28 Stunning Engagement Hairstyles for Women: Updos, Braids & Waves

Hi, I’m Lena — a salon hairstylist with over a decade of experience creating looks for brides-to-be and celebratory events. This gallery highlights 28 engagement hairstyles for women, curated to suit every hair length, texture, and personal style. From soft, romantic waves and boho braids to polished low chignons and playful half-up styles, each image includes notes on the best face shapes, veil or tiara placements, and styling products to use. Whether you have fine, thick, curly, or straight hair, I’ll point out easy swaps to make a look work for you — like adding extensions for volume, keeping pieces face-framing for round faces, or choosing a sleek finish for formal venues. Before your engagement shoot or party, always do a trial, bring your accessories, and prep with a deep-conditioning treatment 1–2 weeks prior. These 28 looks are practical, camera-friendly, and designed to last through photos, hugs, and toasts.

Voluminous Boho Pull-Through Braid with Face‑Framing Waves

This romantic, textured pull-through braid works best on medium to long hair; wavy and straight textures hold the shape most easily, while fine hair benefits from volumizing products or light extensions and very thick hair may need extra pinning. Start by applying a lightweight mousse or sea-salt spray to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush to build root lift. Section a soft pouf at the crown, backcomb lightly for volume, then create a series of elastic-linked sections to form a pull-through/rope braid down the back. Pancake each braid segment by gently pulling to enlarge the loops for that loose, boho look. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1–1.25

Voluminous Half-Up Twisted Curls — Soft Romantic Half-Pony for Long Hair

This soft, voluminous half-up twist works best on long hair (mid-back) and suits medium to thick textures or fine hair with added extensions or backcombing for density. Start with a smooth blowout or towel-dried hair prepped with a volumizing mousse at the roots. Create loose, 1–1.5 barrel curls away from the face with a curling iron, allow them to cool, then gently brush through for soft waves. Section the top crown, lightly backcomb for lift, gather two side panels and twist them toward the back, securing with discreet bobby pins and a small elastic to form a half-ponytail. For thicker hair, work in smaller sections and use stronger pins; for finer hair, add a texturizing spray and a clip-in weft if desired. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, round brush, bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lifter, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — expect 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh curls with a light mist of water or dry shampoo, re-curl loose pieces, sleep on a satin pillowcase, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve volume.

Textured Braided Crown Updo for Medium-Long Wavy Hair

Suitability: Ideal for medium-to-thick, medium-to-long hair; works beautifully on natural waves or straight hair that’s pre-textured. Fine hair benefits from light backcombing or padding for extra volume. Technique: On dry hair, apply heat protectant and texturizer, create a deep side part and braid along the hairline (Dutch or French braid), pancake the braid to widen it, then gather the remaining hair into a low twisted bun. Pull a few face-framing tendrils and loosen sections for a soft, romantic finish. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, varied bobby pins, optional hair donut or padding. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light volumizing mousse (at roots), flexible-hold hairspray, and a tiny amount of smoothing serum or pomade for flyaways. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires confident braiding and pinning; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance tips: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap loosely, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of texturizer, re-pin any loosened pieces, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to maintain lift. Schedule a trial for event styling to perfect braid placement and volume.

Romantic Voluminous Half-Up Curled Ponytail for Long Hair

This romantic half-up voluminous ponytail is ideal for long, medium-to-thick hair and works beautifully on naturally straight or wavy textures; fine hair will need extensions or extra padding for the same fullness. Start by prepping with a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat-protectant throughout. Blow-dry with a round brush to build lift at the crown, then backcomb lightly at the crown for added height. Section the hair and create loose, defined curls with a 1–1.25-inch curling iron, alternating directions for natural movement. Gather the top half into a low-to-mid ponytail, tease the base for volume, and secure with an elastic; leave length cascading and pin lifted sections to shape the silhouette. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, curling iron, sectioning clips, elastics, and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, root-lifting mousse or spray, texturizing powder/spray, flexible-hold hairspray, and a light shine serum. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 30–60 minutes. Maintenance tips: refresh curls with a quick re-clip and light mist of hairspray, touch up any flattened pieces, use dry shampoo at the roots to maintain lift, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap hair to preserve shape.

