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When it comes to choosing the best hairstyle for your wedding day, there are a lot of factors to consider – will it suit your dress? Will it complement your face shape? Will it match the theme of your overall day?
But one of the most important things to remember, says bridal hairstylist Melanie Byrne, is to choose a style that you will feel comfortable and confident in.
“Choosing a hairstyle can be tricky, but it boils down to how you feel most like yourself. If you were to go on a night out and feel your most glamorous with your hair down, I wouldn’t suggest an updo on your wedding day.
“Also,” she warns, “do not do anything just because your bridal party, your mother or the girl in the bridal shop told you to. It doesn’t have to be one way or the other – we can always work with what you want.” So, with that in mind, here are the most popular hairstyles Melanie has seen this year.
“This year, softer hair has been really trendy,” says Melanie. “A lot of my clients want a Hollywood wave. They want that delicate, smooth look that is not as structured, which is probably the hair I’m best at. I love to do a soft curl!”
We’ve all seen the sleek look on Instagram, but it definitely looks best on those with sharper cheekbones sporting a bold make-up or soft, glowy skin. “Sleek is very popular this year. I often go with a side or middle part and a low sleek bun or even a braided knot.”
The best of both worlds, Melanie has had a lot of requests for hair that is sleek in the front, with soft curls in the back. “I section behind the ear with height at the crown and soft curls in the back – that is very on trend this year. However, I don’t think it’s for everyone. I’ve had a lot of brides try it in the trial, and then on the day they decide that it’s not really for them. That’s why I always recommend sticking to what you’re most comfortable with.”
“I’m seeing a lot of that ‘90s vibe, with soft, textured updos. My clients want it to look messy, like they just threw it up. But there’s a fine line between looking messy and like a hot mess on your wedding day. A lot of factors contribute to that – you have to have a particular hair type and you might have to have highlights or long layers in it to make it look more textured.”
“For my brides with short hair, I would suggest a short textured wave or a soft half-up, half-down. Those look so elegant and are quite effortless. For those with long hair, that don’t want a full updo, I also suggest half-up, half-down.” This style is definitely in Melanie’s wheelhouse (although I may be a bit biased as it’s the style she did for my wedding day).