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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 • Blusher veil • Crystal hair pins • Fresh flowers • Vintage combs
The side updo brings an effortless elegance that makes brides feel like the most beautiful version of themselves. It's romantic without trying too hard, sophisticated yet soft, and creates that timeless bridal look you'll still love in your photos decades from now. There's something about the asymmetrical sweep that feels both classic and fresh—it frames your face beautifully while showing off your neck and shoulders.
Beyond the gorgeous aesthetic, this style is incredibly practical for your big day. It stays secure through hours of celebrating, works seamlessly with any veil style, and won't fall apart in wind or humidity. The side placement means your hairstyle photographs beautifully from every angle, and it's comfortable enough that you'll forget you're wearing it—no headaches, no constant adjusting, just pure confidence from ceremony to last dance.
Pearl-studded hair pins scattered throughout the updo
Vintage gold or silver filigree comb at the base
Delicate crystal hair vine woven along the swept side
Art deco-inspired hair clip at the gathering point
Mother-of-pearl barrette for subtle shine
White spray roses or ranunculus tucked into the twist
Silk ribbon wrapped around the base in your wedding colors
Cathedral veil attached below the updo for dramatic impact
Blusher veil positioned above the style for ceremony coverage
Start with day-old hair for better grip and texture
Use elastic-based hairspray that flexes without cracking or flaking
Pin in multiple directions to create an invisible support structure
Schedule touch-ups after ceremony before photos begin
Prep hair with texturizing spray on dry hair and create a deep side part on your preferred side.
Curl all sections with a 1.5-inch barrel, then gently brush through for soft waves and tease roots at crown for lift.
Sweep all hair to one side at nape level, gathering loosely without pulling too tight to maintain softness.
Twist the gathered hair upward and inward, creating a loose roll, then secure with U-shaped pins inserted vertically.
Gently pull apart sections of the updo for romantic texture, mist with flexible-hold hairspray, and frame face with wispy pieces.
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Absolutely! The key is creating texture first with volumizing products and teasing at the roots. Extensions or a hair donut can add fullness if desired, but most fine-haired brides achieve beautiful results with proper prep and strategic pinning.
Use a combination of teasing for internal structure, crossed bobby pins for security, and flexible-hold hairspray. Starting with day-old hair also provides better grip than freshly washed hair.
Yes, it's actually an ideal pairing! The side updo creates beautiful asymmetry that complements the clean neckline of a strapless gown and showcases your shoulders and collarbone perfectly.
Side updos work beautifully with most veil styles. Attach longer veils just below the updo at the nape, and blusher veils above the style at the crown for ceremony coverage that removes easily.
