The Dramatic Wedding Hairstyles We Can’t Stop Thinking About

What Wedding Hairstyles Are Trending Now?

Deep side parts, slicked-back updos, and head-turning braids are some of this year’s most popular looks, and it’s no surprise those styles have translated to wedding hair too. Following internet trends like “quiet luxury” and “clean girl” aesthetics, nearlyweds (and perhaps those planning to catch the bouquet) are turning to hairstyles that deliver the drama—without being so over-the-top in a way that might distract from their outfit. Some are channeling the romance of Wuthering Heights with ultra-long windswept tresses, while others are going full runway mode with sculpted pixie cuts and “wet hair” looks following the blockbuster sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada.”

If you’re someone who likes to make a statement without saying a word, consider these styles a bridal blueprint. When it comes to picking which ‘do is for you, however, remember to focus on your personal style and not just the current trends. You’ll want to feel confident and beautiful on the big day, so think about elevating your existing look. A quick pro tip: If you’re not DIY-ing your style, make sure to schedule a trial run with your hairdresser so you can tweak your wedding look as needed. You only want to invite the good kind of drama to the main event!

Ready to make a splash? Keep reading to lift the veil on bridal beauty. 

10 Dramatic Wedding Hairstyles Worth Saving

1. Old Hollywood Curls Wedding Hair

The old Hollywood look has taken over every award show and red carpet lately—and for good reason. We love these cascading curls on Laura Harrier, and we can perfectly envision the look with a trailing veil to match. For curls that bounce and shine, try pre-treating your hair with OLAPLEX’s Hair Perfector, a hydrating treatment that will keep your hair looking glossy and healthy. 

2. Wedding Braids for Days

Want a look that’s “as long as you both shall sliv?” Go bold with Chloe Bailey’s lengthy braid, which delivers the drama while also keeping your hair out of your face. If you’re skipping a veil, wearing a backless dress, or simply looking to break it down on the dance floor, this is a great style to bookmark. We can already imagine the wedding photos!

3. Deep Tousled Part Wedding Hairstyle

Bring some edge to your look with a side part as deep as your love (even if that love is for wedding cake). This razor-sharp bob gets its intensity from a part that starts just above the arch of the eyebrow. While you can choose whether you want your hair stick-straight or slightly wavy, the main recipe for this style is texture spray, which will add volume (read: extra drama) to your look. We like working the VOIR Rainforest Mist: Waves Texturizing Hairspray through hair for a tastefully tousled style. 

4. Ornate Wedding Updo

Can’t decide on what kind of updo you want? Don’t! Make any style wedding-ready with some fun hair accessories. Use fresh flowers, pearlescent hair pins, or rhinestones to bring your bun or braid to the next level. This look shines on everyone, no matter if you’re a bride, bridesmaid, or guest. 

5. Voluminous Wedding Blowout

Dramatic doesn’t always mean different: A voluminous blowout is just about as classic as a white wedding dress. To get as much volume as Cindy Crawford’s look, try adding a deep side part to your hair before styling those big-barrel curls. Finish it all off with a hydrating hair oil to make your hair shine as much as you do. We love the DEW OF THE GODS Amalfi Gold Hair Serum, which is pretty much hair gold—just check out its glowing reviews. “I’m a third-time buyer,” says one IPSY member. “This serum is one of the only ones I’ve found to be gentle and not leave the hair greasy.”

6. Slicked-Back Wet Wedding Hair

Looking for a ‘do that’s fabulous and fuss-free? Your search ends here. This slicked-back style, which you can recreate with any hair length, should take only a few minutes to create. Start with damp hair, working a good amount of hair gel through your strands. (We recommend the R+CO Teleport Flexible Control Hydra Gelee, since it’ll secure your style without feeling stiff or crunchy.) Once you’ve got your hair gelled up, use a fine-tooth comb to part your hair—we like this deep side part—and start slicking back your style. Pro tip: For a seamless finish, run the back of the comb across your hair to smooth out any bumps, then follow up with a boar-bristle brush. A quick spritz of hairspray will keep your look in place all night. 

7. Fairytale Length Wedding Hairstyle

Who needs a veil when your hair is just as long (or even longer)? This Rapunzel-esque style is perfect for your fairytale ending. If you’ve got at least shoulder-length hair, you should be able to pull off the look with the help of a few hair extensions. Tape-in extensions are great for creating this style on your own, since they’re less damaging to hair—especially fine and thin hair—and they’re relatively easy to install. For a thicker and more professional look, we recommend working with a stylist to install sew-in extensions for a fuller, more seamless result. 

8. Sky-High Wedding Beehive

The higher the hair, the bigger the impact. Elegant yet sassy, this beehive style is sure to deliver the good kind of drama, whether you’re walking down the aisle or sitting on the sidelines. A subtle side bang helps the classic ‘60s style feel more modern, though we’d love to see this ‘do paired with a retro beauty look to match. 

9. Flapper-Style Wedding Curls

Make it Betty Boop, but bridal. This flapper-style hairdo is perfect for pixie cuts, which can be harder to style on the big day. All you’ll need is some sculpting gel and a fine-tooth comb to help you smooth and define those face-framing curls. We love using the KMS HAIRPLAY Molding Paste, which provides pliable hold and prevents your hair from drying like a helmet. For an extra-shiny look like Julia Fox’s, we recommend topping off your style with a moisture-retaining styling spray like the MALINA Protective Frizz Control Styling Spray.

10. Bouncy Afro Wedding Hair

There’s no look quite as show-stopping as a voluminous afro. If you’re DIY-ing your ‘do, make sure to wash and deeply moisturize your hair first. Then, get that length by stretching your hair using braids, twists, or a blow-dryer on low heat. From there, use an afro pick to lift your hair from the roots—working upward and outward—shaping your style as you like while fluffing with your fingers. Pair the look with a glam that delivers just as much drama.