Transforming into a beautiful bride involves more than just the dress; it’s all about the perfect hairstyle paired with a beautiful veil. As a Los Angeles wedding photographer, I’ve seen my fair share of stunning brides, and let me tell you, a great updo paired with the perfect veil can take your bridal look to the next level. So, let’s dive into 25 amazing bride updo hairstyles that will make you shine on your big day, no matter what type of hair you have.
Understanding Hair Types
Before we jump into the hairstyles, it’s essential to understand the different hair types and how they influence your choice of updo. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily/kinky, there’s an updo for you that will look fantastic with a veil.
Straight Hair
Straight hair is sleek and smooth, making it easy to style into many different updos. It holds its shape well and looks polished.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair has a natural texture and volume, giving your updo a romantic and soft look. It’s versatile and can be styled in numerous ways.
Curly Hair
Curly hair has lots of volume and bounce, creating dramatic and eye-catching updos. It’s perfect for creating bold and beautiful styles.
Coily/Kinky Hair
Coily or kinky hair has a tight curl pattern that adds fantastic texture and volume to updos. It’s ideal for creating unique and striking hairstyles.
Bride Updo Hairstyles for Straight Hair
1. Classic Chignon with a Veil
The classic chignon is timeless and elegant. It’s perfect for brides who want a sophisticated look. Pair it with a cathedral veil to add a touch of drama.
Styling Guide:
- Brush your hair and gather it into a low ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail into a coil and pin it into a bun at the nape of your neck.
- Secure the veil just above the bun for a seamless look.
Related Post: 5 Things Other Brides Want You To Know Before Your Wedding
2. Sleek High Bun with a Cathedral Veil
A sleek high bun screams elegance and is perfect for showing off your neckline. The cathedral veil adds grandeur to your look.
Styling Guide:
- Brush your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic.
- Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base to form a bun.
- Use bobby pins to secure the bun and attach the veil just below it.
3. Braided Updo with a Blusher Veil
This style combines the simplicity of an updo with the intricate beauty of braids. A blusher veil adds a sweet, traditional touch.
Styling Guide:
- Create a braid starting from one side of your head and wrapping it around to the other side.
- Gather the remaining hair into a low bun and pin it in place.
- Attach the blusher veil at the crown of your head.
4. French Twist with a Flyaway Veil
The French twist is a chic and classic choice that pairs beautifully with a flyaway veil for a light, airy look.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your hair at the nape and twist it upward, tucking the ends in.
- Secure with bobby pins and hairspray.
- Attach the veil to the twist for a cohesive look.
5. Low Sleek Ponytail Updo with a Fingertip Veil
A sleek ponytail can be just as glamorous as a bun, especially when paired with a fingertip veil.
Styling Guide:
- Create a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic.
- Wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic and pin it.
- Attach the veil above the ponytail.
6. Half-Up Half-Down Updo with a Birdcage Veil
This style is perfect for brides who want to show off their long, straight hair while keeping it off their face. The birdcage veil adds a vintage vibe.
Styling Guide:
- Gather the top half of your hair and secure it with bobby pins.
- Leave the bottom half flowing freely.
- Attach the birdcage veil at the front of your head.
Bride Updo Hairstyles for Wavy Hair
7. Romantic Loose Updo with a Fingertip Veil
This loose updo enhances the natural texture of wavy hair, creating a soft and romantic look perfect for any bride.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your hair into a low, loose bun, allowing some strands to fall naturally.
- Secure with pins and a light hairspray.
- Attach the fingertip veil just above the bun.
8. Textured Low Bun with a Flyaway Veil
The textured low bun adds volume and dimension, making it a great choice for wavy hair. Pair it with a flyaway veil for an ethereal touch.
Styling Guide:
- Create a low bun, leaving some waves loose for texture.
- Secure with bobby pins and light hairspray.
- Attach the flyaway veil at the crown.
9. Bohemian Braided Crown with a Mantilla Veil
This bohemian style is perfect for outdoor or rustic weddings. The mantilla veil adds a touch of tradition.
Styling Guide:
- Braid two sections of hair from either side of your head.
- Wrap the braids around your head like a crown and pin them in place.
- Attach the mantilla veil at the back of your head.
10. Messy Side Bun with a Waltz Veil
A messy side bun gives a relaxed and chic look, perfect for wavy hair. The waltz veil adds length and elegance.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your hair to one side and create a loose, messy bun.
- Secure with bobby pins and light hairspray.
- Attach the waltz veil at the crown.
11. Twisted Updo with a Chapel Veil
Twists add elegance and detail to your updo. Pair this style with a chapel veil for a traditional look.
Styling Guide:
- Twist small sections of hair and gather them into a bun.
- Secure with bobby pins and light hairspray.
- Attach the chapel veil at the crown.
12. Waterfall Braid Updo with a Blusher Veil
The waterfall braid updo is intricate and beautiful, perfect for showcasing your wavy hair. The blusher veil adds a romantic touch.
Styling Guide:
- Create a waterfall braid along one side of your head.
- Gather the remaining hair into a low bun and secure with bobby pins.
- Attach the blusher veil at the front of your head.
Bride Updo Hairstyles for Curly Hair
13. Voluminous Curly Updo with a Birdcage Veil
Curly hair is all about volume and texture, making this updo a showstopper. The birdcage veil adds vintage charm.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your curls into a high bun, allowing them to maintain their volume.
- Secure with bobby pins and light hairspray.
- Attach the birdcage veil at the front of your head.
