beauty
From chic updos to dazzling accessories
By Chelsea Candelario
•
Published Dec 27, 2023
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Getty Images/PureWow
Does wedding season have you running around trying to secure the perfect dress and shoes? Well, let us take at least one thing off your list: a chic hairstyle. Whether you’re attending a destination or a black tie wedding, we have a list of looks that can work for any theme. We compiled 45 wedding guest hairstyles, from chic updos to dazzling accessories to complement any look. We also tapped a few hairstylists to share the top trends that will surely be a hit at the event.
Meet the Experts
- David Cruz is a celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador for Colorproof. He specializes in runway and editorial, and you might’ve seen his work in New York Fashion Week and the Met Gala, as well as in Vogue, W Magazine and Elle Magazine. His previous clients include Alexandria Daddario, Kristin Chenoweth, Chrissy Teigen and Hilary Duff.
- Matthew Collins is a celebrity hairstylist and global styling ambassador for Dyson. He has 17 years of experience, specializing in cutting, coloring and styling. His work has been featured on award shows, and in fashion shows and editorial photoshoots. His previous clients include Mandy Moore, Kristen Bell, Camilla Mendes and Chloe Bennet.
- Larry Sims is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union. He has over two decades of experience doing editorial, red carpet and brand campaign looks. He has a long list of credits including Vogue, Allure, Essence Magazine and Elle. His previous clients include Janet Jackson, Zendaya, Regina King, Kerry Washington and Tracee Ellis Ross.
- Becca Raziuddin is a hairstylist, cosmetologist and director of artist education at Blo Blow Dry Bar in Los Angeles. She served as a lead stylist for numerous New York Fashion Week shows including Bronx and Banco, Princess Polly and Vogue.
- Sarah Potempa is a celebrity stylist and co-founder of The Beachwaver Co. She is known for designing the first-ever rotating curling iron, the Beachwaver, and uses the tool to create waves for her clients. She has also worked on editorial shoots for publications such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue and Vanity Fair. Her celebrity clientele includes Camila Cabello, Jennifer Garner, Ana de Armas and Lea Michele.
- Wes Sharpton is a hairstylist and lead brand educator for Hairstory. He has experience working for editorial and print publications such as Vogue, Elle and Allure. His specialty includes trendy and traditional cutting styles for all hair types.
- Tom Smith is a celebrity hairstylist and a trend forecaster based in the United Kingdom. He’s previously predicted trendy styles like “bottleneck bangs,” “expensive brunette” and the “curtain cut.” His clients include Louise Redknapp and Geri Halliwell.
- Nick Stenson is a celebrity hairstylist, brand ambassador for Matrix and oversees store & services operations for Ulta Beauty. He’s also the founder of Nick Stenson Beauty, where he offers eco-friendly and affordable products to address hair concerns. He has a decade of experience in the hair industry, specializing in the latest hair styling and coloring trends. His work and expertise has previously been featured on NBC, CBS News, Good Morning America and The Today Show.
- Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon in New Jersey. She has over a decade of experience working in commercial, runway and editorial spaces. She is certified in all coloring techniques, haircutting and hand-tied extensions.
RELATED
30 Easy Bridesmaid Hairstyles for Any Type of Wedding
Updos
Getty Images
1. Ballerina Bun
The ballerina bun is a popular pick as it works for just about any occasion. As Cruz previously told us, this modern chignon is customizable to fit any hair type, length or aesthetic. “There is a lot of wiggle room with this look. You can wear it low and less structured for a softer look or you can go high and light like a ballerina, especially if you’re going to really dance at your reception.” To recreate Vanessa Hudgens’s look, Cruz suggests applying a styling wax to tame any frizz.
Getty Images
2. Locs High Bun
If you’re rocking a protective style (like Halle Bailey’s above), consider this high bun for your next wedding. Once you wrap your hair up, just add some curly tendrils throughout for a more casual finish.
Getty Images
3. Low Bun
Looking for a wedding guest hairstyle that’s quick and easy? Look no further than this low bun style, which we promise won’t take too much of your time. To mimic Zendaya’s look, grab a brush and a styling gel to smooth down your hair towards the nape of your neck. Then, pull your hair into a small ponytail and wrap a strand around the base, before securing everything with some bobby pins.
