Best DIY Wedding Hairstyles For Short Hair

From classic Hollywood waves to fun tight curls and dreamy half-up half-down styles, there’s a hairstyle to fit any attire and personality.

Whether you’re the bride or a wedding guest, your hairstyle is a vital element of your look that should complement but not steal attention from your clothes.

If you opt for a DIY wedding hairstyle, adequately evaluate your skills and hair type to ensure you don’t stress while making it and look flawless throughout the long day.

Hollywood Waves

Hollywood waves are timeless classics that look gorgeous on any hair length, but such a hairstyle requires equally elegant attire and intermediate hairstyling skills.

The difference between standard blowout and Hollywood waves is that the waves should run in one continuous line in the latter case.

If your hair is thick and rarely requires washing, you may try the traditional pin curl method invented back in the 1920s. It ensures a longer-lasting curl but also takes more time.

On the other hand, modern styling tools help to achieve DIY Hollywood waves in under an hour. Start with applying a smoothing conditioner or mask after shampooing to get rid of frizz.

Then, wait until the hair is semi-dry, brush it, and apply heat protection spray.

Divide hair into parts and wrap a half-inch section around the curling wand or straightener. Repeat with other sections, ensuring you curl each one in the same direction.

Comb your hair afterward but be gentle because it’s easy to brush off the waves completely. Apply shine or anti-frizz spray.

Statement Accessories

Even if your hairstyling skills equal zero, you can achieve a stylish wedding look with statement accessories. Even a simple ponytail or natural blowout can look Vogue-worthy with a trendy hair clip, scrunchie, or headband.

Wear a silk scarf as a headband for a retro look or rhinestone clips with lettering to add a bit of fun to your attire.

If you plan to make an updo, use a large satin bow instead of elastic, or wear a wide velvet or pearl headband for a dainty appeal.

You may even wear a fancy hat like those worn by guests at royal weddings, called fascinators – think bright colors, feathers, and unusual shapes. If you’re the bride, use a crystal comb or tiara for a princess-like look.

Natural Blowout

Natural blowout is always a good idea, especially if you seek a carefree, feminine look. This hairstyle looks equally well with a romantic printed dress and masculine suit and flatters every face shape.

A good DIY blowout starts in the shower – use volume shampoo and apply a smoothing conditioner. Address any other hair concerns to ensure your hair looks healthy and bounces as you move.

Wait until the hair is semi-dry before blow drying it. Comb it thoroughly and apply heat protection spray.

Then, take a round brush and a dryer with a concentrator nozzle. The smaller the brush diameter, the tighter your curls will be.

Dry your hair in sections, constantly rotating the brush and pointing the nozzle downward to close the hair cuticles.

Lastly, apply shine spray for a healthier look. If you have fine hair without volume, use talc powder or blow-dry it upside down.

Tight Curls

Tight curls on short hair always look fun. This hairstyle is perfect if you love a voluminous look and have thick hair. Unfortunately, tight curls may not hold up well on fine, straight hair.

Curls should be bouncy, so use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing. Wait until the hair is semi-dry, apply heat spray, and blow-dry it upside down for extra volume.

Then, take a curling wand with a very small diameter and curl your hair in about quarter-inch sections. You’ll need a lot of time to curl all hair, but the key to this hairstyle is working in small strands.

If you don’t want to damage your hair with heat, try out one of the heatless curling methods for short hair. You may sleep with braids, twisted bun, or use spiral curlers. Note that these methods will only work with naturally wavy hair.

Sleek and Straight

Straight hair is a sleek and elegant option for brides or wedding guests admiring minimalism. Add a pearl headband or statement clip if you find this hairstyle too dull.

This hairstyle requires healthy hair, so visit the hairdresser to cut split ends before the wedding. Alternatively, you may use split ends serum.

If your hair is naturally straight or slightly wavy, blow-dry is sufficient to achieve a sleek look. Apply a smoothing mask after shampooing and get rid of frizz. Then, take a round brush with a large diameter and dry your hair in sections.

Point the dryer’s concentrator nozzle downward to close the hair cuticle and ensure shine. Don’t rotate the brush. Blow-dry the hair upside down or use dry shampoo on the roots to achieve more volume.

If your hair is naturally curly, the only way to achieve a sleek look is by using a flat iron. Use strong heat protection spray and move the flat iron from roots to ends at a constant speed. You can also use straightening hair products beforehand.

Swept-Up Top

If you have a pixie cut or short bob, Hollywood waves and curls are not an option. Thankfully, women with ultra-short hair also have stylish yet simple DIY hairstyles to choose from. A swept-up top hairstyle is classy and comfortable.

All you need for this hairstyle is a strong-hold gel and a fine-tooth comb. Dry your hair as usual and rub a bit of gel between your fingers.

Start with a small amount of gel and apply more if needed to avoid a greasy look. Use the comb to give your hair the desired direction. You may sweep the hair to the top or on the side.

Get rid of any baby hairs and frizz using gel. Consider taking some gel with you to the wedding in case the hold isn’t as strong as you expect – thankfully, fixing this hairstyle only takes a couple of minutes.

Beach Waves

Beach waves are a romantic DIY hairstyle perfect for a bohemian setting. Depending on your hair type, you can achieve this look using a heatless method or curling tongs.

If your hair is porous and holds curl well, use special leave-in conditioners and sprays for the beach hair effect. Most of them are infused with sea salt, making the hair wavy naturally and giving it texture.

The heatless method doesn’t work with fine, straight hair, but a flat iron or curling tongs can help. Don’t forget to apply a heat protection spray to prevent hair damage.

The key to DIY beach waves is changing the curling direction for a slightly messy look – the opposite of Hollywood waves, where each strand is curled in the same direction. You may scatter the hair with fingers afterward for a natural effect.

Wet Look

The wet hair look has been on the surge in recent years, and the trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. It looks classy and sensual on any hair length, including shoulder-length, short bob, and even pixie cut.

This hairstyle is ideal for brides and wedding guests wishing to make a fashion statement and certainly isn’t your best bet if you love volume.

The best thing about the wet hair look is that it’s one of the easiest DIY hairstyles for short hair. Mix some hair gel and shine cream between your hands and apply it to the hair, moving your hands from front to the back.

Then, comb the hair thoroughly, giving it direction. You may go for a sleek swept-sides look or create a wet curl effect by ditching the comb and texturing the hair with your fingers.

Half-Up, Half-Down

Half-up, half-down is a versatile DIY wedding hairstyle that works with every hair length and type. Furthermore, it ensures the hair won’t get in your face while allowing it to move freely.

Depending on your hair length and desired look, you may make an ordinary ponytail, braid, or bun. This hairstyle looks especially fancy with statement clips, headbands, and crystal combs.

Use volume spray, dry shampoo, or talc powder on the roots for extra crown volume or blow-dry the hair upside down. You may curl the hair for a dreamy look or keep it straight and sleek.

Low Bun

Many women consider low bun a casual hairstyle unsuitable for such a formal event as a wedding. However, it depends on how sleek the bun is, how you match it with attire, and which accessories you use.

First, gather your hair into a low ponytail and tease it with a comb for extra volume. Then, divide the ponytail into two parts and twist one of the sections around the elastic.

Fix it with bobby pins and repeat with the second section. Use hair gel to get rid of frizz and flyaway hairs.