Winter Wedding Hair Ideas

Don't be afraid to try dramatic and daring hairstyles

By Samantha Cabrera

Photo by Michael Graham Photography

A winter wedding allows you to get glam and creative with your bridal hairstyle. Updos are certainly appropriate for a formal wedding, but soft curls and waves create a winter wonderland look when paired with rhinestone or feather hair accessories. Don't be afraid to up the drama for your winter wedding hairstyle, as the season calls for amplified glamor that will stand out in your wedding photos. Prior to the big day, keep your hair in great shape by conditioning it regularly and using a deep conditioner weekly in the two to three weeks leading up to the wedding. This ensures shiny, well-moisturized hair that will be in fabulous condition for your winter wedding hairstyle.

Updo Hairstyles

An updo is a great pick for a winter wedding because it shows off your face and makeup (which is likely to be darker than usual because of the season). Implement hair accessories for a whimsical and unique wedding hairstyle. Instead of going for a classic chignon, which is a favorite for spring and summer weddings, take the updo a bit higher on the head (instead of the nape of the neck). This is a modern way to wear a chignon and is fuss-free and easy to maintain throughout your wedding day. Blow-dry your hair straight, using a round brush to retain volume. Apply shine serum after the hair is dry to enhance your hair's sheen. Gather hair at the center of the back of your head in a classic ponytail (the spot where a cheerleader typically wears her ponytail), and secure with a hair elastic. Split the ponytail into two sections and curl with a large barrel curling iron to smooth the hair and for additional volume. Take one section and twist around the opposite side, wrapping the base of the ponytail and securing it with bobby pins. Do the same with the other section of the ponytail. You now have a chignon that sits high on the head for an elegant look. Spray with hairspray to hold and add any hair accessories, such as a rhinestone hair comb, at the base of the ponytail or a few sparkling pins in the chignon.

Half-Up, Half-Down Hairstyles

Half-up, half-down hairstyles are luxurious any time of the year, but are especially fitting for a winter wedding. Soft waves, curls and volume create an ethereal look that will be breathtaking in winter wedding photographs for years to come. To achieve this look, start with damp hair and blow-dry just to get the hair dry. No need to focus on styling at this point. Once the hair is dry, apply a styling lotion and use a large barrel curling iron (2 inches or larger) or large rollers. Section the hair off into 2- to 3-inch pieces and roll the hair to the root. After you curl each section, spray with a soft-hold hairspray that will hold your curls without looking or feeling heavy. Once your entire head is done, run your fingers through your hair to break up any curls that are too "done." Split the hair down the middle or on the side (whichever you're more comfortable with), and gather two sides at the back of the head, securing with a sparkling barrette, rhinestone pins or hair combs. You can also twist the sides of the hair and secure them with a pin or comb.

Loose Hairstyles

Loose hairstyles work best with a long veil. They create a romantic look for a winter wedding, but be sure to keep the hairspray and possibly a curling iron on hand for quick touch-ups if you're having a ceremony and reception that exceed three hours. Blow-dry the damp hair using a curl-enhancing mousse or cream. Section the hair off into 1- to 2-inch pieces and use a large barrel curling iron or large rollers to curl the hair. Spray with a soft-hold hairspray after removing the hot tool to hold the curls, but still allow movement. Once your hair is curled, run a wide-tooth comb through it to break up the curls and create a sensual, romantic look. The veil should sit on the top-center of your head. You'll need your mother or maid of honor to bring forward a few curls after the veil is on and secure.