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What Are the Different Types of Bridal Updos?

Amber Eberle
Amber Eberle

There are a variety of bridal updos from which brides can choose for their special day. These types of hairstyles work best on hair that is medium to long, although a woman with short hair can achieve an updo look by having hair extensions added to her own tresses. Bridal updos can be styled on straight or curly hair, and an updo can be sleek or loose. These wedding hairstyles are often enhanced with accessories, such as crystal tiaras, flowers, hair combs, hair pins, and bridal veils. Common updos worn by brides include buns, French twists, and curls pinned up at the back, or on top of, the head.

A bun is an updo that features the hair pulled back from the face and then twisted and wrapped into a knot shape. For a wedding, a bride can have a sleek bun with her hair pulled back tightly and knotted at the nape of her neck, or a bun can be loose, with the hair piled and twisted on top of the head. For a larger bun, a woman may opt to add hair extensions or use a hair styling tool called a bun roller, both of which give the appearance of thicker hair. Fresh or silk flowers can be pinned into a bun for extra style.

A tiara may be worn at weddings.
A tiara may be worn at weddings.

French twists are classic bridal updos, and look very elegant. This type of updo involves twisting the hair and pinning the roll of hair down the length of the back of the head. The ends of the hair are tucked under the roll. The hair can be pulled back tightly, or that at the crown of the head can be teased to add extra volume. A jeweled hair comb can draw the eye to this type of hair style.

A bun is an updo that features the hair pulled back from the face and then twisted and wrapped into a knot shape.
A bun is an updo that features the hair pulled back from the face and then twisted and wrapped into a knot shape.

Updos with curls are very popular. These bridal updos are versatile and the curls can be tight or loose. When styling an updo with curls, the hair can be pinned on top of the head or gathered on the back or the side of the head. An updo with curls can look romantic or sophisticated, depending on the placement and tightness of the curls. These hairstyles are often accessorized with tiaras, flowers, jeweled barrettes, or hair pins.

Some women choose to add extensions for longer or fuller hair at their weddings.
Some women choose to add extensions for longer or fuller hair at their weddings.

Bridal updos are usually created by a professional hair stylist. Hair products and hair spray are often applied, and bobby pins may also be used to keep the style from falling apart during the wedding. A veil can usually be incorporated into each type of updo, and this can also be done by the stylist at the time the look is created.

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    • A tiara may be worn at weddings.
      By: Andrey Kuzmin
      A tiara may be worn at weddings.
    • A bun is an updo that features the hair pulled back from the face and then twisted and wrapped into a knot shape.
      By: Dash
      A bun is an updo that features the hair pulled back from the face and then twisted and wrapped into a knot shape.
    • Some women choose to add extensions for longer or fuller hair at their weddings.
      By: tolstnev
      Some women choose to add extensions for longer or fuller hair at their weddings.