As a curly-haired girl, I struggled to find natural hair inspiration for my wedding, I found a lack of brides that looked like me, and stylists that were trained in working with my hair texture were few and far between. After much discussion online I realized I wasn’t alone in this feeling. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much more work to do!
Though, in many ways, this experience was a silver lining because I decided to be my own inspiration. And as someone who has grown to love and learn how to care for her natural hair over the years, I know that there’s no one who knows our curls and coils better than we do.
But if like me and you’re not a whizz in the updo department, I have created this simple, DIY curly hairstyle. It’s great for a wedding or any formal occasion, and suitable for all curl types. Luckily for us the basis of the bun is really simple and looks totally professional–I mean if I can do it, so can you!
On the day, style and dry your hair how you typically would. Tip: Stick to what usually works for you; I wouldn’t risk experimenting on your wedding day. I love frizz for the character, volume, and texture it gives, but I styled for definition this wash day to allow me to dictate the texture later on in the hairstyle. I dried my hair without the diffuser attachment because I wanted elongated curls that are easier to manipulate.
Let’s get into the tutorial!
Step 1: Once fully dry simply gather all of the hair into a pony and pull it down. Release some tension from the pony and gently tug some curls around the perimeter of the head. This creates volume and lift at the crown.
Step 2: Then with both hands, twist the hair in one direction until halfway down the pony and then twisting around itself into a bun in the same direction. Holding with one hand, secure the bun and any loose curls with the other. You can use a hair tie, bungee, or bobby/hair pins, placing them against the head until the bun feels nice and secure. Use as many as you like as you won’t see them; we want this bun dance-proof!
Step 3: Once secured, I like to add personality to the bun. I love textural face-framing pieces around my ears and I personally prefer that they are a little frizzier for a modern, edgy feel.
Step 4: Starting with the Floral For You Gold Rhinestone Hair Comb Set, I begin to place these around the head. I know I want one just above my ear so that was my starting point. (I needed 8 in total and I figured out beforehand roughly where I’d need to place them.) I also knew I was adding smaller pins in between so I made sure I left space.
Step 5: Next, I go in with the Bursting Blooms Gold Rhinestone and Pearl Hair Pin Set. I used 6 in total and I think these really add a final flourish to the look. And that’s the finished look!
What I love about these hair accessories is you can create so many variations of looks. I love the idea of embellishing just the bun with smaller pins or creating a crown with the larger combs around the perimeter of the head. So many possibilities! Once the wedding dress is on it really starts to come together and feel so magical.
*TOP TIP: Practice makes perfect, so be sure to give these hairstyles a try before the big day! I tested this hairstyle a couple of times before filming. So don’t b disheartened if you don’t get it on the first try! But it’s simple for a reason, I’m notoriously bad at updos, so if I can do it, so can you!
Did you try this curly hair updo? Show us your natural wedding hairstyle on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus! To score bridal styles for everything from the engagement to honeymoon, head to our Weddings Shop!
Leal, aka. Lal, is a UK-based creative whose online platform grew out of documenting her transition to natural hair in 2016. She quickly recognized the importance of providing a safe space for discussion and the sharing of knowledge around the often taboo topic of textured hair. Now, she seamlessly blends informative and creative-led content with the daily antics of her life and pets within the home and garden she designed in Bristol.
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