Wedding Hair Updos 2016: Latest Trends & Styles

Trending Wedding Hair Updos in 2016: Classic Elegance Meets Modern Chic

The year 2016 brought a delightful blend of classic elegance and modern chic to the wedding scene, and hairstyles were no exception. Brides and their maids embraced a range of stunning wedding hair updos that reflected this beautiful fusion. Let's delve into the most popular and timeless wedding hair updos of 2016 that continue to inspire brides today.

Timeless Classics with a Twist

2016 saw a resurgence of classic wedding hair updos, but with a modern twist. These styles offered brides the best of both worlds - the sophistication of a traditional updo and the freshness of contemporary design.

  • Chignon with a Side Braid: A classic chignon got a modern update with the addition of a side braid. This style offered a beautiful balance between elegance and playfulness.
  • Low Bun with a Twist: The humble low bun was given a stylish makeover with a twisted or braided detail. This simple yet striking updo was a favorite among brides in 2016.

Braids: The Unofficial Trend of 2016

Braids were everywhere in 2016, and wedding hair updos were no exception. From intricate fishtail braids to simple yet stunning waterfall braids, these styles added a touch of bohemian chic to wedding looks.

Floral hair vine.
Floral hair vine.

  • Fishtail Braid Updo: This elegant style involved a fishtail braid wrapped around the head, creating a stunning, romantic look.
  • Waterfall Braid Updo: A cascade of waterfall braids created a beautiful, ethereal effect, perfect for a boho-chic wedding.

Half-Up, Half-Down: The Perfect Compromise

For brides who wanted to show off their locks but also wanted the elegance of an updo, half-up, half-down styles were the perfect compromise. These styles offered the best of both worlds and were incredibly versatile.

  • Loose Curls with a Braided Crown: This style involved loose, romantic curls with a braided crown for a touch of elegance.
  • Sleek Ponytail with a Side Part: A high ponytail with a deep side part offered a modern, chic look that was perfect for a sleek wedding aesthetic.

Textured and Undone: The Messy Chic Look

2016 was all about embracing natural texture and the 'undone' look. Messy buns and textured updos were incredibly popular, offering a relaxed, bohemian vibe that was perfect for outdoor or destination weddings.

  • Messy Bun with Face-Framing Curls: This style involved a messy bun with loose curls framing the face, creating a soft, romantic look.
  • Textured Low Ponytail: A low ponytail with plenty of texture and movement offered a laid-back, effortless look that was perfect for a beach wedding.

Accessories: Elevating Wedding Hair Updos

In 2016, brides embraced the power of accessories to elevate their wedding hair updos. From delicate pearl hairpins to statement headpieces, these adornments added a touch of glamour and personalization to wedding looks.

30+ Stunning Updo Hairstyles for Bridesmaids
30+ Stunning Updo Hairstyles for Bridesmaids

Accessory Style
Pearl Hairpins Scattered throughout an updo for a touch of understated elegance
Statement Headpiece Worn with a sleek updo for a dramatic, show-stopping look
Floral Crown Worn with loose waves or a messy bun for a boho-chic aesthetic

As we look back on the wedding hair updos of 2016, it's clear that this year was all about balance - balancing classic and modern, elegance and playfulness, and sleek and undone. Whether you're a bride-to-be or simply a lover of all things wedding-related, these stunning styles are sure to inspire your next updo.

