The Top 5 Wedding Hair Trends in 2024 According to Expert Stylists

Still trying to nail down your wedding hair? Every element of your bridal look should reflect your personality and style—and your hair is no exception. This year, we expect to see the return of many beloved wedding hair trends, like effortless waves and sleek buns, but there are also some new, out-of-the-box styles on the horizon. The recent wedding boom proved that there are no rules when it comes to style, and this still rings true in 2024.

Below, we've got the inside scoop from the experts on the hottest bridal hair trends of 2024, from celebrity-inspired buns and bow hair accessories to the resurgance of the 90's top knot. Once you find your hair inspiration, get in touch with a professional stylist who can recreate the look IRL. Keep scrolling to see the stunning styles you should add to your inspiration board right now.

In this article:

• The Sleek Bun
• Hollywood Waves with Tucked Bangs
• Balletcore-Inspired Ponytails
• High Updos and Top Knots
• Soft Curls

1. The Sleek Bun

Photo: @sofiarichiegrainge / @germanlarkin

Where you've seen it: ICYMI, the sleek bun is the "it" wedding hairstyle of 2024, especially when celebs like Sofia Richie, Vanessa Hudgens and Hailey Beiber were all seen sporting the style on their big days. "In no less than 24 hours after Sofia Richie's wedding, I styled my first "Sofia Richie bun," says Cassi Ramona, owner and lead artist at Reverie Beauty NYC. "I personally see brides trending away from styles that require a lot of maintenance and moving towards more relaxed, effortless choices."

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Who it's perfect for: If your style is refined elegance, a sleek and architectural bun is the epitome of what you are looking for. The simplicity of the look will stand the test of time and can work on both medium and long hair lengths. "These styles are perfect for the bride who wants to feel like herself but elevated. Everything is more soft and approachable, but still formal enough for the bride to be," Ramona says. Plus, it will look extra chic with a variety of wedding dresses and venues, whether you're rocking a silky slip dress at a contemporary loft or a ball gown at a Parisian chateau.

Photo: @wedlocks_

Photo: @aktabavalia_

2. Hollywood Waves with Tucked Bangs

Photo: @marissagraceartistry

Where you've seen it: Hollywood waves are a timeless red carpet staple, but adding the center part has always been a popular style choice for brides because it creates beautiful balance and facial symmetry. "Organic Hollywood waves, featuring a middle part and soft volume, are a trend we started to see earlier last year with celebrities like Kim Kardasian and Margot Robbie. Still glam but much more approachable," says Tatiana Rivera, owner and lead stylist of GAD Artistry Hair and Makeup. We love this style for two reasons: it's both easy to achieve and looks super polished.

Who it's best for: Thick hair is ideal for side-swept curls as it creates fullness. If your tresses are on the thinner side, don't fret. Consider asking your stylist to add hair extensions to amp up the volume. The end result? One red carpet-worthy 'do. A big pro of this new iteration of the standard? It draws the eyes to the face and highlights your features even more. Not to mention, this style looks good on nearly all hair types and textures, whether you're a guest, a bridesmaid or the bride.

Photo: @marissagraceartistry

Photo: @junkiebride

3. Balletcore-Inspired Ponytails

Photo: @beautybyrockagirl

Where you've seen it: "We are seeing bows in way more places than on top of Christmas presents this year and this is going to continue into next year," says Brittany Lo, founder and CEO of the New York-based luxury hair and makeup brand Beautini, and the vegan skincare line Beia. While straight, high ponytails have dominated the past few years, we're starting to see softer, delicate ponytails come back into the spotlight thanks to celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter embracing the balletcore trend. It's a must-add to your hair inspiration if you're looking to show your hairstylist a look that is both feminine and delicate.

Who it's perfect for: If you're trying to add a little personality to your wedding hairstyle, this one's for you. "I believe there will be more brides adding bows and accessories to their hair next year to add to the overall look," Lo explains. "Adding an accessory is great for all hair types and the right accessory can align really nicely with the dress to pull the look all together. Bows are also fun for bridal showers, bachelorette trips and rehearsal dinners if you prefer to keep the hair more simple on the big day." This wedding hair trend will look absolutely gorgeous, plus you can add a variety of accessories, from bows to pearl bobby pins, to complete the look.

Photo: @poppy_michelle_hair_makeup

Photo: @kasia_fortuna

4. High Updos and Top Knots

Photo: @thelorissanelson

Where you've seen it: High updos are back—with a modern twist. Celebrities and brides alike have recently adopted the iconic '90s style, once worn by celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Cindy Crawford and Alicia Silverstone. "The top knot, especially with the flowy fringe, has been everywhere!" Rivera tells us. "Rhianna, Janel Monet, Jennifer Lopez, and Kendall Jenner, like everyone else, have been complementing summer and winter looks with the high knot! And why wouldn't they? It's chic and great for almost all face shapes and it's flexible for most lengths."

Who it's perfect for: This look was made for the bride who wants to feel sexy and make a statement on her wedding day. While this style is ideal for long hair, it can work with a variety of hair textures, from curly and straight to fine or thick. "The top knot can be achieved with almost any texture! We want hair that is at least shoulder length but if it's shorter, no biggie," says Rivera.
"Grab a cute hair extension hair tie similar to your hair color and you can still achieve this look!" Try pairing a high updo with a silk slip dress with a high halter neckline or a v-neck gown with a statement necklace for a reception look that is sure to turn heads.

Photo: @ikizlerbeauty

Photo: @hairandlashesbykaedi

5. Soft Curls

Photo: @nikolettahairfashion

Where you've seen it: Soft curls continue to reign in 2024, and we love to see it. "Defined Hollywood waves will always have a moment but we are going to see more iterations with softer, less defined wave patterns similar to how Margot Robbie wore her hair for the Met gala for an effortless bridal look," says Lo. "It's perfect for all hair types that can hold a curl, and for hair that doesn't hold well, try opting for some clip-in hair extensions to help." It's the definition of sweet and simple—no complex styling needed!

Who it's perfect for: If you love a classic bridal hairstyle, then soft curls make total sense. They can be a saving grace for anyone who doesn't want to use a ton of product in their hair or spend their wedding night pulling out bobby pins and clips. If you do want to take it up a notch, try putting it in a very simple half-up, half-down. We're confident that it will look just as stunning as any other intricate 'do.

Photo: @bebeautiful_india

Photo: @vionyvivianti_bridalhair