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For the ultimate inspiration and hairstyle ideas, we asked celebrity hairstylists to share the best wedding guest hairstyles.
Instagram @naradkutowaroo/ Lacy Redway
How should I wear my hair to a wedding as a guest?
Start with the clothes youre wearing and work from there.
I always allow the neckline of my outfit to guide my hairstyle, says Redway.
If I have a high neckline, I put my hair up.
For something strapless or anything with exposed shoulders or a plunging neckline, I like it free-flowing.
It was elegant and classic, he says.
I see the clean, chic updos making a comeback for sure.
Clients are letting their hair grow for their weddings and making transformation choices for after, he says.
How do you wear a ponytail to a wedding as a guest?
When it comes to easy wedding guest hairstyles, stylists love ponytails due to their versatility.
Should wedding guests wear hair accessories?
Hair accessories are a great way to elevate your wedding guest look.
Ess is a big fan of adding decorative pins, scarves, and even scattered flowers to her looks.
Theres no better time for some sparkle than during a celebration, she says.
Ready to get inspired?
Scroll through our expert-approved list of ideas for every length, texture, and hair bang out.
Below, the 31 best wedding guest hair ideas for any vibe or venue.
The front allows for the perfect face frame for all face shapes.
Instead, undone shapes and silhouettes feel much more modern.
This trend is inspired by minimalist luxury and aligns with the sleek but romantic updos seen on recent runways.
Messy Bun
Start out with some texture in your hairmost opt for waves with some grit.
This will also help the messy bun form and retain its shape.
Old Hollywood Waves
Theres nothing more glamorous than Old Hollywood waves.
The long hairstyle is easy to DIY but requires a bit of patience.
Spray with finishing spray.
Undone Braids
This braid style feels effortless and cool, says celebrity hairstylistMary Kendall.
Its the perfect undone look for the girl on-the-go, while adding texture.
Kendall recommends using UniteTexturiza Sprayfor lived-in texture and definition andU Oilto seal dried ends.
Finish off with7Seconds Glossing SprayandBoosta Finishing Sprayfor long-lasting hold and shine.
Its much easier to achieve than you would expect!
Just grab a French hair pin, my Unite favorites, and youre good to go.
To get the look, Kendall prepped the hair with7Seconds Detanglerto nourish and protect before blow-drying.
Once the hair was dry, she sprayed7Seconds Glossing Sprayto protect from hot tools, while controlling frizz.
Bardot-Inspired Updo
Patterson loves a Bridget Bardotinspired updo with lots of volume.
Secure with a bungee and hide bungee with hair wrapped around, then secure with a pin.
Boho Half-Up
Bohemian meets classic elegance with this evolving style, says Fitzpatrick.
Use a three-pronged hair waver like theHairitage Three Barrel Curling IronorAima Beauty Mermaid Big Waveto get effortless beach waves.
For the perfect new Hollywood waves, part your hair into a deep side part.
Using aone-inch curling iron, curl toward the face and set with pin curls.
Using a flexible hairspray, mist around the head before releasing the pin curls.
Run your fingers through your hair for loose curls.
Soft Chignon
When in doubt, a classic chignon will always be chic and timeless.
To get the easy updo, Patterson recommends curling hair in alternating directions throughout to create texture.
Brush through to soften and leave front pieces out to frame the face, he says.
Create a soft, loose ponytail and secure with a bungee.
Secure using firm-hold spray, likeHard to Hold Hair Spray by Ion.
Sleek Blowout
Whether you visit the salon or DIY, a sleekblowoutis simple but effective.
A sleek blowout complements any attire and is a go-to style all year round, says Ellis.
For bombshell volume, he recommends prepping the hair with a thickening spray likeMilbon Thickening Mistat the root.
Work section by section, and set the section withVelcro rollers.
This is the secret to getting that fresh blowout look.
Finish with a light hairspray such as theMoya Hold from Shu Uemura.
Messy Pony
Dance the night away at the reception in a tousled ponytail.
Ellis uses a 11/4-inch curling iron to curl the hair.
Using a boar bristle brush or a comb, bring the hair up into a pony, he says.
I recommend leaving a few tendrils out around the ears and the face to frame it.
Finish off with strong-hold hairspray.
Boho Waves
you might never go wrong with tousled waves, says Ellis.
For an effortless look, curl away from the face and leave the ends out.
