Short Bridal Hairstyles

Your short hair can be anything from soft to sexy

By Yu Qing

Photo by James Christianson/courtesy Forte Events

Complete your stunning wedding-day look with perfect hair. Contrary to what you may think, there are many options for short hair. Select a style that matches your personality. Emphasize your edgy, cropped look with a headband, or opt for a soft bob if you're a classic girl. Start your short bridal hairstyle with clean, towel-dried hair. Work a small amount of styling mousse or gel through your hair to the ends.

Waves

For a soft and elegant look, create waves in your short hair. To begin styling your hair the night before the wedding, blow-dry your hair till partially dry, and use medium to large rollers all over your head. Or pincurl your hair by coiling small sections around your index finger and securing them at your scalp with hairpins or bobby pins. When completely dry, use a curling iron to strengthen the curls a few hours before the ceremony. Finger comb your hair into luscious waves, and finish the look by securing the sides with a barrette, jeweled hairpin or large hair accessory then misting with hair spray.

Short Layers

A bride whose hair is cropped short has several options. Make an appointment at a hair salon for a soft blowout to emphasize the playful layers in your hair. Enliven the look by adding decorative hair jewelry to transform your day look into a formal style. Select a hair ornament that reflects your personality: A feathered piece suits the whimsical bride, while rhinestones befit a glamorous woman.

Flirty Flip

Style your hair in a classic flip. Blow-dry your hair, and use a curling iron to flip the ends outward. Lightly tease and then smooth the hair at your crown to enhance the shape. Mist with hair spray to help your hair maintain its shape on your big day. Finish by clipping matching gilded barrettes to the sides above your ears.

Loose Bob

The loose bob is a soft alternative to the classic bob, which can seem overly fussy. After blow-drying, use a curling iron instead of a flatiron to smooth your hair; spray with hair spray to hold. This method straightens your look, while adding a small curve to the ends. Add a hair accessory, such as an elegant comb.

Low Ponytail

This is an elegant solution for the bride with short hair that's still long enough to be pulled back. Tie your clean, dry hair in a low ponytail. Use a comb to smooth any bumps in your hair. Use hair spray to secure the style. Add a birdcage veil to complete this understated and pretty look.

Solution for Spiked Hairstyles

Blow-dry or air-dry your short, spiky hair, and then soften your hairstyle with a crystal-encrusted headband. The headband sweeps hair away from your face and adds a refining touch. To create a zigzag texture at your hairline, secure a plastic zigzag headband before concealing it with the jeweled headband. Spritz lightly with hair spray.