When it comes to weddings, finding a perfect match is about more than just the couple —the union between the dress and a hairstyle is what truly steals the spotlight. It’s the finishing touch that brings the entire look (and dare we say day) together. Whether the bride’s style is classic or romantic, the right style will complement the gown and hold strong from the first photo to the last dance.
From foundational techniques to trending styles, we’re sharing our favorite bridal hairstyles for 2025—plus expert-approved tips for anyone who wants to plan ahead, prep, and make all bridal hair dreams come true.
Bridal Hair Starts with a Strong Foundation
According to Sam Villa ArTeam Member Anna Peters (@annas_hair_retreat), the biggest secret to a bridal style that lasts isn’t more pins or extra-hold hairspray—it’s the right foundation.
“When we place anchors within a style with an end result in mind, we can easily prep for an easy transition from one look to another,” says Peters. “It helps gain clarity on how to build the style and provides built-in support and strength for the style to last throughout the day and well into the night.”
Here are the four essential foundations every bridal stylist should master:
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Ponytail: A strong anchor and focal point that condenses volume and holds shape throughout the day.
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Braid: A versatile, traveling anchor that can be placed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally for strength and support across a style.
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Bun: Like a ponytail but with added structure and visual volume—ideal for updos.
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Twist: A softer anchor that works well for textured, romantic looks and can move across a style to create shape and structure.
These foundational elements aren’t just about support—they serve as creative roadmaps for the final design and allow for quick transitions between ceremony and reception styles.
Trending Bridal Hairstyles for 2025
Whether you're a stylist looking to expand your bridal menu or a bride-to-be exploring your perfect look, here are this year’s top styles making waves at the altar.
1. The High Twist Upstyle
Refined but relaxed, the High Twist by Caralee Pridemore (@caraleestyles) is the perfect blend of soft sophistication and modern romance. Featuring undulating curls and face-framing tendrils, this upstyle keeps hair off the neck while showcasing dimensional color and texture. The look can lean boho or classic, depending on the finish, making it a favorite for both brides and guests.
Pro Tip: Prep the hair with light texture using the Sam Villa Professional TEXTUR® Iron and set the final shape with Redken Spray Wax for separation and control without stiffness.
2. The Waterfall Pony
A total showstopper with serious movement, the Waterfall Ponytail created by Caralee Pridemore, (@caraleestyles) is a favorite among modern brides—especially those opting for strapless or gowns with lower necklines. This voluminous style works best with thick hair or extensions and is all about sculpted curls, seamless layering, and a smooth, frizz-free finish.
How-To:
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Prep with the Sam Villa Professional TEXTUR® Iron to create a strong base.
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Backcomb the crown and then create two ponytails (one high, one low) and curl with the Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron & Wand 1.5”. Take the right side back towards the center and the left side back to the center, and then pinch and pull apart the hair with volume powder. Place clip-in extensions between ponytails if needed. Do this by placing the clip-in extensions between both ponytails, positioning some wefts upwards and others down to create full volume and coverage.
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Repeat the steps with the top ponytail and lay that hair around the bottom ponytail, making sure all the curls are expanded. Use a wax or a smoothing cream to keep the curls frizz-free.
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After all the hair is placed in the right position, neatly lying on top of each other, take hair from the bottom of the top ponytail and wrap it around both ponytails and pin in place.
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Pull out and sculpt face-framing pieces for a dimensional textured look.
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Add accessories like pearls or a veil for extra drama.
3. Laid-Back Luxe (Low Pony)
Chic, understated, and full of elegance, this Low Pony created by Sam Villa ArTeam Member Anna Peters (@annas_hair_retreat) is ideal for brides, wedding guests, or anyone heading to prom or homecoming. This style hugs the nape with a subtle twist pattern across the back and finishes with airy, voluminous curls.
How-To:
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Directionally blow-dry the hair away from the face using the Sam Villa Light Ionic Blow Dryer and paddle brush. For extra control and hold, apply Redken Root Lifter Volumizing Spray at the base, throughout the head.
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Starting 1” behind and below the ear on one side of the head, gather a small section of hair and split it into two strands. Cross strands to create an X. Take a small section of hair from the high point of the head directly above the X and smoothly lay the section directly in the middle of X. Grab the two strands on either side of the section and twist once to create another X, pinch in the center of X to secure, add another section of hair from the high point of the head and lay smoothly between X, twist strands to secure. Continue this pattern across the nape of the head. Secure on the opposite side of the head with elastic.