Getty Images
4. French Twist
Time and time again, this elegant twist has proven to be a hit for weddings. As Raziuddin previously shared, the hair is prepped using a flat iron before applying a styling cream to help shape and twist hair inwards. He continued, "The remaining hair in the French twist is teased and placed into an elegant bun on the crown of the head.”
Steve Granitz/Contributor/Getty Images
5. Top Bun
There’s nothing quite like a top bun—especially when it’s paired with full fringe like Riki Lindhome here. You could say it’s the icing on the (wedding) cake.
6. The Tendy
We predict this hairstyle is going to be everywhere in 2024. Whether you have long or short locks, ‘the tendy’ offers a nice addition to your look. “It’s a tendril of hair used to frame the face on just one side, as opposed to two tendrils framing the face on both sides,” explains Potempa. “It gives your hair a fashionable edge with its asymmetry.”
Long Hairstyles
Samir Hussein/Contributor/Getty Images
7. Blowout
A blowout will always be a tried-and-true wedding guest hairstyle. All you need is a blow dryer and a round brush (or a combo styler) to add body and shape to your tresses like Amal Clooney.
Getty Images
8. Glam Waves
Glam waves can add texture and show off your impressive lengthy locks at the big event. According to Potempa, you should always apply a heat protectant spray before using a curling iron on the ends. She previously suggested, “Secure the look with silver pins to set the hair, and once it’s completely cooled, use a bristle brush to smooth the hair into waves. Then use a serum to add shine and lock everything with a hairspray.”
Karwai Tang/Contributor/Getty Images
9. Silk Press
If you’re looking for a sleeker style, consider a silk press for the occasion. After blow drying your hair, grab a flat iron and work it through each section to eliminate any frizz and flyaways. Then, spritz on some shine spray for an even smoother finish.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Contributor/Getty Images
10. The Royal Blowout
Here’s your sign to channel your inner Kate Middleton for the black-tie event. Use a curling iron on your ends and brush through each section for a looser pattern. And don’t forget to shape your curtain bangs for a nice royal touch.
11. The Fawcett Flip
Inspired by Farrah Fawcett, this voluminous blowout should be on your inspo list. To achieve the look, use hot rollers (or a curling iron) to create large barrel curls and brush them out for big luscious locks.
Gareth Cattermole/Staff/Getty Images
12. Beach Waves
A destination wedding calls for beachy waves that can withstand the heat. The trick here is spritzing on sea salt spray and scrunching it through your locks to add texture and eliminate any frizz.
Monica Schipper/Staff/Getty Images
13. Slicked-Back Tresses
If you want to spend less time on your hair to focus on other things (like your makeup and ensemble), run a dime-amount of air dry cream through damp strands to create soft, frizz-free tresses like Stephanie Hsu here.
14. Flipped Ends
A straight style is nice, but incorporating flipped ends can take it to the next level. Collins previously told us, a styling tool can help blow out your hair and offer a soft flip up at the end. He added, “Once done, pin the sides back and behind the ear. Then, backcomb the top for volume and use a texture spray to give it definition.”
Mike Marsland/Contributor/Getty Images
15. Piecey Layers
This shaggy style looks tousled yet polished enough for a wedding. To get a look that’s similar to Suki Waterhouse, use a styling cream to enhance your natural texture, add bounce and tame any frizz.
Samir Hussein/Contributor/Getty Images
16. Sleek and Side Swept
This wedding guest hairstyle is great for anyone who is ready to bust a move on the dance floor and looking for a frizz-proof style. Just create a side part before applying styling gel to smooth down the front of your hair, while leaving the rest to flow down your back.
Taylor Hill/Contributor/Getty Images
17. The Polished Blowout
“There are many exciting styles taking over right now, and it feels like there are two opposite ends of the spectrum,” Buckett shared while chatting with us about hair trends. “On one hand, you have very polished looks like the voluminous blowouts that have been taking over these days. You also are going to see the return of super sleek straight hair.”
