19 Medium-Length Wedding Hairstyles Perfect For Your Big Day

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsmDF1qobm4/?img_index=3">@lacyredway</a> / instagram</p>

@lacyredway / instagram

If you're a soon-to-be bride who has already found the perfect dress, chances are the next thing you'll be thinking about is what to do with your hair. Finding the right hairstyle to complement your wedding look is one of the most exciting yet overwhelming tasks. While many deciding factors are at play (like the style of your dress, the weather, or the theme of your ceremony), it ultimately comes down to your hair length.

If you have medium-length hair, you might be worried you won't have enough options. Spoiler alert: This isn't the case at all. Mid-length hair provides more than enough room to experiment with styles and accessories.

To help you choose a hairstyle you'll absolutely love, we've selected some stunning examples of medium-length hairstyles for your wedding day, along with some expert tips on how to achieve each one.



Meet Our Expert

  • Castillo Bataille is a celebrity hairstylist and Matrix Ambassador. His clients include Halle Berry, Priyanka Chopra, Hailey Baldwin, Camila Cabello, and more.

  • Brandi Voorhees is a hairstylist at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Vanity Fair, Vogue, and Allure.



Old Hollywood Glam

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiFmMP7gy-F/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@lacyredway</a> / instagram</p>

@lacyredway / instagram

"A little Lauren Bacall, A little Bianca Jagger" is how Thompson's hairstylist, Lacy Redway, described this retro look. To achieve it, you'll need a one-inch curling iron, a wide-tooth comb to brush and tease the curls, and a shine spray to create a flawless sheen.

Voluminous Curls

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6a-wrACai/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@lacyredway</a> / instagram</p>

@lacyredway / instagram

If you want to take your curl game to the next level, opt for big, bouncy curls. You'll need a leave-in curl enhancer to recreate this look. "Wrap any section that isn't defined or has a bit of frizz with a ¼-inch iron and finish with an anti-frizz oil and shine spray," Voorhees says.

Natural Curls

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNypDoIKXP/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@samira.bem</a> / instagram</p>

@samira.bem / instagram

For curly and coily brides who want to embrace their hair’s beautiful texture, opt for bountiful curls. To keep your hair defined and hydrated, Bataille recommends using a system like A Curl Can Dream from Matrix, which includes a shampoo, conditioner, and hair cream that works wonders for all curly hair types.

Classic Updo

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTj_3K4M9Y8/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@whiterosecollective</a> / instagram</p>

We love this modern twist on a classic updo. The key to recreating this look is adding texture. Before styling, Bataille recommends using the Matrix Builder Wax Spray ($22). It adds body and dimension to hairstyles with medium control and a satin matte finish.

Bouncy Blowout

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsyvZ_oRhsU/?hl=en" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@colorbymattrez</a> / instagram</p>

@colorbymattrez / instagram

Another great option for brides who want to keep things simple. This effortless, bouncy blowout is bound to turn heads on your big day.

Tight Waves

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwn_n1FSmXy/?hl=en" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@keke</a> / instagram</p>

@keke / instagram

You can't go wrong with tight, polished curls. You’ll need a ¼-inch cyou'll iron and a light hairspray to achieve this look. "When curling the hair" wrap it in smaller sections, ensuring they’re all going in tthey're direction, and hold each section tight after curling to let it cool," Voorhees says.

Braided Updo

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chr50vsu9XQ/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@ashandcobridalhair</a> / instagram</p>

There’s a braided look that works for every hairstyle and length. According to the stylist for this look, the key to achieving this look is to keep your sections clean and use lightweight products that can easily be brushed through the hair, like Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion ($36).

Pretty Pearls

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Idj6AF3Ht/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@arbridalhair</a> / instagram</p>

@arbridalhair / instagram

Accessories are a great way to amp up any bridal look—and we love these pearl pins. "Wave your hair with a one-inch curling iron in different directions for a tousled, natural look, and gather your hair at the crown before adding accessories," Voorhees notes.

