The 12 Best Hair Tools for Bridal Hair Styles of 2023, According to a Wedding Hair Stylist

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Brides / Lecia Landis

The last thing you want on your wedding is a bad hair day! If you're a bride-to-be, be prepared with the proper hair tools, products, and accessories for a perfect look. From texturing spray to hair extensions and dry shampoo, there are a variety of options that can make your (and your hair stylist's) life easier on the big day and ensure that you feel your absolute best as you walk down the aisle. To gain insight on the best hair tools for brides, as well as tips for choosing your wedding day look, we spoke with wedding hair stylist and braiding expert Jayme Lawrence.

"When picking your bridal look, have inspiration pictures ready for your hairstylist and makeup artist! Make sure your inspiration pics are feasible with your hair," Lawrence says. "If you're not planning on getting extensions, don’t bring pictures of people with extensions or fake hair!"

To help you feel and look beautiful on your special day, we asked Lawrence to share her top hair tools for every bride-to-be. While there are many options for different hair types, there are go-to products she swears by. For a hairstyle that will last from the altar to the after party, she recommends the Kristin Ess Loose Styling Powder and the Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25. For up-dos with a little extra sparkle, her favorite accessory is the Hair Comes the Bride Beaded Bridal Hair Pin.

Read on for the best hair tools for your bridal looks.

Kristin Ess Loose Styling Powder

kristin-ess-loose-styling-powder

Target

"This is the one product I cannot live without! Texturizing powder is the key to creating the perfect bridal hairstyle. It adds a sticky texture to your hair to make for a long-lasting hairstyle and adds the extra volume you need on a wedding day! I will tease hair at the root and add this powder for extra volume. Kristin Ess powder is my favorite, but Big Sexy Hair and Puff Me have great powders as well."

Price at time of publish: $35

Bio Ionic Long Barrel 1.25 Inch Curling Iron

4.6
Bio Ionic Long Barrel 1.25" Curling Iron

 Amazon

"The Bio Ionic iron is a hairstylist go-to. This extra-long barrel and high heat intensity make this a perfect iron for long-lasting curls. It's a bit of an investment, but if you're someone who needs help with holding curls, this one is for you."

Price at time of publish: $149

Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25

4.2
Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25

Walmart

"Kenra has the best-smelling and the best-quality products. I have used multiple hairsprays, and this is my favorite one so far. I apply this to the hair before and after styling, and it leaves the hair looking shiny and helps to hold curls all night long!"

Price at time of publish: $21

Hair Comes the Bride Beaded Bridal Hair Pin

Beaded Bridal Hair Pin Etsy
Courtesy of Hair Comes the Bride.

"I use this site for accessories, hair inspiration, or to find other artists and vendors. I love the hair accessories from this brand, because there is a huge selection at affordable prices. My favorite (and most versatile) accessories are the hairpins."

Price at time of publish: $40 for Silver, Opal

Zala Halo Keratin Extensions

Hair extensions
Courtesy of Zala.

"These are my go-to extensions! Zala has an affordable halo that I tell all my brides to get. When I was a bride, I needed something affordable that was easy to work with thin hair. Zala offers many different lengths and colors, which makes it a breeze to color-match."

Price at time of publish: $50 for 16" Halo Keratin Shade

UNITE Hair TEXTURIZA Texturizing Spray

UNITE Hair TEXTURIZA Spray

"Texture spray is a must! This spray is a lightweight, all-natural product that is loved by so many hairstylists. It adds volume and texture to your hair, and I love to use it before and after I curl hair."

Price at time of publish: $35

Ouai Super Dry Shampoo

4.8
Ouai Haircare Dry Shampoo

 Courtesy of Sephora

"Dry shampoo is crucial to have on hand for your wedding day. Most clients think having dirty hair is best for styling, but clean or day-old hair is actually best. If a client has oily hair, this is the perfect product—it sprays well on all hair colors and makes hair look fresh while adding a fresh scent."

Price at time of publish: $26

Kenra Professional Platinum Hot Spray 20

Kenra Hot Hair Spray
Courtesy of Ulta.

"This spray was created to protect your hair from an excessive amount of heat from styling tools. Before I style each client, I spray this on their hair to protect them from all the heat I use. It also leaves a shiny finish and fresh salon scent that I absolutely love."

Price at time of publish: $24

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron

4.4

"These little irons are adorable and can be found at big retailers like Target, Ulta, and Amazon. I like to use the one-inch iron to create those dreamy Hollywood glam curls! This iron can create beach waves or tight curls, and I love how versatile it is."

