Let us be the first to say: Black hair —whether it’s coily, curly, kinky, straight, relaxed, natural, braided, loc’d and everything in between—is gorgeous.
Black hair is incredibly versatile too, so when you’re thinking of choosing options for your wedding day, there are tons of options to choose from. Of course, there are some important factors to consider. Are you a natural who’s having a wedding in the middle of summer? Or maybe you’re a fall/winter bride and want the silky, lush curls that only last during the non-humid months.
Whatever your choice, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for our 23 favorite wedding hairstyles for black hair.
01of 23
Side-Pinned Locs
Styling your locs for your big day can be as simple as moving your hair to one side and securing it with bobby pins or a beautiful hairpiece. Paired with the perfect floral two-piece bridal gown and pearl earrings, it definitely gives off au-natural vibes.
02of 23
Long Middle Part Ringlets
Is there anything more classic than ringlet curls? If you want some extra body for the big day, you can add in a series of clip-ins or tape-ins for some added oomph.
03of 23
Low Chignon With Pearl Headband
Take the quintessential chignon up a notch by adding a pearl-encrusted headband. It’s the perfect style if you’ll be having your wedding during the warmer months and the headband gives off an old Hollywood glam vibe.
04of 23
Sculptural Headband
A half-headband with intricate detailing will add a ton of visual interest to any hairstyle, especially side-parted waves.
05of 23
High Ponytail
A high ponytail is one of the easiest and chicest styles around—and it's perfect for all hair types. Match the ponytail extension to your natural texture or go for sleek waves.
06of 23
Side-Swoop Chignon
This ultra-dreamy chignon gets a sparkly accent and beautiful swoops that frame the face. This is the perfect style for dancing all night long—no hair in your face here!
07of 23
Pinned-Up Curls
If you have naturally curly hair and don’t want to straighten it for your big day, this is the style for you. Leave out a few face-framing curls and add in a couple of bejeweled clips (that of course match your earrings!) for a chic, sophisticated style.
08of 23
Loose and Low Ponytail
A cascading low ponytail is the epitome of chic. A few face-framing curls highlight your face, while the long ponytail can be curled or crimped depending on what kind of texture you’d like. Pair with elegant gold earrings for an understated, but glamorous look.
09of 23
Curly Ponytail
If you’re looking for a hairstyle with a lot of drama, a big curly ponytail should do the trick. Choose a kinky curly ponytail if you have more textured hair or loose waves if your hair isn’t as curly.
10of 23
Sophisticated Flat Twists
Flat twists are a great way to style natural hair without heat or lots of manipulation. It’s also a great style if you’re having a wedding in the summer months or in a humid climate—no one wants to worry about their blowout reverting on their special day.
11of 23
The Modern Bouffant
Add a lot of visual interest to your traditional middle part waves by adding in a high bouffant. And the best part? Just simply place your veil on top of the hump for a super dreamy, royalty-inspired look.
12of 23
Natural Fluffy Curls
Natural hair plus a light touch of the curling iron equals soft, voluminous curls that look simply magical. You can achieve this look by doing a twist-out before the big day and then curling small pieces with a curling iron to add some cascading pieces here and there. Add in a dainty bunch of baby breath flowers and you’ve got a look that both feels and looks special.
13of 23
Low Pony With Face-Framing Curls
Give a low ponytail a chic upgrade by framing your face with long curls. The trick is to make them quite loose so they look low-key, yet super romantic.
14of 23
A Wavy Bob
If you have relaxed hair or a sleek silk press and want a really pretty, effortless style, go for a shoulder-length bob with a side part and waves. Add in a veil toward the back of the head for a classic look or a flower crown for boho-chic vibes.
15of 23
One-Shoulder Curls
There is nothing better than classic curls over one shoulder. If you want even more drama for the big day, tuck one side behind the ear and adorn it with a crystal-encrusted comb or pin.
16of 23
A Statement-Making Headband
A statement-making headband is one of the simplest ways to take long, flowing curls to the next level. And if you’re looking for the perfect one—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
17of 23
Giant Loc’d Bun
Your long locs can get the updo treatment by putting them in a sophisticated top-knot bun. Instead of simply tying them on top of your head, put them in a ponytail first and then pin pieces into a bun. You’ll end up with a super dimensional look!
18of 23
Behind the Ear Waves
Instead of letting your waves frame your face, you can tuck the front pieces behind your ears. The end result is a flawless look that also stays out of your face—no hair in lipstick here!
19of 23
Giant Flower Crown
You don’t have to be at Coachella to rock a flower crown. Accessories like a big, statement-making flower crown can really tie a theme together—think a bohemian-themed party or a woodland-inspired extravaganza.
20of 23
Cascading Curls
There’s nothing better than long, cascading curls. If you’d like more volume and length, you can opt for tape-in extensions or a traditional sew-in weave—both will take your look from the vows to the dance floor to the honeymoon.
21of 23
Voluminous Low Bun
Candace Dillard’s (from Real Housewives of Potomac fame) wedding was a fairytale dream from start to finish—and her hair was no exception. Her honey-blond hair was loosely pinned into a low bun with lots of volume and soft front curls for the ultimate princess vibe.
22of 23
A Curly Updo
If long hair isn’t your thing, pin your curls up into a dreamy updo. The trick is to make it look slightly windswept so it gives effortless"I woke up like this" energy.
23of 23
Low Bun With a Floral Finish
As we’ve mentioned previously, a low bun is really that girl. This bride took it up a notch by adding in a gorgeous floral accessory. If you’re having a summer wedding, make sure the front is super slicked back so you won’t have to deal with pesky humidity.