Curly brides often arrive at a trial expecting me to straighten everything and curl it back with an iron. I’d rather not. Your own curl pattern, set properly, holds shape longer than a heat-made curl and moves the way your hair actually moves. The real work is in the set: the right product, a slow dry and as little touching as possible once it’s done. Below are thirty styles for loose waves through tight ringlets, with notes on what each one asks of your hair and where it’s likely to struggle.
Should You Wash on the Morning or the Day Before?
This is the first question I settle at every curly trial, because it decides the whole timeline. Most curls look their best on day one, but a fresh wash also means a long dry, and a wedding morning rarely has time for it.
- Loose waves and fine curls: wash and set the night before, sleep on a satin pillowcase, and refresh with a little water and gel on the morning. Second-day waves hold pins better.
- Medium spirals: wash on the morning if your stylist can start early, and diffuse on low heat for at least half an hour.
- Tight ringlets and coils: wash a day or two before, since thick curls can take hours to dry completely, and damp curls frizz and lose shape under a veil.
Whichever you choose, use the products you already know. A new gel tried for the first time on the wedding morning is one of the most common reasons curls go wrong.
1. Curly Half Up Half Down Wedding Hair
Half-up, half-down is the style I’m asked for most by curly brides, because it keeps curls out of your face during the vows and still shows the length. I gather the top section into a small twist and anchor the pins in that twist rather than in loose curls, which tend to push pins out as they dry. Pearl pins over the anchor hide it. A few face-framing tendrils, defined separately, keep the front from looking flat.
2. Low Curly Bun for Brides
A low curly bun keeps volume visible at the nape, so it doesn’t look like you’ve hidden your texture away. On thick curls I build it in two halves, pinning each separately, because one big knot sags by the evening. Leave a few coils at the face. It’s a good choice for a hot day, since nothing touches the neck, and it suits formal venues where a fully loose style can feel too casual.
3. Curly Updo With Face Framing Tendrils
The tendrils make this updo, and they’re also the hardest part to get right. I pull them out before the updo is pinned, not after, so they keep their own curl rather than being dragged loose. Each one gets a touch of curl cream and a gentle finger-coil. The bulk of the hair goes into a voluminous bun or twist, and a sparkling pin near the base adds a small focal point.
4. Curls Down With Flower Crown
Curls down beneath a flower crown is a classic for outdoor weddings, but the crown needs to sit lightly. A heavy crown on soft curls flattens the crown of the head by mid-afternoon. I ask the florist for a thin wire base and sturdy flowers, and I pin it at the sides through small hidden sections. Match a few blooms from the bouquet so the two read as a pair.
5. Curly Side Swept Wedding Hair
A side sweep piles curls over one shoulder and leaves the other side of the neck bare. On curly hair, the pinned side is the weak point, since curls naturally spring back. I secure it with a few hidden crossed pins over a small twist behind the ear before any decorative comb goes in. It suits one-shoulder and off-shoulder gowns; with a high neck, the curls tend to bunch against the collar.
6. Curly Hair With Veil
Veils and curls work well together once the comb has something to hold. A comb pushed straight into loose curls slips within an hour, so I create a small twisted section or a pair of crossed pins at the crown and slide the comb into that. Place the veil just behind the crown so it falls over the curls instead of pressing them flat. Short birdcage veils and long cathedral styles both work, but the longer the veil, the firmer the anchor needs to be.
7. Curly Ponytail for Brides
A curly ponytail with a sleek front is quick and holds up well through dancing. Slicking back the sides is where curly hair fights back, so I brush gel through damp hair and set it with a silk scarf for ten minutes before tying the pony. Wrap a section around the elastic to hide it. On very thick hair, add a second elastic lower down so the pony doesn’t droop.
8. Curls Down With Defined Ringlets
Wearing your curls fully down is the simplest style and the one most affected by weather and touching. I set defined ringlets cascading over the shoulders with a gel that forms a light cast, then scrunch out the crunch with a drop of oil only once they’re completely dry. A deep side part gives more lift at the crown. After that, the main rule is hands off; every touch adds frizz.
