Crowning glory: Up in the hair

Bridal hair is having its renaissance moment, and it’s anything but stiff. “Today’s brides still love timeless elegance,” says Edyta Chilińska, a bridal hairstylist and hair educator. “But they want it softer and more natural.”

The classic chignons, French twists and waves remain haute, but heavy hairspray is history. “The technique has changed,” she says. Structure and hold are still essential, but they’re hidden beneath texture and execution to create a neat, light look.

With ceremonies spanning several hours, outdoor shoots and multiple outfit changes, Chilińska treats each bridal look like a finely tuned performance. “Preparation is everything,” she says. “It starts with product layering, sectioning and building structure from within, so the hair holds its shape like a sculpture, not a helmet.” She focuses on beautiful, adaptable styles. “Even a small change, pinning up the front or top, can create a completely new look for the reception. It’s about understanding the rhythm of the day.”

Accessories are having a moment, from pearl pins to floral accents, but the hairstyle still comes first. “Accessories should enhance, not overwhelm. I always design the base first, clean, structured, balanced, then decide where the pin, comb or veil should go. Unless, of course, the accessory is the main event. In that case, everything else supports it.”

Brides now often ask for a look that expresses who they are, but with that extra touch. Chilińska gathers feedback on their everyday styles and on how they want to feel on the day: “Then I translate that into something more polished and camera-ready.”