Preview this look on your face in seconds with our AI hair designer app.
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 florals • Pearl accessories
The side ponytail updo gives you that red-carpet confidence while still feeling like yourself on your big day. It's elegant without being too formal, romantic without being overly precious, and it photographs beautifully from every angle—especially during those over-the-shoulder shots. Brides love how it frames the face asymmetrically, drawing attention to your best features while creating a soft, feminine silhouette.
Beyond the beauty factor, this style is seriously practical for all-day wear. The updo keeps hair secure through tears, hugs, dancing, and even unpredictable weather, while the side placement works seamlessly with veils and statement earrings. It's comfortable enough that you'll forget you're wearing it, stable enough to last through your reception, and versatile enough to dress up or down depending on your wedding vibe.
Pearl-studded hairpins scattered throughout
Vintage crystal side comb at the base
Delicate gold leaf vine wrapping around ponytail
Silk ribbon woven through the updo
Art deco-inspired hair clip at nape
White roses or peonies clustered at ponytail base
Eucalyptus sprigs tucked into twisted sections
Cathedral veil attached above the ponytail for drama
Fingertip or waltz-length veil placed at crown
Start with day-old hair for better grip and texture hold
Use elastic with metal hooks to prevent ponytail from slipping down
Tease roots at crown before styling for lasting volume all day
Finish with flexible-hold hairspray to maintain movement without crunchiness
Prep hair with texturizing spray on dry, day-old hair and create a deep side part on your preferred side.
Gently tease the crown section for height, then smooth the top layer while sweeping all hair to one side.
Secure hair into a low side ponytail at ear level using a strong elastic, leaving face-framing pieces if desired.
Twist or loosely braid the ponytail, then wrap it upward and around the base, pinning sections as you go.
Secure with bobby pins matching your hair color, gently pull apart sections for romantic texture, and set with hairspray.
Prefer instant?
Try 500+ hairstyles in minutes without
leaving home. See exactly how you'll
look on your big day.
✨ Try Before You Commit
Show your stylist clear visual
references. No more guessing or
miscommunication.
📱 Perfect Communication
Skip endless salon consultations
and trials. Find your perfect style
risk-free.
💰 Save Time & Money
Absolutely! This style actually works beautifully with fine hair when you add extensions for fullness or use teasing and texturizing products to create the illusion of thickness. The twisted or braided sections naturally add dimension.
Yes, veils work wonderfully with this style. Place the veil at the crown or just above the ponytail base for elegant draping that won't interfere with the silhouette.
Use a hair elastic with metal hooks rather than a regular elastic, and secure with criss-crossed bobby pins underneath the base. This creates an anchor point that prevents slipping.
It's especially flattering on oval, heart, and square face shapes because the asymmetrical placement softens angular features and balances proportions. Round faces can wear it too with added height at the crown.