9. Boho Curly Wedding Hair
Boho curls mixed with a few small braids look relaxed, but they need more planning than they seem to. I braid first, on slightly damp hair so the braids grip, then let the rest of the curls dry around them. Leave the braids a little loose and pull them apart gently once dry. Dried flowers or baby’s breath stay in place better than heavy blooms, and the style suits lace gowns and outdoor venues.
10. Curly Hair With Pearl Accessories
Pearls sit well against curls because they have a soft glow rather than a sharp sparkle. I place them along a half-up section or around a bun rather than scattering them evenly, which can look busy. Ivory pearls suit warm skin tones and bright white suits cool ones. Use pins with a slight bend or a spiral shaft, since straight pins slide out of curly hair.
11. Curly Halo Braid Wedding Hair
A romantic halo braid circles the head and holds through hugs and dancing. Curly hair has natural grip, which helps the braid stay put. I braid on hair that’s been stretched slightly, so the band looks even, and pin it every few inches. Small flowers or pearl pins along the braid hide those pins.
12. Curly Updo With Hair Vine
A hair vine woven through a curly updo catches light from every angle. I twist the curls into a soft chignon first, then thread a sparkling vine of crystals or pearls through it, pinning each end and a few points along the way. Gold vines suit warm tones and silver suits cool ones. Keep the vine light; a heavy one can pull the updo down.
13. Curly Hair With Side Braid
A loose side braid keeps curls together over one shoulder, which is handy for brides who feel their curls get too big by the afternoon. I braid loosely and pull it apart gently to widen it, then leave a few pieces out around the face. Tucking small flowers into the braid is easy, since the braid holds the stems. It suits outdoor and casual weddings best.
14. Curly Wedding Hair With Tiara
A tiara on curly hair needs a stable base. Its combs can slide out of loose curls, so I sew it in with a few small pins under a hidden section of hair, or anchor it into a half-up section. Choose a light, delicate crystal tiara for everyday elegance and a bolder one for a ballroom. Your curls give the tiara a soft frame.
15. Curly Low Chignon for Brides
A low chignon with curls keeps the texture visible and stays tidy all day. I gather the curls at the nape and twist them into a rounded knot, then pin it close to the head so a veil sits neatly above. Leave a few loose curls at the temples. A jeweled comb or pearl pins add detail without bulk, and the shape suits formal and traditional ceremonies.
16. Curly Hair Down With Deep Side Part
A deep side part adds height at the crown, which is helpful if your curls tend to sit flat on top. I set the part on wet hair, since moving it once your hair is dry leaves a visible gap. Let the curls fall freely over your shoulders. It pairs well with bold makeup, and a decorative pin on the heavier side gives it a focal point.
17. Curly Top Knot Wedding Hair
A top knot keeps curls high off the neck, which is a relief at a summer wedding. I gather the hair high, twist it into a loose bun and pin it from several sides, because curls packed into one tight knot can feel heavy on the crown by evening. Let a few coils escape. It suits a bare neckline and statement earrings.
18. Curly Hair With Baby’s Breath
Few flowers behave as well in hair as baby’s breath. It dries in place instead of wilting. The tiny blooms tuck easily into curls without weighing them down. I scatter small sprigs along a half-up section or around a bun, pinning through the stems. It’s inexpensive and works well for spring and summer weddings.
19. Curly Hair With Gold Hair Accessories
Gold accents suit dark curls especially well, since the warmth stands out against deep tones. I use gold pins, combs or small leaf-shaped pieces, placed along a braid or around a textured bun. Keep them to one area rather than all over the head. Gold suits warm skin tones, and a few pieces are plenty.
20. Curly Wedding Hair With Birdcage Veil
A birdcage veil gives curls a vintage frame. The short netting sits across the eyes and is secured with a decorative comb, which needs a small anchor of crossed pins under the curls. Pair it with curls worn down or swept to one side. It’s a good match for courthouse and vintage-themed weddings.
21. Curly Updo With Loose Curls
An updo with loose curls at the nape and temples balances polish and movement. I pull most of the hair into a soft bun, then release a few pieces once it’s pinned. The loose curls need their own definition so they don’t look unfinished. A decorative pin or small flowers near the bun finish it for either a formal or casual wedding.