Short Hairstyles
Mike Marsland/Contributor/Getty Images
18. Tucked Bob
While Smith recommended this style for gray hair, we believe it works for all types of hair. The tucked technique offers shape and softens your features (i.e. cheekbones and jawline). As Smith explained, “[With this cut,] the top is intentionally kept long and the ends are flicked out behind the ears, which softens overall shape.” To recreate Taylor Russell’s bob, apply a mousse throughout for a flexible hold.
Taylor Hill/Contributor/Getty Images
19. Sleek Bob
A black-tie wedding calls for a sleek bob. The chin-length strands combined with a deep side part gives a level of sophistication fit for any formal night. All you need is a one-inch flat iron to run through each section for a silky finish.
Taylor Hill/Contributor/Getty Images
20. Bent Bob
Need a low-maintenance look for the upcoming wedding season? This wavy hairstyle, as seen on Saoirse Ronan, is just what you need. Also known as ‘The Bend,’ it’s an effortless bob that adds a slight bend to your strands. To create the signature waves, grab a curling iron and start curling your hair around the cheekbones, before gently dragging the tool down the lengths to create a looser pattern. Note: Avoid curling your ends so you can maintain the stretched out S-shape throughout.
Getty Images
21. Retro Waves
These retro waves will definitely fit the ‘Old Hollywood’ theme of your bestie’s wedding. The bouncy tresses are great for short hair, as it flows right above the shoulders and offers a nice view of any dazzling accessories you choose to wear that night.
Getty Images
22. Sleek Pixie
A sleek pixie is super chic for any formal event. For a model-approved look, create a deep side part before using a comb and some texturizing paste to smooth down both sections.
Getty Images
23. Finger Waves
This wedding guest hairstyle works for any Gatsby-theme wedding on your calendar. Apply a mousse to damp hair and use a rat-tail comb to sculpt your waves. FYI, the technique requires some practice to get right, so don’t wait until the big day to attempt the look. Need some guidance? We have a helpful tutorial to prepare you.
Getty Images
24. Whisper Fringe
Psst, check out this wedding guest hairstyle for your next event. “‘It’s a shorter bang that’s slightly broken up to create more of a whisper without looking weak,” Sharpton shared while discussing winter hair trends. “It works with almost every hair type and length—plus the bangs add the perfect accent to whatever style you already have.” To recreate Zoë Kravitz’s signature look, apply a hair wax to define and sculpt your fringe.
Daniele Venturelli/Contributor/Getty Images
25. Side-Swept Bixie
The pixie-bob hybrid is just what you need for the big day. Once you create a deep side part, gently brush each section down for a sleeker finish.
Half Up/Half Down Hairstyles
Mike Marsland/Contributor/Getty Images
26. Modern Bump
Whether you call it the bumpit or pouf, this hairstyle is making a major comeback for wedding season. Popularized by millennials (and our favorite Y2K reality stars), the look is actually easy to recreate at home. Use a comb to divide your hair into three sections and gather the middle section into a claw clip, barrette or hair tie. The key here is to push the section forward to get the signature pouf before securing it.
Getty Images
27. Side Twists
This hairstyle is for all the dancers out there. Part your hair in the middle before grabbing each section and twisting them inwards, so it’s away from your face. Then, secure each twist with bobby pins (and if a few curly tendrils pop out don’t worry about it).
28. Knotted Half-Up Style
“A regular half-up style can be elevated by adding a simple knot that creates texture and an intricate touch to the look,” Korab shared while discussing chic holiday hairstyles. According to the stylist, it can also be modified for any hair type. If you have curly or wavy locks, apply hair oil to twist the knot. But those with a straighter mane should use mousse to hold the style in place.
Taylor Hill/Contributor/Getty Images
29. Half-Up Pony
This half-up ‘do gives off the illusion of more voluminous locks. Divide your hair into two sections (gathering the top section from ear to ear) and place a small ponytail at the crown of your head. This look also keeps your hair away from your face, which will be perfect for the bustling reception.
