So, you've picked a wedding dress with long sleeves. A wonderful choice!
Now the question is, what do you want to do with your bridal hair?
From classic updos to romantic waves, there are so many hairstyles to complement your long-sleeved wedding dress. Whether you've got long hair you want to show off or you're after something that keeps your hair out of your face, finding the perfect hairstyle really makes all the difference!
We've asked the artists from the MakeMeBridal directory about their favourite styles.
Let's see what they said...
Image & Makeup credit: Head Turners - Martine Turner
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from West Sussex
Best Wedding Hairstyles for Long Sleeve Wedding Gowns
Classic Low Bun for the Bride
Yes, classic low bun is a brilliant choice for brides with long sleeve wedding dresses. This understated hairstyle lets the pretty details of your gown do all the talking. It clears your neckline and shoulders, drawing attention to the lines of your dress.
A low bun can be sleek for a polished feel, or tousled for a more romantic, relaxed mood. Position the bun at the nape of the neck to accentuate your gown's sleeves beautifully.
Image & Makeup credit: Tetiana Kurtyniuk
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Essex
Romantic High Ponytail Wedding Hairstyle
Looking for a hairstyle to give you some height and grace? A romantic high ponytail might be just what you're after. This polished hairstyle works with your gown and photographs beautifully.
A voluminous ponytail placed high on your head shows off the neckline and sleeves of your dress. For a softer feel, ask your stylist to leave a few loose tendrils to frame your face. Add bouncy curls for extra glamour. This is particularly great for brides with long hair who want to show off their length whilst keeping hair out of their face. A high ponytail is practical and stays put.
Flowing Waves with Headband
Flowing waves paired with a decorative headband create a romantic, bohemian bridal look. This lets your long hair flow naturally whilst the headband adds a decorative element and keeps hair out of your face.
Choose a headband that complements your wedding theme. Delicate beading for formal weddings, fresh flowers for boho celebrations, or simple metal for minimalist style.
For brides with long hair who want to wear it down, this style offers the perfect solution. The headband provides structure whilst the waves create romance.
Image & Makeup credit: BIG HAIR ENERGY By Tiel
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Surrey
Sleek Chignon Updo
A sleek chignon is one of the best wedding hairstyles for long sleeve wedding gowns. This sophisticated updo sits elegantly at the nape of the neck and creates a refined bridal look that never goes out of style.
The beauty of a chignon is how it shows off your dress beautifully. Whether your long sleeve dress features intricate lace or minimalist elegance, a chignon complements it perfectly. This keeps all your hair secured and creates a clean line that lets your gown's sleeves be the star. For brides who prefer wearing hair completely up and away from your face, a chignon is ideal. Dress it up with delicate hair accessories or keep it simple. Either way, it photographs beautifully from every angle.
Braided Updo for Long Hair
A braided updo combines the security of an updo with the texture of braids. This wedding hairstyle creates intricate beauty by weaving braids into a low bun or chignon. For brides with long hair, this style shows off your length through the braids while keeping everything secured.
The braids add dimension and interest to what might otherwise be a simple updo. The texture complements long sleeve wedding gowns by adding visual interest without overwhelming. Position the braided updo at the nape of the neck to show off your neckline. Add small flowers or delicate hair accessories woven into the braids for extra beauty.
Image & Makeup credit: BIG HAIR ENERGY By Tiel
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Surrey
Loose Curls for Long Hair
For a softer, more romantic feel with your long sleeve wedding dress, think about loose curls. This hairstyle strikes a delicate balance between grace and romance, making it one of the favorite wedding hairstyles for brides with long hair.
Loose curls add movement and texture, and they won't overshadow your dress's sleeves. This style frames your face beautifully and shows off your natural hair texture. You'll find that loose curls can be dressed up or down to suit your wedding's theme, from a chic wedding to a summer wedding celebration.
The curls can soften the structured designs of some long sleeve wedding gowns, making sure your hair and dress work together. Let your long locks cascade down your back for a truly romantic bridal look that complements your gown without competing with it.
Side Bun with Glamour
A side bun creates asymmetry and drama. This wedding hairstyle positions the bun to one side of your head, either low near the ear or higher toward the crown. The side placement adds interest and creates a gorgeous bridal style that's both elegant and unique.
The side bun shows off one side of your neckline beautifully while creating volume on the other. This works particularly well with long sleeve wedding dresses that have interesting neckline details. The asymmetry creates beautiful balance in your overall wedding look.
Dress up your side bun with hair accessories, fresh flowers, or a decorative hair clip. For brides who want something a bit different from the classic centred bun, this style offers sophistication with a twist. It's a gorgeous bridal style that photographs beautifully.
Image & Makeup credit: Lucy Elliot
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Derbyshire
Braided Crown Wedding Hair
A braided crown keeps your hair out of your face whilst creating a romantic, boho feel. This wraps around your head like a halo and works wonderfully with long-sleeve wedding dresses that have a romantic or bohemian vibe.
