Glam brides tend to tell me the same thing at the first consultation: they want hair that looks expensive, and they want it to still be there at the last song. Volume is how you get both, but it behaves differently on every head. Fine straight hair needs it built in; thick curly hair needs it shaped and controlled. Here are twenty full styles I’d recommend, from sculpted updos to big loose waves, each with a note on what makes it last and who I’d steer away from it.
A Home Test That Shows How Your Hair Holds Curl
Before a trial, I ask brides to try something simple. On a normal hair day, curl three or four sections with whatever tool you have, leave them alone, and check them after four hours.
- If the curls are still clearly there, your hair holds heat-styling well, and loose waves or Hollywood curls are realistic.
- If they’ve loosened into soft bends, you’ll need a proper set, a humidity spray and probably a pinned or half up style for a long day.
- If they’re gone entirely, your hair is likely fine, very healthy or very soft. Pinned styles, braids and extensions will last much better than hair worn fully down.
Also notice how much hair you actually have. Gather it into a ponytail and look at the thickness of the tail. A slim ponytail usually means a full bun or big ponytail will need padding or wefts; a thick one may need thinning out underneath to keep a high style comfortable.
Bring what you learn to the trial. It saves us an hour of guessing and tells me straight away whether the style in your photo will need support pieces, a stronger set or a slightly different shape to last the day.
1. Voluminous Curly Wedding Updo
This updo is built from curls pinned loosely into place, with a light tease at the crown for height. On natural curls or coils I keep your own pattern and pin clusters rather than individual ringlets; on straight hair I set curls with a wand first and let them cool fully before pinning. A few face-framing tendrils soften the front. It shows off a sweetheart neckline and big earrings. I finish with a flexible spray so the curls still move when you touch them.
2. High Voluminous Bridal Bun
Height at the crown lengthens the neck and gives a formal silhouette, which is why ballrooms and black-tie ceremonies suit this bun. I backcomb the base for lift and wrap the sections loosely so it looks soft rather than scraped. The anchor is a firm ponytail at the crown with pins crossed into it; without that, a high bun leans by the second hour. It leaves plenty of room for an intricate veil or a jewelled comb. A few loose pieces at the hairline keep it from looking like a dancer’s bun.
3. Voluminous Half Up Half Down Wedding Hair
Half up, half down solves the updo-or-down question by doing both. I pin the top section back with lift at the crown and leave the lengths in soft waves. Because the front is secured, the hair stays off your face during vows and photos. It sits naturally at outdoor and garden weddings and works on most lengths. On very fine hair, the pinned section can look thin, so I’ll often add a small weft underneath for body.
4. Voluminous Bridal Blowout
A wedding blowout is all about rounded ends and lift at the root. I prep with volumising mousse on damp roots, dry with a large round brush in sections, and set the ends in big velcro rollers while you get dressed. A faux blowout done with a curling iron and brushed out can give a similar shape on hair that’s already dry. It suits sleek, minimal gowns. The trade-off: a blowout is the most humidity-sensitive style here and can fall flat in a damp venue. Shine spray at the end gives the gloss.
5. Old Hollywood Voluminous Waves
Old Hollywood waves come from setting every curl in the same direction, letting them cool, then brushing them out into one continuous S. The waves should be glossy and sculpted, not fluffy, so I brush with a boar-bristle brush and press the ridges in with clips while the spray sets. A deep side part adds drama. Medium to long hair carries it best. It’s the natural partner to a satin gown and a red lip.
6. Voluminous Low Bun Wedding Hairstyle
A low bun only looks flat when there’s no lift above it. I add volume at the crown, then twist sections loosely into the bun at the nape so it has dimension. A couple of wispy pieces at the front soften it. It shows off a low back and delicate earrings, and it suits classic and boho dresses alike. It’s also the style I find most comfortable over a long day, since the weight sits low and close to the head.
7. Voluminous Braided Wedding Updo
Braids give an updo texture and also hold short layers that would otherwise fall out. After braiding, I pancake the edges by pulling them out gently with my fingertips, which makes each braid look about twice as wide. It sits well at boho and garden weddings and leaves gaps for small flowers or pearl pins. A braided updo is one of the sturdiest styles here, which makes it useful for brides who dance hard.
8. Voluminous Wedding Ponytail
A full ponytail keeps hair off the shoulders while still showing length and movement. I tease the base, secure it at the crown or just below, and set bouncy curls through the tail. A voluminous ponytail usually gets its swing from a few blended extensions, especially on fine hair. I wrap a section around the elastic and pin it from underneath. It pairs well with sleek gowns and statement earrings. Expect a little tenderness at the base after many hours if it’s set high.
9. Voluminous Curls With Veil
Curls under a veil need lift at the crown so the fabric doesn’t flatten them. I tease the crown gently and set the comb into that textured area rather than into smooth curls, which it would slide out of. The look works with hair fully down or half up. When the veil comes off at the reception, the curls are still intact as long as the comb is removed carefully, from the bottom up. Expect very soft, romantic ceremony photos with this pairing.
10. Voluminous Boho Wedding Hair
Boho volume comes from texture: loose waves, a soft braid or two, and twists pinned without too much precision. I use texturising spray and dry shampoo for grip and to create the lived-in look. Dried flowers, greenery or small pins finish it. It suits outdoor, beach and garden weddings. The catch is that undone styles still need a secure base; otherwise, ‘relaxed’ becomes ‘falling out’ by dinner.
