How to Choose Your Bridal Hairstyle… When There’s Just Too Much Choice!

Claire Jane Whitaker
Nov 15
4 min read

If you’ve ever typed “bridal hairstyles” into Pinterest or Instagram, you’ve probably ended up with 4,000 screenshots, 32 contradictory ideas, and the sudden realisation that you have to pick just ONE!!!

Let’s be honest... there’s too much bloody choice out there. The dress, the flowers, the venue... it can be hard enough finding the one partner to marry. And now you’ve got to pick the one bridal hairstyle too!!!?? Eeeghhhhh

bridal high updo. modern french twist hairstyle. wedding hair

And with AI now churning out perfect, poreless brides with hair that literally defies gravity... it’s no wonder real women end up feeling overwhelmed.

You can choose whatever feels like you... whatever makes you feel the most confident, the most beautiful, the most YOU. If you want to go totally out of character for that “Wow... who’s this!!!?” moment, do it.

Honestly, it’s your day. Do it your way.

But... after working with hundreds of brides from all walks of life, I’ve found there are a few things to consider that can really complement your whole look, the vibe of the day, and the way your chosen style makes you feel. I want to empower you so you can make an informed decision, look at your options, and confidently pick the one... because honestly, how many “the ones” do we need to choose in life!!!

So let’s slow this down, take a breath, and walk through how to actually choose a hairstyle that feels like you... just elevated.

1. Step Away From the AI-Generated Pinterest Girlies

AI hair inspiration is everywhere now!

Here’s the problem:

the hairlines aren’t real
the texture doesn’t exist
the thickness is superhuman
the styles wouldn’t hold past 10 minutes in real life
the models all look like the same person

So if you’re scrolling Pinterest and thinking“Why doesn’t my hair look like that?”…it’s probably because the girl isn’t real.

Tip: Look for content that shows real brides, real hair textures, real lighting.

Save styles where the woman looks human,

not generated in a lab.

2. Start With Your Natural Hair: Length, Texture & Thickness

Before choosing a style, get really honest about your hair as it is right now.....not as it looked in 2018 or as AI & beauty standards says it 'should' be.

Hair Texture

Half updo with hair extensions. bridal half updo. textured waves & face framing

Your texture massively influences what’s possible and what will hold:

Fine hair: great for soft, romantic updos
Thick hair: perfect for big waves, or anything with volume!
Naturally curly hair: works beautifully in boho, textured, and half-up styles
Poker straight hair: loves sleek buns or polished waves

There is no “bad” hair texture...... there’s only choosing what works with you, not against you.

Hair Length

Your length determines the structure of your style:

Short: elegant waves, textured mini-updos. I love a little undone knot with texture!
Medium: soft buns, half-up styles, natural waves
Long: braids, Hollywood waves, big buns

Hair Thickness

If you love the big, full, Pinterest bun…Your hair thickness will decide whether you need a helping hand.

(And no shame — 80% of brides use added hair.)

3. Consider Hair Extensions..... they’re Not Just for Length!

Extensions are NOT just for “long” hair...... they’re for fullness, shape, and structure! They are also great for adding various tones in your hair for dimension & depth. No one would even know you're wearing them!!

half updo with plait. braided half updo. bridal hairstyle. wedding hair

If you want:

a thick bun
a big textured updo
volume in half-up styles
fuller, longer lasting waves - inc hollywood waves
or anything big and romantic

…extensions can make your dream style actually possible. Not to mention the longevity they provide! They won’t make you look fake, they’ll make the style look exactly how you imagine it.

And your stylist will help you choose: