Planning a vaunted bridal hairstyle often involves a never-ending list of checkboxes. Is it the perfect volume? Is it heatproof? Does it have longevity? For many brides with thicker hair and tighter coils, the stress begins to trump the excitement of the awaited day.
Braided bridal styles can transform any desired look into an infallible version. From the ceremony to the reception, a braided style incorporating longevity and low maintenance is the best-kept secret.
Ahead are the braided bridal looks that are sure to garner the center of attention and turn heads — just like every bride deserves. Not a fan of braids? We’ve got you covered with loc and twisted bridal styles as well.
1. Low Braided Pony
Image Credit: @eli_capture
The understated elegance of a low-braided pony is incomparable. For those with tighter coils, use a similar texture blend for the added hair to ensure low manipulation.
2. Abstract Topknot Bun
Image Credit: @hairbyrelle
Move over veils! Abstract topknot buns are the newest bridal accessory. Whether you have box braids, locs or faux locs, abstractly architecting a topknot is the level of glamor every bride loves.
3. French Curl Braids
Image Credit: @stephanielinus
If you’re looking for the vibe of ringlet curls with a protective style, French curl braids offer long-lasting bouncy curls with no hot tools required.
4. Faux Hawk
Image Credit: T&S Photography
Faux hawks add a chic edge to any look, but a bridal version screams personality in every way. Swooping the hair into a braid or twist down the center of the head is the easiest way to achieve this look.
5. Side Pony
Image Credit: Emma McIntyre
A ponytail has limitless possibilities, and a side-swept pony is a creative variation for bridal styles. Try a twisted pony for an elevated look.
6. Waterfall Locs
Image Credit: @bonitalocs
If you want the look of locs sans the commitment, these waterfall locs frame the face with tendrils that can be curled, crimped or straightened into any bridal style.
7. Cornrow Bun
Image Credit: Melissa Nerovique
Wanting a low chignon without a copious amount of gel and spritz is possible with a cornrow bun. Adding designs — from flowers to stars — into the braiding pattern can transform the style completely.
8. Bohemian Knotless
Image Credit: @sharmainnn
Destination weddings call for non-conformist hairstyles like slender bohemian knotless braids. Try this look cropped for a shoulder-scraping bob.
9. Braided Bouffant
Image Credit: Tresses by Cris
Bridgerton has beckoned the love for Regency-era hairstyles. The allure of a neverending braided beehive is irresistible for daring braids.
10. Butterfly Braids
Image Credit: @hairbytia_
The whimsicality of butterfly braids perfectly couples uniformity and tousled curly strands for the bride who loves bohemian elements.
11. Cornrows
Image Credit: @diamondalicia_
This braided version of a sleek straight-back look is a match made in heaven for the low-maintenance bride. You can play around with the style by opting for large or smaller rows.
12. Fishtail Pony
Image Credit: Kaylee Chelsea Photography
Wispy strands throughout the fishtail pony intensify the effortless romance of this style.
15. Bantu Knots
Image Credit: @damnthatschev
With twists or braids, bantu knots are every Afro-centric girl’s dream.
16. Halo Braid
Image Credit: A Joyful Wedding
Textured hair extensions that match the natural hair will cover the slicked down hair under the halo braid. No worries about any flyaways or heat damage exist with this style.
17. Micro Braids
Image Credit: Zuri Hair Studio
If you’re not a fan of larger braids, micro braids are a great alternative that also offer longer longevity. Less tension on the hair will allow for more styling options as well.
16. Side Part Island Twists
Image Credit: @kimbriakreations
Twists have less tension on the scalp than traditional braiding styles. Twisting the hair into a side-swept style is a convertible style for side chignons, ponytails and more.
17. Cornrow Finger Waves
Image Credit: @laidtresses
Finger waves are a classic bridal style, but the braided version will last the entire ceremony without any touch-ups.
18. Braided Beehive
Image Credit: @bissakins
Merging a precise sew-in foundation and cornrows, this novel style has endless creativity for the brides who desire expressive hair.
19. Shoulder Chignon
Image Credit: @stanlophotography
A chignon that sits on the shoulder works well with braids or locs. The style allows for any bridal hair accessories — from floral pieces and pearl pins to diamond clip attachments.
20. Invisible Loc Updo
Image Credit: @kimbriaskreations
Installing invisible faux locs provides the illusion of the extensions coming from the scalp. To achieve the updo with longer locs, twist the loc upward around itself to shorten them.
Looking for more protective styles to add to your wedding look roster? Follow Naturally Curly on Instagram.