top hairstyles for men 2023

DREAMY WEDDING HAIRSTYLES IDEAS TO DAZZLE ON THE BIG DAY

With wedding season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your wedding hairstyle. We know how overwhelming planning can be, especially with decisions around the dress, makeup, venue, guest list, seating arrangements, and more. To help make things easier, we’ve put together a guide filled with hairstyle inspiration to reduce stress and spark ideas. Inside, you’ll find options for every hair texture, type, length, and face shape. Simply take a moment to explore and choose the style that resonates with you most.

Oval Head Shape

If you have an oval face, consider yourself lucky—you can truly rock almost any hairstyle! From elegant buns and chic fringes to romantic half-up, half-down wedding updos for long hair, the options are endless. Let your imagination run free and choose the style that feels most “you.”

A Sleek Bun

To highlight your facial features, décolletage, or showcase statement jewelry, a slicked-back bun is an excellent choice. Pulling your hair into a sleek chignon creates a look that is both modern and timeless, effortlessly complementing any wedding style or venue.

Square Head Shape

Women with square faces often have beautifully defined jawlines, so there’s no need to emphasize it further. Instead, choose wedding hairstyles that add length to your face, like soft curls or a low bun. If you prefer to wear your hair down, go for it—just add a middle part to create balance, and you’re all set for a stunning look.

Rectangle Head Shape

Women with rectangular face shapes often have beautifully wide jaws, but the natural length of the face keeps it balanced and refined. This means most wedding hairstyles will suit you well, from top knots to swept-back looks. If you’re leaning toward an updo, a high top bun is a flattering choice. Prefer something soft and romantic? Side-swept curls add a chic touch and beautifully highlight your cheekbones.

Mermaid Waves

For coastal celebrations or countryside ceremonies, embrace the relaxed vibe of your surroundings with romantic mermaid waves. Perfect for brides with long hair, loose, crimped waves cascading over your shoulders create an effortlessly enchanting look. A center part will beautifully showcase your hair’s length and natural charm.

A One-of-a-Kind Combination

Looking to try a unique and romantic wedding hairstyle? Take inspiration from this bride’s innovative look by Reina Gomez for her garden-themed wedding weekend in Rome. She transformed a sleek, simple ponytail by adding a twisted shaft and leaving the ends in natural curls, creating a captivating contrast of textures that feels both modern and timeless.

An Elegant Twist

Seeking a romantic wedding hairstyle with understated elegance? Take inspiration from this refined bun by Sarah and Co. Designs, worn by a bride at her airy Maine wedding in a beautifully restored barn. The updo featured a polished gather of hair with softly twisted pieces for added texture, perfectly complementing the lace detailing on her dress.

A Slicked-Back Ponytail

A sleek ponytail can bring a touch of romance to your wedding look. Secure your hair tightly at the crown, allowing a few soft, wavy strands to frame your face—creating the ideal mix of sophistication and glamour.

Silky and Straight Wedding Hair

Silky straight wedding hair beautifully reflects light without detracting from your features. Just look at how elegant this bridal party appears with their coordinated straight hairstyles!

Ample Shine

Wedding hairstyles with a glass-like gloss exude luxury. While pin-straight strands are a stunning option, you can also achieve a beautiful look by blow-drying your hair and adding depth with soft, loose waves, as showcased by this bride.

A Statement Headpiece

Want to add extra romance to your look? Choose a dreamy hairstyle adorned with stunning accessories. You’ll be sure to impress with a style like this bride’s oversized sock bun, beautifully topped with a thick, floral-embellished headband.

Barely-There Waves

Romantic wedding hairstyles often have an effortless charm—there’s something especially captivating about a natural look that enhances your features without losing your identity. This bride’s easy-breezy waves, styled by [ IGK Salon], perfectly embody this philosophy.

A Beachy Look

A low, textured bun with wispy flyaways framing the face beautifully complements a beachfront gathering. Unlike the tidy shapes of traditional updos, this chignon features a fuller design with overlapping strands and loose roots, making it the perfect choice for relaxed nuptials and bohemian-inspired outfits.

