24 Elegant Wedding Guest Hairstyles for Women — Updos, Braids & Waves

Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade of experience creating polished looks for weddings and special occasions. In this gallery you’ll find 24 wedding guest hairstyles tailored to different hair lengths, textures and dress styles: sleek low buns for structured gowns, tousled waves for boho affairs, romantic braided crowns for garden venues, and chic half-up styles for cocktail receptions. These looks work for straight, wavy, curly and textured hair, and many are easily adapted with extensions or accessories. My styling tips: always start with clean, slightly textured hair (dry shampoo or light texturizing spray helps), protect with heat product before curling, secure styles with quality pins and a medium-hold spray, and do a quick trial or practice run if you’re attempting a new updo. Each image includes quick notes so you can pick the look that suits your outfit, timeline and skill level.

Romantic Loose Curly Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, romantic updo works best on medium-to-long hair and suits wavy or naturally curly textures; fine hair can achieve the look with added padding and volume, while very thick hair may require extra pins. Start by prepping clean, dry hair with a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Create loose, defined curls with a 1–1.25 curling wand, then gently brush or separate curls for soft movement. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, gather hair into a low to mid-level loose bun, and secure sections with bobby pins, leaving face-framing tendrils out. Finish by misting a texturizing spray for grip and a medium-to-strong hairspray for hold; add a tiny amount of shine serum to polished pieces. Tools needed: curling wand, sectioning clips, tail comb, teasing brush, bobby pins, small elastic. Difficulty: moderate — expect 30–45 minutes; a stylist is helpful for event-perfect symmetry. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh curls with a quick wand touch-up, revive volume with dry shampoo or texturizer, and re-pin any loosening pieces before wearing.

Voluminous Twisted Updo with Side-Swept Fringe

This elegant updo suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures — fine hair benefits from added texture, while dense hair may need light thinning for manageability. Start on day‑two hair for grip: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at roots, then blow-dry using a round brush to build lift at the crown. Create soft volume with controlled backcombing at the crown, smooth the top layer, and gather hair into loose sections. Twist and pin sections into a low, textured bun, leaving a side-swept fringe and a few face‑framing tendrils. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, curling iron for shaping ends, strong bobby pins and long pins, and a small elastic. Products: heat protectant, root‑lift or volumizing spray, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, medium‑hold hairspray, and a light serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — 25–40 minutes in a salon, slightly longer for beginners. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and reposition pins as needed, avoid heavy oils at the roots, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and touch up loose pieces with a curling iron and light hairspray.

Side-Swept Voluminous Curly Ponytail with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This glamorous side-swept curly ponytail works best on naturally wavy to tightly curly hair or on straight hair with a perm or heat-created curls. Ideal for medium to thick density; fine hair benefits from light extensions or root padding for the same volume. Start on damp, detangled hair: apply a leave-in conditioner and curl-enhancing mousse, then diffuse-dry while lifting the roots for volume. Create a deep side part and gather hair to one side at the nape, leaving a few face-framing tendrils loose. Use a 3/4–1-inch curling wand to refine any loose pieces and to unify curl pattern. Secure with a snag-free elastic and hide the band with a wrapped hair section pinned underneath. Tools: wide-tooth comb, diffuser, curling wand, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, curl cream or mousse, flexible-hold hairspray, shine serum, occasional root-lift spray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and curl control. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or pineapple; refresh curls with water + leave-in or curl refresher spray; avoid over-brushing and schedule trims every 8–12 weeks to prevent frizz.

Half-Up Twisted Bridal Hairstyle with Loose Waves

Suitable for medium to long lengths and works best on fine-to-medium density hair; coarse or very thick hair benefits from long layers or extensions to reduce bulk. Start on clean, towel-dried hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry smooth with a round brush. Create a 2–3 crown section, lightly backcomb for lift, and twist the sides toward the center, securing with hidden bobby pins into a small knotted tuck at mid-back. Use a 1–1.25 curling iron to create loose S-shaped waves through the lengths, alternating direction and leaving ends softer; brush gently with a paddle or fingers for relaxed texture. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and a small clear elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, texturizing/sea-salt spray, flexible medium-hold hairspray and a light serum for shine. Difficulty: moderate — 20–35 minutes with practice. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, touch up waves or re-pin the twist, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, and avoid heavy products at the crown.