Textured Romantic Low Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium to thick hair and for fine hair with added extensions, this romantic textured low updo features soft curls twisted into a loose chignon with face-framing tendrils. Start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then rough-dry to create body. Use a 1 curling iron to create loose S-shaped curls and brush them slightly to soften. Backcomb at the crown for lift, then gather sections at the nape and twist or loop each piece, securing with bobby pins to form an airy bun; leave a few front pieces out and softly curl them into tendrils. Tools: blow dryer, 1 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, low-profile elastic. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, light mousse or root powder, flexible-hold hairspray, small amount of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — a stylist can create this in 25–40 minutes; DIY may take longer. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizer, carry extra pins for quick fixes, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down. A trial run is recommended for bridal clients.

Loose Side Fishtail Braid with Cascading Waves

Suitable for long, medium-to-thick hair with natural wave or relaxed curl; fine hair will benefit from light extensions or texturizing to add body. Prep on dry hair by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry with a round brush for lift. Create soft S-waves through the mid-lengths and ends with a 1–1.25 curling wand. Make a deep side part and gather hair to one side, then start a loose fishtail (or two-strand twist if preferred) from the nape, braiding down and securing with a small elastic. Pancake the braid by gently pulling the outer segments to widen and soften the look, and release a few face-framing pieces. Anchor with discreet bobby pins and finish with a texturizing spray for separation and a light-hold flexible hairspray plus a touch of shine serum on the ends. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling wand, rat-tail comb, small elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, flexible hairspray, light shine serum. Difficulty: Intermediate (20–40 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, re-pancake as needed, or sleep on a silk pillowcase/loosely braid to preserve shape.

Romantic Textured Voluminous Messy Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic textured updo is ideal for medium to thick hair and shoulder‑length to long hair; naturally wavy or loosely curled hair will hold the style best. Fine hair can be enhanced with clip‑in pieces or targeted backcombing for added volume. Start by prepping clean, towel‑dried hair with a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots. Rough‑dry with a round brush or diffuser to build lift, then create loose 1–1.25 barrel curls through mid‑lengths and ends for texture. Lightly backcomb the crown for height, gather hair into a low to mid chignon and secure with pins, leaving a few face‑framing tendrils loose. Gently pull and separate sections to soften the silhouette. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25 curling iron, teasing comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins and elastics. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray/powder, lightweight oil for ends and a flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic curling and pinning skills; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin; refresh with dry shampoo and texturizing spray and re‑secure any loosened pieces with pins.

Voluminous Side Fishtail Braid Updo with Textured Waves

Suitable for medium-to-thick, long hair and for fine hair when paired with extensions, this voluminous side fishtail braid updo works best on second-day hair or freshly textured hair. Start by applying heat protectant and a sea‑salt or texturizing spray to dry hair, then loosely curl through the lengths with a 1–1.25 barrel to create body. Backcomb the crown slightly to build lift and create a deep side part. Gather hair to one side and create a loose fishtail (or pull-through braid for extra volume), securing sections with small elastics and pancaking each segment to open it up. Tuck and pin the ends into a soft, cascading bun and pull a few face‑framing tendrils free for softness. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, teasing brush, and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, sea‑salt or texturizer, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum or shine spray and dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and pancaking technique; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid, refresh texture with dry shampoo between wears, re‑secure loose pieces with bobby pins as needed, and avoid heavy oils that will flatten the volume.

Textured Side Dutch Braid into Low Messy Bun Updo

This romantic textured updo pairs a loose Dutch/inside-out braid swept to the side and pinned into a low messy bun — ideal for medium to long hair. Best on medium/thick strands for fullness; fine hair will need volumizing prep or a small padding piece, while very curly hair can be smoothed slightly before styling. Technique: lightly mist hair with texturizer, create a deep side part, and pick up a Dutch braid from the front hairline toward the crown, keeping sections loose for volume. Gather remaining hair into a low bun, pancake the braid for width, then twist and pin sections into a soft, low chignon. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic bands, plenty of bobby pins, and a 1–1.25” curling iron if you want to pre-curl pieces. Products required: heat protectant, sea salt/texturizing spray, light-hold mousse or root lift for fine hair, smoothing serum for flyaways, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires braiding and secure pinning. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose bonnet, refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, and retuck loose tendrils with pins between wears.

