Buns and Chignons

• Buns and chignons both begin with a simple ponytail secured with an elastic band. They can be as sleek or as messy as the wearer chooses, depending on which style suits the wedding atmosphere best. Buns and chignons work well with straight, curly or wavy hair, and can be particularly flattering for round faces. To form a bun, the ponytail is twisted and wrapped about its base and afterward secured with hair pins. A chignon is basically a type of loose bun positioned at the nape or off to the side of the neck. In some cases a chignon pillow can be used for added volume.
  
  

French Twists

• The French twist also begins with a ponytail, held loosely and gathered low at the back of the head. Unlike the bun and chignon, the ponytail twists upward rather than around its base. When nearly the entire ponytail has been twisted, its ends are folded to the side and tucked securely into the space between the head and the ponytail's base. Hair pins, bobby pins, sticks and decorative combs are commonly used to secure the French twist. It suits nearly all face shapes and can easily be volumized by adjusting the starting ponytail.
  
  

Ponytails and Braids

• Ponytails and braids bridge the gap between up and down hairdos, providing both freedom and hair control. Brides rarely go for the classic ponytail, although loose, low side ponytails are common in weddings. Braids are either worn plain or as elements in the updo. They can be wrapped around a bun or chignon or worn about the head in a band. Loose ponytails and messy braids offer a casual, low-maintenance look perfect for outdoor weddings, though they can also be done neatly for a sleek, polished effect.
  
  

Wedding Updos for Short Hair

• Although the majority of updos were designed for medium to long hair lengths, short-haired brides do not necessarily have to resort to hair extensions to achieve updos. The key to creating short updos is choosing the right hair products and/or accessories. While hairspray provides enough hold for controlling stray tendrils, mousse, hair gel, putty and molding clay work best for styling short hair. Cropped hair can easily be teased into a quiff. Short- to medium-length hair, while not giving as much versatility as long hair, lends itself well to messy ponytails, braids and buns.