My favorite is theShu Uemera Essence Absolue, to set down any flyaways.
Pumped-Up Ponytail
A hairstyle that actually looks better as the night goes on is rare but possible.
By the end of the night, I end up with a party pony.
It just gets bigger and better throughout the night, says Ess.
Pearls look incredibly chic with any hair color or texture, says Ess.
If youre stuck and dont know what to do, break out the pearls!
For some extra sparkle, try adding thesepearl and crystal flower pins from Emi Jay.
Disco Curls
Bouncy, voluminous curls like these were made for all-night dancing.
Always lean your head over when you diffuse if you want lots of volume, says Ess.
Recreate the look with your favorite fresh or fake flowers, scattering them randomly over your hair.
To remove them, just spritz a little water and wait a couple of minutes, she says.
Then you’ve got the option to just comb them right out.
Ess updates her version with a braid that adds a fun textural element to the classic style.
Dont hold back on the hairspray if youre going for this look.
I love using mySignature Finishing Sprayfor updos because its like liquid bobby pins, she says.
Celestial Braids
This gorgeous braided half-up hairstyle gets a sparkly accent from EsssCelestial bobby pins.
Theres no better time for some sparkle than during a celebration, she says.
I love these because they look elegant and fun at the same time.
Cascading Braids
These dreamy braids are ideal for an outdoor summer wedding.
Something about the effortless feel of braids really helps wedding guest hairstyles not feel too serious, says Redway.
Sculptural Updo
Add a sleek, sculptural aesthetic to your updo with clean lines and contrasting shapes.
There are so many great variations of an updo that you’re free to take, says Redway.
Set it with curl rods before going in with a blow-dryer and diffuser for the prettiest volume.
Redway recommends setting your hair with volumizing mousse for a more defined look.
Her tools of choice for any hair length are theDyson Supersonic Hair Dryerand around brush.
Played-Up Pixie
Short hairstyles like pixies offer endless variations for styling, from headbands to fun accents.
But you’ve got the option to also keep things simple by playing up your natural texture.
No matter how you style it, hydration is key, says Redway.
Its a simple, understated style that feels timeless, she says.
Let your waves set for at least half an hour before brushing them again for a flowing finish.
Low Ponytail
Low ponytails and backless dresses are an iconic summer wedding duo.
The key is making sure the front looks polished, says Marjan.
Keep the texture of your ponytail soft and tousled for an interesting textural contrast.
Bow-Tied Chignon
To add a celebratory touch to a polished chignon, finish it with a bow.
Continue adding more gel to your braid as you work to keep every single strand in place.
you’re free to also pile on some hair accessories for an even more eye-catching effect.
Supersize Headbands
Can wedding guests wear headbands?
In short, yes!
Headbands work on literally any hairstyle, and the more dramatic, the better.
Prep damp hair withDae Cactus Fruit Styling Creamfor your bounciest, shiniest blowout.
For these loose waves on Allison Brie, Rubenstein usedMonat Dry Texturizing Spray.
Its just enough hold and gives you a tousled look.
you could deactivate it with your hands throughout the night.
Monat Molding Shine Pomadeis perfect for this.
Brushed-Out Waves
Brushing out waves will give you an extra bump of volume.
This smooth fluffy look is classic and timeless, says Rubenstein.
Curl hair all in the same direction, making sure not to leave the ends out.
Let all hair cool completely and sit for a while.
Brush out with a boar-bristle brush and finish with a flexible hairspray.
Asymmetrical Bob
Halle Berry brought back the asymmetrical bob at the 2023 Oscars red carpet.
Celebrity hairstylistSara Sewarddescribed the style as a classic 1940s wave, deconstructed in a modern way.
Half-Up Bun
Looking for half-updo wedding guest hairstyles?
Celebrity hairstylistMarc Menacreated this elegant topknot on Mindy Kaling.
Using a boar-hair brush, I then brushed the top half of Mindys hair into a ponytail.
French Roll
An elegant French roll looks romantic and effortless.
To create Winnie Harlows style, celebrity hairstylistDavontae Washingtonprepped her natural hair texture with leave-in conditioner and heat thermal.
Use a round brush on the hair to straighten any natural textures or bends, Washington says.
Next, take a wand and curl the hair, then divide the hair in two.
French-roll the back with bobby pins, but not too tight because you still want it to have texture.
Then gently tease the top for volume, and pin remaining pieces into the French roll.
