Exactly How to Recreate Sofia Richie's Timeless Wedding Hairstyle

It's the ballerina bun that took the internet by storm.

Photo: @SofiaRichieGrainge | Instagram
,Photo: German Larkin

Updated Jul 05, 2023

Hair trends may come and go, but one thing is certain: Sofia Richie's wedding hair will never go out of style. The model and social media influencer's French destination nuptials took the internet by storm in early 2023, and fans instantly fell in love with her timeless Chanel wedding dress, her neutral nails, and her ultra-dewy and sophisticated makeup look. Her hairstyle was no different. The bride opted to wear one of her signature updos to marry music executive Elliot Grainge: a sleek, slicked-back low bun with a middle part.

It was only a matter of hours until the exact style, which was done by celebrity hairstylist Kathleen Riley, blew up on TikTok and Instagram as thousands—if not millions—of people recreated the elegant 'do. And, interestingly enough, the sleek bun was named one of The Knot's top wedding hair trends of 2023. But, even though this style is having a serious moment right now, it's safe to say that it's about as classic and timeless as it gets. If you loved Sofia Richie's wedding hair and want to recreate it for your big day (or another prewedding event, like your shower, your bach party, or your engagement photos), we've created the ultimate tutorial, right here. We break down exactly how to do Sofia Richie's wedding hair based on her stylist's tips and recommendations, along with the exact products used to keep your mane sleek and shiny all night long.

In this article:

Sofia Richie's Wedding Hair Tutorial
How to Ask Your Hairstylist for Sofia Richie's Wedding Hair
The Best Hair Products to Recreate Sofia Richie's Wedding Hairstyle

Sofia Richie's Wedding Hair Tutorial

Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge kissing during wedding reception

Luckily for those who are obsessed with Sofia Richie's hair on her wedding day, her stylist Kathleen Riley shared a comprehensive tutorial for the simple ballerina-style bun on Tiktok, which we break down here.

Create a Center Part

To begin, use the pointy end of a styling comb to create a crisp center part down the middle of your scalp. Smooth down both sides using the bristles.

Separate the Front and Back Sections

Next, Riley separates the front and back sections and secures the back into a low ponytail at the base of the scalp, leaving the front pieces loose.

Brush Front Pieces Back and Add to Low Ponytail

Here's where the magic happens. In order to create that signature sleek look, Riley sprays a dense bristled comb with hairspray before brushing them back to join the ponytail. Taking the time to add product to a brush will prevent flyaways and keep frizz at bay, prolonging the slick aesthetic.

Create a Three-Strand Braid Ponytail

Once the hair is slicked back into a low ponytail, create a three-strand braid and secure the end with a clear elastic. Doing so will create texture within the ballerina bun, and some may even find it easier to twist a braid into a knot, rather than a loose pony.

Wrap the Braid to Create a Low Bun

From there, wrap the braid around itself to create a bun. Secure the hair with bobby pins, and pull pieces loose as needed to add texture—and voilà! You've recreated Sofia Richie's wedding hair.

How to Ask Your Hairstylist for Sofia Richie's Wedding Hair Look

Sofia Richie walking down the aisle at her wedding

Unless you're using this tutorial for a prewedding party, there's a good chance you'll be working with a hairstylist on your actual wedding day. As is common with your glam team, it's helpful to have photos and examples of styles you're looking to achieve to illustrate exactly what you want. Plus, we always recommend having a hair and makeup trial before the wedding to make sure you and your pros land on a look you absolutely love.

When talking to your hairstylist about what sort of 'do you want on the big day, you could simply tell them you want Sofia Richie's wedding hair—we have a feeling they'll know exactly what you're talking about. You can also tell them you want a slicked-back low bun with a middle part, which is the best technical way to describe Sofia Richie's hair on her wedding day.

Find Your Hairstylist

The Best Hair Products to Recreate Sofia Richie's Wedding Hairstyle

If you're planning on recreating Sofia Richie's wedding hairstyle yourself, Kathleen Riley shared the exact products she used in her TikTok tutorial. Stock up on her expert-approved product recs here to ensure your low bun lasts for hours.

Conair Styling Comb

The best way to create an ultra-crisp middle part is with the pointy edge of a styling comb. Riley recommends using a tool like this from Conair, which you can snag for under $10.

$8 | Amazon

Scunci No Damage Elastics

To secure the ponytail at the base of the scalp, Riley uses Scunci No Damage elastics. This particular style has no metal parts and will keep your style in place without damage.

$6 | Amazon

Conair Boar Bristle Brush

A dense brush with boar bristles is ideal for smoothing hair into place and creating Sofia's signature slicked aesthetic. Not only does the wood base reduce static and frizz, the bristles will help to naturally distribute oil across your scalp, making your locks look extra shiny.

$22 | Amazon

Frizz Control Hairspray

As explained in her TikTok tutorial, Riley sprays a boar bristle brush with hairspray before using it to comb the hair back to make it sleek and frizz-free. While you can always use your favorite hairspray, we recommend TRESemmé's Extra Hold hairspray. The product claims to offer 24-hour frizz control and pro locking technology, and it has over 14,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. Plus, at under $10 a can, you can't beat the price.

$10 | Amazon

Scunci Hair Pins

Bobby pins are essential to keep your Sofia Richie bun in place. Once the ponytail is braided, wrap it around itself and secure into place using as many pins as needed. Riley recommends using Scunci brand hair pins, though you can use whatever style works best for your hair.

$6 | Amazon