24 Wedding-Worthy Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Updated 09/11/20

Curly-haired gals, please take note: You probably have no idea that your locks are basically the stuff of dreams right now. While you're spending your mornings fighting frizz and trying to tame your mane, brides everywhere are taking extreme measures to coax their hair into a crazy cloud of curls. And who can blame them? With all that texture, dimension, and personality, a luscious head of spirals and waves basically needs no styling. It carries its own style, organically. Take pride and take advantage!

For a bit of inspiration and expert tips to achieve the healthiest and glossiest ringlets, continue scrolling.

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Mermaid Hair

Beach brides can add an ocean-hued flower crown to curls for a mermaid vibe. In terms of texture, coily strands are tightly wound, and kinky strands are zigzags. Both are enviably voluminous (though prone to splitting).

Look for ingredients like black-oat extract to smooth and prevent frayed ends and castor oil to strengthen and reduce frizz.

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Flower-Adorned

Bride and groom kissing — Two Twenty by Chi Chi

Two romantic blooms play up this bride's natural curls. To care for your natural coils and kinks, you need to shampoo only about once a week. During the week (and after working out), refresh with a co-wash, which cleanses while keeping natural oils intact. Detangle wet hair with a wide-tooth comb, and protect your curls by drying with a microfiber towel instead of a coarse terry cloth one.

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Try a Tuck

Gather your ringlets in an elegant chignon for a twist (pun intended) on the traditional updo. The shape of each strand will add considerable volume and dimension to the tuck.

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Incorporate Some Braids

Bride laughing with groom — OLIVIA MARKLE

Forgo a regular pony and add in some soft braids for a romantic half-up style. We love the relaxed, effortless vibe of this exuberant bride.

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Romantic Curls

Soft, bouncy curls are the perfect option for romantic brides. This look radiates a sultry glamour, just begging to be touched.

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Put a Pin in It

Vintage-inspired and totally cool, add silver or gold pins to keep hair out of your face. Not only cost-effective and pragmatic, but also this idea is a fresh alternative to traditional, more feminine hairpieces.

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Siren Waves

We can't decide what we're more in love with: this beauty's perfectly curled locks or her gorgeous hair color. The hair texture is relaxed and beachy. Keep the look casual by minimizing scalp oil, which can migrate down the hair shaft and flatten waves. Eliminate oil by shampooing the scalp and conditioning only the ends. Wash strands every other day—or the morning of your wedding.

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Bohemian Waves

Let your waves flow freely for an unfussy look. Perfect for tossing those locks around while you get your groove on.

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A Touch of Glam

This bride's floral barrette sits perfectly on her gathering of near-perfect coils. A breathtaking combination with her minimalist silk gown.

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Free Those Tendrils

The same gorgeous bride later freed her ample mane and changed into her second look for a jaw-dropping reception ensemble. How fun is this disco vibe?

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A Perfectly Imperfect Bun

Newlyweds portrait — REBECCA YALE; HAIR BY TRINE JUEL; VEIL BY GIRL AND A SERIOUS DREAM

An effortless, messy bun is perfect for brides who just want to keep it simple on their big day. The style is laid-back yet tender for a romantic, fairy tale wedding.

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Embrace Your Natural Texture

Play up your hair's natural texture for an effortless 'do. This classic, curly hair texture can be unpredictable—sometimes they’re loose spirals; other times, they’re tighter corkscrews. Shampoo about every three days and two days before your wedding. Let your hair dry naturally, he suggests, and don’t touch it—even when you’re adding styling products. If you’re accessorizing with flowers or jewelry, secure them with U-shaped hairpins, which hold more hair than bobby pins do.

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Don't Overthink It

This easygoing style was the ideal choice for this bride's organic summer wedding in Maine. Drench your hair with oils high in fatty acids, like coconut, because they can deeply penetrate the hair shaft to loosen the coil.

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Asymmetric Plaits

Play up your updo with a peekaboo braid. We love the asymmetry of this style, giving the whole look a dose of playfulness.

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Au Naturel

Bride with curly hair in the sand — OLIVIA MARKLE

Who says you can't let your mane run wild on your big day? This natural hair moment is a showstopper for sure.

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A Blossoming 'Do

Pretty blooms are the perfect accessory to curly locks. Just ask this bride. The lush locks create a perfect anchor to nestle the flowers into.

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Don't Discount a Top Knot

Add a top knot for a bit of character. And keeping loose strands away from the face is never a bad thing, especially for that first kiss. Let your stunning features be the star of the show.

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Consider an Updo

This bride tucked her coils away in a voluminous updo. The best part? This style is extremely secure and will stay in place through a night of dancing and celebration.

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Half and Half

When in doubt, pulling a few of your tendrils back to expose your features while letting the rest fall around your shoulders is always classic and sophisticated. This beaming bride makes a solid case for the sweet style.

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Go Big

We're head over heels for this beauty's lion-esque curls. This hairstyle is larger than life and brimming with personality, much like the bride herself we assume.

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A Whimsical Styling

The drapey flower stems that hang among these tendrils mimic the shape of the twists creating an enchanted-garden-fairy feeling. We can't get enough of this whimsical 'do.

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A Soft Approach

This bride's free-flowing spirals were the perfect complement to her light and airy dress. The whole look had a romantic and boho vibe that fit the mountainside nuptials.

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Wrap It Up

Instead of fastening hair with a jeweled pin, a simple cloth headband will bring out a pop of color. Play with fabrics and textures (leather injects some runway vibes, burlap is ideal for a rustic reception) to change up the look and tailor it to your wedding day style and persona.

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