Bridal trials are underway for the spring/summer 2026 wedding season! Caralee Pridemore, Sam Villa Ambassador and Founder of @sweetlypinnedbycaralee, an on-location wedding hair and updo specialist, schedules her trials 3-4 months before the special day and this year her brides are asking for soft polished curls with subtle accents…mostly worn down or only half up.
Spring Bridal Trends
- Soft blowouts with curls worn down
- Half up half down styles with an inverted ponytail
- Soft polished curls with two twists pinned back
“Brides this season are going for more casual, less structured styles with hair being worn down or just half up, but they all have tons of beautiful soft sculpted texture to elevate the look,” explains Pridemore. She also says that most want exaggerated length and volume, so extensions are usually incorporated as well.
Whether styling hair to be worn down or half up, Pridemore gives the following on how to create highly polished soft texture worthy of a wedding day.
Polished Soft Bridal Curls
- Section hair at the nape and add extensions row by row leading up to the crown to create fullness and add length.
- Prep hair using a Sam Villa Texture Professional Textur Iron all over to expand volume. If hair is curly or there are signs of frizz, hair should be pre-straightened.
- Apply a smoothing cream to reduce frizz and add shine, and then use a Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron & Wand 1.5” with the Marcel attachment to clamp down on hair to thoroughly heat the curl. Set all sections in the same direction for a glam wave. For more of a casual wave, direct sections away from the face towards the center on both sides.
- It is very important to hold the curl and let it cool in hands before dropping to achieve a soft bouncy wave or curl that can set and last longer. If the desired result is an expanded fluffier curl, as hair is cooling, add a volume powder. Back combing along the nape area will also build added volume.
- It takes about 90 minutes to set/place curls away from the face and either brush out for a relaxed look or keep the curl undisturbed for a more defined polished style, depending on the bride’s preference.
- Accents: Elevate the look by pinning the side with less of a part to expose the ear, add an inverted ponytail, twist both sides and pin back, and/or add a decorative headband or other accessory.
Day of Wedding
Pridemore recommends brides arrive with clean dry hair. The last wash before the wedding day should be with a volumizing shampoo and a pea size portion of conditioner only on the ends. Anything with softening agents (leave-in conditioners) will weigh hair down. And, applying a volumizing mousse all over damp hair after shampooing will help create grip and hold curl longer. And most importantly, don’t forget to bring hair accessories and/or veil. A button up shirt is also a good idea so after hair is done it does not get compromised by pulling a garment over the head. To keep hair looking perfect, each of Pridemore’s brides receives a complimentary touchup Style Kit which is also available to purchased for bridesmaids/moms for a small fee.
“Keep in mind that even though hair is being worn down this season, applying extensions, building volume, and creating polished texture is a time-consuming process so charge accordingly for both the trail and the day of the wedding,” says Pridemore.
And, having a Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Iron and Wand on hand is a good idea for bridal work because it can be used as an iron or a wand, saving time and space whether doing hair in a salon or on location.