Top Bridal Hair Accessories

Hair comes the bride… adding bridal hair accessories can transform even the simplest hairdo into a work of wedding art, but they are also perfect for hiding hair extension attachments, pins, and securing veils. Whether your hair is stylishly short or super long, no matter the hair texture or colour, wedding hair accessories will work beautifully to elevate your chosen hairstyle. In today's blog, we explore each type of hair accessory and explain which hairstyles best compliment them, as well as how to make the most of them according to your theme and aesthetic.

Must-Have Bridal Hair Accessories

We’ll be walking through some of Cliphair’s absolute must-have bridal accessories, as well as answering some questions you might have regarding wedding guest fashion and hair etiquette…

Wedding Hair Clips and Pins

Wedding hair pins and clips are probably the easiest hair accessory to use as they just slide into the hair, they can be taken out and moved around until you find the sweet spot without interfering with the style you’ve crafted. They usually consist of a long pin or clip which is topped with a particular motif such as pearls, golden leaves, flowers, diamonds, jewels and many more each complimenting different aesthetics but working with all manner of hairdos.

For intricate hairdos that involve lots of grips and pins to hold the style, wedding hair pins are the ideal solution to hide the attachments as they can be placed in multiple areas as opposed to one larger hair accessory.

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Wedding Hair Flowers

For spring and summer weddings, wedding hair flowers are extremely popular, with both real and synthetic varieties being widely used by brides and wedding guests. In addition to these floral accessories, many brides also choose to incorporate hair extensions into their hairstyles. Hair extensions can provide added length, volume, and versatility, enhancing bohemian up-do styles like chunky fishtail braids, messy low buns, and loose half up half downs. Brides can select from a range of colours, lengths, and types of hair extensions to suit their personal preferences. These extensions can easily be integrated into the hairstyle, offering a seamless and beautiful enhancement.

Just like hairpins, hair extensions are simple to use and can be easily manipulated without damaging the hairstyle if adjustments are needed. Gypsophila, with its white colour and delicate shape, remains the most popular flower for bridal hair styling.

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Bridal Hair Vines

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Vines are becoming more and more popular thanks to the rise of the bohemian aesthetic. You can find long, flexible versions that can be woven into braids or vines that are pre-shaped and attached to a clip that is used to adorn buns or cleverly hide veil attachments. For a touch of angelic grace, this accessory is perfect. As pretty as fresh flowers are, we find that artificial vines are easier to manoeuvre as the real ones can be fragile.  

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Bridal Hair Combs

Hair combs are super versatile as they can be used in both up-dos and hair-down looks. With the rise of the Hollywood wave hairstyle still dominating the wedding hair trend, bridal combs are a firm favourite amongst hair stylists. For hair downs, they are typically used to push back one side of the hair which helps to accentuate the volume in the face-framing portion of the Hollywood wave whilst hiding the pins on the side. They are straightforward to use as they simply slide into the hair however as they are slightly bulkier than other options and the teeth have grips it's best to leave them in once you apply them as they can disturb the style if pulled out of the hair.

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Wedding Headbands or Hairpieces

For a modern spin on the traditional bridal tiara, a headpiece or headband is the perfect option. They work beautifully with both up and down hairdos to decorate the top, front of the hair. Pearl headbands have made a huge comeback and seem to be one of the top choices amongst brides and hair stylists alike. We find this variety compliments dark hair superbly giving an effortlessly vintage finish to soft, long waves or a Brigitte Bardot-style beehive.  

To further enhance your hairstyle with a headpiece or headband, clip-in hair extensions can be utilized. By adding clip-in extensions, you can create additional volume and length, allowing for more versatility when styling your hair. Whether you choose to wear your hair up or down, incorporating clip-in hair extensions can help achieve a fuller and more luxurious appearance, while the headpiece or headband adds a stylish focal point to your overall bridal ensemble.

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Bridal Tiaras

The one day of our lives where it's acceptable to dress up like a princess is our wedding day, so for full-on regal glamour a tiara is the ultimate accessory for any bride. Not only can they be used on any hair length, colour, texture and style they come in endless designs from floral to jewel encrusted to match pretty much any aesthetic! They can be as elaborate or as subtle as you so choose, just make sure to keep them in once they are applied as they will disturb the hairstyle once removed. Some stylists prefer to shape the hair around the tiara once it’s in to avoid any mishaps. 

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Styling Tips for Bridal Hair Accessories 

Choosing your accessory is the easy part, but how are you going to wear it? Here’s our top tips for attaching and securing your accessories effectively whilst also ensuring they stay looking beautiful all day long.

Styling Updos

For styling updos, you’ll need to make sure your hair can sit securely without too much movement, otherwise the placement of the accessories can become undone and even fall apart! Sectioning tools such as Cliphair’s Pintail Comb and Alligator Clips are perfect for preventing any mishaps. You or your bridal hairstylist will be able to section parts of your hair with precision and craft even the most complex of updo wedding hairstyles. For updos, the purpose is to accentuate as much of the accessory as possible, as your hair is not entirely on display. In this case, the accessories are the centre piece, so whatever ones you decide on, go big!

Styling Hair Down

Although having your hair down might seem simple enough, it may be tricky keeping the frizz at bay. From romantic curls to mermaid waves, you’ll want to make sure both your natural hair and hair extensions stay sleek and don’t lose their styling, all of which is achievable thanks to Cliphair’s Moisturising Silky Hairspray. For better results, avoid washing your hair on the morning of your wedding, as it can often make your locks too soft and near impossible to style. If possible, aim for ‘two-day’ hair. Styling a hair piece with your hair down also generally works better for thicker hair, however, a half up half down hairstyle is also a good option for fine hair, giving you the best of both worlds.

Can Wedding Guests Wear Bridal Hair Accessories?

Of course! It used to be customary for wedding guests to wear fascinators or opulent hats to a wedding, it was absolutely the done thing in many societies and is still very traditional even today. The size and intricacy of the accessories may have become more subtle and understated, but it's still a very popular tradition for guests to wear accessories in their hair. Pearls, diamonds and tiaras are usually avoided as they tend to be reserved for the bride. Read more about the ideal hairstyles and accessories for your wedding guests in our blogs on Mother of The Bride, Bridesmaids and Flower Girls.

Do Brides Need Hair Accessories? 

Although it’s very traditional for brides to adorn their hair with accessories, it's not compulsory. What’s most important on a bride's wedding day is for her to feel confident and comfortable with her appearance. It's worth experimenting with a few options before the big day with your chosen hairstyle to find your perfect accessory to avoid any disappointment on the day. Wedding hair accessories are also a special keepsake that can be passed down from generation to generation making their use even more meaningful.

For more inspiration on how to wear your hair on your wedding day, browse our ultimate Hollywood hairstyle guide to see what your favourite stars opted for in our Top 10 Celebrity Wedding Hairstyles blog.

Conclusion:

Offering a number of versatile styles, colours and elaborate decorations, bridal hair accessories can become the ultimate accompaniment to your wedding look. If you’re planning on making a statement on your big day, then a golden tiara or intricate hair vine will do the trick!