How to style your mid-length hair for your wedding

If the spate of Bollywood stars getting dramatic chops are any indication, mid-length hair and lobs are currently having a moment. Easy to maintain and perfect for the summer, lobs are really in demand right now, but if your big day is inching closer, you'd be forgiven for giving the salon appointment a second thought. Bridal hairstyles often demand a luscious, waist-grazing mane, but fortunately, hair extensions are not your only option if you've made up your mind to get a fresh, short haircut. 

Master hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani, founder and creative director of BBlunt, believes that a shoulder blade-grazing lob shouldn’t stand in the way of pulling out all stops for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. “If you’re willing to experiment and break away from the mundane, you should definitely consider working closely with your hairstylist, at least a month before your big day, for exploring the many ways to dress this hair length,” she recommends. 

The same options are on the table for you, whether you have a blunt lob or a hip-length mane—this includes fun hair accessories. She adds, “Flowers always make the hair feel and look more festive, and it's no surprise that brides and bridesmaids alike now prefer flowers of varied sizes over the usual diamanté or embellished pins and pearls." If you have shorter hair, smaller flowers will lend a soft feel, she says, and slightly longer hair can be pulled into a dishevelled low bun and accessorised with larger flowers. 

If you’ve been looking to explore your options for a bridal hairdo, we got Bhabani to share her top advice for styling mid-length hair for every occasion during the wedding festivities.

How to style mid-length hair for your roka ceremony

Not all wedding hairstyles have to be intricate and complicated, especially for the smaller events. Soft curls parted to one side, with side braid detailing on the smaller section of the hair could be a good option for an intimate roka. If you love to play with your hair texture, slightly messy, beach-textured waves are also great and can be created easily with the help of a sea salt spray. 

How to do your hair for your mehandi

With your hands occupied, it's safe to go with a hairstyle that keeps your strands away from your face. Half-up braids are a good option, and you can experiment with variations that add twists or smaller braids to the side. Keep the stray fly-aways in check by prepping your hair with leave-in cream before you begin styling. Hair accessories can help accentuate the complete look, especially fresh flowers in colours that complement your outfit.

How to style your lob for a sangeet

As you party through your cocktail night or sangeet, the last thing you should be bothered about is your hair. The trick is to stick to classics, and keep your hair as sleek as possible since bouncy waves and curls can get frizzy as the night progresses. A slick hairdo, gelled back with a centre part and secured into a ponytail, will be easy to maintain and lets your clothes take focus. Use a tail comb to tease the hair at the crown to give it a little lift—this will prevent your do from looking too flat.

Styling mid-length hair for your wedding

For the customary rituals and ceremonies on the big day, a classic off-the-face bun is recommended, so that the hair does not get in the way—you will already have a pallu or veil to handle. You can try different variations of an updo, like a tightly tucked bun with a halo braid worn like a hairband at your crown. Fresh flowers like roses or even gajras are popular for accessorising wedding day hair. A shine spray at the end will complete the look. 

How to style your hair for the reception

The reception is usually the biggest of the wedding events, and often brides will opt for a gown or a pre-stitched sari for the occasion. High-gloss, super sleek waves work for both, as long as you're going easy on the jewellery on your neck. As a fresh variation, a lob with voluminous curls can be worn to one side with minimal hair accessories.

Also read:

Your celebrity guide to accessorising your bridal hairstyle with flowers

6 celebrity hairstyles that are perfect inspiration for the wedding guest

Your guide to planning your hair & makeup for your destination wedding