Wedding season is in full swing, which means bridal hairstylists are busier than ever. Between staying up to date with the latest trends and making sure clients look picture perfect for the big day, there’s plenty to keep up with. To help, SalonEVO chatted with bridal hairstylist Zoë Rees for her insider insight on the latest trends and techniques plus her go-tos for achieving effortless styles.
The Latest Bridal Hair Trends
Effortless luxury is the theme behind Summer 2026 wedding trends.
“Brides still want polished hair, but they don’t want it to look overly structured or heavily styled. Soft, textured updos, polished low buns, and undone Hollywood waves are very much in demand,” Zoë said.
Brides aren’t the only ones that need their hair done for wedding day. When it comes to bridal parties, cohesion is key.
“Rather than everyone having identical hair, brides are opting for a cohesive feel where each person has a style that compliments them as well as the theme for the day,” she added.
Top Bridal Hair Techniques
Bridal hairstyles need to last through the ceremony and reception, which means hold is essential. But, it’s also important that the style is comfortable for your client. By practicing and refining your technique, you will be able to create styles that include both.
“Modern bridal hair is all about creating structure that doesn’t look rigid, so creating a soft structure is really important,” Zoë explained.
Achieving the correct texture in the hair as a foundation is a staple for longevity. For this, Zoë shared that she makes sure to invest in the best prep products.
“The right prep products build grip without making the hair feel sticky or overloaded. The goal is always beautiful, touchable hair that photographs well and lasts all day,” she said.
When you meet with your client leading up to the wedding, make sure you focus on hair health as the best styles are always achieved with healthy hair.
Must-Have Products Tools
Zoë shared her must-have tools on wedding day for effortless styles:
- Denman D38 Detangling & Styling Paddle: I use this to quickly smooth and prepare the hair, especially on thicker hair types.
- D12 Detangle and Tease Comb: This is a multi-tool I use for sectioning and creating soft volume.
- D81M The Style and Shine Smoother: I use this for sleek bun styles. It’s perfect for refining and polishing finished styles.
Expert Tips
Zoë ended by sharing some expert tips ahead of the Summer 2026 Wedding Season.
1. Prioritize preparation.
“The foundation of a long lasting bridal style comes from proper consultation, hair preparation and understanding the client’s hair type.”
2. Master your finish with different hair types.
“Every bridal party will have different hair textures, lengths and densities. Being able to adapt one concept across multiple hair types is a skill that will set you apart. Preparation is key.”
3. Create styles that feel authentic.
“Adapt inspiration photos so the style is personalized to your bride. This allows the bride to feel confident, comfortable and like the best version of themselves.”
To add Denman Brush to your bridal hair kit, visit Denman’s UK site here