The day you walk down the aisle is a momentous occasion. You've got the dress, the long-lasting liquid lipstick, and the flawless foundation, but finding your dream hairdo can be an even more overwhelming pursuit, especially during the warmer months when cute summer hairstyles seem hard to come by. So, we've rounded up some of the prettiest wedding hairstyles for Black women. Have a gander, even if you're just a wedding guest.
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1
Slicked Back and Curly
While the hair is damp, brush it back into a half up half down style like actress Yara Shahidi's, says Jerome, hairstylist at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City.
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2
Low Chignon
For her wedding, Meghan Markle, went with a chignon to let her tiara (literally) shine. "The middle part was the perfect way to show off the exquisite headpiece," says celebrity hairstylist Derek J. Wearing a headpiece or a tiara yourself? Consider a similar chignon or low messy bun.
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3
Curly and Down
When the hair is damp, use your fingers to wrap one inch pieces of hair around it to achieve that natural curl like Empire's Grace Byers, Jerome says. "Separate the front pieces to frame your face how you want it," he adds.
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4
Messy Side French Braid
For Insecure actress Yvonne Orji's elegant side braid, start by using a heat protectant and dry texture spray. Curl your hair with a medium barreled iron and bring it all to one side. Then, create a loose braid, secured with a tie, Keka Heron, hairstylist and owner of the app, WeddGlam, says. "Pull out pieces of the braid to make it messy and finish it off with a spritz of holding spray," she adds.
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5
Loose Dreadlocks
If you have a full head of locs, like Ava Duvernay, show them off on your wedding day, Derek J says. "Add some shine, pin a few in place and you are good to go."
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6
Sleek Top Knot
The key to Zendaya's style is making sure that all the hair is swept neatly in the ponytail before forming the knot, Derek J says.
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7
Low Side Ponytail
The key to Iman's style is starting off with straight hair. "Use holding spray to smooth the hair behind your ears," Heron says. Do the same on the side with the ponytail. Make sure to add more spray and brush through it to avoid tangles.
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8
Curled High Ponytail
Celebrity hairstylist Robyn Michele, who's client list includes Naomi Campbell, Wendy Williams, and Lil Kim, says the trick to Oprah Winfrey's voluminous ponytail is using a round boar bristle brush when blowing it out. "That will smooth and create body in the hair," she says. "Tease the hair lightly at the base for added volume."
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9
High Loose Bun
If you want to recreate Tracee Ellis Ross's look, apply a medium hold gel around the perimeter of the hair and loosely brush into a medium high ponytail with a boar or nylon bristle brush, Michele suggests. Secure with a snag-free ponytail holder and lightly tease it to create texture. "Twirl and wrap the hair into a loose bun and secure with hair pins to complete this look," she adds.
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10
Braided Low Ponytail
Start with a full head of small braids, like Zoë Kravitz, and stop about 3/4 of the way down, Heron suggests. "Use foam all over to seal the braids and create a neat look with some shine," she adds. Loosely bring your hair back into a low ponytail and complete it with a dry texture spray.
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11
Voluminous Up-Do
Lupita Nyong'o's style is all about texture. "Once you have the hair blowdried, you can begin to sculpt the shape using bobby pins to secure the hair as you go," Derek J says.
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12
Pulled Back Curly Ponytail
A tip for creating these naturally, messy curls is to let the hair dry naturally, Jerome says. Once it's almost fully dry, use a comb to slick it back into a ponytail and brush out the pulled back pieces for added volume.
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13
Old Hollywood Waves
This is perfect for a bride with medium length hair who wants to showcase a dress with details at the top. Heron suggests prepping the hair using a dry texture spray and heat protectant. Using a small wand, curl each piece in the same direction. After curling, rub a little shine serum in your hands and run it through the hair. Then, with a wide-tooth comb, brush through the waves. "Make sure to use your hand too!" she adds.
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14
Curly Up-Do
Gather your naturally curly, dry hair into a high ponytail. Once it's secure, lightly pull the ends to cascade onto your face, Jerome says.
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15
Sleek Ponytail
Start by slicking the hair back and placing it in a tight ponytail. Ensure the hair won't move by using something like a hair wax. "Then run a barrel curling iron over the hair very quickly. This seals the cuticles and gives it shine," Heron says.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a passionate hairstylist with years of experience in the industry, I have had the pleasure of working with numerous Black women on their special day, creating stunning wedding hairstyles that perfectly complement their look and personality. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of hair textures, styling techniques, and the nuances of different hairdos suitable for various occasions, especially weddings.
The article you've provided touches upon a variety of wedding hairstyles tailored specifically for Black women, showcasing the beauty and versatility of natural hair. Each hairstyle is carefully curated to enhance the bride's overall appearance and align with the theme of the wedding. From sleek and elegant updos to effortlessly chic ponytails, the article covers a wide range of options to suit different preferences and wedding styles.
The concepts mentioned in the article encompass the art of styling Black women's hair for weddings, including techniques such as slicking back and curling, creating low chignons, embracing natural curls, incorporating messy side French braids, showcasing loose dreadlocks, perfecting sleek top knots, crafting low side ponytails, achieving voluminous high ponytails, mastering high loose buns, elegantly braiding low ponytails, creating voluminous up-dos, pulling back curly ponytails, achieving old Hollywood waves, and crafting sleek ponytails with a touch of shine.
Each concept demonstrates the expertise of professional hairstylists who understand the intricacies of Black hair and are adept at translating the individuality of each bride into a stunning wedding hairstyle. The article not only provides inspiration for brides but also offers valuable insights for wedding guests who want to exude elegance and charm at the event.
Overall, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to explore the world of wedding hairstyles for Black women, showcasing the creativity and artistry that goes into making every bride feel exceptional on her special day.