Romantic Textured Bridal Updo with Cascading Loose Curls

This voluminous, textured updo features soft, cascading loose curls and face-framing tendrils — ideal for bridal, formal or editorial looks. Suitability: best on medium to long hair; fine hair benefits from lightweight extensions or padding for fullness, while thick hair creates natural body and hold. Styling technique: prep with a root-lifting mousse and blow-dry for volume, then section and curl hair with a 1–1.25 curling iron. Backcomb the crown lightly for lift, sweep and loosely pin curls into an asymmetric updo, leaving several curled strands to cascade at the nape and around the face. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling iron or wand, vent brush, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, plenty of bobby pins and small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or spray, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — salon appointment recommended for special events. Maintenance tips: prep hair the day before for texture, bring a small can of spray and a few pins for touch-ups, avoid heavy oils near roots, and refresh curls with a quick wand touch or texturizer between wearings.

Romantic Textured Side Braid with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, textured side braid works best on medium to long hair and suits natural waves or loose curls; fine hair can achieve the look with volumizing products or clip‑in extensions, and very straight hair should be pre‑textured with heat. Technique: prep by curling random sections with a 1–1.25 in. wand, spritz texturizer, lightly tease the crown, then gather hair to one side and create a loose three‑strand or fishtail braid. Pancake the braid to widen and pull small pieces free around the face for that undone, romantic finish. Tools needed: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins, and a wide‑tooth brush. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, sea salt or texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray, and a small smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice or quick in salon. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap the braid, refresh texture with dry shampoo or a spritz of salt spray, and re‑pancake or re‑pin areas each morning to revive shape.

Romantic Voluminous Braided Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This elegant braided, textured updo suits medium to long hair and works best on medium or thick textures; fine hair benefits from light padding or clip‑in extensions, and straight hair should be pre‑curled for grip. Technique: blow‑dry with volume, create a loose crown braid or series of twists across the top, gently backcomb the crown for lift, then pin curled sections into a low, airy bun while allowing two to three face‑framing tendrils to fall naturally. Finish with a decorative hairpiece tucked into the side. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling iron, round brush and blow dryer, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, assorted bobby pins, small elastics, and optional hair padding. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray or sea‑salt spray for hold and grip, flexible strong‑hold hairspray, and a light shine serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate to advanced — expect 30–60 minutes depending on hair length. Maintenance tips: carry extra pins and a travel hairspray, refresh volume with dry shampoo at the roots, avoid heavy humidity, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape.

Tousled Side Braid Into Low Romantic Updo with Face‑Framing Layers

This soft, tousled updo pairs a loose side braid/twist with a low, textured bun and face‑framing layers — ideal for medium to long hair. Works best on fine-to-medium hair when pre-texturized for grip; thick hair benefits from weight reduction or smaller sections. Start with clean, towel-dried hair treated with a root-lifting mousse and heat protectant. Blow-dry with a round brush for volume, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron. Backcomb lightly at the crown, gather a side section into a loose braid or twisted rope, and pin it toward the nape, incorporating remaining hair into a messy low bun. Pull pieces free around the face for softness and loosen the braid for a lived-in look. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastic, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root spray, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, small smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate; allow 25–40 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re-pin loose pieces as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to retain shape.

Voluminous Romantic Side Pony with Soft Cascading Curls

This romantic side pony with soft, cascading curls suits medium to thick hair and long lengths best; fine hair can achieve the same look with clip‑in extensions or generous root‑boosting products. Start on towel‑dried hair with a heat protectant and volumizing mousse applied at the roots. Blow‑dry using a round brush for lift, then section and create loose, uniform curls with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron, leaving face‑framing pieces out. Backcomb lightly at the crown for height, gather hair to one side and secure into a low, loose ponytail with an elastic; hide the elastic with a wrapped hair strand and secure with pins. Pull small pieces to soften the hairline and loosen the crown for a lived‑in finish. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, elastic. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, flexible hold hairspray and a light serum for shine. Difficulty: moderate — salon look achievable at home in 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: refresh curls with dry shampoo or curl refresher, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose braid, and trim every 8–10 weeks to avoid weighty ends.

