10 Pretty Open Hair Looks for Weddings, Parties & More
Open hair can look just as special as any updo when you add the right waves, shine and detail. This list gives you 10 pretty open hair looks that work for weddings, sangeets, cocktails, birthdays and any dressy event. You’ll find soft waves, sleek shine, romantic curls and a few easy braids that still leave your hair down. Most of these styles suit straight, wavy or softly curly hair and flatter common face shapes like oval, round, heart and long. Before you start, detangle your hair, apply a heat protectant, and rough-dry or blow-dry it smooth. Keep a curling iron or straightener, a few clips, a light hairspray and a shine serum nearby. You’ll be able to mix and match these ideas to fit your outfit, mood and the weather.
Quick List
- Soft Glam Big Waves
- Side-Swept Party Layers
- Glossy Centre-Part Blowout
- Romantic Loose Curls with Tiny Braids
- Boho Open Hair with Crown Braid
- Textured Open Hair with Face-Framing Pieces
- Sleek Straight Hair with Hidden Volume
- Open Curls with Sparkle Clips
- Effortless Open Beach Waves
- Deep-Side-Part Hollywood Waves
1. Soft Glam Big Waves
Soft glam big waves are perfect when you want your hair to look polished but still touchable. The large, flowing bends add movement and body without feeling too “done,” so they suit both brides and guests. This look photographs beautifully from every angle, especially under warm party lighting or soft daylight. You can pair it with statement earrings, a simple dress or even a heavier outfit and it will still feel balanced. It grows looser as the night goes on, which actually makes it prettier. Pro tip: curl away from your face on both sides for an open, lifted look that shows off your features.
How To Style
- Blow-dry hair smooth with a round brush.
- Use a large-barrel curler to wrap medium sections away from your face.
- Let curls cool, then gently brush them into waves.
- Finish with light hairspray and a pea-sized amount of shine serum on the ends.
Best For
- Face shapes: oval, heart, round
- Hair types: straight, wavy
Tools & Products
- Round brush
- Large-barrel curling iron
- Heat protectant spray
- Light-hold hairspray
- Shine serum
2. Side-Swept Party Layers
Side-swept party layers look flirty and elegant at the same time. By bringing all the hair over one shoulder, you create instant drama while keeping your neckline and back visible for detailed outfits. The layered ends add softness and movement, so your hair sways as you walk or dance. This style works especially well with one-shoulder dresses and blouses. It’s also a smart pick if you want your jewelry to show more on one side. Pro tip: set the side-swept section with a few hidden pins near the nape so it stays put without looking stiff.
How To Style
- Create a deep side part on your preferred side.
- Curl mid-lengths and ends with a medium barrel for soft bends.
- Sweep all hair over one shoulder and smooth the top.
- Pin discreetly at the back if needed and mist with hairspray.
Best For
- Face shapes: oval, long, heart
- Hair types: straight, wavy, soft curls
Tools & Products
- Tail comb
- Medium-barrel curling iron
- Sectioning clips
- Light-hold hairspray
- Smoothing cream
3. Glossy Centre-Part Blowout
A glossy centre-part blowout is a clean, modern option for weddings and parties when you prefer sleek over curly. The straight but bouncy lengths frame your face neatly while the shine makes your hair look healthy and expensive. This style works with traditional and Western outfits, from saris and lehengas to gowns and jumpsuits. It’s also great if you plan to change outfits between events because it goes with everything. Pro tip: keep the roots smooth but not flat by lifting them slightly with your brush as you blow-dry, so the hair doesn’t look stuck to the scalp.
How To Style
- Apply a smoothing cream and heat protectant to damp hair.
- Blow-dry using a round brush, turning the ends in slightly.
- Create a clean middle part with a comb.
- Glide a straightener lightly through sections if needed and finish with shine spray.
