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Face shapes: Oval • Heart • Square
Hair length: Medium • Long • Extra Long
Hair texture: Straight • Wavy • Curly • Thick
Difficulty: Medium
Time to style: 45-60 minutes
Works with: Cathedral veil • Fingertip veil • Birdcage veil • Fresh flower crown • Pearl hairpins
The french braid wedding updo gives brides that perfect balance of sophistication and romance they've been dreaming about since day one. It's a style that photographs beautifully from every angle, making you feel confident walking down the aisle and twirling on the dance floor. There's something timelessly elegant about woven braids that feels both classic and personal.
Beyond the beauty, this style is incredibly practical for your big day. The secure braided foundation means your hair stays put through emotional hugs, outdoor ceremonies, and hours of celebration without constant touch-ups. It works seamlessly with veils of any length, and the textured base actually holds accessories better than most other updos.
Delicate pearl-tipped bobby pins scattered throughout the braid
Vintage-inspired crystal hair comb at the base of the updo
Gold or silver leaf hairpins woven into the braid texture
Silk ribbon threaded through the braid sections
Art deco beaded headband positioned above the braid
Baby's breath clusters tucked into braid loops for ethereal romance
White ranunculus or garden roses placed at the nape
Cathedral or chapel veil positioned beneath the updo for dramatic length
Fingertip veil attached at the crown before braiding begins
Start with second-day hair or use dry shampoo for grip and texture.
Apply strong-hold mousse to damp hair before blow-drying for lasting volume.
Backcomb gently at the crown before braiding to prevent flatness later.
Finish with flexible-hold hairspray, not stiff, so the style moves naturally.
Prep hair with volumizing mousse on damp strands, blow-dry smooth, then curl loosely with a 1.5-inch barrel for texture.
Begin a French braid at the crown, incorporating sections as you work down toward the nape, keeping tension even but not too tight.
Once the braid reaches the nape, twist or coil the remaining length into a low bun or tuck it under itself for a seamless finish.
Secure the updo with U-shaped pins, then gently pull and loosen sections of the braid to create soft, romantic dimension.
Mist with flexible-hold hairspray, add accessories or florals, and admire the effortless elegance in the mirror.
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Absolutely! Prepping with volumizing products and gently pulling the braid apart creates the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. The woven texture naturally adds dimension that fine hair often lacks.
Use a combination of bobby pins and U-shaped pins for maximum hold, and always start with textured (not freshly washed) hair. A flexible-hold hairspray will keep everything in place without making it stiff.
Yes, this style is perfect for veils! Attach the veil at the crown before you start braiding, or position it beneath the updo at the nape for a seamless, elegant look.
French braid updos look stunning on curly and textured hair, often with even more dimension and volume. Embrace your natural texture or lightly stretch curls for easier braiding.