Textured Romantic Low Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Waves

This romantic textured low updo suits medium-to-long hair and works best on fine-to-medium density; very thick hair may require thinning or extra pins and extensions can add fullness. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a root-lifting mousse, then blow-dry with a round brush to build lift at the crown. Create loose S-shaped waves with a 1 curling iron, alternating directions for movement. Lightly backcomb the crown for volume, smooth the top layer, then gather hair at the nape and twist into a loose, low chignon. Pin individual curls with U-pins and bobby pins so the style keeps its airy texture. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and soften them with the curling iron as needed. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins/U-pins, elastic. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing/root-lift mousse or spray, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray, small smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo or texture spray, re-pin loose pieces, avoid heavy conditioning before styling, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap to preserve shape.

Textured Low Romantic Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils

This textured low updo with soft face-framing tendrils is ideal for medium to thick hair and works well on natural waves or lightly curled straight hair. For fine hair add a volumizing mousse and backcombing at the crown for lift; very curly hair should be smoothed slightly with a wide-barrel iron for manageable texture. Technique: prep damp hair with heat protectant and texturizing mousse, blow-dry with a round brush, then create loose 1-1.25 inch barrel curls. Loosely gather sections into a low, twisted bun, securing with bobby pins and an elastic, and pull small pieces free to create airy movement and a slightly undone finish. Tools: 1-1.25 inch curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, round brush, bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, salt or texturizing spray, small amount of pomade for flyaways, light-hold flexible hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate – about a 5-6/10; manageable at home but faster with practice. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, re-pin loosened pieces, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils that flatten volume.

Textured Voluminous Side Braid with Soft Face‑Framing Layers

This romantic, tousled side braid suits medium to long hair and works especially well on naturally wavy or slightly textured hair. Fine hair can achieve the same look after applying root-volume products; thick hair will create more body and chunky texture. Start by prepping with a heat protectant, then add a volumizing mousse at the roots and a sea-salt or texturizing spray through the lengths. Lightly curl sections with a 1-inch wand for movement, then backcomb the crown gently to build lift. Create a loose three-strand or pull-through side braid, pulling apart (pancaking) each section for fullness and securing with a small elastic; use bobby pins at the nape to shape volume and hold. Leave a few face-framing pieces soft and undone. Tools: tail comb, teasing brush, 1

Voluminous Side‑Swept Half‑Up Bouffant with Romantic Cascading Curls

This elegant half‑up bouffant with side‑swept cascading curls suits medium to long hair and works best on medium‑to‑thick textures. Fine hair can achieve the same look with clip‑in extensions or extra root‑lifting products; very curly hair should be blow‑dried or smoothed slightly before styling. Begin by applying a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow‑dry with a round brush to build lift at the crown. Section hair and create loose, uniform curls with a 1–1.25 curling wand, curling away from the face. Lightly backcomb the crown for height, smooth the surface, then gather hair to one side and secure a soft twist with bobby pins, leaving ends free to cascade. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray, optional shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — salon technique but repeatable at home (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and touch‑up curls, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the style down.

Textured Romantic Messy Low Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This textured, romantic messy low updo with face‑framing tendrils suits medium to long wavy or slightly curly hair best and can be adapted for straight or fine hair by adding texture. Work on dry, prepped hair: apply heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse at the roots. Create loose 1–1.25 curls with a curling iron, alternating direction for natural movement. Lightly tease the crown with a tail comb for lift, then gather hair at the nape and twist loosely, securing sections with bobby pins in an X-pattern to build a soft, messy bun; leave several small pieces out around the face. Mist a texturizing spray through the bun and finger‑comb to loosen and define strands, then finish with a flexible hold hairspray. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or dry shampoo for grip, texturizing spray, light hold hairspray, smoothing serum for tendrils. Difficulty: intermediate (20–40 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo or sea‑salt spray, re‑pin loose areas and touch up face‑framing pieces with a small curling iron as needed.

