When it comes to keeping unruly strands in check on your special day, wedding updos with braids are an excellent choice. Whether you have long, coarse, thick hair or short, curly, fine hair, a beautiful bridal bun can be achieved with the right products and techniques. And with so many options available, incorporating a braid into your look is easier than ever.
As a seasoned bridal hair artist from Great Britain, Claire Hartley shares her expertise in creating stunning wedding updos with braids, and we’re thrilled to share this knowledge with our readers. With over 40 different wedding updo ideas featuring braids, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect look for your Big Day. Let’s dive in and explore the many possibilities!
Brides Often Ask
How can I add braids to a wedding updo?
When it comes to hairstyles, there’s no rule that says updos and braids can’t coexist. In fact, combining the two can lead to some truly stunning looks. Consider pairing intricate plaits with classic chignons for a timeless elegance, or mixing edgy box braids with over-the-top buns for a bold, eye-catching effect. If you’re looking for something a bit more understated, waterfall crown braids or braided ponytail buns paired with full bangs can create a beautiful, effortless look.
And the best part is that these hairstyles can bring elegance to any wedding setting, whether it’s modern and sleek, rustic and charming, beachy and relaxed, minimalist and refined, or even industrial chic and trendy.
What hair color updo with braids will look best on?
When it comes to braids infusion, the most striking color combination is undoubtedly black, brown, and blonde. Yet, if you’re looking for a more versatile approach, consider incorporating traditional highlights with foils or opting for subtle techniques like baby lights, balayage, Foil-age, ombre, Somber, Chunky, or dimensional highlights. This allows your hair to radiate beauty in an unrestricted manner, free from the constraints of a single color.
How long should my hair be for an updo with a braid?
For those aiming for full braids or extensions, just two inches of hair are required. However, if you’re looking to incorporate the bulk of your hair into an updo, a minimum shoulder-length is necessary. This length can be easily pinned into place, allowing braids that start at the roots to sit comfortably on your hair without any visible color discrepancies.
Romantic And Textured Braided Updos
When it comes to styling and braiding, having the right foundation is crucial. Prepping the hair beforehand is vital, and that includes using the correct products. The key is to understand that everyone’s hair has its unique characteristics, requiring tailored product selection. For instance, individuals with dry, frizz-prone hair will benefit from smoothing and moisturizing products, whereas those with heavier, silky locks may prefer chalky, texturising products.
By taking the time to get to know each person’s hair type and texture, you can create a solid base for a stunning style.
Wedding Bun Hairstyles With Braids
Whether you’re working with long, luscious locks or short, bouncy curls, achieving a stunning bridal bun is within reach. The key lies in using the right products and mastering a few essential techniques. For those struggling to add volume, consider incorporating extensions or hair padding to give your style an extra boost. As any bride-to-be should know, it’s always worth asking about the feasibility of a particular hairstyle, even if it seems daunting.
Bridal stylists are skilled professionals who have honed their craft through years of education and practice, making them the perfect partners in creating a show-stopping look on your big day.
Braided Chignon Hairstyle Ideas
While the classic bridal chignon remains a timeless beauty, some might argue that it needs a dash of something more to truly impress. One way to elevate this style is by incorporating a braid. With countless ways to weave a braid into a chignon and various braid options at your disposal, the possibilities are endless. The key lies in finding a braid style that resonates with you and then determining how you’d like it incorporated into your chosen chignon design.
Consider wrapping the braid around one side of the head, starting lower or higher, or even intertwining it within the chignon itself. Ultimately, the choice is yours to decide how much wow factor you want to add to this timeless style.
Bridal Updos With Braided Crown
One of my go-to styling techniques is the crown braid, which has gained immense popularity over the past few years. A common question I receive is how to achieve volume and texture in these styles. My answer remains consistent: it’s crucial to consider the hair type and use the right smoothing or texturing products before braiding. Once you’ve secured the braid, revisit the style and gently pinch and pull out sections to loosen the braid and create a textured, voluminous look.
Side Braided Wedding Updos
For a side braided hairstyle that stays put, consider this clever hack: using small elastics as anchors to secure the braid. By working your way down the style with these tiny elastics, you’ll create a stable foundation that won’t shift or come undone throughout the day. Combine this technique with the right products for texture and hold, and you’ve got a hairstyle that’s both stylish and long-lasting.
Bridal Pins For Updos With Braids
When it comes to adding a finishing touch to a wedding hairstyle, particularly braids, I’m a big fan of using hairpins. They’re incredibly versatile and can be easily incorporated into the style. You can use as many or as few pins as needed, depending on the desired look. They can be clustered together for a more dramatic effect or spread throughout the style to create a sense of movement.
What I love about hairpins is that they’re available in a wide range of designs and materials, making it easy to find ones that fit your wedding theme. From pearls and jewels to flowers in every color, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re going for a classic look or something more modern and trendy, hairpins are a great accessory to add some extra flair to your hairstyle.
Elegant Braided Updos For Wedding
When incorporating a braided element into your wedding hairstyle, consider how it can enhance your overall look. Think about the type of braid you’d like to include and where in the style you’d want it positioned. Braids can seamlessly blend with effortless, boho-inspired styles or add an air of elegance and sophistication to more classic looks. Whatever your vision, rest assured that a well-executed braid can result in a truly timeless and memorable hairstyle.
Braid Ideas For Messy Bridal Updo
To achieve a rustic boho look with your braid, consider deconstructing the style by pulling out a few strands while you’re braiding. This will create a relaxed, undone vibe with loose ends scattered throughout the braid. Once the braid is secured, revisit areas and gently pinch and pull sections to add texture and expand the style. Additionally, I always leave a significant amount of hair framing the face before threading pieces back into the braid.
To complete the look, curl any stray strands for an effortless, undone finish.
Tender Princess-Style Bridal Braids
When it comes to achieving the quintessential Princess look, two crucial elements come into play: hair extensions and strategic styling. To replicate those show-stopping, cascading waves or luscious curls in a half-up style or elegant braid, clip-in extensions are an absolute must-have. They instantly add volume and length, elevating your hairstyle to fairytale-like status.
And let’s not forget the importance of accessories – a dash of sparkle can make all the difference in making a statement, while flowers add a whimsical, romantic touch that’s sure to captivate.
Half Wedding Updos With Braids
When crafting any hairstyle, it’s essential to consider the natural shape of the face. For individuals with narrow face shapes, creating width through strategic layering or volume at the crown can help achieve a more balanced look. Conversely, those with rounder face shapes may benefit from hairstyles that elongate the visage, such as layers reaching down to the shoulders or a chin-length bob.
The key is to adjust the style to harmoniously complement and balance the unique characteristics of each facial shape. When incorporating loose, framing pieces, it’s crucial to curl them away from the face and ensure they fall at a flattering length.
Quick And Easy Braided Updo
When it comes to braiding, the possibilities are endless. With so many different styles to choose from, such as the 3 strand braid, French, Dutch, Rope, Pull through, and Fishtail, you can create a unique look that’s all your own. Instead of favoring one particular technique over another, I like to mix and match different braids to achieve a style that’s truly personalized. Whether you’re a fan of classic simplicity or intricate complexity, there’s a braid out there for everyone.
The beauty of braiding lies in its versatility, allowing you to experiment with different techniques until you find the one that suits your taste and style.
