Long, flowing hair is often seen as the epitome of romantic beauty, making it a popular choice for wedding day looks. However, achieving a style that not only looks stunning but also maintains its volume and hold from the ceremony to the last dance can be a challenge. The key lies in proper preparation, the right techniques, and clever finishing touches. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a durable and voluminous hairstyle for your long hair, ensuring you look and feel your best on the special day.
Preparation is Paramount
The foundation for any long-lasting hairstyle is built well before the styling tools even come out. Start with clean hair, but consider how you wash it. It is often best to wash your hair the day before the event rather than on the day itself. Hair that is 'too clean' can be slippery and difficult to style. When you do wash it, opt for a volumising shampoo and a light conditioner, applying the conditioner only from the mid-lengths to the ends. A heavy conditioner or hair mask applied at the roots can weigh your hair down, counteracting your efforts to create volume.
The Right Way to Dry
Your blow-drying technique can make a significant difference. For a major volume boost, try blow-drying your hair upside down until it is about 80% dry. Then, flip your hair back up and use a large, round brush to dry it in sections, lifting the hair at the roots as you go. Direct the nozzle of the hairdryer at the roots to encourage lift. Finish with a blast of cool air to set the shape and add shine.
Building Lasting Volume
Once your hair is prepped and dry, it's time to build the volume that will form the base of your style. This is where styling products come into play. A common mistake is to either use too little product, rendering it ineffective, or too much, which weighs the hair down. Finding the right balance is crucial.
- Mousse: Apply a golf-ball-sized amount of volumising mousse to damp hair before blow-drying, focusing on the roots. Mousse provides a good 'grip' for the style to hold onto and adds texture.
- Root Lifting Spray: For targeted lift, a root spray is excellent. Spritz it directly onto the roots of dry hair in sections before using heat or backcombing. This gives you precise control over where you build height.
- Gentle Backcombing: Backcombing, or teasing, is a classic technique for a reason. Take small sections of hair at the crown, hold them taut, and use a fine-tooth comb to gently push the hair down towards the scalp. Do this only at the roots to create a cushion of volume, then smooth the top layer of hair over it for a polished look.
Choosing a Style for Durability and Body
Some hairstyles are inherently better at holding volume than others. For long hair, consider styles that incorporate structural elements to maintain their shape throughout a long day of celebrations.
The Elegant Half-Up, Half-Down
This is a timeless choice that offers the best of both worlds. You can create significant volume at the crown with backcombing and secure it in place, allowing the rest of your hair to flow freely. The secured top section acts as an anchor for the volume. Adding gentle waves or curls to the lower sections can also create an illusion of more fullness and body.
Romantic and Secure Updos
A soft, loose updo does not have to mean a style that will fall apart. By creating a strong, pinned foundation underneath, you can build a voluminous look that stays put. Think of a chignon or a bun that is built from curled sections of hair, pinned individually. This method creates texture, volume, and a very secure base that can withstand hours of movement.
The Final Touches: Setting Your Style
The final step is to lock everything in place. A good hairspray is essential, but application is key. Choose a strong-hold formula that offers some flexibility to avoid a stiff, unnatural finish. Hold the can at least 30 centimetres (12 inches) away from your hair and spray in a light, even mist. This prevents you from concentrating too much product in one area, which can weigh the hair down. For extra security, you can lightly spray your hairpins before inserting them. A final mist of a lightweight shine spray can add a beautiful, healthy-looking lustre without compromising the hold. Remember to carry a small travel-size hairspray for minor touch-ups if needed, but avoid over-spraying as the day goes on.