Soft Braided Half-Up with Loose Waves and Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic half-up style pairs two relaxed braids at the crown with loose, tousled waves and soft face‑framing tendrils. Suitable for medium to long hair and works best on fine-to-medium densities — thick hair can be thinned slightly at the crown for better shaping. Start on second-day hair or prep freshly washed hair with a volumizing mousse and rough-dry for texture. Create shallow French/Dutch braids from each temple, secure at the crown with pins, then curl remaining lengths with a 1–1.25 barrel curling iron, alternating directions for a natural finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, 1–1.25 curling iron, bobby pins, small elastic, paddle brush. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray for grip, light-hold hairspray, and a tiny smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–30 minutes until practiced. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose bun, refresh waves with a quick warm-iron touch-up and texturizer, and re-pin any loosened braids before outings. Avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve lift and hold.

Textured Half-Up Braided Twist for Long Blonde Hair

This romantic half-up braided twist is ideal for medium to long hair and works best on fine to medium density hair with a natural straight-to-wavy texture. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, blow-dry while lifting the crown, then use a 1 curling iron to add loose waves through mid-lengths and ends. Create soft volume by backcombing the crown lightly, then take two small sections from either side, twist or loosely three-strand braid them toward the back and secure with low-profile elastics and bobby pins, leaving face-framing pieces undone for softness. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and clear elastics. Products required: heat protectant, root-lifting mousse or spray, texturizing salt spray or dry shampoo for grip, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — about 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizer, re-curl unruly ends, tighten pins after a few hours, and sleep with a loose bonnet or silk scarf to preserve waves. Trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep the style fresh.

Textured Low Romantic Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, textured low updo suits straight to wavy hair in medium to long lengths; fine hair benefits from light padding or clip‑in pieces for volume, while thick hair may need sectioning or thinning for manageability. Start on dry hair with a heat protectant. Create loose curls with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron or wand, then lightly tease the crown for lift. Work in sections: loosely twist and pin curled sections into a low, messy chignon, leaving a few face‑framing strands out. Secure with strong bobby pins and a small elastic at the base if needed. Tools: curling iron/wand, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift applied to damp hair, texturizing spray for grip, light‑hold hairspray to set, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — salon result achievable at home with 30–45 minutes and practice. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, retuck loose pieces with pins, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and trim ends regularly to keep the shape clean.

Romantic Textured Braided Ponytail with Floral Accents for Medium-Long Hair

Suitable for medium to long hair of straight, wavy or slightly curly textures, this romantic textured pulled-through braid/low ponytail is ideal for fine to medium densities — thicker hair creates extra volume, while fine hair benefits from light padding or clip-in extensions. Start on dry, pre-textured hair: apply heat protectant, create loose waves with a 1 curling wand, then mist with texturizing spray. Section the crown, lightly tease for lift, then create a loose French or Dutch braid along the top into a low ponytail. Divide the ponytail into small sections and create pull-through loops or bubble segments, securing each with clear elastics and gently pancake for fullness. Tuck and pin remaining ends and add small fresh florals or decorative pins. Tools needed: 1 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding and sectioning skills; allow 30–50 minutes. Maintenance tips: carry mini-hairspray and spare pins for touch-ups, refresh texture with dry shampoo, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and avoid heavy oils at the roots.

Romantic Low Textured Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, textured low bun with loose face‑framing tendrils works best on medium to long hair and is ideal for fine to medium densities; thicker or very straight hair benefits from light layering or added clip‑in pieces for movement. Start by applying a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow‑dry with a round brush for lift at the crown. Use a 1–1.25 curling wand to create loose bends, lightly backcomb the crown for texture, and gather hair to the nape. Twist and pin sections into a low, slightly off‑center bun, securing with varying lengths of bobby pins and a small elastic for an anchor. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or powder, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum and optional shine mist. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling and pinning skills but is forgiving and adjustable. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo at roots, re‑pin loose pieces, touch up tendrils with a small wand, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape.

Romantic Voluminous Side-Swept Bubble Braid with Soft Waves

This look works best on medium-to-long hair and is ideal for medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from light padding or extensions for the same fullness. Start by applying a root-lifting mousse and heat protectant to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush to build volume at the crown. Create a deep side part, curl lengths with a 1–1.25 curling iron for soft waves, and let cool. Section the hair and form a loose pull-through or bubble braid down one side, securing small sections with clear elastics and gently pulling each section to widen and create the voluminous “bubbles.” Tuck and pin any ends, hiding elastics with hair or decorative pins for a polished finish. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, 1–1.25 curling iron, clear elastics, bobby pins, sectioning clips. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a small amount of shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate (about 30–50 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, and re-pin or loosen sections as needed to restore shape.

