The Best Wedding Hair Match For Your Dress Style

The two are inextricably linked

An A-list wedding look isn’t just about the dress—it’s about the total impact. Wedding hair is an incredibly element of your look. In fact, we’d venture to say it’s almost as important as  your wedding dress.

“There are a few things that will determine your wedding hair look,” says Helen Kenny, hairstylist at Twentyseven salon. “The time of year you’re getting married; your hair texture; your overall wedding mood; what you feel comfortable wearing, and, of course, your wedding day fashion. Your hairstylist needs to see what you’re wearing so you can work together to create a look that complements the dress, jumpsuit or pantsuit.”

Kenny says necklines and backlines play a huge role in determining wedding hair styles, as does the vibe of your chosen wedding style. A more formal style will naturally lend itself to more polished hair, where an easy, breezy style will be less structured and more natural.

“A hair trial is something that is so important, and you should never skip on,” says Kenny. “This gives you and your stylist a chance to play around and create, and for you to leave the salon wearing the look for the day to see how it lasts.” Kenny recommends having your hair and wedding makeup trial done together, so you can see your full look in advance of the big day.

Kirsten Klontz, an editorial hairstylist and a Hot Tools Black Gold ambassador, says that she loves working with brides to create their perfect beauty look. With so many bridal fashion options now available, Klontz says there’s never been a better time to create an impactful hairstyle.

We asked Klontz and Kenny for their expert thoughts on the best wedding hair match for six different dress styles, from the iconic slip dress to a glam mermaid gown.

The Minimalist Sleeved Gown

Wedding Hair: Flawless Blowout

 

Ines Di SantoInes Di Santo dress, inesdisanto.com

“I love simplicity in a wedding dress, and I really loved Meghan Markle’s long-sleeved gown for that reason,” says Klontz. “One of my favourite ways to wear hair with this style of wedding gown is centre-parted and tucked behind the ears to create a very clean look. This style works well for showcasing your wedding jewellery and for playing around with hair accessories like headpieces and clips.”

 

The Slip Dress

Wedding Hair:  A Chic Bob

Savannah MillerSavannah Miller dress, savannahmiller.com

“I really love a fresh clean blunt cut—a bob or a lob—because it gives an air of edgy modernity to a slip dress,” says Kenny. “It looks cool and very fresh, and you can choose to wear hair blown out straight, or with a bit of natural wave and texture.”

 

The Asymmetric Gown

Wedding Hair: Easy Updo

PronoviasPronovias Atelier Collection dress, pronovias.com

“You want to keep it simple when it comes to your hair and this dress style,” says Klontz. “All the drama comes from the way the dress drapes across the body, so it’s best not to have any competing attention from the waist up. I would suggest a loose and low updo. If you want to wear your hair down, part your hair on the same side that has the higher neckline and let your hair flow longer with the side of the dress that drapes lower. You want a harmonious composition.”

 

The Ball Gown

Wedding Hair: Tousled Texture

Alyne by Rita VinierisAlyne by Rita Vinieris dress, ritavinieris.com

“I really love ’70s hair—a beautiful big blowout with a quiff in the middle to give height to the front of the hairstyle,” says Kenny. “This style is coming back in fashion, and I do see it happening for brides because it’s very glam.” If you don’t want such exaggerated hair volume, go with pumped up waves and touchable texture.”

 

The High Neckline Column Gown

Wedding Hair: Polished Updo

Justin Alexander SignatureJustin Alexander Signature dress, justinalexander.com

“This dress offers a perfect time to wear your hair up,” says Klontz. “You don’t want your hair competing with this dramatic and elegant neckline. Consider a wedding hairstyle like a polished high updo, or ponytail. If you’re wearing a pony, consider adding a hair accessory that will also add some extra height to give an elongating effect from head-to-toe.”

 

The Mermaid Dress

Wedding Hair: Mega Waves

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Allure BridalsDisney Fairy Tale Weddings by Allure Bridals dress, allurebridals.com

“This alluring style of wedding dress makes a big fashion statement, so give your hair that extra flair to match the dress,” says Klontz. “Pump up your volume with some big, gorgeous waves and add in extensions for fullness through the ends. Because mermaid gowns are so form-fitting, leaving your hair down helps to balance the curvy silhouette.”

 

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