How much time should I allot for doing my own wedding hair?

The amount of time it'll take you to do your hair will depend on your hair texture and the style you're choosing to create. Thus, we recommend having several test runs before the actual day in order to master the style and time out your process.

Should I do my wedding hair before or after makeup?

Most professional stylists choose to do makeup second, but this is really a matter of personal preference. If your DIY wedding hairstyle has a lot of face-framing pieces, it may be best to do your makeup first then start your hair once your glam is complete.

20 DIY Wedding Hairstyles for Brides

photo of the back of a bride's head showcasing her low bun — Photo by Julia Kaptelova

If you're able to style your hair on a daily basis, then we're here to say that you're highly qualified to do your own wedding day hair. And sure, it could be a little nerve-wracking to take charge and DIY your 'do, but practice makes perfect, and styling your own tresses is truly easier than you think.

Today, more and more brides are choosing to handle their day-of beauty to save costs on the big day, especially those who are looking to splurge on other elements like the venue, food, and décor. In fact, you can even save hundreds of dollars by opting to style your own 'do (that's money you could end up using on your honeymoon and beyond).

For those who are still unsure about taking this beauty route, though, don't worry, we found several real-life brides who rocked hairstyles that could be done at home. From whimsical French braids to glamorous bouncy waves, here are 20 DIY wedding hairstyles every bride can easily pull off.

01 of 20

Loose Waves

Uche Nwosu on her wedding day wearing a blush-hued, ruffled strapless wedding gown — Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

This Parisian-inspired coif works on any hair texture from smooth and straight to ringlets a plenty. To recreate this loose, wavey aesthetic, part your hair down the middle, then curl your locks with a large barrel curling iron or you can also use hot rollers. Once curled, brush out your tresses to create a wavy texture, sparingly using hairspray for some hold.

02 of 20

A High Pony

Bride in Yellow Lehenga for Maiyan Wedding Ceremony — Photo by Ivy Weddings

If you're looking for an easy-to-manage style, then a high ponytail might be the best route for you to take. Simply gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure your ponytail with a hair tie. That's it! You can also leave out a few pieces in the front for more personality, á la this bride, and add a few accessories to your hair for extra glam.

03 of 20

A High Bun

Bride in White Jumpsuit with Pearl-Studded Updo — Photo by Joshua Brown Photography

Want a bun instead? Follow the above instructions, but instead of leaving your hair out, wrap your tresses around the base of your ponytail to achieve a high bun look. Tuck any remaining ends into the top and secure them in place with U-pins, bobby pins, and pearl embellishments.

04 of 20

A Curly, Side Low Bun

For those with curly hair, this style couldn't be better suited for your big day. To achieve the look by yourself. start by adding a styling cream to damp hair, then use a diffuser to help dry your tresses into place. Once dry, gather your hair to the side and fasten every piece together into a low bun. Secure everything in place with pins, and don't hesitate to play around with a few strands to achieve your desired looseness.

05 of 20

A Straight Lob

Smiling brunette bride in blue lengha with smooth lob tucked inward wearing red lipstick — Photo by Flora & Fauna

A smooth, bouncy lob like this will require some blow-dry dexterity (but don't panic—we're here to help!). To start, begin by applying smoothing cream to slightly damp hair. Next, section the hair into horizontal layers and begin blow-drying the bottom tier. Work your way up through the layers as you dry each tier, setting with a cool blast, and finish off your coif with a straightener for extra smoothness and gloss.

When drying your hair, be sure to start at the root with a round brush, guiding the shape of the style, while pointing the dryer nozzle downward on the shaft.

06 of 20

A Naturally Textured Ponytail

Brunette bride with curly textured low ponytail and birdcage veil — Photo by Kelly Giarrocco

We love when brides embrace their natural texture, especially when opting for a sleek and sophisticated ponytail. To style your pony, smooth your hair back to the crown of your head, making sure there are no bumps or strays. (If your hair requires a little product to combat the elements, don't be afraid to use it.) Next, tightly secure your tresses in place with a hair tie, and fluff up the glorious texture of your ponytail to amplify your look even more. To hide the elastic, pick out a section of hair from the bottom of the pony, wrap it around the base, and pin it in place for a seamless look.