Twisted Half-Up with Loose Waves — Romantic Half-Up Hairstyle

This twisted half-up with loose waves suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from a volumizing mousse or clip-in pieces, and naturally curly hair can be adapted by defining waves rather than smoothing. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse, then blow-dry smooth using a round brush to create body. Create 1–1.25 loose curls with a curling iron or wand for soft S-shaped waves. Section two front pieces, twist each toward the back while gently pancake the twists for width, cross and pin them with U-pins or bobby pins behind the crown. Backcomb lightly at the crown if extra lift is wanted. Tools: curling iron/wand, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, and a blow dryer. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, light texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray and a small amount of shine serum for ends. Difficulty: medium — requires basic curling and pinning skills. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh waves with a spritz of water or dry shampoo, and retouch curls or pins as needed to maintain shape.

Textured Romantic Low Chignon Updo — Tousled Bridal Hairstyle for Medium–Long Hair

This soft, textured low chignon is ideal for medium to long hair and adapts well to fine, medium or thicker textures (very fine or low-density hair may benefit from clip-in pieces). It suits naturally straight to softly wavy hair; very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling for best results. Salon technique: prep with heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, blow-dry with a round brush for lift, then create loose waves with a 1 curling iron. Section the hair, lightly backcomb the crown for height, and twist or loosely pin small sections toward the nape to form a low, layered chignon, leaving a few face-framing pieces soft. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling iron, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, bobby pins and long hairpins, small elastic. Recommended products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, light-to-medium hold hairspray and a touch of shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — 30–45 minutes in-salon. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or loose satin bonnet to preserve shape, refresh volume with dry shampoo or light mist, re-pin loose pieces as needed and avoid heavy products that weigh the texture down.

Textured Twisted Low Ponytail with Floral Accent — Soft Bridal Updo

This romantic textured twisted low ponytail suits medium to long hair and works best on wavy or straight textures; fine hair benefits from light extensions or volumizing products, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly before styling. Technique: create a deep side part, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then twist and pin two or three front sections toward the nape. Gather hair into a low pony, pull through or pancake each twist to create soft width, and finish by wrapping a loose section around the elastic; add a floral comb or pins at the twist junction for a bridal finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, bobby pins, padded brush, curling iron (1–1.25 in) or flat iron for smoothing. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing spray for grip, flexible-hold hairspray, and a light shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — salon-level result in 30–45 minutes; requires basic twisting and pinning skills. Maintenance tips: refresh shape with a travel hairspray, touch pins at the nape, avoid heavy oils that flatten texture, and sleep on a silk pillow or loose bun to preserve the style.

Soft Crown Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils — Textured Updo for Medium to Long Hair

This soft crown (milkmaid) braid with loose face‑framing tendrils suits medium to long hair and flatters straight, wavy and slightly curly textures. For fine hair, add texture with a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray before styling; thicker hair benefits from smaller sections and extra pins. Technique: create a deep side part, begin a Dutch or French braid at one temple and work around the hairline, incorporating sections as you go; secure the end, tuck it under and pin to form a continuous crown. Gently pull (“pancake”) the braid to widen and soften the look, and release a couple of front strands for a romantic finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a handheld mirror. Products: pre-styling mousse or texturizing spray, dry shampoo for grip, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 15–30 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow, refresh grip with dry shampoo, re‑pin loose sections as needed, and touch up face tendrils with a small curling iron.

Loose Textured Twisted Fishtail Braid — Romantic Bridal/Bridesmaid Style

A soft, romantic low fishtail composed of twisted sections and gently pancaked strands, ideal for wedding or special-event looks. Best suited to medium-to-long hair with natural texture or light wave; medium to thick densities hold shape well, while fine hair benefits from clip‑in extensions or root texturizer. Technique: add volume at the crown with light backcombing, create two-to-three twisted/rope-braid sections from the sides, then combine into a loose fishtail down the nape. Pancake (gently pull) the braid to widen and add softness; leave a few face‑framing pieces. Tools: 1” curling iron (for prepping waves), tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, and an assortment of bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing salt or powder for grip, light smoothing oil for ends, and a flexible‑hold finishing spray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braid/twist skills and shaping. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, re-pin any loosened sections, touch up face pieces with a curling iron, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz. Reapply light hairspray for all‑day hold.

