for Long Hair
A classic up-do never fails to disappoint and we've got inspiration for every style, including a sophisticated slicked-back look and a classic undone bun for boho brides.
1. Tousled Low Bun
We love the way this soft bun, by Johanna Villarreal, sits at the nape of the neck, and looks effortlessly chic. Leaving curled pieces out of your updo helps to create an ethereal, undone look.
2. Sleek Low Bun with Headband
This super sleek alternative, by Izabella Bordignon, is a great option for brides that want a more structured look. It's also a great style for brides that have more detail at the top of their dresses so that there's no distractions around the neckline. We love how the look has been finished with a statement head band, with trending pearl details.
3. Chic Low Bun with Veil
If you're not keen on the traditional fullness of a veil then we love this cute option! A micro veil, secured to a neat bun, is a great nod to tradition without overwhelming your final look. Zoe Sharman, who created this look, left out tumbling face framing pieces but kept the back of the hair neat to let the veil shine.
4. Brushed Out Bun
If you have curly or afro hair we absolutely love this look. Don't be afraid to take a brush to your lengths to get the added volume, or use hair pieces to add volume to your natural hair. This bride, who used Styled by Aina, chose to accessorize the updo with a stunning feather inspired headband.
5. Slicked Back Simple Bun
The ultimate wedding hair look for the "clean girl" bride, this slicked back bun by James Wilson gives sophistication and confidence. We love how this bride has added a statement earring instead of any hair accessories.
6. Updo with Pearls
They say diamonds are a girls best friend, but we think pearls are a close runner up. We adore this twisted updo by Elle Au Natural that's been adorned with scattered pearls. If you aren't into pearls, why not try another stone? Imagine this look with sapphire beads for your something blue...
7. Tousled Boho Bun
Another example of a stunning tousled bun, we are obsessing over the way stylist Chris Becks has incorporated a face framing braid into this look - it's really all about the little details and we can't get enough.
8. Wavy Chignon
A real work of art, by Francesca Bridal Hair, we love how this classic style has been updated with sculptural waves. Although you'll probably want to leave extra time to perfect this up-do on the day, we definitely think it's worth it.
9. Green and Purple Floral Up-Do
Incorporating fresh flowers into your hair is a trend we simply can't get enough of. This braided updo by Wild Rose Hair with purple and white wild flowers is perfect for boho brides.
10. Curly Up-Do
The beauty of curly hair is that it doesn't need much manipulating to make a statement and that's what we love about this 'do. You really can create a look that lets your natural texture do the talking, like this gorgeous style by Something Blue Hair and Makeup.
11. White and Pink Floral Updo
The great thing about using fresh flowers to accesorise your hair is that you can switch up the colours to complement your wedding scheme. This style by Bridal Hair in Hampshire is a classic with baby pink roses and small white florals.
Half Up Half Down Hair
We get it, you've put a lot of effort into growing your hair and having it all tied up in an updo seems like a waste. Well choosing a half-up half-down style might be the solution. It really is the best of both worlds...
12. Beachy Waves with Floral Pins
Beachy waves are great for brides that want to show off their length and we love the way that this bride has incorporated golden flowers to finish off the look. Rachel Evans, who did this look, specialises in natural romantic styles.
13. Natural Curls with Tiara
Natural curls lend themselves to half-up looks. This style by Sian Marie MUA has added definition which can be achieved with a chopstick styler. It'll help eliminate any curls with extra frizz. Accessorise with a sparkling tiara like this bride for extra glamour.
14. White Floral Pins
This beautiful half-down style, by Francesca Bridal Hair, has been pinned to create a natural twist which is framed with a stunning white floral hair pin. Although we love fresh flowers, accessories like this one are great keepsakes and can even be passed down to your children.
15. Half-Up With Bow
We love how this style proves half up looks can be intricate too. The addition of the white bow is so on trend and is a fun alternative to a veil. Francesca, who created this look, specialises in soft romantic styles just like this one.
16. Boho Half Up Style
If you're going for more of a bohemian look and feel for your special day then don't rule out half up styles. We love this look by Katy Djokic which combines the half down style with a beautiful fishtail braid. To make it extra special incorporate fresh flowers into the finished look.
Loose and Down Styles For Long Hair
If you really want to show off your long hair then there are plenty of ways to style it down that still look special. These are some of our favourites...
17. Natural Curls
This bride's natural curls are utterly breathtaking and we love the combination of the slicked back look around her face, contrasted with her loose curls. The gilded floral head band really makes the look even more regal and perfect for such a special day. The Bridal Stylists, who created this look, can also stay throughout your day to help with any touchups.
18. Sleek Waves
Sleek waves are a classic bridal go-to and work well with almost any dress. If you're after a soft glam look for your special day then consider Beauty Inifinity - it's their specialty. Plus they offer a wedding hair and makeup package so you don't have to worry about booking separately.
19. Hollywood Waves with Flower Crown
We will simply never get tired of flower crowns and this one is no exception. They're the ultimate accessory and can be thoughtfully tailored to any season. We love how bridal makeup and hair specialist, Nadezhda, has finished the look with these chic, brushed out waves. Simply breathtaking.
20. Dried Flower Crown
Dried flowers can be just as breathtaking as fresh, as you can see from this beautiful look created by Wild Rose Hair. We love it when brides embrace their own unique hair texture and adding a statement clip can make for a stunning naturally effortless look.
21. Deep Side Parting
If you're wearing your hair down for your wedding consider changing things up with a deep side parting. We love the way this bride has pulled one side of her hair back with a floral clip. Just About Weddings, don't just do hair and makeup either. They're a one stop shop for all your on the day beauty needs, including nails and waxing.
