Styling Tutorial: Easy Up-dos for Bridal Hairstyles

I can hear the bells…you may have found the perfect dress, shoes and make-up look, but have you said ‘I do’ to a new do? From a classy, chic low bun to glamorous mermaid waves, there are a plethora of different bridal updos you can try to compliment your aesthetic on the big day.

For some, the idea of wearing your hair down is just too much. Although it may look romantic to have curly tresses or a bouncy blowout spilling down your shoulders, depending on the look you want to achieve, even the prettiest of locks might just get in the way!

Want to know how to do a bridal updo? Veil or no veil, accessories, or braids, we’ll be breaking down the top 10 easy bridal updo hairstyles for brides-to-be.

Tips for Preparing Your Hair

First, you’ll want to do some basic ‘groom’ing. Whether you’re jetting off to an exotic island or simply getting hitched in your local town hall, you’ll want to make sure your hair stays sleek and frizz-free no matter what the weather.

With Cliphair’s Quench the Thirst collection, you can prep your hair in the lead up to the big day with our Deep Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner to tame those stray hairs and unwanted fly-aways. Apply generously and rinse, before finishing things off with our hydrating Hair Mask. Avoid using the hair mask the night before the wedding, as it could leave your hair too silky and flat, making it near impossible for styling. Heres the best hair products to use and avoid for bridal hairstyling to ensure long lasting, weatherproof tresses.

A lot of bridal hairstyles require some level of heat to keep the style intact throughout the day, so you might be in need of our Heat Protection Spray. For extra silkiness, try our Moisturising Silky Hair Spray to lock in all of your hair’s natural moisture and goodness.

10 Easy Updo Bridal Hairstyles

Now for the fun part…

Whether you have an entire glam squad at your beck and call or want to recreate the style yourself, here’s 10 simple yet elegant updo bridal hairstyles that you can try ahead of your big day.

1. High ponytail

Sometimes, less is more – even on your wedding day! Effortlessly classy, the high ponytail can showcase the length of your locks in a chic and exciting way, without much maintenance at all. Is your hair on the shorter side? Fear not! Cliphair’s Straight Up Wraparound Clip-in Ponytail will give you hair for DAYS. Easily adaptable with styling tools or a curling iron, you can have whatever style pony your heart desires.

2. Retro sideswept updo 

Forever timeless, a retro sideswept updo offers the ultimate vintage bridal hairstyle but with a modern twist. Paying homage to a classic 40s style, you’ll be the belle of the ball with this sultry, tousled up-do. For Cliphair, this hairstyle really takes the (wedding) cake!

3. Slicked back bun

Slicked back hair is trending now more than ever! With this snatched top knot, your locks will be completely sealed in place throughout the day, with an option to take out some lighter hairs at the front of your head to gracefully frame your face. Paired with a bun of your choice, try taking things up a notch with some glitzy accessories such as beads or pins to insert into the bun and make it the focal point of your hair.

4. Low ponytail 

Sister to the high ponytail, a low pony offers just as much elegance but with less strain on your head. If you’re not a fan of tighter hairstyles, this modern, wavy ponytail is the perfect alternative. @monamieweddinghair uses our 18-inch Seamless Hair Extensions in shade BlondeMe, all made with 100% Remy human hair.

5. Fishtail braid 

Stunningly chic, the famous Tumblr-born fishtail braid can be achieved easily without extensions, but to create the classic fishtail braid, clip in extensions are recommended to give you that extra length and volume needed. If you’re not entirely sure where to start or don’t have too much experience with braiding, ask a friend or hairstylist to braid for you.

Begin by forming a low ponytail, then neatly divide it into two sections with our multi-purpose Alligator Clips before taking a thin strand from the left side and pulling it across the left side and tucking it under the right section. Gently pull and tug to tighten the sections. Do the same on the right side, and then repeat until you complete your braid! If you’re determined to tackle a bit of DIY, you can form your braid as a side ponytail to make things a little easier.

6. Twisted Chignon

Fit for a Game of Thrones episode, the twisted chignon is fairy-like and regal, with many women adorning it not only throughout different periods of history, but also for the most glamorous of red carpets. The chignon can be worn with delicate ringlets around the edge of the face or slicked back with an embellished barrette, dazzling pin, or even with a dainty floral piece that can be weaved into the hair.

To achieve this gorgeous bridal updo, our experts recommend starting with straight or straightened hair. After using your favourite styling cream, part your hair to the side and then gather it all up as if you’re making a low ponytail, shaping it so it partially covers one eye.

Next, take a pair of chopsticks or Alligator Clips and place one on either side of your hair underneath your ear, clamping your hair between them. Bring the chopsticks or clips around three quarters down your hair, then keeping them together, begin to twist them so your hair begins to roll. Continue until your roll extends tightly from one to the back of your head. With your clips in place, secure your updo with as many hair pins as you need, before carefully removing your clips. Set the hair with hairspray, and then finally remove any large or obvious bobby pins.

7. Half up, half down

A half up, half down bridal hairstyle is the perfect option if you’re still undecided on which way to go. Open to a realm of possibilities, with a choice of adding a veil or not, this style is ideal for both brides and bridesmaids.

@thehairbookweddingstylist has outdone herself with these effortless, boho waves. To achieve this look, you can add Cliphair’s Seamless Clip In Extensions for luxurious volume and extra length, shown here in shade BlondeMe. Whether you fancy Autumn Spice or have a whole latte love for Iced Cappuccino, Cliphair has a wide range of shades to choose from.

8. Classy low bun

Approved by Kardashian’s hair stylist Chris Appleton, the low bun can surprisingly go a long way! Follow our easy hair hack video to recreate a neat, stylish low bun in seconds, with or without a veil.

9. ‘Messy’ bun 

There’s beauty in chaos, and there’s also beauty in a messy bun. Suitable for any occasion, the messy bun is still fashionable enough for parties and weddings but can equally be worn day-to-day. The messy bun is also great to loosen if you feel like letting your hair down at the reception or afterparty!

10. Undone French Twist

Bouffants, beehives, and curls! Beautiful and versatile, the Undone French Twist has gone full circle and is on everyone’s Instagram explore page right now, remaining the ‘imperfectly perfect’ hairstyle for a spring or summer wedding. Achievable in as little as 60 seconds, the main trick with this viral updo is to have a solid foundation of sturdy hair pins so they can hold your twist firmly in place.

Whether you’re a fan of coquette hair and want to include ribbons and bows or prefer to keep things elegant and understated, you can channel your inner Brigitte Bardot and create maximum volume and shine for your updo with our Seamless Clip In Hair Extensions.

Feeling inspired?

We’ve taken our hairstyling vows, now it’s your turn! Make sure to choose your wedding hairstyle as far in advance as possible. Practice and precision are the key to perfecting any hairstyle, but if you find yourself running out of time, don’t worry. Any of these easy bridal updos are guaranteed to be a match made in heaven!