Loose Textured Side Braid with Soft Face-Framing Curls

This look is a loose, textured side braid with soft face-framing curls — ideal for medium to long hair. Best suited to wavy or naturally curly textures, it can also be created on straight hair after adding waves with a 1 curling wand. Start on damp hair with a volumizing mousse at the roots and blow-dry with a round brush or diffuser to build body. Create a deep side part, backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, then curl mid-lengths and ends in alternating directions. Gather hair to one side and create a loose three-strand or pull-through braid, securing with an elastic; pancake the braid and gently tug pieces to create fullness. Tuck and pin small twisted sections at the temple to frame the face. Finish with a salt or texturizing spray for separation and a light-hold hairspray. Tools: blow dryer, 1 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins, teasing brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizer/salt spray, lightweight oil for ends, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely tie the braid, refresh with dry shampoo, re-curl flattened pieces and reapply texturizer to restore separation.

Textured Voluminous Half-Up with Loose Waves

A salon-friendly half-up style that pairs a soft bouffant at the crown with loose, textured waves cascading down. Best suited for medium‑to‑long hair: fine hair will gain lift from teasing and texturizing products, medium to thick hair will hold the shape well, and naturally curly hair can be smoothed before styling. Technique: prep hair with a root‑lifting mousse and heat protectant, blow‑dry smooth while lifting the crown with a round brush, then create loose 1–1.25 barrel curls from mid‑length to ends. Lightly backcomb at the crown for volume, sweep the top sections back and pin with hidden bobby pins or small clear elastics, leaving face‑framing pieces soft. Tools needed: blow dryer and round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand, teasing comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, salt/texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray, small amount of shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, avoid heavy oils at the roots, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid to preserve waves, and trim every 8–12 weeks to keep ends healthy.

Textured Braided Low Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, textured braided low updo suits shoulder‑length to long hair and works best on medium to thick strands or fine hair that’s been pre‑textured. Start by adding volume at the crown with light backcombing or a root‑lifting mousse, then create a loose side or Dutch/French braid across the crown, feeding pieces into a low braided bun. Pull sections apart (“pancake” the braid) to create fullness and soft movement. Tools: 1 curling iron or wand, comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, elastics, and plenty of bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or salt spray, light‑hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes depending on practice. Salon tip: add clip‑in extensions for extra volume or to lengthen the braid. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a loose silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or spritz of salt spray, re‑pin loose sections, and touch up face‑framing waves with a small curling iron as needed. Ideal for weddings or polished daytime looks.

Romantic Textured Half-Up Curly Hairstyle for Medium–Long Hair

This soft, romantic half-up hairstyle suits medium to long hair and works best on naturally wavy or lightly curly textures; straight hair can be pre-curled for the same result. Technique: create loose barrel curls, lightly backcomb at the crown for lift, gather the top sections into a low half-pony, twist and pin small subsections into a soft, textured knot at the back, allowing face‑framing tendrils to fall. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, vent brush or wide-tooth comb, bobby pins and a small elastic. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray (for fine hair), sea-salt or texturizing spray, flexible light-hold hairspray and a touch of shine serum for ends. Difficulty level: moderate — 25–40 minutes depending on hair density; basic curling and pinning skills recommended. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid to preserve shape, refresh with dry shampoo and a few spritzes of texturizer, and re-curl loose pieces as needed. For thicker hair, use extra pins and stronger hold spray; for fine hair, backcomb sparingly and use lightweight products to avoid weighing the style down.

Choosing the right wedding guest hairstyle is about matching your outfit, venue and comfort level. My professional advice: book a trial if you’re hiring a stylist, or practice your chosen look once ahead of the event. Prepare hair in the days leading up to the wedding — trim split ends, deep-condition if hair is dry, and avoid dramatic color changes the week before. On the day, bring a small kit: extra bobby pins, small hairspray, a comb, texturizing spray and a travel-size serum for frizz. For longevity, ask for humidity-resistant finishing spray and secure pins discreetly where your hairstyle will be touched least. If you’re between lengths, consider temporary clip-in extensions for fullness. Above all, pick a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable — that glow makes the best accessory. — Lena, salon stylist