Let Your Hair Down

For a timeless look, brides are letting their tresses stay loose

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
CTW Features

Updos still rule the wedding aisle, but brides-to-be aren’t afraid to let their hair down. The flowing tresses of models filled the Spring 2012 bridal runways, from those at Oscar de la Renta to Maggie Sottero to Jenny Lee. It didn’t hurt that the bride of the century, Kate Middleton, also showcased her polished soft waves on her wedding day.

At the Joseph Lamar Salon in Burbank, Calif., hair stylist Lynn Dickson, who specializes in bridal hairstyles, notes that the number of her bridal clients requesting long styles has grown to 40 percent of her business.

“People are embracing the casual look,” Dickson says.

Recent downdo requests at the Chaz Dean Studio in Los Angeles – Gwyneth Paltrow and Alyssa Milano are among the celebrity clientele – include textured styles, such as beachy waves, brushed-out curls, romantic curls or just a hint of wave, says owner Chaz Dean. The styles all boil down to a more classic, youthful appearance.

“It’s a more … timeless look,” Dean says. “Brides these days want to feel like themselves but toned up a little bit in an elegant way.”

So, how do How to wear these hairdos without looking like a plain Jane? Here are some steps to take:

Sleek Waves

To achieve this look, curl your hair, then add styling creme and a finishing treatment for a smooth effect.

Long Wavy Locks

For a tousled mane, try wrapping your hair outside of the curling iron barrel away from the face. Once it’s wrapped, release the hair and tug it to loosen the wave. Finish with some styling creme.

1940s Glam

Conjuring up Veronica Lake, this style requires a deep side part, finger-curled hair set with bobby pins and a little gel or hairspray to keep everything in place. Then, once it’s set, take the curls out of the pins and brush the hair out, pushing the hair back into an S-shaped pattern.

Another option is wearing a ponytail – not the high, bouncy look often favored by colorfully attired cheerleaders but the one draped low and long and even on the side. Dean suggests that the style suits long, thick hair for a polished silhouette.

“It should look very simple, clean and effortless,” he says.

With more hair available to style, brides-to-be now have a canvas on which to use a bonanza of hair accessories, such as bands, ties and bejeweled combs. But, Dean cautions, brides should use them with discretion.

“Accessories can accentuate a hairstyle, but less is more,” he notes.

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