SEASONAL WEDDING HAIR

There’s nothing worse than spending hours getting your wedding hair just right, only for it to get blown sideways five minutes into your couple portraits. And honestly, I’ve seen it more times than I can count. Sometimes the style just doesn’t practically suit the season.

It’s completely normal to choose a look that feels most ‘you’, that’s what your wedding day’s all about, but it’s also about balance. A practical style can still be beautiful, and a beautiful style can still hold up in a gust of wind.

Over the years I’ve worked with loads of brides who’ve gone for gorgeous loose waves or sweeping fringes, which look amazing indoors, but when the ceremony’s outside or it’s a chilly autumn or winters winter’s day, they end up spending more time battling with their hair than enjoying the moment or focusing on the guidance I try I give them for couple shots.

From a photographer’s point of view, it’s tough watching someone feel frustrated about their hair during their portraits, especially when they’ve spent so much time and care getting everything perfect. It’s not just frustrating for me trying to frame a shot around flying hair, it’s frustrating for them when they realise it’s not quite working the way they imagined.

So I had a good ol’ natter with Gemma from Celfie Hair & Makeup about how to keep your hair looking camera-ready from aisle to dance floor, no matter what the British weather throws at you!

What causes wedding day hair to go a bit wild?

Honestly, wind is the big one. Even a bit of breeze can mess with soft waves or curls. Then you’ve got humidity, which can turn everything frizzy or limp. But poor prep is also up there, if the right products aren’t used, hair just doesn’t stand a chance. And some hair types, especially dry or fine hair, are more prone to tangling or losing shape. Oh, and accessories, veils and flower crowns can tug or shift around if they’re not secured properly.

Does the season change how you style hair?

Completely. I’d steer clear of soft, floaty styles in wind or humidity, they just don’t last. In those conditions, I’d go for something more structured, like a textured bun or a low updo. Still soft-looking, but much more secure.

Can you wear your hair down if it’s windy?

It’s possible, we just need to be clever with it. I’d usually suggest tweaking the look, maybe a half-up style to add a bit of structure or hidden pins to help it hold without losing that ‘down’ vibe. Proper prep makes a huge difference too, texture spray, a light hold hairspray, anti-humidity spray if it’s needed. That way you can get that relaxed, romantic feel without it going wild the minute a gust of wind shows up.

What can help hair stay in place all day?

Prep is everything. I start with a volumising mousse during the blow-dry to give hold without making the hair heavy. Then I layer in texture spray or a light-hold cream to add grip before styling. Once it’s all in place, I use a strong but flexible hairspray so there’s still movement, and if it’s humid, I finish with a bit of anti-humidity spray. Honestly, with the right prep, hair can last from morning until the last dance.

How do you style bridesmaids or flower girls for durability?

For them, I go for pretty but practical. Braids are my go-to, they hold up brilliantly and still look beautiful. Low buns with braid or twist details work well too. They’re secure, weatherproof, and still have that soft, romantic feel.

Any special tips for fine or tangle-prone hair?

For fine hair, it’s all about building volume early on. I use a mousse or root lift spray and blow-dry with a round brush to really boost it. For windy days, I’d probably avoid wearing it completely down. Something like a soft up-do with padding can give shape and fullness. If they really want it down, hair extensions are brilliant, they add volume and help curls last longer too.

What if something goes wrong mid-day?

If the bride’s staying at the venue, I always suggest having a curling wand or ring close by. That way you can quickly nip back and freshen up the front bits or fix flyaways. The bridal suite becomes your best friend on days like that!

Is there anything you can do in the lead-up to help your hair on the day?

Absolutely. Here’s the quick list:

• Wash your hair the day before, not the morning of, it holds better.
• Use a clarifying shampoo a few days before if you’ve got product build-up.
• Deep condition about a week before, but don’t overdo it the day before.
• Stick to what you know, no last-minute product changes or big hair experiments!

And definitely avoid heavy oils or masks right before the day, they weigh the hair down. The goal is clean, healthy, prepped hair that’s still got a bit of natural grip.

If you could only recommend one hairstyle for unpredictable weather, what would it be?

Ooh, easy, textured styles. Whether it’s a boho bun or tousled waves, texture works with the weather, not against it. If there’s a bit of frizz or the curl doesn’t sit perfectly, it still looks intentional and gorgeous. That whole effortless, romantic vibe is so forgiving in unpredictable weather.

Final thoughts from me…

From a photographer’s perspective, hair can make a huge difference in photos, especially when we’re outdoors. If it’s been styled well, it stays looking amazing through all the hugs, the breeze, and even a bit of drizzle. So if you’re planning a wedding where the weather might throw you a curveball, working with someone like Gemma can honestly save the day.

Disclaimer:

Please note, not all images featured in this blog are the work of Celfie Hair & Makeup. Some photographs are included for illustrative purposes only, to help show the types of styles and situations being discussed.