You’re almost getting married. You have chosen your dress and flower arrangements, and you are eagerly counting down the days until you say “I do.” However, you are still unsure about how to style your hair. To exacerbate the situation, you have lengthy hair that is difficult to manage. Don’t be afraid. Take inspiration from these 40 stunning long hair wedding hairstyles.
Though free-flowing locks can also be a gorgeous and creative option, voluminous bridal updos for long hair are highly fashionable. It might be a side hairdo that looks great with one-shoulder dresses, a half-updo, or a V-shaped braided or curled downdo. Let’s look at some inspiring images.
1. Layered and Gathered Bridal Hairstyle
Nothing goes with a wedding dress like a waterfall of curls. This extravagant side style is not for a casual, backyard shindig. A fancy look like this is best when paired with an equally fancy gown. So don’t hold back!
2. Messy High Bun
Sometimes a mess is best. Try this perfectly imperfect updo that includes twisted pieces of hair gathered into a loose, curly high bun. Give the look a romantic edge by letting some strands flow free in the front.
3. Loose and Lovely Curls
You reserve the right to let your hair down on your big day. That doesn’t mean it’s not going to look fabulous. Go for a romantic look with loose, carefree curls that are topped off with a fancy headband. For bigger, more natural waves, use a curling iron larger than one inch.
4. The Regal Bridal Top Bun
Get a hairstyle fit for a queen. A textured, teased and twisted bun piled up on the top of your head is a great way to make a statement. Now, all you need is a palace.
5. Half-Updo with a Braided Headband
It’s OK to get a little extravagant on your wedding day, especially with your hair. Try a curled half updo that cascades down one side of your neck. Nothing goes with a pretty formal ‘do like a braided headband, so throw two overlapping plaits into the mix!
6. Swirled Wavy Half Up Style
Long hair wedding styles vary depending on the bride’s personal preference and dress choice. But few are as elegant as this cascading twist of curls, waves, and hair embellishments that work well on the wavy hair texture. As for the length, it’s certainly best on long hair, well, past the shoulders – the length that can be curled and draped beautifully.
7. Wedding Half Up Ringlets
When it comes to wedding updos, too many brides pin all of their hair back instead of letting some flow freely. If you have long locks, show them off with ringlets and a deep side part. Curl hair with a small to medium sized wand, and then pin some hair back just above the ear line. Add in a fancy hair accessory to finish off the look.
8. Piled Up Formal Hairstyle
If your hair isn’t able to hold a long style for an extended period of time, then go with an updo. The trick is to gather your thick hair into a volume-packed curl fest that will look formal instead of frumpy. A strong updo is also ideal for warm weather wedding days or when you have a traditional veil, tiara or other large accessory.
9. Graduated Wedding Downdo
Out of all the bride hairstyles, long hair options always tend to look most romantic. To get truly elegant hair for your big day, ask your stylist to include a bouffant and draped long bangs or face-framing layers. When paired with soft, shiny curls, your final result should be a cascading waterfall of beautiful locks.
10. Curly Low Bun
Bring your long wedding hair into a low bun that’s packed with twists and curls. A professional hairdresser will know exactly how to position each strand for optimal beauty. Don’t forget to add a touch of baby’s breath or a jeweled hair clip to finish off your style.
11. Curly Half Updo for Brides
Adding ombre or balayage color to your wedding day hair is a special, modern touch to a classic look. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, you can further show off your color transition with loose, flowing curls.
12. Bridal Mermaid Waves
Wedding hairstyles for long hair are fairly simple for women who sport healthy, lengthy locks. For thick extra long hair, try a wavy hairstyle, mermaid waves with an elegant hair piece and voluminous side bangs.
13. Braided Crown with Hairband
The romantic, renaissance-inspired wedding hair is accomplished through loose curls and a braid crown that wraps around a small bouffant. The hairdo is finished with a jeweled hairband to secure everything in place and add some fancy sparkle to the dark hair.
14. Large Hair Accessories
Liven up any wedding day look with a chunky hair accessory. From a large clip on the side of the head to a hat or short veil, a fashionable embellishment adds a touch of whimsy to your wedding ensemble.
15. Updo with Side Tendrils
Long hairstyles for wedding don’t have to be super complicated. This simple messy chignon is made more elegant with some softly curled side tendrils. The trick to this style is to avoid perfection – go with the natural direction of your hair and embrace wisps and independent curls.
16. Side Part Hollywood Waves
The Hollywood wave is undeniably a perfect wedding hairstyle. To create these gorgeous sleek curls, curl small sections of hair, securing each curl till it cools. Then, gently release the spirals and apply some hair spray for a luxurious finish.
17. Flower Crown Alternative
Instead of a veil or slicked back updo, keep things sweet for a springtime or summer wedding with a crown of flowers. Selected flowers like baby’s breath and roses should be hardy enough to hold up in this simple and very cute all-day hairdo.
18. Loose Wedding Downdo
Loose and oversized braids have been popular for quite some time, but when it comes to wedding styles for long hair, they are still a relatively new idea. Long, medium to thick hair will work best with a chunky braid. Add in some fresh blossoms or loose jewels to formalize the ‘do.