Textured Romantic Half-Up Hairstyle with Loose Waves

This textured half-up bridal hairstyle pairs a soft pouf and twisted pinned sections with loose, beachy waves for romantic volume and movement. Best for medium to long hair lengths; fine-to-medium hair responds well with root-lifting products for added body, while thick hair may require sectioning and light thinning for easier pinning. Start by applying heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots, blow-dry smooth with a round brush, then curl 1–1.25 sections away from the face with a curling iron. Cool curls, gently tease the crown for lift, create two or three loose twists/loops at the crown and secure with strong bobby pins, leaving face-framing pieces soft. Finish by finger-tousling curls and misting with texturizing spray and a flexible-hold hairspray. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, bobby pins and elastics. Products: thermal protectant, root lifter or mousse, texturizing spray, light hairspray and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: medium — practice pin placement or schedule a trial. Maintenance: prep with second-day hair or dry shampoo for grip, pack extra pins and travel hairspray, refresh curls sparingly with a curling iron and avoid overbrushing.

Voluminous Textured Side Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic, slightly undone side braid is best for medium to long hair and works particularly well on medium to thick textures; fine hair benefits from light teasing or clip‑in extensions for fullness. Start on dry hair with a heat protectant applied. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling iron for body, then backcomb the crown slightly to build lift. Gather hair to one side and create a loose Dutch or fishtail braid, pulling each section outward (pancaking) for volume and movement. Leave a few face‑framing tendrils and anchor the braid with a small elastic and concealed bobby pins. Tools: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lifter, texturizing or dry shampoo, light serum for ends, flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — 20–40 minutes depending on practice. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, gently tighten pins as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid, and use a weekly deep conditioner if heat styling is frequent.

Romantic Side‑Swept Textured Braid with Voluminous Crown

This romantic side‑swept textured braid is best suited to long medium-to-thick hair and naturally wavy or lightly curled textures; fine hair can achieve the look with added volume-building products and extensions for fullness. Start on second-day hair: apply a heat protectant and texturizing spray, then rough‑dry while lifting at the roots. Create soft waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand, loosely backcomb at the crown for lift, and French- or Dutch‑braid a small section along the hairline toward one side. Gather the remaining hair into a low, loose side pony and either braid or twist it, then pancake the braid to widen and soften the shape. Anchor with concealed elastics and curved bobby pins, pulling face‑framing pieces free for a lived‑in finish. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray, small smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: moderate — requires comfortable braiding and shaping skills. Maintenance: refresh waves with a quick curl touch‑up, revive texture with dry shampoo or spray, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.

Romantic Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Layers

This relaxed, voluminous side fishtail is ideal for medium to long hair and translates beautifully on straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures. Thick hair produces the fullest result; fine hair benefits from light clip‑in extensions or root‑teasing for added body. Start on dry hair: apply heat protectant and a root‑lift mousse, loosely curl sections with a 1–1.25” wand for grip, then mist with a texturizing spray. Create a soft lift at the crown by backcombing lightly, gather hair to one side and work a loose fishtail (or fishtail French as you pick up outer sections), pulling gently to pancake the braid for width. Secure with a small elastic and hide it with a wrapped strand or pin. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, curling wand, teasing brush, small elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, salt/texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow, refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pancake braid each morning, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to keep texture and hold.

Textured Romantic Half-Up Curls for Long Blonde Hair

This soft, textured half-up curl is ideal for long or mid-length hair and works well on fine to medium-thick textures. It also flatters natural waves and can be created on straight hair with added curl. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths. Blow-dry with a round brush to build lift at the crown, then section the hair. Use a 1–1.25 inch curling iron on medium heat (about 300–350°F/150–175°C) and curl 1–2 inch sections away from the face, leaving a few face-framing pieces loose. Backcomb lightly at the crown for height, twist and pin a top section into a loose half-up with U-pins or bobby pins, and gently tousle the lengths with fingers for separation. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins. Products required: volumizing mousse/root lift, heat protectant, texturizing spray, light flexible hairspray and a small shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — expect 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick finger-reshape or touch-up curls next day, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to keep the lift intact.

Textured Romantic Low Updo with Loose Curls and Face‑Framing Tendrils

A soft, textured low updo built from loose curls and pinned loops — ideal for brides and formal occasions. Suitability: works best on medium to long hair with natural wave or light to medium density; fine hair benefits from texturizing products and strategic teasing, while very thick hair should be sectioned for easier pinning. Styling technique: prep the hair with heat protectant and a light texturizing spray, then curl 1–1.25 sections away from the face. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair into a low pony leaving out face-framing pieces, then twist and pin sections into loose loops and a soft bun, pulling pieces gently for volume. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, long U‑pins, hair elastic. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, flexible-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — about 30–50 minutes in-salon. Maintenance tips: refresh volume with dry shampoo, re-pin loose pieces as needed, avoid heavy brushing, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap to preserve shape.

Romantic Braided Crown Updo with Loose Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy or slightly curly textures; fine hair benefits from light padding or extensions while very curly hair should be smoothed or worked with product for defined braid lines. Section hair into two front-to-back panels, create two loose Dutch or French braids from the hairline toward the crown, wrap or cross the braids into a low braided crown and secure with bobby pins. Pull gently at braid edges to soften and create volume, leaving a few face-framing tendrils. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1 curling iron (for touch-up tendrils), and fine-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, light mousse or root-lift spray, texturizing spray or powder for grip, flexible-hold hairspray and light shine mist. Difficulty: moderate — 25–45 minutes depending on length and experience. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo or texturizer, retuck and secure pins as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to preserve volume. Great for weddings and editorial shoots.

Twisted Half-Up with Loose Waves for Medium to Long Hair

This romantic twisted half-up is ideal for medium to long hair with natural waves or light curls; it also works on straight hair after adding texture. Start on freshly washed, towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight volumizing mousse from roots to mid-lengths and a heat protectant. Blow-dry with a round brush for body or air-dry for a softer finish. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand, alternating directions and leaving ends slightly undone. Section two face-framing pieces and two small top sections, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then twist or rope-braid the top sections away from the face and secure at the back with discreet bobby pins and a small elastic. Pull gently on the twists for softness. Tools needed: curling wand, rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, mousse or root lift, texturizing/sea salt spray, light-hold hairspray, finishing serum for shine. Difficulty: easy–medium (20–35 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, and retouch waves with a quick curl on loose pieces. Trim ends every 8–12 weeks to keep the style healthy.

Voluminous Textured Half-Up Curly Ponytail with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic half-up curly ponytail suits medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or curly textures best; fine hair can achieve the look with light teasing or clip‑in extensions. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then blow dry with a round brush or diffuse to build body. Section hair and create loose, 1–1.25-inch barrel curls away from the face for soft texture. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, smooth the surface, then gather the top half into a mid‑to‑high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Wrap a small piece of hair around the band and pin under to conceal. Pull a few face‑framing tendrils and loosen curls with fingers for a lived‑in finish. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing brush, elastics, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing spray, flexible hold hairspray, light serum for ends. Difficulty: moderate — 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow, refresh with a mist of water + mousse or texturizing spray, and touch up crown volume and loose curls as needed.

Loose Textured Pull-Through Braid with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic, voluminous pull-through braid suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures—naturally wavy hair gives the easiest hold. Fine hair can achieve the look with light teasing or clip-in extensions; very curly hair should be smoothed slightly where you want definition. Technique: prep dry hair with a texturizing spray and light dry shampoo, create a relaxed crown braid or series of small ponytails, then use the pull-through method (split and loop each section) down the length. Pancake each braid section by gently pulling outward for the oversized, airy effect and leave a few face-framing tendrils soft around the face. Tools: tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, 1