Best For
- Face shapes: oval, round, heart
- Hair types: straight, slightly wavy
Tools & Products
- Round brush
- Blow dryer with nozzle
- Flat iron
- Heat protectant spray
- Shine spray or serum
4. Romantic Loose Curls with Tiny Braids
Romantic loose curls with tiny braids give you that dreamy, storybook feel while still keeping your hair down. The soft curls add fullness, and the thin braids tuck a little detail into the sides without stealing the show. This is a lovely option for daytime ceremonies, garden weddings or mehendi functions. It looks pretty with floral jewelry or soft pastel outfits. The small braids also help keep hair out of your face while you move around. Pro tip: braid only a few fine sections near your temples and secure them behind your ear, then hide the ends under the top layer of curls.
How To Style
- Curl your hair in loose, vertical sections.
- Take one or two small pieces near the temples and braid them back.
- Secure braids at the back with tiny elastics or pins.
- Gently separate curls with your fingers and mist with hairspray.
Best For
- Face shapes: oval, heart, long
- Hair types: wavy, curly, straight with added curls
Tools & Products
- Curling wand
- Small clear elastics
- Bobby pins
- Light-hold hairspray
- Wide-tooth comb
5. Boho Open Hair with Crown Braid
Boho open hair with a crown braid gives you a relaxed festival vibe that still feels special enough for a wedding or reception. The braid sits like a soft headband while the rest of your hair falls free, which is perfect if you like open hair but want some detail around the face. It works especially well with outdoor events, prints, flowy outfits and fresh flowers. This style is also nice for long events because the braid keeps the front neat as the rest loosens naturally. Pro tip: gently pull on the braid edges to make it look fuller and softer, not tight.
How To Style
- Part your hair in the middle or slightly off-centre.
- Take sections from each side near the temples and braid them toward the back.
- Join the braids at the back to form a “crown” and pin securely.
- Leave the rest of the hair open with light waves or natural texture.
Best For
- Face shapes: oval, round, heart
- Hair types: wavy, straight, loose curls
Tools & Products
- Tail comb
- Small elastics
- Bobby pins
- Texturizing spray
- Light hairspray
6. Textured Open Hair with Face-Framing Pieces
Textured open hair with face-framing pieces looks effortless and cool, like you woke up party-ready. The soft, choppy texture through the lengths keeps the hair from looking flat, while the face-framing bits add shape around your cheekbones and jawline. This style is great for casual parties, cocktail nights or when you want your makeup and outfit to stand out. It also does well in light humidity because it embraces a bit of natural movement. Pro tip: use more product through the mid-lengths and very little near the roots so the hair doesn’t become greasy at the crown.
How To Style
- Rough-dry hair or let it air-dry to keep natural texture.
- Use a curling wand on random sections to add loose bends.
- Lightly twist and scrunch the mid-lengths with texturizing spray.
- Pull out a few thin face-framing pieces and smooth them if needed.
Best For
- Face shapes: round, heart, oval
- Hair types: wavy, straight, loose curls
Tools & Products
- Blow dryer (optional)
- Curling wand
- Texturizing spray or sea-salt spray
- Light styling cream
- Wide-tooth comb
7. Sleek Straight Hair with Hidden Volume
Sleek straight hair with hidden volume gives you that glassy, smooth look without making your head look flat. The hair stays straight and shiny on the outside, but a bit of lift at the roots and subtle bend at the ends keep it from feeling severe. This style is ideal for evening events, minimalist outfits and sharp makeup. It looks especially nice with high necklines and bold earrings. Pro tip: backcomb a thin layer of hair underneath at the crown, then smooth the top layer over it so you get volume that no one can see.
How To Style
- Apply heat protectant and blow-dry hair straight.
- Use a flat iron to smooth sections, turning the ends slightly in or out.
- Gently backcomb underneath the crown and smooth the top.
- Finish with a light mist of shine spray only on the mid-lengths and ends.
Best For
- Face shapes: oval, round, long
- Hair types: straight, slightly wavy
Tools & Products
- Blow dryer
- Flat iron
- Fine-tooth comb
- Heat protectant spray
- Shine spray
8. Open Curls with Sparkle Clips
Open curls with sparkle clips give you a very festive, party-ready look without needing a complicated updo. The curls add bounce and fullness, while a few small clips along one side bring in just the right amount of shine. You can choose pearls, stones or simple metallic clips to match your jewelry or outfit. This style is perfect for receptions, cocktail nights and birthdays. It’s also a fun way to dress up naturally curly hair. Pro tip: place the clips on the side opposite your part to lift and open up your face.
