There's a gorgeous new big day beauty trend sweeping red carpets and weddings the world over.
Side swept hairstyles bring a dose of Old Hollywood glamour to modern day nuptials.
This wedding hairstyle is a flirty variation on these much coveted vintage waves.
I highly recommend reading this post first to familiarise yourself with the technique for creating Veronica Lake inspired waves. And here's another handy hair tutorial on creating less structured, loose, romantic waves.
(Both techniques require curling hair in sections then brushing out the curls to form beautiful waves.)
Whether you go for structured vintage waves or looser, beachy waves be sure to sweep 'em to the side!
Side Swept Hairstyle Inspiration
Lots of stylish celebs have been donning glamourous side swept waves at awards ceremonies and film premieres recently.
Photos by Getty Images (Naomi Watts photo by Rex)
Real Brides Rocking The Look
Side swept waves are the perfect wedding hairstyle for brides who tend to wear their hair down on a daily basis (like moi) as you still have your hair down and around your face (on one side at least) but it's also a far more formal, glam way to wear your hair for your big day. It's a little bit different but not too far out of your comfort zone like a full on up ‘do would be.
This style works best on medium to long lengths but fear not short haired lovelies, here's a post on short wedding hairstyles just for you!
This bridal hairstyle is perfect for showing off wedding dresses with exquisite illusion backs like these Claire Pettibone beauties and sexy, low back wedding dresses designed by the likes of Katie May and Inbal Dror. But it also looks stunning with strapless dresses too! In fact, while I was researching this post, the majority of celebs and brides who wore their hair swept to the side were wearing strapless dresses.
In terms of accessories, vintage brooches, hairpins and fresh flowers are a beautiful choice pinned at the nape of the neck and killer earrings are a must!
Kamee June Photography via Bridal Musings – see the rest of this chic wedding here
Silvana Di Franco Photography via Style Me Pretty
Love Made Visible via Confetti Daydreams
Side Swept Waves Tutorials
Tutorial #1 Stephanie of Hair and Make up By Steph shares a simple, step by step photo tutorial on how to achieve this look. All you need to create this glam side swept hairstyle is a curling iron, extra large bobby pins and a brush!
Here's what the finished styled looks like.
Tutorial #2 Anna of AK Make Up 1 shares a great tutorial on two kinds of side swept retro waves – the first technique uses a curling iron with a larger barrel to create large waves, while the second uses a curling wand for a more bouncy and curly effect.
Both look stunning!
Tutorial #3 This tutorial by Theodore Leaf for Glamour demonstrates how to create ‘undone' side swept waves with lots of texture – perfect for a beach wedding or a laid back, backyard wedding.
The thing I love most about this tutorial is the genius addition of a mini french braid in the under section of the swept back hair. This gives a great base to work from to sweep the hair over and provides much needed grip for those bobby pins.
Nichole McCall via Glamour
Side Swept Waves Top Tips
– Work with day old hair – just washed hair won't hold curls and the shape of the waves as well.
– Don't part your hair too deep – too far across to one side and it'll start to look flat on top. (The ‘old man's combover look' is not what you're aiming for!)
– Part your hair in line with your eyebrow arch – this creates a face flattering parting for the majority of face shapes.
– Use product sparingly – too much hairspray and your waves will look stiff, while too much serum can weigh hair down or look greasy.
– I've tried simply using kirby grips criss crossed as in the the first two tutorials above and I've been happy with the way the finished style looks but I never felt like it was completely secure. So I love the idea of creating a tiny, hidden braid to hold everything in place firmly.
– I personally like to leave a little bit of volume on the swept back side too by doing a little bit of teasing then smoothing over with a bristle brush and not pulling the hair back too tight into the nape of my neck.
(I'd also suggest this for anyone who's self conscious about ‘sticky outy' ears or a short, less than swan-like neck as slicked back hair, close to your head, will only draw attention to / exaggerate them.)
– Sometimes I'll keep my hair tucked behind my ear and swept it over to one side without actually pinning it (or just put a couple of pins in and hardly any hairspray) – that way I have the option to bring it forward if I fancy a change throughout the day/night.
Will any of you be rocking this hairstyle on your big day? It's also a lovely option for bridesmaids too. Not to mention a great down ‘do for hen/bachelorette parties, bridal showers and other people's weddings!
I hope you find these tutorials helpful, I'd love to hear how you get on!
