Twist it, curl it, slick it or braid it, these are the hottest wedding hair looks for 2024…
Wedding season is officially upon us. All you soon-to-be brides out there may be busy planning your perfect day, but are you going a little back and forth on what hair style to choose?
If the answer’s yes, don’t panic! We’ve put together a go-to guide for this year’s most popular wedding hair trends, to help you find your perfect wedding day ‘do. Whether you’ve got long hair, short hair or something in between, read on to learn how to nail the hottest wedding hairstyles for 2024.
1. The sleek bun
As seen on the likes of Sophia Richie and Hailey Bieber, the sleek bun is a sophisticated wedding hair choice, plus it’s super easy to do!
First, part your hair and brush it up as high as you want the bun to sit. We like the Cantu Longer Bristle Paddle Brush for an extra-smooth finish. As you pull the hair into a ponytail, use wax or styling cream to keep everything smooth. OUAI Matte Pomade is great for taming any unruly edges or flyaways.
Once you’ve got your hair in a tight pony, pop a hairband in to secure it. The thinner the better here, so something like our Thin Boots Ponybands work well – plus they come in a few different colour options. Then, divide hair into two strands and create a rope braid, before wrapping the braid around itself into a bun. Use pins to secure the bun – our Boots Non-Slip Grips come in multiple shades and are ideal for keeping hair in place.
And finally, give your hair a good spritz of hairspray all over, we like Schwarzkopf got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray for a super-strong hold. As you spray, give the rest of your head a final comb too, making sure any frizz is kept in check. The Cantu 2-In-1 Edge Brush & Comb is perfect for sculpting edges to complete this ultra-chic look.
Top tip: When it comes to the evening party, take your bun down for a super-fun wavy ponytail!
2. Hollywood waves
You may be used to seeing them on the red carpet (Blake Lively, we’re looking at you), but Hollywood waves are being embraced by lots of brides this year too.
First things first, spritz a little volumizing spray on while your hair is still damp. Pureology Style + Protect Instant Levitation Volume Mist is perfect for adding fullness without weighing hair down.
This look also requires some heat, so pop on some heat protect spray to save your hair from any damage. TRESemme Care & Protect Heat Defence Spray is a firm fave of ours.
Next, (once hair is fully dry) grab your curling tongs – the Drybar The 3-Day Bender Digital Curling Iron is great for creating this look’s bouncy waves. Start with the underlayer of hair and work your way around, adding curls over your whole head.
You’ll then want to brush your curls out with a wide-tooth comb, our Boots Basics Hair Detangle Comb is a good one for this. Remember, don’t be shy with the combing, the curls won’t go anywhere but you do need to commit to the brushing to nail the Hollywood-glam.
If you’re going for a classic side-parting, tease the hair slightly at the front to pop a bit of volume in, and then brush this out so it’s super-smooth. The middle-part is also very in this year, so if you want your hair off your face, simply tuck it behind your ears and smooth in place with a little styling cream if needed.
Finish by spraying your entire head with a trusty hairspray. As we’ve mentioned, we love got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray.
3. Half-up, half-down
Half-up, half-down hair is a timeless classic. It screams simple elegance, and it’s perfect for any length. Win, win!
This look works for both straight and curled hair, but for the purposes of this guide, we’re going for beach waves here. First things first, pop on some heat protection and then apply a saltwater spray to help you get that boho, textured look. We recommend Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray.
Next, you’ll want to grab a straightener to really get those beachy waves going. Remington ONE Straight and Curl Styler makes gorgeous, soft waves, plus it straightens too! Honeymoon 2-in-1 staple, anyone?
Then, take your front strands of hair and twist or braid these round your head, bringing them together at the back. Pin these in place, and then tease your crown to add a little volume. For an imperfect boho look, tease your braids out a little too.
Spray all over with a hold spray (L’Oréal Elnett Hairspray Strong Hold is a fab option), and then finish off the look with whatever accessories you fancy. Big bows are very much in this year, and cute flowers or pearls have also stood the test of time.
Top tip: Bridesmaids struggling to choose a hairstyle? Half-up, half-down suits everyone, and can be as fancy or as relaxed as you’d like.
4. Relaxed pony
For a minimalist up-do, why not try a relaxed pony on for size?
Start with a texture spray to add volume, Charles Worthington Thicker & Fuller Texture Spray is lovely for a long-lasting finish.
You’ll then want to brush your hair into the ponytail and tie it with a band, leaving some strands free at the front. Smooth everything down with a spritz of hair spray and then grab your curlers to pop some bouncy waves in both the pony and those front pieces of hair.
Brush all your curls out with wide-tooth comb and, for the final piéce de rèsistance, wrap a strand of hair from the pony around the hairband to keep it hidden. Hairspray all over – Boots Maximum Hold Unperfumed Hairspray is great for this style – and voilà!
5. French Twist
Looking to add a touch of European flair to your wedding day? Look no further than the French Twist (or the Wedding Day Knot as we’ve now coined it). This look has really exploded onto the wedding scene of late, thanks to its effortless yet chic vibe.
As with all of these heat-styled looks, spray on a heat protector before you get going. Then add bouncy waves to your hair, we like Beauty Works Professional Styler for soft curls here.
Once you’ve got your waves, pop a bit of hair oil throughout for some added shine. L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Metal Detox Concentrated Oil is ideal for nourishing and smoothing hair. Next up, spritz in some texture spray to give your twist an extra bit of hold.
Now we get to the fun bit. To create your twist, brush your hair into a low ponytail, leaving out some face-framing pieces if you fancy it. Hold the pony in your right hand, then wrap it around your left hand, twisting it around and up until it’s tight against your head. Hold it securely as you pin it with grips, and don’t forget to tuck your ends!
To finish off the look, lightly tease as much hair as you want from the twist to add some texture and tease the crown a little for volume up top too. Again, you’ll want to dose the hair in a decent amount of hairspray to ensure it lasts all day (and night) long. Matrix VaVoom Triple Freeze Extra Dry High Hold Hairspray is perfect for lasting style control.
Top tip: For double the glam, split your hair into two ponytails and create twists on each side, before bringing them together in the middle for one big messy knot.
How to make sure your hair is wedding day ready
Now, to really perfect your bridal barnet, you’ll want to make sure your hair is in the best condition possible. While you’re hopefully already taking pretty good care of your tresses, we’ve pulled together a few top tips for getting your hair wedding day ready.
Six months before the wedding
As we’ve mentioned, whether you’re blow-drying, straightening or curling, always use a heat protectant. We’d also recommend using deep conditioning treatments on a regular basis to add that extra bit of nourishment – we love Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment.
Getting regular hair trims can also help stave off breakage or split ends, and switching to satin pillowcases and scrunchies can add a whole heap of beauty benefits! Silver Cloud’s Heart Print Satin Pillowcase is ideal for keeping both hair and skin fresh, plus it comes in the cutest love-themed print.
Night before the wedding
Ideally, you’ll wash your hair the night before the wedding, so it’s clean but not too soft for styling. Let it air dry if you have time and make sure it’s completely dry before going to sleep to avoid any frizz. Also avoid using any styling products the night before to prevent any buildup.
On your wedding day
You might be tempted by a messy bun in the morning to get your hair off your face but try to avoid this – you don’t want any last-minute kinks developing. If you need to push your hair back, why not try a Boots Glow Headband instead?
Other than that, don’t stress. If you’ve got a hair stylist on hand, trust the process, and if you’re crafting the look yourself, take your time and don’t worry too much. Remember – imperfect, carefree hairstyles are so in right now!
So, now you know the hottest trends, which of this year’s wedding day styles have got you saying, ‘I do?’