A Pop of Pink

Is colorful, vibrant hair your style? Embrace a bold pop of color as you get ready for your nuptials! This bride’s rosy strands for her Monet-inspired garden wedding exuded pure romance (after all, pink is a classic symbol of love!). The hues perfectly complemented her multi-colored gown adorned with lively flower-and-butterfly appliqués.

A Beaded Braid

A whimsical braid is a perfect choice for long hair. To enhance the romantic vibe, consider embellishing the braid with beaded pins that mimic floral buds. This ultra-organic touch creates a dreamy look that’s ideal for any outdoor celebration.

A Glitzy Hairpiece

A loosely styled chignon with flowing strands is simply enchanting. The soft, slightly undone appearance, along with face-framing pieces, adds beautiful movement to your hairstyle. To elevate your romantic wedding look—especially if your gown features beadwork—secure a sparkling barrette in your bun for that perfect finishing touch.

An Ethereal Mane

True romance is found in a center part paired with soft, gentle waves. We adore how these effortless, luminous strands beautifully complement the movement of this flowy floral dress with off-the-shoulder bell sleeves—a stunning choice for spring garden weddings.

Flirty Finger Waves

Styling your hair in crimped waves and gathering it over one shoulder is a beautiful way to achieve bridal romance. A cascade of curls is an exquisite option for brides with thick, luscious locks, creating a stunning and enchanting look.

Shiny Tresses

Soft, shiny curls paired with a chic center part beautifully blend glamour with modernity. This bride’s floral-embroidered wedding dress and statement pearl earrings add a touch of elegance, ensuring her beauty look remains polished and sophisticated.

A Bridal Blowout

With a smooth, bouncy blowout showcasing gently sculpted waves and plenty of volume, this bride’s bright blonde hair embodies the essence of romance. Whether you enlist a professional or choose to style it yourself, blow-drying your hair will give you added bounce and shine for a stunning wedding look.

CONCLUSION

As you step into your happily ever after, let your dream wedding hairstyle be the crowning glory of your special day. With these stunning inspirations, you’re sure to find the perfect look to complement your unique style and make you feel absolutely radiant.


21 ADORABLE LOW-MAINTENANCE PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES FOR FALL

Every Black girl knows the joy of a great protective hairstyle. Not only do they shield your hair from damage, but they also let you look fabulous while doing it! Choosing the right protective style is a big deal because you’ll likely wear it for a couple of months. So, finding a style that’s both stunning and practical is essential.

This post highlights some fantastic protective hairstyle ideas for fall that are light, low-maintenance, and easy to handle. When the weather gets cold, you don’t want a style that requires too much fuss, which is why I’m a huge fan of protective styles for the season!

CHUNKY BUTTERFLY LOCS

Butterfly twists really have been gaining popularity! It’s great how styles can grow on you—sometimes it just takes a bit of time to appreciate their unique charm. They’re definitely a fresh and fun option for protecting your hair while staying stylish. Have you tried them out yourself, or are you still contemplating?

STITCH TRIBAL BRAIDS

Absolutely, cornrows and stitch braids are both such powerful styles! And that’s a great tip about protecting those baby hairs—keeping your edges intact is crucial for long-term hair health. Do you have a favorite way to style your cornrows or stitch braids?

CORNROWS WITH A FAUX PONY

Braiding cornrows into a faux ponytail offers the perfect blend of intricate detail and voluminous style. If you’re ready to play with color, you can weave it into the cornrows or add a vibrant ponytail for a chic color-block effect. Either way, you’re sure to turn heads!

PASSION TWIST

Passion twists definitely add a fresh and vibrant twist to traditional styles! They have that perfect blend of texture and movement that makes them stand out. Have you tried them out or are you planning to?

FAUX FISHTAIL BRAID

Not all faux ponytails are the same, and Tracee Ellis Ross took it to the next level with this stunning fishtail braid, adding both length and texture. For an ultra-sleek, shiny look, use a hair pomade like Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey. It’ll tame flyaways effortlessly and leave your hair looking radiant.

KNOTLESS BOX BRAIDS

Knotless box braids are such a game-changer! They’re definitely a more comfortable and gentle option for your hair. Plus, they look great and can be styled in so many ways. Have you found any particular styles or variations of knotless braids that you love?