Textured Half-Up Beach Waves with Loose Braids

This romantic half-up style works best on medium to long hair and flatters straight, naturally wavy, and slightly curly textures. Fine hair benefits from added layering and root-volume products; medium to coarse hair may need smoothing serum before styling. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a volumizing mousse at roots and a heat-protectant through the lengths. Rough-dry with a round brush or diffuser until 80% dry. Create loose, 1–1.25 barrel wand waves, alternating direction and leaving ends slightly straighter for a lived-in look. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then take two small face-framing sections and braid or twist them back, securing with discreet pins into the center half-up area. Finger-comb the waves and pull pieces to soften the hairline. Tools: 1–1.25 curling wand, sectioning clips, tail comb, bobby pins, and a brush. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate (salon-level finish but achievable at home). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo or texturizer, reheat a few pieces to revive waves, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid to preserve shape.

Soft Braided Low Bun Updo with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This romantic braided low bun suits medium to long hair and works best on natural waves or hair pre-textured with a curling iron. Fine hair will benefit from a volumizing mousse or clip‑in padding, while thick hair and long layers create the full, lived‑in look shown. Styling technique: loosely French/Dutch braid the front hairline toward one side, gather the remaining hair into a low, textured bun, and weave the braid into the bun, leaving a few face‑framing tendrils soft and curled. Tools needed: 1 curling iron or wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, teasing comb, bobby pins, small elastics. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, texturizing or sea‑salt spray, light pomade for flyaways and a medium‑hold flexible hairspray. Difficulty level: moderate — requires confident braiding and pinning; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: start with second‑day hair or use dry shampoo for grip; refresh texture by misting texturizer and re‑curling loose tendrils; re‑pin any loosened sections and sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape. Avoid heavy oils that will weigh the style down.

Textured Romantic Loose Updo with Face-Framing Tendrils

A soft, textured loose updo that reads romantic and slightly undone — ideal for medium to long hair with fine to medium density, and flattering on naturally wavy or straight textures. Begin on clean, second-day hair: apply heat protectant and a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray, then create loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand to add grip. Backcomb lightly at the crown for volume, section the hair into several horizontal panels, then twist or loosely braid each section and pin toward the nape to form a relaxed, low chignon. Pull out soft face‑framing tendrils and loosen pieces around the crown for movement. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, elastics, a mix of long and short bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Intermediate — about 25–40 minutes in a salon or at home with practice. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap in a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin any loose sections, and touch up tendrils with the wand as needed.

Half-Up Voluminous Curls for Long Hair

This soft half-up, voluminous curl is ideal for long to mid-length hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can be boosted with volumizing products or extensions, and very curly hair benefits from a smoothing blowout before styling. Start with clean, dry hair: apply a thermal protectant and a root-lifting mousse or texturizing spray. Section hair and use a 1–1.25 curling iron to curl medium-sized sections away from the face; let curls cool to set. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, smooth the top layer, then gather the upper half and secure loosely with bobby pins or a small elastic, leaving face-framing pieces soft. Finish by separating curls with your fingers and misting with a flexible-hold hairspray; add a tiny amount of shine serum on the ends for polish. Tools: curling iron, sectioning clips, teasing comb, paddle brush, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/texturizer, flexible-hold hairspray, lightweight shine oil. Difficulty: moderate (30–45 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with water/texturizer mist and scrunch, touch up front pieces, and avoid heavy products at the roots.

As a stylist who’s worked on hundreds of engagement looks, my top advice is preparation and communication. Book a trial at least 2–4 weeks before your event to test hold, volume, and accessory placement. Prioritize hair health: regular trims, a nourishing mask 7–10 days before, and avoid drastic color or cut changes in the final month. Bring reference images (like these 28), your veil/headpiece, and photos of the outfit so your stylist can tailor the style. On the day, use lightweight finishing spray for flexible hold, bobby pins that match your hair color, and a small touch-up kit (mini hairspray, pins, a comb) for photos and movement. If you have fine hair, consider clip-in extensions for fullness; for curly hair, apply a cream for frizz control and define a few face-framing pieces. With a solid trial and the right aftercare, your engagement hairstyle will look beautiful, photograph well, and feel comfortable all night — that’s the goal I aim for every client.