07 of 20

A 1920s-Inspired Style

brunette bride with short, finger waved hair and a leaf motif headband — Photo by Mon Soliel

Searching for an easy 1920s-inspired hairstyle for long or short hair? Take a cue from this bride who added a crystal embellished headband to her short 'do. Depending on the length of your tresses, you can either curl your hair using a large curling iron or use a finger wave technique to achieve the above vintage aesthetic.

08 of 20

Loose Curls

smiling brunette bride with loose long curls, wearing an off-the-shoulder wedding dress — Photo by Rossini Photography

Long, loose curls can look just right on any bride. To get this polished coif on your own, prep damp hair with mousse for body and bounce, in addition to a styling cream for shine. Once fully dry, section your hair off and use a curling iron to achieve your desired look. More specifically, if your hair holds a curl easily, use a large barrel; if it doesn’t, go with a smaller iron. Finish with hair spray and voilà, you're all done!

09 of 20

A Styled Side Part

Smiling brunette bride with long, side-swept loose curls in lace gown holding green bouquet — Photo by Atmosphere Fotografia

For a glam, silver-screen siren approach, draw inspiration from this bride who opted for a loose low-do. To achieve this look, take the same curling technique as before and add a sultry side part, sweeping a curtain of hair over your head to cascade around one side of the face. Smooth the thinner section of hair (below the part) backward and secure everything in place with pins. Replace minimalist bobby pins with a glittery hairpiece for an extra glitzy 'do.

10 of 20

A Minimalist Knot

Simplicity doesn't have to be boring, as seen by this bride's pared-back hairstyle. Her minimalist knot, in particular, is not only sophisticated and chic, but it's also super easy to recreate on your own. To achieve this look, pull your hair back into a three-strand plait or two-strand twist at the nape of your neck. Then, twist it into a bun and secure it with clips.

11 of 20

A Luxurious French Braid

Side-Swept Multi-Strand Braid on an indian bride wearing a red lengha — PHOTO BY BONPHOTAGE

For brides with some experience styling hair, a long, luxurious French braid is the perfect look for the big day. To re-create the above coif, apply styling cream through your strands right out of the shower and let your hair completely air-dry. Next, mist your tresses with a light-hold hairspray before you start braiding. Begin at the top of your head, French braiding your hair as you work your way down until you reach the ends. Secure with a hair elastic and add a hair accessory for added glamour.

12 of 20

A Fishtail Braid

Consider the fishtail braid the cooler, more mermaid-y sister of its traditional French counterpart. To create a fishtail on your own, all you have to do is reduce the French braid from three strands to two. More specifically, divide all the hair in half to create two distinct sides, then pick a thin strand from one side, pull it across, and feed it into the alternate side, tucking it underneath. Continue the process alternating sides, until you've reached the end of the hair, and secure it as you would any other braid.

13 of 20

Old-Hollywood Waves

Brunette bride in long retro waves putting on earring — Photo by Lisa Poggi

While smooth, shiny, Old Hollywood waves are an absolute dream, it can seem a bit scary for a DIY approach. Have no fear, here's how to get that glamorously distinguished crinkle all by yourself. Simply choose which direction you want your tresses to fall and, with a one-inch wand, curl all the hair in that direction. Next, let your hair cool then gently brush it out. Finally, place hinged barrettes (also known as salon clips) above and below the arc of each remaining wave to define it, and set with hairspray. Remove clips just before the big reveal.