Ponytail Hairstyles
30. Party Pony
This wavy ponytail will be the life of the party. The height gives the illusion of longer length, while the layers offer movement, as you sway across the dance floor. As Stenson previously told us, “This style is great because of its playfulness. It’s popular because you can easily achieve it at home and it’s a great option for all hair types.” Use a curling iron to achieve the loose waves and spritz on some hairspray to keep the ponytail in place.
Getty Images
31. Low Ponytail
This low ponytail is the definition of a classic wedding guest hairstyle. Once you create a deep side part, use styling gel and a brush to smooth down the sides and gather all your hair towards the back.
Getty Images
32. Flipped Ponytail
This ‘60s style can truly elevate a traditional high ponytail. To recreate Doja Cat’s flipped ends, use a heat tool to bring out the swoop and maintain shine. And don’t forget to lay down your edges to complete the look.
Natural Hairstyles
Neil Mockford/Contributor/Getty Images
33. Intricate Braids
If Queen Charlotte herself (aka India Amarteifio) can rock intricate braids down the red carpet, so can you at your next wedding. The braided rows move in different directions, plus her delicate baby hairs make this a chic style you have to try out.
Getty Images
34. Baby Braids
Baby braids offer a nice touch to any hairstyle, so let these face-framing pieces elevate any updo, ponytail or bun on this list.
Getty Images
35. Shaped Pompadour
Lupita N’yongo is a great reference for all the 4C gals out there. This shaped pompadour requires a styling cream to help sculpt the look. Then, pop on a statement headband to really bring the style together.
36. Afro
Embrace your natural hair and sport a gorgeous afro at the shindig. Use a hair pick to shape your ‘fro and apply leave-in conditioner for moisture, softness and shine.
Curly Hairstyles
Taylor Hill/Contributor/Getty Images
37. Shaggy Cut
A shaggy haircut is a great choice for curly gals. This tousled look shows off your natural pattern and can work for any theme you’ll be attending—just look at Sandra Oh above for some inspo.
Getty Images
38. Tousled Updo
Here’s an easy curly hairstyle that won’t take up too much time. Grab some texturizing gel and scrunch it throughout your curls for shine and definition. Once your hair is secured in a top bun, leave a few pieces out and slick down your baby hairs to bring the whole look together.
Getty Images
39. Low Ponytail
A low ponytail filled with bouncy curls will definitely complement your gorgeous gown. Once you smooth down the front, wrap the rest of your hair at the nape of your neck and add mousse for definition.
Getty Images
40. Pineapple
This versatile hairstyle can be rocked at the celebration and become a great protective look when you hit the hay afterwards. Gather all your curls at the crown and let them cascade around your hairline. Also use a hair pick for body and styling cream to define your pattern like Yara Shahidi.
Araya Doheny/Stringer/Getty Images
41. High Ponytail
This high ponytail is great for any function. The placement starts at the crown of your head and let’s not forget some styling gel to define your lengthy curls.
Getty Images
42. Coily Faux Hawk
This wedding guest hairstyle is edgy yet stylish. Use a banana clip to gather all your coils at the center. Another option is to divide your hair into sections and use hair ties to keep ‘em in place. For voluminous ringlets like Viola Davis, use a wide-tooth comb (or a hair pick) to fluff out your hair.
Accessories
Samir Hussein/Contributor/Getty Images
43. Barrette Beauty
Whether you leave your hair down or prefer an updo, a barrette is a great accessory to add some oomph to your look. Brownie points if you can match it to your jewelry.
Frazer Harrison/Staff/Getty Images
44. Headband
A headband will always be a tried-and-true accessory. Reach for a bedazzled one like Salma Hayek to really draw attention to your glamorous tresses.
Getty Images
45. Bows
Bows are super popular right now and we can definitely see the hype. They add such a chic touch to any hairstyle. You can dress up your look and can really have fun with the size, length and fabric.
RELATED
45 Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair to Rock in 2023
Want more beauty tips sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here.
Chelsea Candelario
Associate Editor, Ultimate Fangirl, Aspiring Beauty Guru
Chelsea Candelario is an Associate Editor at PureWow. She has been covering beauty, culture, fashion and entertainment for over a decade. You'll find her searching the internet...
read full bio