14. Twisted Curly Bun with a Chapel Veil
Twists add detail and elegance to your curly updo. Pair with a chapel veil for a traditional look.
Styling Guide:
- Twist sections of your curly hair and gather them into a bun.
- Secure with bobby pins and light hairspray.
- Attach the chapel veil at the crown.
15. Curly Half-Updo with a Juliet Cap Veil
This style allows you to show off your curls while keeping your hair off your face. The Juliet cap veil adds a touch of vintage romance.
Styling Guide:
- Gather the top half of your curls and secure with bobby pins.
- Leave the bottom half flowing freely.
- Attach the Juliet cap veil at the crown.
16. Curly Top Knot with a Shoulder-Length Veil
A top knot showcases your curls while keeping them in place. The shoulder-length veil adds elegance and movement.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your curls into a high top knot and secure with bobby pins.
- Use hairspray to maintain volume.
- Attach the shoulder-length veil just below the top knot.
17. Curly Ponytail Updo with a Mantilla Veil
A curly ponytail updo is both elegant and practical, perfect for showing off your natural curls. The mantilla veil adds a touch of tradition.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your curls into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic.
- Wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic.
- Attach the mantilla veil at the crown.
18. Soft Curly Chignon with a Flyaway Veil
A soft chignon is elegant and timeless, perfect for curly hair. The flyaway veil adds a light, airy feel.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your curls into a low chignon and secure with bobby pins.
- Use hairspray to maintain volume and shape.
- Attach the flyaway veil just above the chignon.
Bride Updo Hairstyles for Coily/Kinky Hair
19. High Puff Updo with a Shoulder-Length Veil
A high puff updo is a bold and beautiful choice for coily hair. The shoulder-length veil adds a touch of elegance.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your hair into a high puff and secure with an elastic.
- Use bobby pins to shape and secure the puff.
- Attach the shoulder-length veil just below the puff.
20. Twisted Updo with a Waltz Veil
Twists add elegance and detail to your coily updo. Pair with a waltz veil for a traditional look.
Styling Guide:
- Twist sections of your hair and gather them into a bun.
- Secure with bobby pins and light hairspray.
- Attach the waltz veil at the crown.
21. Afro Puff Updo with a Birdcage Veil
An afro puff updo is striking and stylish, perfect for showcasing your natural texture. The birdcage veil adds vintage charm.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your hair into an afro puff and secure with an elastic.
- Use bobby pins to shape and secure the puff.
- Attach the birdcage veil at the front of your head.
22. Halo Braid Updo with a Chapel Veil
A halo braid is both elegant and unique, perfect for coily hair. Pair with a chapel veil for a traditional look.
Styling Guide:
- Braid two sections of hair from either side of your head.
- Wrap the braids around your head like a halo and pin them in place.
- Attach the chapel veil at the back of your head.
23. Faux Hawk Updo with a Flyaway Veil
A faux hawk is bold and modern, perfect for brides looking to make a statement. The flyaway veil adds a light, airy feel.
Styling Guide:
- Gather your hair into a faux hawk and secure with bobby pins.
- Use hairspray to maintain volume and shape.
- Attach the flyaway veil at the crown.
24. Bantu Knot Updo with a Blusher Veil
Bantu knots are unique and stylish, perfect for a bold bridal look. The blusher veil adds a romantic touch.
Styling Guide:
- Create small sections of hair and twist them into bantu knots.
- Secure with bobby pins and light hairspray.
- Attach the blusher veil at the front of your head.
25. Coiled Updo with a Cathedral Veil
A coiled updo is striking and elegant, perfect for coily hair. Pair with a cathedral veil for a dramatic look.
Styling Guide:
- Coil small sections of your hair and gather them into a bun.
- Secure with bobby pins and light hairspray.
- Attach the cathedral veil at the crown.
Tips for Choosing the Right Veil for Your Updo
Veil Lengths and Styles
Veils come in various lengths and styles, each adding a unique touch to your bridal look. Here’s a quick overview to help you choose the perfect veil for your updo:
- Birdcage Veil: Short and vintage, perfect for a retro look.
- Blusher Veil: Covers the face and is often paired with longer veils.
- Shoulder-Length Veil: Elegant and simple, great for minimalist brides.
- Elbow-Length Veil: Adds a touch of tradition without overwhelming your look.
- Fingertip Veil: A popular choice that adds elegance and movement.
- Waltz Veil: Falls between the knees and the ankles, adding a touch of drama.
- Chapel Veil: A traditional choice that extends to the floor.
- Cathedral Veil: The longest veil, perfect for dramatic and grand entrances.
Attaching Veils to Updos
Attaching a veil to your updo can seem tricky, but with these tips, it’ll be a breeze:
- Use Hairpins: Secure the veil with hairpins that match your hair color.
- Anchor with a Comb: Many veils come with combs that can be anchored into your updo.
- Consider Placement: Experiment with placing the veil above or below your bun or ponytail to see what looks best.
- Test for Comfort: Ensure the veil is secure but not too tight. You want to be comfortable throughout the day.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you now know the 25 stunning updo hairstyles that will make you feel like the queen you are on your wedding day. Remember, the key to the perfect bridal hairstyle is to choose one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily/kinky hair, there’s an updo out there that will look fabulous with your veil. So go ahead, experiment with different styles, and find the one that’s perfect for you. And don’t forget to have fun along the way—after all, your wedding day is all about celebrating love and joy. Happy planning, and may your big day be as beautiful as you’ve always dreamed!