14 of 20

A Waterfall Crown

Smiling brunette bride with long wavy hair and waterfall crown braid pulling groom in navy suit in for a kiss — PHOTO BY KAITY BRAWLEY

While the hero piece of this ethereal side-swept style may look like a waterfall braid, it's actually a variation on a traditional crown braid. To get the look, start with hair that has a bit of grit in it by way of a missed wash or some added styling cream. Next, curl your tresses to achieve the romantic waves of your heart's desire (this will add more hold, too), and part your hair where you want the braid to start. Then, French braid down one side, wrap your braid around your head, and secure everything in place with bobby pins. Remember to leave tendrils out from the get-go to create that waterfall-like appearance.

15 of 20

A Sleek Looped Bun

low bridal bun — Photo by Caroline Lima Photography

This polished style may look complex, but its difficulty rating is actually quite low. And by that, we mean: If you can do a ponytail, you can definitely do your own looped bun. To start, pull all of your hair back at the nape of the neck into a sleek, low pony. As you go to secure it in place, don't pull the hair all the way through, so you end up with a smooth loop rather than a long tail. Take the ends spilling out and wrap them around the base, over the elastic, and pin them in place.

16 of 20

A No-Fuss 'Do

brunette bride in satin gown with fitted bodice and circular purse — Photo by Tess & Julia

If you're dreaming of keeping things as minimal as possible, this DIY style is for you. Begin by loosely curling your hair with a large barrel curling iron. Then, with your fingers, rake out the curls so that they separate and form a natural wavy pattern. Et voilà, you're all done!

17 of 20

Pin Straight Locks

bride wearing a strapless oscar de la renta wedding dress — Photo by Lindsey Harris Shorter

Sleek, pin-straight hairstyles exude a strong aesthetic and are especially striking with clean, minimalist ensembles. To achieve the look on your own, apply a smoothing cream and heat protectant to slightly damp hair and blow-dry as straight as possible. (Use a paddle brush or round brush depending on the texture.) Now bring the heat: Section the tresses into horizontal layers—so you can work from the bottom up—and glide over each one from root to end with a straightener. For added shine, massage a little hair oil into your hands and run through the locks.

18 of 20

A Classic Bridal Bun

a bride wearing a strapless ball gown wedding dress showing off her shoes — Photo by Heather Waraksa

Don't ever underestimate the power of an understated bun. To do your own, start with hair that's a little unwashed, then sweep it into a secure ponytail, and mist it with a good hairspray before twisting and wrapping the hair into a bun. If a bun sponge helps your technique, make sure it’s not too oversized and that your hair is long enough to fully cover it. Lastly, finish with another thorough blast of hairspray to keep even the most rebellious tresses in place for hours.

19 of 20

A Braided Topknot

Bride with braided top knot putting on earring — Photo by D'Arcy Benincosa

Confident brides, this look is for you! Showcase your beautiful features by smoothing your hair back into a tight, high ponytail, and don't be afraid of a little hairspray here. Then, add some dimension by weaving the ponytail into a simple, three-strand braid and securing it at the bottom. Finally, swirl the ponytail around the base and pin the ends in place.

20 of 20

Pinned-Back Tendrils

Blonde smiling bride with portrait-neckline dress, long, pinned-back hair, pearl earrings, and veil — Photo by Tailor James

Want to dress up your tousled tendrils? Free your face in the most artful way by first creating a center part. Then sweep your hair back so that it skims just above your ear, and secure everything in place with bobby pins that match your hair color (or barrettes that add a little pizzazz). Don't pull the hair too much, though, as the goal is to keep things soft not tight.

FAQ

How much time should I allot for doing my own wedding hair?

The amount of time it'll take you to do your hair will depend on your hair texture and the style you're choosing to create. Thus, we recommend having several test runs before the actual day in order to master the style and time out your process.
Should I do my wedding hair before or after makeup?

Most professional stylists choose to do makeup second, but this is really a matter of personal preference. If your DIY wedding hairstyle has a lot of face-framing pieces, it may be best to do your makeup first then start your hair once your glam is complete.

8 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Hair and Makeup

20 DIY Wedding Hairstyles Every Bride Can Easily Pull Off