How To Style
- Define curls with a curling iron or by refreshing natural curls with a foam or cream.
- Create a side part and smooth the smaller side with a comb.
- Slide 2–3 sparkle clips above the ear on that side.
- Separate curls gently with your fingers and set with hairspray.
Best For
- Face shapes: oval, round, heart
- Hair types: curly, wavy, straight with added curls
Tools & Products
- Curling iron or diffuser
- Curl cream or mousse
- Sparkle hair clips
- Light-hold hairspray
- Wide-tooth comb
9. Effortless Open Beach Waves
Effortless open beach waves are great when you want something relaxed but still special enough for an event. The loose, irregular bends make your hair look thicker and give off a cool, easy-going vibe. This style pairs well with open necklines, summer dresses and daytime functions. It’s also a smart pick for beach weddings or humid weather because it embraces a bit of frizz and movement. Pro tip: curl only the mid-lengths and leave the ends more straight for that true “beachy” feel instead of perfect, uniform curls.
How To Style
- Spritz dry hair with a texturizing or sea-salt spray.
- Wrap random mid-length sections around a curling wand, leaving the ends out.
- Let everything cool, then shake out with your fingers.
- Pinch a little styling paste on the ends for separation if needed.
Best For
- Face shapes: oval, heart, round
- Hair types: wavy, straight, loose curls
Tools & Products
- Curling wand
- Texturizing or sea-salt spray
- Light styling paste or cream
- Wide-tooth comb
10. Deep-Side-Part Hollywood Waves
Deep-side-part Hollywood waves are a classic red-carpet choice when you want full-on glam with open hair. The uniform, glossy waves on a deep part create a sculpted effect that looks amazing in photos and videos. This style pairs beautifully with gowns, saris and any outfit with a dramatic neckline or shoulder detail. It works best on medium to long lengths and is ideal for big nights like receptions or black-tie parties. Pro tip: clip each curl in place to cool before brushing out so your waves last much longer.
How To Style
- Create a deep side part using a tail comb.
- Curl hair in same-direction sections on each side with a medium barrel.
- Pin each curl to cool, then remove pins once fully cool.
- Brush through to form smooth waves and set with hairspray and shine spray.
Best For
- Face shapes: oval, long, heart
- Hair types: straight, wavy
Tools & Products
- Tail comb
- Medium-barrel curling iron
- Sectioning clips and hair pins
- Light-hold hairspray
- Shine spray
Conclusion
Open hair can be just as special as any updo when you add smart shape, shine and small details. Whether you prefer soft waves, glossy straight lengths or romantic curls, you can mix these ideas to suit your face shape, hair type and outfit. Start by mastering one or two styles that feel realistic for your skills, then layer in braids, clips or deeper parts as you grow confident. The more you practice before the event, the more relaxed you’ll feel on the day.
CTA
Pick one look from this list for your next wedding or party, set a practice day this week, and take a few photos so you can tweak the style before the big event.
FAQs
1. Are open hair looks suitable for brides, or only for guests?
Open hair looks can work beautifully for brides, especially for outdoor or daytime ceremonies. Just make sure you set the style well with pins, product and a trial run so it holds up through photos, rituals and dancing.
2. How can I make open hair last through a long event?
Prep is key: cleanse, condition lightly, and use a heat protectant plus a setting product before styling. Finish with a light-hold hairspray and keep a small comb and mini spray in your bag for quick touch-ups.
3. What if my hair doesn’t hold curls well?
Use a smaller curling barrel so the curls start tighter and have room to relax. Let each curl cool before brushing out, and apply a workable hairspray as you go so the shape sets more firmly.
4. Can I do these styles without professional tools?
Yes, many of these looks can be done with basic tools like a simple blow dryer, comb and one hot tool. If you don’t have a curler, you can try heatless methods such as overnight braids for waves and then refine the front with a straightener.
5. How do I choose the best open hair look for my face shape?
As a general guide, side parts and face-framing layers flatter round faces, while volume at the sides works for long faces. Try styles that balance your features, take test photos from different angles, and adjust the part or layers until the shape feels right on you.