22. Curly Hair With Headband
A headband is the easiest accessory for curly hair because it stays put where a comb slips. Pearl, crystal or floral bands all work. I position it a few inches back from the hairline so the curls in front frame it. Choose one with a bit of flex; a rigid band pressed onto thick curls can give you a headache by the evening.
23. Curly Faux Hawk Wedding Hair
A curly faux hawk pins the sides back and leaves a strip of volume down the centre. It needs good density on top; fine curls can look thin in the middle. I secure the sides with small flat twists so pins have something to grip, then add jeweled pins along them. It suits non-traditional brides who want their hair to be the main event.
24. Curly Hair With Floral Pins
Floral pins add colour to curls without the weight of a crown. Enamel flowers last all day; fresh flowers need sturdy stems and should be pinned in at the last moment. I mix a few bloom sizes along a half-up section or around a bun. They suit garden and outdoor weddings best.
25. Curly Hair With Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs on curly hair shrink as they dry, so they always look shorter than when they were cut. If you’re cutting them for the wedding, do it a few weeks ahead and ask for them longer than you think. Part them in the middle and sweep them to each side. The rest of the curls can fall freely or go into a soft updo.
26. Curly Wedding Hair With Comb
A decorative comb holds a half-up section and adds detail at the same time. I place it where the curls are pinned back, sliding it into a small anchor of crossed pins. Vintage combs suit old-fashioned gowns, while simpler modern designs suit clean lines. A comb is a quiet, practical accessory for curly hair.
27. Curly Hair With Twisted Sides
Twisted sides pull curls off the face without a full updo. I take small sections from each side, twist them back toward the crown and pin them where they meet. Twist slightly tighter than you’d think, since curls loosen as they move. A pearl pin where the twists meet adds a small detail.
28. Curly Bridal Hair With Bun and Curls
A half-up bun with loose curls below adds height at the crown while keeping length. I pin the bun firmly with crossed pins so it doesn’t slide as the hair below moves. A decorative pin or small flowers near the bun give it a focal point. It suits most face shapes and curl patterns.
29. Curly Sleek Back Wedding Hair
Sleek front, curly back is a modern look that suits city weddings and minimalist gowns. The sleek section needs a strong gel brushed through damp hair, then set under a silk scarf until dry. Keep the back curls defined. A thin jeweled headband adds a little detail if you want it.
30. Curly Hair With Greenery Accents
Greenery tucked into curls suits outdoor and woodland weddings. Eucalyptus and ivy last well out of water; delicate ferns can wilt within a couple of hours. I place the greenery along a braid or around a bun and pin through the stems. A few small white flowers mixed in add contrast.
A Curly Cut Three Weeks Out, Not Three Days
Curly hair shrinks as it dries, so a trim can take off more than you expect. I’d ask for a dry cut by someone who cuts curls regularly, about three weeks before the wedding. That gives the ends time to settle and any uneven pieces time to grow a little.
Bring a photo of the style you’ve chosen, so they can keep length where you’ll need it, at the crown for an updo or around the face for tendrils. Avoid colour changes in the last month; new colour can change how your curls feel and hold.
What Grips in Curly Hair and What Slides Out
Accessories that look easy in photos often won’t stay in curls. Curly hair is springy, and it pushes straight pins out as it moves. Here’s what I trust:
- Spiral or bent-shaft pins, which twist into curls and lock.
- Combs and veils slid into a hidden anchor of crossed pins, never into loose hair.
- Headbands with a little flex, which sit on top instead of relying on grip.
- Sturdy fresh flowers, such as baby’s breath, spray roses or eucalyptus, pinned through the stems.
Bring every accessory to your trial. Wear them for a few hours afterward and notice which ones start to slip or pull. It’s much easier to swap a pin than fix a sliding veil during the ceremony.
Trust Your Curl Pattern on the Day
Every one of these styles depends on curls set well and left alone. Book a trial, test your products and accessories, and try a few styles before the day. Choose the one that suits your curl pattern and density, then trust it.
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