There are a few reasons why it has become tradition for brides to wear their hair down on their wedding day:
Showing virginity and purity
In many cultures historically, an unmarried woman would wear her hair up and only let it down in the bedroom. Wearing her hair down on her wedding day symbolized the bride’s virginity and purity. It signaled she was untouched and her hair had never been seen down in public before.
Femininity and beauty
Long, flowing hair has long been associated with femininity and beauty. Letting a bride’s hair down showcases her beauty and womanliness on her wedding day. It is considered far more romantic and feminine than wearing her hair up.
Switching roles
A bride wearing her hair up can symbolize her unmarried status. By letting it down, she is signaling she is leaving her unmarried self behind and preparing for her new role as a wife. It represents her transformation or rite of passage on her wedding day.
History of brides wearing their hair down
The tradition of brides wearing their hair down is a longstanding one across many cultures historically:
Ancient Greece and Rome
In ancient Greek and Roman weddings, brides wore their long hair loose, adorned with flowers. Loose hair covering a bride’s shoulders was thought to protect her from evil spirits.
Europe in the Middle Ages
European brides in the Middle Ages also wore loose, flowing hair on their wedding days as a symbol of purity and virginity. Veils caught on later to symbolize modesty and humility.
China
In ancient Chinese weddings, brides left their hair unbound and wore a phoenix crown on their head. Loose, flowing hair was associated with feminine beauty ideals.
Japan
Traditional Japanese brides wore their hair in a variety of loose styles, decorated with accessories like flowers and colorful pins. Different styles signaled different stages of life for the bride.
Cultural significance
Beyond the historical traditions, wearing hair down on the wedding day also signifies important themes to brides today:
Purity and innocence
For some brides today, following this old tradition signifies their pureness and innocence coming into marriage. It retains that historical association.
Romance
Hair down is considered more romantic than an updo. It exudes beauty, femininity and sexuality rather than modesty. Many brides want this romantic look on their wedding day.
Beginning of married life
Wearing her hair down symbolizes the bride leaving her unmarried self behind. She is showing she is ready for this major life transition and to embrace a new role as a married woman.
Individual expression
Many brides see their wedding hair as a way to express their personal style and individuality. Wearing their hair down allows their own natural beauty to shine through.
Popular styles for wearing hair down
There are a variety of ways brides can wear their hair down in a beautiful, wedding-worthy style:
Loose curls or waves
Big, soft curls or waves are the most popular hairstyle for brides wanting romantic, flowing locks. It exudes effortless glamour. Soft volume at the roots adds body.
Half up, half down
This style leaves some hair loosely pinned or pulled back while leaving the rest cascading down the back. It shows off the face while still having long, down hair.
Straight and sleek
Brides with naturally straight hair often go for a smooth, sleek look. Parted neatly down the middle, it looks chic and polished.
Beachy waves
Subtly messy, undone waves are perfect for beach weddings or informal events. It looks carefree yet still put-together.
Braids
Some brides weave braids into their down hairstyle. This could include a fishtail braid, Dutch braid or sweeping the front layers back.
Accessories
Many brides add hair accessories like floral crowns, pearls or crystals pinned in their hair. This embellishes the down hairstyle.
Tips for choosing a down hairstyle
When choosing a down wedding hairstyle, here are tips to consider:
Hair type and texture
Consider if your hair is straight, curly, thin or thick. Choose a look that enhances your natural texture. Curly hair may suit beach waves better than silky straight hair, for example.
Face shape
Opt for a down style that complements your face shape. Softer chin-length layers suit square faces while straight across bangs work for rounder faces.
Wedding dress style
Ensure your hair doesn’t compete too much with your dress but rather complements it. Sleek low buns suit simple silhouettes while cascading curls pair nicely with plunging backlines.
Wedding venue
Down dos suit indoor weddings best as they may get messy in wind or humid weather. Go for a tighter curled style if having an outdoor wedding.
Personal preference
Most importantly, pick a down style YOU feel comfortable and beautiful wearing all day. Don’t choose something overly complicated or heavy.
Pros of wearing hair down
Here are the main benefits brides can enjoy from wearing their hair down:
Romantic and feminine look
Long, flowing locks are undeniably feminine. It helps create that quintessential bridal look.
Showcases natural beauty
Wearing hair down in soft curls or waves lets a bride’s natural beauty shine through.
Photographs beautifully
Down hair photographs gorgeously from all angles, especially from behind. Styles like cascading back hair make stunning photos.
Express personal style
Brides can choose a down hairdo that reflects their individual taste and sense of style.
Looks youthful
Wearing hair fully down, rather than partly pulled back, generally looks younger and fresher.
Cons of wearing hair down
Wearing hair down also comes with a few potential disadvantages:
Can fall flat
Throughout a long wedding day of moving around and dancing, down hair can fall out of place and end up looking flat or messy.
Less comfortable
All hair hanging down can feel heavy, hot and itchy compared to updos that lift hair off the neck and face.
Obscures face
Thick hair covering the shoulders and upper body can sometimes overwhelm the bride’s facial features.
High maintenance
Down styles usually require more work than updos to create definition, volume, and lasting hold throughout the wedding.
Less practical
Hair down may be more prone to mishaps like catching in jewelry, lipstick marking the hairline or getting stuck under veils/capes.
How to prepare hair to wear down
To keep hair looking flawless when worn down all day, brides need to prepare:
Schedule a hair trial
Have a hair trial a month or two before the wedding to test out chosen products, hot tools and exact styling techniques.
Use volumizing products
Stock up on thickening mousse, root booster sprays and texturizing products to create lasting volume in down hair.
Pick long-lasting hold products
Hairspray, finishing serum, pomades and nourishing creams will maintain definition and smooth flyaways.
Boost moisture
Use intensive masks in the lead up to hydrate hair and boost shine. Avoid over-washing hair too close to the day.
Protect from heat
Always use a heat protecting spray when using hot styling tools to minimize damage to hair.
Conclusion
The tradition of brides wearing their hair down has spanned history and many cultures. While some old superstitions around it have fallen away, it remains a popular choice to amplify a bride’s natural beauty on her wedding day. Down hair exudes romance, femininity, and grace for a quintessential bridal look. Brides today can choose stunning down hairstyles that perfectly complement their dress, veil and personal taste for gorgeous wedding day locks. With thoughtful preparation and expert styling, hair worn loose and cascading on a bride’s shoulders will look breathtaking well into the night of celebrating.