The braid creates texture and interest without overwhelming your gown's sleeves. Weave in small flowers or delicate hair accessories from the MakeMeBridal shop to add a personal touch. This is particularly gorgeous for outdoor or summer weddings.
For brides with long hair, pair a braided crown with loose waves or curls flowing down your back. This keeps your hair secure whilst you walk down the aisle.
Image & Makeup credit: Lucy Elliot
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Derbyshire
Half Up Half Down Wedding Hairstyle
The half up half down bridal hairstyle offers the best of both worlds. This lets you show off your long hair whilst keeping it partially secured and out of your face. It's one of the best wedding hairstyles for brides who can't decide between up or down.
Pull the top section of your hair back and secure it at the crown, letting the rest of your long locks flow freely. Add curls, waves, or keep it straight depending on your preference. This frames your face beautifully and complements long sleeve wedding gowns by creating balance. Add a delicate hair clip or fresh flowers where the hair is secured for an extra touch of elegance. This really photographs beautifully and holds up well throughout your wedding day.
Image & Makeup credit: Anastasiia Kot
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Berkshire
Voluminous Bouncy Curls
Voluminous, bouncy curls create glamour and drama. These full, luscious curls add volume and movement that complements the coverage of long sleeve wedding gowns beautifully. This is a favourite for brides who love Old Hollywood glamour.
Ask your stylist to create big, bouncy curls that cascade down your shoulders and back. The volume balances the weight of long sleeves. These curls photograph incredibly and catch the light beautifully as you move. For brides with long hair, voluminous curls show off your length whilst adding body and bounce. Sweep the curls to one side for drama or let them fall naturally.
Image & Makeup credit: Anastasiia Kot
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Berkshire
Sleek Low Ponytail Wedding Style
A sleek low ponytail offers a chic wedding look that's both modern and timeless. This polished hairstyle sits at the nape of the neck and creates a refined appearance that lets your long sleeve wedding dress take centre stage.
The sleek finish is particularly stunning with minimalist long sleeve wedding gowns. It draws attention to the neckline and sleeves whilst keeping your look sophisticated and elegant. For straight hair, this is especially striking. Dress up a low ponytail with a ribbon, hair clip, or other hair accessories to add personality. This keeps your hair completely off your face and neck, practical for all day wear.
Image & Makeup credit: Tetiana Kurtyniuk
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Essex
Romantic Updo with Veil
An updo paired with a veil creates one of the most classic bridal looks. Whether you choose a low bun, high bun, or twisted updo, positioning it to work with your veil is important. The updo sits at the back of your head and allows your veil to drape beautifully.
For long sleeve wedding dresses, an updo shows off the neckline and sleeves without distraction. Ask your stylist to position the updo at a height that works with your veil placement.
This keeps all your hair secured and creates a polished appearance that photographs beautifully. The combination of updo and veil never goes out of fashion.
Image & Makeup credit: Olivia Todd
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Hampshire
Wavy Long Locks Down
Wearing your hair down in soft, wavy long locks creates a relaxed, romantic bridal look. These gentle waves add movement and texture without being too formal. For brides with long hair who want to show off their length, this is one of the best wedding hairstyles.
The wavy texture softens the structured feel of long sleeve wedding gowns and creates balance. Style your long locks with loose waves that frame your face and cascade down your back. This works particularly well for boho or beach weddings.
Keep your hair out of your face with small pins or a delicate headpiece. This complements your long sleeve dress beautifully and lets your natural hair shine.
Image & Makeup credit: BIG HAIR ENERGY By Tiel
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Surrey
Twisted Low Bun Bridal Hair
A twisted low bun adds texture and interest to the classic bun style. This creates dimension by twisting sections of hair before securing them at the nape of the neck. The result is a sophisticated updo that complements long sleeve wedding dresses beautifully.
The twists add visual interest without overwhelming your gown's details. Position the bun low to show off your neckline and draw attention to your dress's sleeves. For brides with long hair, this shows off your length whilst keeping everything secured. Add small hair accessories nestled within the twists for extra glamour.
Image & Makeup credit: BIG HAIR ENERGY By Tiel
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Surrey
Side Swept Curls Wedding Hair
Side swept curls create a romantic, glamorous look that's perfect for long sleeve wedding gowns. Sweep all your curls to one side and let them cascade over your shoulder. This asymmetrical style adds drama and sophistication to your bridal look.
The side sweep shows off your neckline on one side whilst the curls provide volume and movement on the other. This creates beautiful balance with the coverage of long sleeves.
Secure the curls with decorative pins or a hair clip on the swept side. This photographs beautifully from every angle. For brides with long hair, side swept curls make a real statement.
Glamorous Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves create old school glamour. This features large, defined waves that create movement and shine. The waves are structured yet soft, creating a gorgeous bridal style that's pure elegance.
Part your hair to the side for that classic Hollywood feel. The waves should be uniform and defined, catching the light beautifully as you move. This complements long sleeve wedding gowns by adding glamour without competing with the dress's details.