Braided Styles
After braided wedding hair inspiration? These plaited wedding hairstyles are simply gorgeous.
22. Floral Mermaid Braid
If you have long, thick hair this style of braid is an excellent choice and makes the perfect framework for some blooms as well. We love the way The Bridal Stylists has incorporated these tiny white flowers to add a boho vibe.
23. Floral Half Braid
We love how this braided style, by Francesca Bridal Hair, leaves some of your length loose at the end so you get to see the beautiful curls too. Also, leaving face framing pieces out of the braid helps to create a softer silhouette.
24. Curly French Plait
If there's ever a day when you can get away with glittering gold flakes in your hair then it's on your wedding day. We love how this naturally curly bride has opted for a French plait for her bridal hair look and elevated it with sparkles! Simply stunning.
25. Bow Detail Braid
The detail in this braid, by Francesca Bridal Hair, is absolutely stunning and the subtle bows are perfect if you don't want to use actual bows but still want to nod towards the trend. We can imagine this isn't the quickest style to create but definitely one to take advantage of if you have that much hair to play with!
Ponytail Styles
The latest wedding hair trend? The ponytail! We can't get over these low-effort, high-impact styles.
26. Textured Ponytail with Bow
This textured ponytail by Totally You is the ultimate cool girl bridal hairdo and we can't get enough of it. It'd be perfect for a micro-wedding or registry office wedding and the bow adds a sweet feminine touch if you're opting for a suit on your special day.
27. Pinned Ponytail
If there's one thing all these looks have in common it's that there's no hair ties in sight, and we love it that way. This stunning ponytail, by Nandi Kai, is secured with a fishtail style plait at the base and it looks so chic.
28. Tousled Pony with Ribbon
We simply can't get enough of ribbons and this look is one is one of our favourites. If you don't fancy a bow, just tying it around your pony can add an elegant touch to a simple style. This look by Lara Stokes is so effortlessly cool and we can't get enough of it. Plus, you can tailor the ribbon colour to your wedding theme.
29. Pearl Ponytail
We think this pearl encrusted pony would make the ideal wedding hair if you were having a festival-themed wedding. Minxies, the team behind this look, are experts in creating super unique styles that are so stunning you'll want to leave in for longer than just your special day!
30. Flicked Out Ponytail
This style, by Bridal Hair by Leanne, pairs the elegance of a regular ponytail with a fun flirty, twist. We love the kicked out ends and makes for the perfect style if you plan on wearing any statement jewellery or have a high necked wedding dress that you want to show off.
How To Grow Your Hair Before Your Wedding
If you're trying to grow your hair for your special day there's a few things you can do to speed up the process and keep your hair healthy along the way. On average your hair will grow about 6 inches each year so keep that in mind. Here are some of our favourite products that will help your hair grow long and strong...
1. Replenish Split End Remedy - Authentic Beauty Concept
The key to growing you hair long is to take good care of it and that includes reducing the amount of split ends you get along the way. This hydrating balm seals split ends, which means they won't travel up your hair shaft leading to more breakage, plus it'll smooth frizz too.
- Expert Take: If you're partial to using heat on your hair this is a great option. It protects from heat up to 230°C so you can get your straighteners out guilt-free.
2. Hair Food Vitamins - Glowwa
There's no quick fix to grow your hair to lofty lengths but making sure you're getting the right balance of vitamins is a great place to start. These supplements by Glowwa contain a blend of ingredients including hair strengthening biotin, B12 and folate which'll result in less hair loss and fuller hair over time.
- Expert Take: The good news about these supplements is that they don't just strengthen your hair! Side effects include glowing skin and stronger nails.
3. Healthy Hair brush - Manta
Designed to be ultra gentle this hair brush will stop unnecessary breakage when brushing. It's flexible bristles will glide easily through all hair types including fine and coily hair.
- Expert Take: We love that this brush is waterproof so you can even use it for detangling in the shower.
Long Bridal Hair FAQs
There is so much to consider when it comes to the style you choose for your special day and we know it can be overwhelming. To help you get the answers to some of the most common questions we enlisted the help of experts, Taylor Rose Hair and Beauty, to give their advice.
Should you choose your wedding hairstyle based on your face shape?
When it comes to choosing a wedding hairstyle, your face shape plays a big role in finding the right look:
- Hairstyles for oval faces: If you have an oval face, you’re in luck since most styles will suit you. Soft waves or a relaxed updo can really bring out your features.
- Hairstyles for round faces: For round faces, try styles that add height or asymmetry, like a tousled updo or side part.
- Hairstyles for square faces: Square faces look great with soft, textured styles like Hollywood waves or curls that help soften sharp angles.
- Hairstyles for heart-shaped faces: If you have a heart-shaped face, go for a style with volume around the chin, such as a low chignon or loose waves.
When should you wash your hair before your wedding?
"For the perfect hair-up look, wash your hair the day before your wedding, as in second day hair, not the morning of. Freshly washed hair can be too soft which makes it harder for updos to stay put. Second day hair will hold its shape better and give your stylist more to work with for a long-lasting, secure style."
How can I make my wedding hairstyle last all day?
"If you have long, fine hair, volumising shampoos and products can work wonders, but always check with your stylist before using anything on the day of your wedding to make sure it won’t interfere with the styling.
"On that note avoid heavy products that could weigh your hair down. For a great shampoo and conditioner, I absolutely love Kevin Murphy Angel Wash and Rinse. Another great tip is to add layers, which can really help create the illusion of more volume.
"Also if you're looking for a bit of extra fullness, hair extensions are a superb option for your wedding, as they blend beautifully with long, fine hair for an incredibly natural look."
Now you've got your hair sorted, why not check out our favourite wedding makeup ideas?