FULANI BRAIDS

Enhance the texture of your Fulani braids by styling them with defined baby hairs. With endless parting options—like overlapping braids or geometric patterns—the beauty of this protective style is that you can keep returning to it for a fresh, glowing look without ever feeling repetitive.

JUMBO BRAIDS

Jumbo braids are so popular because they let you spend less time in the salon and require less hair! Plus, they’re absolutely adorable and give off major summer vibes—or is that just me?

BOX BRAIDS

Box braids are a top pick for protective styles for a reason. Not only are they low-maintenance, but they’re also incredibly versatile and never dull. For added flair, try larger sections—this amps up the drama, reduces braiding time, and keeps upkeep simple.

CURLY CORNROWS

This layered cornrow style by celebrity stylist Susy Oludele and Aeon Elliott is anything but ordinary. The curl pattern adds a fun and elegant twist to the classic straight-back cornrows, while the red highlights give it a vibrant pop of color.

FAUX LOCS

“Another great way to put a cool spin on box braids or faux locs is combining textures and curl patterns with extension hair,” says Brown. If you’re looking to elevate your look, try incorporating different colors—don’t shy away from bold contrasts—for a modern twist on this classic protective style.

FULANI BRAIDS WITH BEADS

Solange elevated her Fulani braids by adding beads that nearly cover the entire length. Channel her iconic style by coordinating your accessories—like a statement mask—with your braids for a bold, futuristic vibe. “Shook” doesn’t even begin to describe it!

FINGER-WAVE CORNROWS

Koudou drew inspiration from Beyoncé’s Lion King red-carpet look to craft these striking finger waves. Typically ending at the nape, the added extension offers extra length and the versatility to drape over your shoulder or wrap into a low ponytail or bun. Versatility is always a win!

FLAT TWISTS

This style combines flat twists and Bantu knots, showcasing that there’s no single way to rock protective styles. It’s ideal for when you’re torn between styles. Choose twists laid to the side like these, or go for a straight-back approach.

PLAITED UPDO

Elevate your braids with this stunning updo, crafted by Koudou. Inspired by Yoruba royalty, this look not only leaves you in awe but also honors the ancestors who pioneered intricate, innovative patterns to care for their natural hair. It’s a true celebration of heritage and beauty.

WAVY BANTU KNOTS

These Bantu knots strike the perfect balance between playful and chic with their curved parts and chunky, braided knots. It’s a great reminder that changing up your parting can instantly reinvent a timeless classic.

LOCS WITH HIGHLIGHTS

“Color is such a great way to give your box braids or faux locs a fresh look,” says hairstylist Cristiana Cassell, Chloe Bailey’s warm, highlighted locs were created in collaboration with hairstylist Sparkle. The neutral tones are ideal for fall but can effortlessly transition into winter months.

LONG PONY

Not all protective styles need braids—sometimes the simplest options, like a low bun or a long ponytail, can be just as effective. Elaine Welteroth shows that adding a touch of volume can elevate these go-to looks, turning a standard ponytail into something extraordinary.

FLORAL BOX BRAIDS

Combine box braids into larger sections and add floral accents for an instant update to your protective style. This look is great for fall, but you can easily transition it to winter by swapping the florals for golden rings. The beauty of this style lies in its limitless versatility.

HAIR WRAP

“An overlooked protective style is wearing a scarf,” says Lindsey. “Pulling your hair back into a loose ponytail or plaiting your hair, then wrapping a scarf in a chic style, is definitely an easy protective style that can be worn all year round.” The best part is that you can effortlessly switch up your look by experimenting with different colors and patterns based on your mood.

BRAIDED HEADBAND

Yvonne Orji from Insecure adds a touch of regal elegance to protective braid styles by draping one braid across the forehead like a crown.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, cute low-maintenance protective hairstyles offer both style and practicality, making them perfect for busy days or just keeping your hair healthy and protected. From jumbo braids and versatile box braids to chic Bantu knots and sleek faux ponies, there’s a range of options to fit every mood and occasion. Experimenting with colors, patterns, and accessories can add a personalized touch, ensuring your look remains fresh and exciting.