Image & Makeup credit: Tetiana Kurtyniuk
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Essex
Boho Braid Wedding Hairstyle
A boho braid creates a relaxed, romantic feel that's perfect for outdoor or summer weddings. This can be a loose side braid, fishtail braid, or any textured braid style that complements your long sleeve wedding dress with an effortless vibe.
The beauty of a boho braid is how it feels natural and undone whilst still being polished. Pull out a few face framing pieces and let the braid sit loosely rather than tightly. This creates that laid back elegance that suits bohemian wedding themes.
Image & Makeup credit: BIG HAIR ENERGY By Tiel
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Surrey
Sleek Ponytail with Volume
A sleek ponytail with added volume creates modern glamour. This smooths the hair back sleekly before securing it in a voluminous ponytail. The contrast between the sleek top and bouncy ponytail creates striking beauty.
Tease the ponytail or add extensions to create serious volume. The fullness of the ponytail balances the coverage of long sleeve wedding gowns. This is particularly stunning for evening or formal weddings.
Image & Makeup credit: BIG HAIR ENERGY By Tiel
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Surrey
High Bun with Hair Accessories
A high bun positioned at the crown creates height and drama. This wedding hairstyle is particularly striking with long sleeve wedding dresses as it creates vertical balance. The high placement shows off your neckline and draws the eye upward.
Dress up your high bun with beautiful hair accessories from the MakeMeBridal shop. Decorative pins, jewelled clips, or fresh flowers can transform a simple bun into a gorgeous bridal style. The accessories add personality and tie into your overall wedding look.
For brides with long hair, a high bun is a practical choice that keeps everything secured while looking elegant. It's one of the best wedding hairstyles for formal or evening celebrations where you want sophistication and glamour. This style complements any dress style beautifully.
Image & Makeup credit: Bride by Becky
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Middlesex
Sleek Straight Hair Down
For brides with naturally straight hair, wearing it down and sleek creates a modern, chic wedding look. This minimalist hairstyle lets your hair's natural texture shine and creates a clean, polished appearance that complements long sleeve wedding gowns beautifully.
Straight hair worn down shows off your length and creates a sleek silhouette. Use a smoothing serum to add shine and eliminate any frizz. Keep your hair out of your face with a centre or side parting. This is particularly stunning with minimalist long sleeve dresses. The simplicity of straight hair complements the clean lines of modern gowns.
Elegant Low Chignon with Curls
An elegant low chignon combines the sophistication of an updo with the softness of curls. This creates a refined bridal look that complements long sleeve wedding dresses perfectly. The chignon sits at the nape of the neck whilst soft curls add texture and romance.
The combination of sleek and curly creates beautiful contrast. The structured chignon provides elegance whilst the curls add a romantic touch. This shows off your neckline and draws attention to your gown's sleeves.
For brides who want sophistication with a touch of romance, this is one of the best wedding hairstyles. Add a delicate veil or hair accessories to complete the look.
Romantic Curls with Hair Comb
Romantic curls paired with a decorative hair comb create timeless beauty. This features soft curls throughout, with one side pinned back with a beautiful hair comb. The comb adds glamour whilst keeping hair out of your face on one side.
Choose a hair comb that coordinates with your wedding theme. Vintage inspired for classic weddings, floral for romantic celebrations, or jewelled for formal affairs. For brides with long hair, this shows off your length whilst adding security. The curls create softness that complements the structure of long sleeve wedding dresses.
Image & Makeup credit: She Said Yes Bridal Hair
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Kent
Textured Ponytail Perfection
A textured ponytail adds interest to the classic ponytail style. Instead of sleek and smooth, this wedding hairstyle incorporates waves, twists, or braids into the ponytail for a more dimensional look. The texture creates a relaxed yet polished bridal look.
Position the ponytail at varying heights depending on your preference. A low-textured ponytail feels romantic and soft, while a high one creates drama. The texture keeps the style from feeling too simple and adds visual interest that complements long sleeve wedding gowns. Maybe even wrap a section of hair around the ponytail base to hide the elastic and create a polished finish. This is a gorgeous bridal style for brides with long hair who want something different. It keeps your hair out of your face while still showing off your length.
Image & Makeup credit: Neecol Whyte
Make Me Bridal Hair & Makeup Pro from Surrey
Low Bun with Fresh Flowers
A low bun decorated with fresh flowers creates natural romance. This wedding hairstyle positions a soft, textured bun at the nape of the neck and nestles fresh blooms throughout. The flowers add colour and create a gorgeous bridal style that's perfect for garden or outdoor weddings.
Choose flowers that match your bouquet or wedding colour scheme. The flowers become beautiful hair accessories that feel organic and romantic. For summer weddings, fresh flowers add that perfect seasonal touch.
Remember, the perfect hairstyle for your long sleeve wedding dress should show off its details while keeping you comfortable all day. The hairstylists in the MakeMeBridal directory are experts at creating gorgeous bridal styles that complement any dress style. Book a trial to find your perfect wedding hair and walk down the aisle feeling absolutely beautiful.
