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If you’re drawn to love stories, obsessed with specialty hairstyling, and dream of turning your passion for beauty into a fulfilling career, becoming a bridal hairstylist might be your perfect path. Bridal hairstyling is where artistry meets celebration, and no two days are ever the same!
Whether you’ve just graduated from Cosmetology school or have some experience under your belt, our extensive guide breaks down exactly how to become the most successful bridal hairstylist!
Let’s get you wedding-ready!
What Does a Bridal Hairstylist Actually Do?
Bridal hairstylists specialize in creating beautiful, long-lasting hairstyles for brides and their wedding parties. You’ll work on-location at wedding venues, hotels, or private homes, almost always early in the morning and always in high-energy, high-stakes environments!
Some of your duties might include:
Creating a variety of looks on the fly
Managing time efficiently (especially with large parties)
Prepping and styling hair for different textures, lengths, and styles
Assisting with hair accessories, veils, and touch-ups
And always making sure your bride is completely comfortable and oh-so thrilled
In short: You’re part artist, part time manager, part hype girl, part calming presence, and 100% essential to a wedding day running smoothly!
Step 1: Get Your Cosmetology License
If you're planning to offer hairstyling services professionally, most states require a cosmetology license. This typically involves:
Enrolling in an accredited cosmetology school
Completing required hours of training (this varies by state!)
Passing a written and practical state board exam
Licensing ensures you're trained in hygiene, safety, and fundamental hair techniques. Even if you're focused solely on updos and wedding styles, this foundational knowledge is key!
Did you know? We require all of our Updos For I Dos Artists to be fully licensed and insured!
Step 2: Master Bridal Styling Techniques
Wedding styling is its own art form, and it’s often not something covered in-depth during cosmetology school. To stand out, you’ll want to pursue advanced education focused specifically on bridal work!
Look for in-person workshops, online tutorials, or masterclasses that teach:
How to style different face shapes and hair types
Braiding techniques and intricate styling
Extension application and blending
Long-wear techniques
Working efficiently on a timeline
How to effectively communicate with brides and other members
Follow bridal stylists on Instagram and TikTok! Practice on your friends. Build a strong foundation of the basics, and then start learning the ins and outs of the trendy hairstyles.
Step 3: Build Your Professional Kit
Wedding hairstylists are often on-the-go, which means your kit needs to be completely organized, easily portable, and stocked with anything and everything you might need!
Here are a few things that your bridal hair kit should include:
Professional heat tools (we typically recommend curling irons ranging in barrel sizes, flat iron, blow dryer, crimper)
A variety of brushes and combs
Different types of hold hairsprays, from light to strong hold
Various texturizing products
Bobby pins and rubber bands, both in varying colors
Extensions cords
Opt for a sturdy, easy-to-carry kit or travel case, one that keeps your tools protected and is easy to grab in a pinch! Staying organized is key, and when everything has its place, you can focus on styling, not scrambling.
Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience
You can’t learn everything from a textbook, especially when it comes to hairstyling! The best way to sharpen your skills and get comfortable in the fast-paced world of bridal beauty is by getting real-world, hands-on experience.
Here are a few ways to start:
Assist a seasoned bridal stylist on wedding mornings and learn the flow of getting ready for a wedding
Volunteer at styled shoots to build your portfolio and connect with photographers and planners; this is key!
Practice, photograph, and repeat
These early experiences do more than just improve your styling skills, they help you get comfortable working under pressure, adapting to working with all hair types, and keeping things calm and fun with a buzzing bridal party! And when you participate in styled shoots or collaborate with other vendors, you’re not just building your portfolio, you’re building relationships. In the wedding world, those connections often lead to referrals, and that’s where your calendar starts filling up fast!
Step 5: Join a Team That Elevates Your Artistry
Working weddings as a freelance artist is rewarding, but it’s not the only path! If you want to focus on creating beautiful hair without managing the business side, joining an established bridal team (such as ours!) is a total game-changer.
At Updos For I Dos, our hairstylists:
Get booked regularly, especially during peak wedding season
Travel to dreamy venues across the East Coast
Focus 100% on their artistry, no contracts, scheduling, or admin work necessary
Are surrounded by supportive, talented, like-minded artists
Enjoy a flexible schedule that is created to fit any lifestyle
Whether you’re brand new or come with years of experience, being part of a bridal beauty team gives you the opportunity to grow without the burnout. Its wedding work made fun, organized, and rewarding!
Curious what it’s like to work with us? We’re always looking for talented artists to join our crew.
Step 6: Create a Portfolio That Books Brides
Let’s be honest, brides are visual shoppers. If they can’t see your work, they probably won’t book you. That’s why your digital presence should feel just as polished as your hair creations!
Start by building a strong online portfolio with:
High-quality images of your bridal styles
Before-and-after photos to show the transformation
Behind-the-scenes videos to showcase your process
Keep things fresh, consistent, and professional! Whether you’re posting on Instagram, building a website, or uploading to a directory, let your work speak for itself.
You Deserve a Career You Love
Bridal hairstyling isn’t just a career, it’s a front-row seat to one of the most unforgettable moments in someone’s life! If you're energized by creativity, early mornings filled with laughter, and styling in some of the most stunning locations, good news, you’ve found your calling.
With solid training, a strong work ethic, and a true passion for your craft, there’s no limit to what you can achieve in the bridal world!
Think you're ready for the next chapter? Come join our team and turn your talent into something truly meaningful. We can’t wait to work with you!
Cover Photo Credit: Nicole Clarey Photography