11. Voluminous Top Knot Bridal Updo
A voluminous top knot sits high on the head and gives a long, sculptural silhouette. I backcomb the length before wrapping it so the knot has size without needing a bun form. Soft tendrils at the face keep it from feeling severe. Minimal gowns and bold accessories suit it, and it keeps the neck completely clear for warm weddings. I wouldn’t suggest it to a bride with a cathedral veil, since there’s nowhere comfortable to anchor the comb.
12. Voluminous Side Swept Wedding Hair
Moving all the curls to one side draws attention to the face and the opposite shoulder. I build height at the crown, pin the far side flat behind the ear, and let the curls fall over the other shoulder. A sparkly clip at the parting adds shine. It photographs well from the front and side. Decide which side before the day: it should face the camera during the ceremony, which usually means away from the officiant.
13. Voluminous Wedding Hair With Headband
A jewelled or pearl headband works best with a little teased lift behind it, so the band sits on a curve rather than flat on the head. That lift also helps it grip. It works with updos and loose waves and gives sparkle to brides skipping a traditional veil. Headbands can press behind the ears after a few hours; I sometimes pin them invisibly to take the pressure off. It sits comfortably at both classic ceremonies and garden parties.
14. Voluminous Curly Hair Down Wedding Style
Wearing natural curls down is about definition and lift, not size alone. I apply a light curl cream to damp hair, diffuse on low heat with the dryer cupped under the curls, then lift the roots with a pick once dry. Face-framing pieces soften the shape. It suits modern and boho gowns. Leave your curls alone after they’re set; touching them all day is the quickest route to frizz.
15. Voluminous Vintage Pin Curls
Pin curls are the original vintage set: small sections wound flat against the head and pinned to set, then brushed out into soft waves. I’ll usually set them with heat now rather than overnight, and brush them out slowly so the waves keep their shape. They suit short and medium lengths well. A birdcage veil or a jewelled clip makes it period. Of all the wave styles here, this one has the most structure and holds it longest.
16. Voluminous Messy Bun Wedding Hair
A messy bun is planned, even if it doesn’t look it. I pin the bun securely first, then tease and loosen it and pull out pieces so it looks relaxed. Soft tendrils frame the face. It’s a natural fit for boho, garden and casual outdoor weddings and flowing gowns. Fine hair benefits from a texture spray first so the loosened sections hold their shape.
17. Voluminous Wedding Hair With Flowers
Flowers need volume to sit into, otherwise they look stuck on top. I tease the crown for lift, then tuck stems into the hair at the end of the style. Fresh blooms should be hardy; delicate ones wilt quickly out of water, so ask your florist which flowers will last. Dried flowers avoid that problem altogether. Matching the hair flowers to the bouquet ties the look together. Spring and summer weddings suit fresh blooms best.
18. Voluminous Sleek Updo With Height
This style sets a smooth, glossy surface against a teased crown, and that contrast is what gives it a sharp, editorial look. I smooth each section with a fine-tooth comb and a little serum before pinning, keeping the hairline clean. Strong-hold products are needed here because flyaways show on sleek styles. Structured gowns and bold jewellery suit it. I’d avoid it on very fine hair, since sleekness can show the scalp.
19. Voluminous Beachy Waves Wedding Hair
Beach waves get their volume from root lift and texturising spray rather than from tight curls. I curl with a flat iron or wand, leaving the ends straight, then rake them out so they look loose. Face-framing waves soften it. It sits comfortably at coastal and outdoor weddings with a flowing gown and light accessories. Beachy waves do loosen quickly in sea air, so ask your stylist for a humidity-resistant spray if the ceremony is on the sand.
20. Voluminous Curtain Bangs Wedding Hair
Curtain bangs blend into a voluminous style and bring the shape toward the face. I set them with a round brush so they flick out to each side, and blend them into waves or an updo. Crown volume balances the bangs. Try not to trim them in the last week; fresh bangs sit shorter and straighter than you’re used to. Curtain bangs with volume suit most face shapes and hair types, and they make the whole style feel current.
Changing the Look Between the Ceremony and the First Dance
Many brides want two looks: one under the veil and one for the party. Big hair makes that easy, provided it’s planned at the trial.
- Loose curls can be pulled into a half up or a low ponytail in about ten minutes if the curls were set firmly.
- A half up style converts to a full ponytail by bringing the lower lengths up to the existing pinned section.
- Taking a veil out leaves a flattened spot; a quick tease with a teasing comb and a little spray brings it back.
- If you’re changing dresses, plan the hair change first so you don’t pull anything over the finished style.
At the end of the night, don’t brush teased, sprayed hair dry. Remove every pin first, then work a little conditioner or oil through the lengths and comb out from the ends upward. It takes longer, but it saves a lot of breakage.
Which One Will You Still Be Wearing at Midnight?
Volume can be built into nearly any style, from a sleek top knot to loose boho waves. What keeps it there is a good set, careful teasing and the right products for your hair and venue. Add flowers, a headband or a veil if you like, but test them on the finished style. Schedule a trial, wear the hair for most of the day afterward, and see how it looks in the evening. That’s the version your guests will remember.
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