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To create volume and softness in the back, take 1” sections of hair, spray with Redken Thermal Spray, comb through and wrap hair around a Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand 1.5”. Let the curls cool, then hold the section with two fingers and ruche the hair to the desired volume and shape.
This style is quick to create, stunning in photos, and easy to personalize with accessories or texture adjustments.
4. Half-Up, Half-Down with a Twist
Still one of the most requested bridal styles, the Half-Up Half-Down look continues to trend in 2025. And this season, we’re seeing versions with higher-set buns, twists, or braids positioned to be visible from the front. “For the past two years a majority of [my] clients want to wear their hair down, but they’re also loving texture, unstructured waves, and an element of interest such as a fun twist, braid or accessory,” says Caralee Pridemore (@caraleestyles).
According to Caralee, Brides love texture, unstructured waves, and a small twist or braid up top to keep it interesting, and this combination gives them the best of both worlds.
Styling Tips:
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Long hair is a must for this style, if the bride doesn’t have the length, add extensions.
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On long hair, it takes about 90 minutes to set curls away from the face. Once this is done, you can either brush out for a relaxed look or keep the curl undisturbed for a more defined, polished style, depending on the bride’s preference.
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You can add variety with your half-up style with twists, accessories, braids or a bun.
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Remember: A half-up, half-down style with extensions is a very time-consuming process and only 3-4 people can be accommodated in a tight prep time, so charge accordingly for these styles as they take longer to do (for both the trail and the day of the wedding).
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Pro-Tip: Use a Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand 1.5” – it can be used as an iron or a wand, so it saves time and space. And hold each curl in your hand after curling, until it is fully cooled, to really set the texture.
Bridal Consultations: The Key to Nailing the Look
According to Sam Villa Ambassador Jamie McDaniel (@jamiemcdhair), a thorough consultation is the secret to success. She recommends breaking the consultation into three parts:
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Dress: Ask for photos. Neckline and back detail will influence whether hair should be worn up, down, or to the side.
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Face Shape & Profile: Suggest placements and volume based on what will flatter their features from every angle.
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Environment: Inside vs. outside can drastically affect style choice. Always prep two styling plans and teach someone how to insert pins for backup.
Jamie’s Rule of Thumb: Skip the overload of hairspray—use a working spray like Redken Brushable Hairspray during styling and Redken Max Hold only at the end. For emergencies? Keep a Sam Villa Pro Results Cordless Flat Iron in your bridal kit for on-site touch-ups.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Wedding Day
1. Schedule a Trial (or Two)
Every bride should do at least one trial—and complex styles may need more. Use trials to test products, timing, and longevity. Beyond the hairstyle’s compatibility with the dress and accessories, it’s got to hold up so seeing how their hair behaves over time is key to prep, product selection and style choice.
2. Pack Your Bridal Kit
Must-haves include:
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Bobby pins and hair grips
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Hairspray + a mini hairspray to gift your bride for touchups
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Texture and shine sprays
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Hot tools: Blow-dryers, curling irons, straightening irons and waving irons. When in doubt, bring more than one size and extras, because you never know what the day will bring.
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Whenever you can opt for cordless options like the Sam Villa Pro Results Cordless Flat Iron. This can make moving around the room (or property) doing touchups so much easier.
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Small combs, elastics, and styling brushes
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Emergency extensions or filler hair
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An extension cord. Trust us, don’t forget this one, because you never know where outlets are going to be.
3. Bring an Assistant (When Needed)
If you’re styling more than 3–4 people, bring backup. Wedding mornings are fast-paced, and extra hands ensure every style is finished on time and beautifully executed.
4. Expect Extra Styling Requests
It happens all the time—bridesmaids, moms, or even guests decide last-minute they want their hair done. Build flexibility into your prep schedule and pricing for these pop-up services. Because it’s better to be over-prepared than overwhelmed.
Shop Wedding Season Must-Haves
Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand 1.5”
Sam Villa Pro Results Cordless Flat Iron
Sam Villa Professional TEXTUR® Iron
Hair Grips
