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20 Chic Wedding Hairstyles for Long Hair

These inspirational ideas think outside your basic bun.

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Christian Oth

When it comes to your wedding hairstyle, don't think of your look for your wedding day any differently than you would an evening out—stick to effortlessness, ease, or edge. Regardless of your hair length, find inspiration on the red carpet and the runways for a look that's beyond your classic chignon or the all-too-common overdone bridal tresses. Part of the long-hair, don’t-care life? Go the distance for a classically long look, or opt for a chic updo.

From Emma Stone, Lupita Nyong'o, and the Hadids to Monique Lhuillier, Lela Rose, and Danielle Frankel's Fall 2020 bridal runway inspirations, here are 20 celebrity and fashion-approved hair stylings to give you some ideas for a wedding hairstyle that works with your long locks.

1

Long & Loose

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Loose waves and curls are a go-to move for framing the face and adding volume to super-long locks. Case in point: Gigi Hadid's golden waves.

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2

Haute Headband

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When donning a statement hair accessory, balance the look with your fashion and glam. Opt for a sleek low ponytail with a center part when finishing your bridal look with a statement headband, like this Lela Rose x Mignonne Gavigan option.

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3

Beaded Braids

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Take notes from looks like Lupita Nyong'o's, who paired a bridal look by CFDA runner-up Danielle Frankel with embellished braids for the red carpet. Long braids get a glamorous (and bridal) touch from crystal or pearl adornments—and we love the look of braids with a veil.

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4

Hang Loose

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Taylor Hill//Getty Images

For a look that is polished, but still feels effortless, try a messy low bun, but leave front pieces to frame your face. When it comes to texture, keep the hair unless it's naturally curly. Overdone curls will have this look going too glam and try-on, while the goal is a modern take on a more bohemian bun.

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5

Pony, Please

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With a more modern bridal look—or for the after party—add interest and texture to an extra-long ponytail by tying it off into a braid. This look works with bands, a la Taylor Swift, but it would also suit a fully slicked-back, or center-parted pony.

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6

Gatsby Glam

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Subtle, brushed-out curls give Chrissy Teigen's style a dreamy, wedding-worthy effect that has a hint of Old Hollywood, deco polish and glamour.

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7

Side-Part Swoop

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An exaggerated side part and soft flip at the bottom is retro chic for the bride-to-be looking to accent a mod, sleek, or architectural style gown—no matter the neckline.

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8

Low Twist

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A deep side part, slick texture, and a twist that starts at the part and works its way to the back is a sculptural yet sleek way to work with long locks.

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9

Glam Girl

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Opt for loose curls with a slicked back center part, pinned back into a romantic half-up look that's perfect for showing off a pair of statement earrings, and a show-stopping neckline.

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10

Elegant Edge

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Subtle accessories, like Emma Watson's metallic headband or a small selection of hair brooches will add to a loose updo without feeling overwrought. Accent the look with an ear cuff or touches of black for some aisle edge.

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11

Tied with a Bow

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Tie off a low pony with a velvet ribbon and let some front pieces fly free for a carefree yet elegant look that exudes modern-day Brigitte Bardot. Not sure this would work with anything from a sheath to a frothy ballgown? Think again. Case in point: Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2020.

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12

Red Carpet Waves

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Opt for soft and voluminous waves styled away from the face, and delicately pin pieces back to open up your neckline. This look gives the illusion of pieces being tucked back behind your ears, without going for a more drastic (and expected) half-up, half-down hairstyle.

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13

Au Naturale

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Think totally natural, borderline bohemian, and windswept—like Zendaya's curls pictured here. This look is at its best when paired with sleek suits for contrast, or when paired with a sexy slip or sheath dress, to lean into a more boho vibe for a beach wedding.

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14

Twisted Top Knot

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This style requires long hair—and lots of it. Artfully wrap your locks into twists and arrange them into a bold updo for a wedding hairstyle that feels super modern and extra glamorous. When it comes to the texture, keep it shiny and lustrous—you'll want this look to stay slick and frizz-free all night long.

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15

Daring Details

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Experiment with edges, parts, and braids when coming up with something as simple as a low ponytail. When in doubt, channel your inner Beyonce.

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16

Femme Fishtail

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For a pulled-back hairstyle that still shows off your length and still feel bridal, try a tousled French braid or fishtail à la Nicole Kidman's red carpet style.

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17

Chic Chignon

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Make like Kim Kardashian and upgrade a traditional updo with a center part, sculptural details, and a sleek finish. Chignons don't always have to fall at the nape of the neck or feel romantic and wispy. This top knot is architectural, and accents an equally modern gown.

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18

Low Pony

2019 Harper's Bazaar ICONS
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A low, textured ponytail with soft tendrils and a center part, like Lily Collins' look for BAZAAR's ICONS party, feels effortless, fairytale in feel, and undoubtedly romantic.

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19

Half Twist

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Could this look feel anymore bridal? Rather than going for a bouffant half-up/half-down look with too much texture, opt for Sara Sampaio's long, glossy waves that look beautiful when twisted back into a romantic, effortless style.

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20

Braided Beauty

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Trust us: The all-too-predictable half-up style for the aisle looks best with a twist, like Rihanna's all-braided version.

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Heather Hall
Contributing Weddings Writer

Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.  

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