Price at time of publish: $60

Glam Seamless Beach Wave Clip-In

clip-in beach wave extensions
Courtesy of Glam Seamless.

"These are my go-to clip-in extensions because of how soft and well-made they are. The clips won't damage your hair, and they are simple to use. They have 70 colors to choose from, and you will be guaranteed to feel like a celebrity while you're wearing them."

Price at time of publish: $290 for 18" Jet Black Beach Wave Clip-In

Jay Kay Braids & Bridal Trinidad Clip

bridal floral hair clip
Courtesy of Jay Kay Braids & Bridal.

"This is my go-to one-stop shop for bridal accessories. The founder, Jessica Keife, offers affordable bridal accessories, including hair clips, veils, and earrings. I always have her accessories on hand so that I can offer last-minute additions on wedding days. Her products are the perfect mix of elegant and laid-back boho."

Price at time of publish: $70

Bellami Silk Seam Hair Extensions

bellami hair extensions
Courtesy of Bellami.

"Bellami wigs and extensions feature 100 percent human hair, with over 40 colors to choose from. These are reliable extensions that are guaranteed to be top quality—they're a little more pricey than others but are extremely nice to work with. They curl well and feel so real."

Price at time of publish: $230

Meet the Expert

Jayme Lawrence, whose business is called Braids By Jay Law, is an LA-based boho braid stylist who specializes in weddings, teaching classes, and hosting braid bar pop-up events.

What to Look for in Hair Tools for Your Wedding Day

When it comes to creating a bridal look you love–whether you're getting your hair done or doing it yourself for your bridal shower or rehearsal dinner–having the right tools and accessories will help make the styling process a breeze.

Consider hair type, texture, and thickness

Think about your own hair qualities while you assess products you might need to achieve your dream bridal hairstyle. Do you have thin and oily hair? Try incorporating dry shampoo and hair extensions into your glam routine. For brides with pin-straight locks, a high-quality hairspray and curling iron will help keep your hairdo in place.

Staying power

You want your wedding day hairstyle to last you throughout the entire day and night, so looking for hair tools and products that will help your 'do stay in place is essential. Consider styling powder–such as the Kristin Ess Loose Styling Powder–and a strong hair spray. Using a top-rated curling iron or straightener is also recommended.

Protection

Among the hot styling tools, hair products, and teasing, styling your bridal look can do serious damage to your luscious locks (but that gorgeous up-do you have planned is totally worth it!). Therefore, it's crucial to prepare your hair with products that will help it stand up to the heat and tangles. It's a great idea to use a heat-protectant spray or styling cream to prepare your hair for the styling to come. Using natural shampoos and conditioners, as well as hydrating hair masks, after the big day can also help your hair recover from the knots and pulls.

FAQ
  • How do I pick my bridal hairstyle?

    When choosing your bridal hairstyle for the big day, first consider your hair type, length, and texture to help narrow down your options. (Brides with short or thin hair may consider hair extensions for more styling options.)

    You'll also want to keep your venue and wedding aesthetic in mind. If you're hosting a black-tie wedding at a chic city venue, you might consider a slicked-back ponytail or straight hair with a bridal headband. Planning a spring garden wedding? Relaxed curls and boho braids make the perfect hairstyle for you.

  • How do I prepare for hair styling on my wedding day?

    Being prepared for your wedding day glam routine is key to making the getting-ready timeline run smoothly and on schedule. Lawrence's best tips for making sure you and your bridal party are ready for hair and makeup on your wedding day include:

    • Have a trial run before your big day, to play around with different styles and options.
    • Put together a set schedule for the morning of your big day.
    • Provide table space and chairs ready for your hairstylist and MUA.
    • Make sure to allow for multiple stylists if you have a large bridal party!
    • Use hair extensions to make your hair fuller, and braids thicker.
    • Have your hair one day old or freshly washed.
    • Have music, snacks, and champagne ready for you and your girls to make for a fun morning!!
  • Where can I learn to style my own hair?

    If you're styling your own hair for your engagement party, bridal shower, or even your wedding day, Lawrence recommends watching tutorials on YouTube. "My passion for braiding came about when I discovered Chrissy Rasmussen on YouTube. She and her staff make fun and simple tutorials online, and they taught me everything I know," she says. Just be sure to practice several times leading up to the big event!

Why Trust Brides

Chloe Caldwell is a commerce writer for Brides who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has more than five years of journalism experience writing about all things fashion, beauty, travel, and wellness.

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