Flippy Lob

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CruD3YlNbQA/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@justinemarjan</a> / instagram</p>

@justinemarjan / instagram

This flippy lob is absolutely stunning. The customized hairpiece adds an extra touch of glamour to the look. To achieve this look, you’ll need to start with a smooth blowout and then flip the ends using a flat iron. Hairstylist Justine Marjan created the finger wave hairpiece using Great Lengths Tape-In Extensions.

French Twist

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CroNs9KreNW/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@justinemarjan</a> / instagram</p>

@justinemarjan / instagram

If you’re looking for a bridal hairstyle that’s simple and elegant, then you'll like this modern take on a French twist. It's a beyond beautiful updo.

Glamorous Updo

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd324b_MyK9/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@chrisappleton1</a> / instagram</p>

@chrisappleton1 / instagram

For the brides who want a chic yet undone look, take inspiration from this Pamela Anderson-inspired updo. Voorhees recommends starting with the bangs first and blowing them out in the direction you want them to lay before gathering your hair in the back and securing it with a hair band. "For added softness, pull out some extra fringe around your face and ears," she adds.

High Ponytail

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COYaWs_Bvkx/?img_index=1" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@chrisappleton1</a> / instagram</p>

@chrisappleton1 / instagram

A half-up, half-down hairdo is always a great choice. The key to this look is sectioning the hair precisely. You'll want to slick half of your hair up into a high ponytail, and once you've secured your ponytail with elastic, you can wrap a small piece of hair around it to conceal it. Finish things off by adding some curls and light shine spray.

Undone Waves

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvH7br7r0YR/?img_index=1" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@wesdoeshair</a> / instagram</p>

@wesdoeshair / instagram

Undone waves are perfect for brides who want a beachy, effortless look. When curling your hair with a 1 ¼-inch iron, you’ll need to alternate the curl by going forwards and backward, using smaller sections and leaving out the ends. Once you’ve curled the hair, finish with a texture spray to break up the waves and add lasting volume.

Slicked-Back Bun

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLY000qDxFi/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@whiterosecollective</a> / instagram</p>

A slicked-back bun is a staple hairstyle that can be achieved on all hair types and works especially well on mid-length strands. Voorhees recommends using a wet shine gel and slicking the hair back into a low pony using a detangling brush. After twisting the pony together into a low bun, secure it with pins.

Middle Bun

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsmDF1qobm4/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@lacyredway</a> / instagram</p>

@lacyredway / instagram

If you're envisioning a slicked-back, sophisticated bun, this look is perfect for you. The key to achieving this sleek, shiny look is hairspray, of course. The hairstylist responsible for this look—Lacy Redway—loves to use TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Spray ($5).

Sleek and Simple

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYYH9QkOKQS/?img_index=1" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@colorbymattrez</a> / instagram</p>

@colorbymattrez / instagram

Pin-straight hair will always be trendy, and this universally flattering look is perfect for brides who seek a low-maintenance style. All you’ll need to recreate this look is a heat protectant, a flat iron, and a serum for added shine.

Slicked Knotted Ponytail

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKSi-s3A4pZ/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@lacyredway</a> / instagram</p>

@lacyredway / instagram

Runway-inspired hairstyles are great for weddings, and this slicked-knotted ponytail is no exception. The key to achieving this look is ensuring your hair is smooth and that you secure the wrap knot braid with pins before leaving out the bottom section of the ponytail.

Freeform Curls

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4aGIm9JDDl/?img_index=1" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@nikkinelms</a> / instagram</p>

@nikkinelms / instagram

While we'll always love a structured, sleek bun, a loose curly updo is just as beautiful for your big day. Add just a few pins to secure the bun, but be sure to leave out a few curls to create a subtle faux fringe.

Face-Framing Low Bun

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CuZuAyirTWd/?img_index=1" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">@naivashaintl</a> / instagram</p>

@naivashaintl / instagram

You can easily elevate a simple low bun by adding some face-framing pieces. Loosely curl the front pieces to give them body and definition.

Up Next: 7 Wedding Hair Color Tips for Timing Your Perfect Shade

Read the original article on Byrdie.