19. Big Country Hair
Southern girls know that the bigger the hair, the more effective the glam! Now anyone can take a cue from Nashville with big, curly wedding hair that has plenty of sass and style. A side sweep will allow for further volume and incorporation of bangs.
20. Sweet and Simple Ringlets
Smooth and shiny, this perfectly coifed wedding hair is started with an anti-frizz serum worked in from roots to tips. Then, hair is curled into evenly placed ringlets and secured above the ear line with bobby pins. Add some flowers or ribbon to cover the secured section, and spray with a holding product.
21. Straightforward and Simple Wedding Bun
While browsing wedding hair ideas, you may have decided that simple is best for you. It’s true that long wedding hairstyles don’t have to feature extended curls or fancy flowers. Instead, keep things easy with a discreet low chignon and a veil pinned underneath for a classic wedding style that will never look dated.
22. Curly Wedding Ponytail
Curly and feminine, this wedding hairstyle is ideal for a variety of hair types. The longer your hair, the more impressive the cascade of twists will be. You can also embellish the top section with flowers, a tiara, a traditional veil or anything else you can dream up.
23. Extra Long Half Up Pony
This effortless, textured half ponytail can perfectly showcase your lengthy locks and accentuate your personal style. Achieve this style by gathering the upper section in a high pony and letting the remaining hair flow freely.
24. Mega Long Waves
Searching through long hair updos for a wedding? Look no further than this uber simple yet majorly impactful half-up style with cascading curls. The more volume, the better for this impressive style.
25. Strongly Secured Ringlet Chignon
Black hair looks beautiful with stiff, perfectly placed pin curls. A stylist specializing in ethnic hair will easily accomplish this tucked chignon, and likely finish it off with a perfect hair embellishment. You can complement this style with chunky earrings or other big day jewelry.
26. Braid and Low Chignon
Create a beautiful braided headband that trails from one side of the head and continues around the hairline to the base of the neck. Throw the braid and the rest of your hair into a tendril-filled bun for a pretty, bohemian bridal style that no one will forget.
27. Fancy Free Messy Side Updo
A loose-and-lovely bouquet of curls is the right wedding hairstyle for long hair – it is ideal for the most important walk of your life, believe us. Make sure to pin each curl loosely and tug at the crown to give the look a slightly undone finish.
28. Curled Formal Updo
Curly, structured chignons are go-to bridal hairdos. Make sure to layer each curl so pins are hidden. And don’t forget to give your look some staying power by spritzing it with a stronghold hairspray!
29. Full and Fancy Chignon
Chignons are a staple at weddings. For brides, a full, large bun is a picture-perfect hairstyle for the stroll down the aisle. Get a quality bouffant to achieve the fullness and body you want and tie the look together with a bedazzled barrette.
30. Sexy Updo with Framing Locks
An intricate updo, like this large messy bun, can accentuate the neckline and the back, making it a perfect match to your strapless wedding dress. Leave thick front locks for a framing effect that accentuates your natural beauty.
31. Graceful Bridal Wavy Style
This relaxed variation of Old Hollywood waves is a wonderful choice for long-haired brides wishing to look classy and alluring on the big day. Complement loose strands with a delicate leaf or floral hair comb in a wedding theme.
32. Tucked-Up Updo
Look every bit the princess you are by pulling your hair back into a regal updo that’s one of the more elegant wedding hairstyles for long hair. Top it off with a tiara and you’ll be ready for a royal affair.
33. Braided Side Bun
Can’t decide between a braided and twisted low bun? Get the best of both worlds! Twist one side and create a French braid on the other side, gathering the two at the base. Twist the hair into a bun and, voila, you are ready to get hitched!
34. Flawless Low Ponytail
If you want to be a glamorous bride, try this effortlessly chic bridal ponytail. Simple yet sophisticated, it will beautifully transform your straight hair and help you make an impression on everyone on your wedding day!
35. Tucked-In Low Updo
Delicate baby’s breath and a tucked-in low chignon prove to be a lovely combination for a bridal ‘do. Roll your pony and secure it at the base of the neck with hairpins. Top off the look with a crown of flowers and bring new meaning to the term “flower child.”
36. Crown Braid and Beach Waves
This half-down hairstyle is perfect for beach weddings! The long curly hair, flowing down to your waist, is beautifully accentuated with a braided crown, resulting in a romantic boho look.
37. Gatsby-Inspired Retro Updo
Retro hairstyles always have a place at formal affairs, including weddings! Go for a 1920s-inspired style that will work for any type of wedding dress, from a mermaid silhouette to a full-blown ball gown.
38. Half-Up Glamorous Curls
Half-up half-down bridal hairstyles offer the perfect balance, allowing you to showcase the Hollywood glamor of your long tresses and radiant appearance.
39. Sophisticated Low Bun
Despite the tremendous popularity of half-up bridal hairdos, we still admire elegant updos that effortlessly complement the bridal beauty. By incorporating fringe locks, you can additionally frame your lovely face.
40. Modern Bridal Hairstyle
Loose waves are the best choice for how you can embrace the natural texture of your hair. They look stunning on their own and don’t require additional decoration to shine, but you can add a modern flair with stylish silver cuffs.