a woman wearing a wedding hair comb with pearls
a woman wearing a wedding hair comb with pearls
two pictures of a woman in wedding dress and one has her hair pulled back into a bun
two pictures of a woman in wedding dress and one has her hair pulled back into a bun
Natural Bride Hair Black Women, Bridal Hair Updo Black Women, Wedding Pin Up Hairstyles Black Women, Black Bridal Hairstyles Up Dos, Low Bridal Bun Black Women, Black Woman Bridal Hair Girl Hairstyles, Wedding Pinup Hairstyles For Black Women, Hair Wedding Black Woman, Bridal Pin Up Hairstyles Black Women
Natural Bride Hair Black Women, Bridal Hair Updo Black Women, Wedding Pin Up Hairstyles Black Women, Black Bridal Hairstyles Up Dos, Low Bridal Bun Black Women, Black Woman Bridal Hair Girl Hairstyles, Wedding Pinup Hairstyles For Black Women, Hair Wedding Black Woman, Bridal Pin Up Hairstyles Black Women
a woman wearing a wedding dress with flowers in her hair is looking back at the camera
a woman wearing a wedding dress with flowers in her hair is looking back at the camera
Elegant Bridal Braided Bun Hairstyle ✨ Romantic Wedding Updo for Modern Brides
Elegant Bridal Braided Bun Hairstyle ✨ Romantic Wedding Updo for Modern Brides
Elegant Low Chignon Updo | Chic Wedding Guest & Bridal Hairstyle for Brunettes
Elegant Low Chignon Updo | Chic Wedding Guest & Bridal Hairstyle for Brunettes
the back of a woman's head wearing a wedding dress
the back of a woman's head wearing a wedding dress
15 Stunning Beach Waves Hairstyles for Medium Hair Low Messy Bun For Wedding, Prom Hairstyles 2026, Beach Updos For Medium Hair, Up Styles For Medium Hair, Hair Updos For Wedding, Hairstyle Elegant Classy, Cute Messy Updos, Wedding Guest Hair Up Do, Updo Messy
15 Stunning Beach Waves Hairstyles for Medium Hair Low Messy Bun For Wedding, Prom Hairstyles 2026, Beach Updos For Medium Hair, Up Styles For Medium Hair, Hair Updos For Wedding, Hairstyle Elegant Classy, Cute Messy Updos, Wedding Guest Hair Up Do, Updo Messy
This looks really cool and it looks best on medium hair (thickness wise). Also, your hair has to be longish. Vintage Style Updos, Edwardian Hairstyles For Long Hair, Victorian Style Hairdos, Steampunk Hairstyles For Long Hair, Gatsby Updo For Long Hair, Edwardian Updo Hairstyles, Finger Wave Updo Wedding, Finger Waves Updo Wedding, Vintage Formal Updos
This looks really cool and it looks best on medium hair (thickness wise). Also, your hair has to be longish. Vintage Style Updos, Edwardian Hairstyles For Long Hair, Victorian Style Hairdos, Steampunk Hairstyles For Long Hair, Gatsby Updo For Long Hair, Edwardian Updo Hairstyles, Finger Wave Updo Wedding, Finger Waves Updo Wedding, Vintage Formal Updos
Sophistiqué Afro Hair Wedding Styles, Afro Hair Wedding Hairstyles, Afro Updo Hairstyles Wedding, Afro Wedding Hair, Petal Bun Locs Wedding, Bridal Afro Hairstyles, Afro Hairstyles With Flowers, Natural Hair Bridal Hairstyles, Afro Hair Bridal Hairstyles
Sophistiqué Afro Hair Wedding Styles, Afro Hair Wedding Hairstyles, Afro Updo Hairstyles Wedding, Afro Wedding Hair, Petal Bun Locs Wedding, Bridal Afro Hairstyles, Afro Hairstyles With Flowers, Natural Hair Bridal Hairstyles, Afro Hair Bridal Hairstyles
Voluminous textured bridal updo with pearl accents for timeless wedding hairstyles 2026
Voluminous textured bridal updo with pearl accents for timeless wedding hairstyles 2026
Wedding Updos
Wedding Updos
Wedding Hair Middle Part Updo, Messy Hair Wedding, Low Messy Wedding Hair, Undone Hair Updo, Relaxed Bridesmaid Hair, Low Messy Bun Wedding Hair Front View, Messy Bridesmaid Hair, Low Messy Bridesmaid Hair, Low Bun Wedding Hair Face Frame
Wedding Hair Middle Part Updo, Messy Hair Wedding, Low Messy Wedding Hair, Undone Hair Updo, Relaxed Bridesmaid Hair, Low Messy Bun Wedding Hair Front View, Messy Bridesmaid Hair, Low Messy Bridesmaid Hair, Low Bun Wedding Hair Face Frame
a woman with flowers in her hair wearing a floral headpiece and looking off into the distance
a woman with flowers in her hair wearing a floral headpiece and looking off into the distance
11 Gorgeous Elegant Updo Hairstyles for Every Occasion
11 Gorgeous Elegant Updo Hairstyles for Every Occasion
100 Best Black Hair Ideas for African-American Women
100 Best Black Hair Ideas for African-American Women
a woman wearing a wedding hair comb
a woman wearing a wedding hair comb
a woman in a wedding dress looking into the distance
a woman in a wedding dress looking into the distance
Classy Updo Hairstyles for Brides with Veils and Tiaras
Classy Updo Hairstyles for Brides with Veils and Tiaras
50+ Long Hair Looks for the Blushing Bride -
50+ Long Hair Looks for the Blushing Bride -
Messy Low Bun Hairstyles Wedding, Up Do For Long Hair Wedding, Bridesmaid Up Do Long Hair, Low Bun Up Do Wedding, Low Hair Updos, Loose Bun Bridal Hair, Loose Wedding Bun, Low Bun Hair Styles, Bridesmaid Hairstyles Updo Long Hair
Messy Low Bun Hairstyles Wedding, Up Do For Long Hair Wedding, Bridesmaid Up Do Long Hair, Low Bun Up Do Wedding, Low Hair Updos, Loose Bun Bridal Hair, Loose Wedding Bun, Low Bun Hair Styles, Bridesmaid Hairstyles Updo Long Hair
Beautiful messy updo hairstyle to inspire your big day
Beautiful messy updo hairstyle to inspire your big day