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Getting married allows brides (and grooms) to customize their vision down to the nitty-gritty—and that personalization is that much more apparent when it comes to your wedding-day fashion and beauty. Gone are the days of what you're "supposed to do" or friends and family dictating how and what you'll wear; long overdue, now, and forever: Brides can and should chose exactly how they want to look when walking down the aisle.
When it comes to bridal hair and makeup, gone are days of Eurocentric beauty standards—not to mention the pressure of straightening your hair to conform to outdated norms. "Natural hair is essential to the identity of women of color," explains celebrity stylist, Cheryl Bergamy, who works with Ashleigh Murray, Ruth Carter, Essence Atkins, Kat Barrell, and Leslie Odom Jr. "Now, more than ever, women are embracing their God-given texture and whipping it out in the world, displaying the beauty and uniqueness of their curls." And with that comes endless styling options‚ "From braided up-dos to twisted soft cluster curls, there are so many elegant styles to choose from," Bergamy explains. "For many, the wedding day is not just about loving the partner you are going to marry, but loving every inch of yourself—and that includes your hair!"
While there are still many obstacles to overcome to normalize natural hair in the workplace (and thankfully, legislation like The Crown Act is changing that for the better), celebrities continuing to push the needle when it comes to styling natural hair for the red carpet has provided endless inspiration. And as women continue to embrace and celebrate all standards and styles of beauty, "The question is not why are women choosing to wear their natural hair, but why not?!" adds international celebrity hairstylist, Nafisah Carter, who works with Michelle Williams, Tinashe, Erica Mena, Debbie Allen, and Misty Copeland. "Wearing your natural texture can mean different things to people, but I feel on a deeper level and especially on your wedding day, it’s more about showing people that 'I I love me, this is me, this is who I am,' she says. "It’s about embracing life, your skin, your hair, and who you are as a beautiful woman of color," she continues.
As you navigate finding your ideal wedding look, we’ve collected tons of natural hair inspiration for your big day—and all the events leading up to it.
Low-Maintenance Bun
Let your baby hairs out to play with this wispy low-bun.
Get The Look: Make your hairline intricate by using a bit of edge control.
Loc'ed & Loaded
Who says you can't shave the sides of your hair on your wedding day? There are no rules; reimagine the classic bob with this edgy remix that will turn heads as you make your way down the aisle.
Get The Look: Keep your locs looking healthy and hydrated with a super-moisturizing butter.
Let It Flow
Let loose curls fly free with this flow-y, brushed-out look.
Get The Look: Use a paddle brush to break down some of your tighter curls for a wispier, wind-swept vibe.
Blonde Beauty
Serving a short cut? Consider going for a classy platinum blonde, which will make all your pictures pop.
Get The Look: If you're planning to dye your hair before the big day, keep your hair's tone intact with a purple shampoo.
Deep Braided V
Leaving your hair down is always an option, and this deep braided V at the side part adds a bit of flair to your loose-ends look.
Get The Look: Prevent itching, damage, and ruining your braids with a castor oil scalp treatment.
Messy Top Knot
You can't go wrong with a classic, sleek topknot. Not only does it keep your hair camera-ready, but it makes your pretty face the star of the show.
Get The Look: Not only will this hairspray keep your hair in place, but it also smells incredible—trust us.
Pixie Power
If you've got super short hair, try out this slicked-back style that plays up the drama with a deep side part.
Get The Look: Take a dollop of gel for styling your hair, and for keeping down flyaways.
Volume, Volume, Volume!
We love voluminous wedding hair, and an afro is the ultimate when it comes to super-full texture. It begs the question: Why not don one for the aisle?!
Get The Look: This dry shampoo is arguably the best one out there. Spray it on your roots to keep the volume going all day long.
Updo with Curly Bangs
Pin your hair up and create a bang-centered twist on this classic updo—featuring your natural curls.
Get The Look: Add a touch of shine with this golden bobby pin set.
Braided Crown
This elegant braided crown is anything but boho; it's sophisticated and sleek, and makes way for statement earrings.
Get The Look: A taunt, tight style is ideal for a long day with limited touch-ups—but consider spraying a finishing mist to lock in moisture pre-ceremony.
Short & Sweet
This close-cut style may seem on the simple side, but it's anything but. This look accentuates and complements your gorgeous facial features—and keeps all eyes on you.
Get The Look: Make sure your head looks flake-free and fresh by using this scalp massager on the closest wash day to your wedding day.
Half Up, Half Down
If you want the flowy, classy elegance of a hair-down look without the pesky front in your face, try out this natural riff on half-up-half-down.
Get The Look: Keep your curls hydrated and shiny for the big moment with a glossy hair oil.
Up And At 'Em
This big, bold updo is great for those who want to make a serious impression—in your photos and with your guests alike.
Get The Look: There's (admittedly) a lot going on here, so make sure it stays put with a weather-blocking humidity shield.
Looped Twists
If you've got the length (or are open to extensions), this knotted-loop look is a statement hairstyle for those who'd dare to style their look outside the box.
Get The Look: A matted pomade will keep your edges locked down without adding glare or shine.
Big Swoop
When in doubt, keep it simple. Hair down, a deep side part, and your signature texture is foolproof.
Get The Look: Keep your curls shiny and defined with a frizz-combatting curly hair gel.
Side Loc Sweep
See yourself wearing long twists or going for locs? This waterfall look feels formal, dramatic, and aisle-appropriate.
Get The Look: Spice up your hair by adding barrettes to the side or dainty golden hoops throughout your strands.
Pretty And Pulled Back
This pulled back pony is, as they say, business in the front—party in the back.
Get The Look: Use a pretty headband to separate your hair, and give the look a pop of color.
The Line Up
Let your style and good taste speak for itself with some fresh lines on your sides.
Get The Look: If you want access to touch-ups before the big day, consider investing in a quality trimmer of your own.
Middle-Part Madness
A sleek middle part and low-bun work for straightened and natural hairstyles alike, and are a chic, minimal way exude evening (and wedding) vibes.
Get The Look: Make sure your middle part is perfectly clean by using a fine-tooth, tailed comb.
Flower Crown Fun
An ethereal, flower-covered crown is basically a dream wedding hairdo.
Get The Look: Design the flower crown yourself or opt for a pre-made headband instead.
Janell M. Hickman-Kirby is a writer and editor based in New York.
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