The 2021 Bridal Hair and Makeup Trends You Need to Know About

Spring is officially upon us which means that we’re about to witness an influx of fresh makeup and hair trends that definitely need to be on your radar. Brides-to-be experienced a major shift in focus when the COVID-19 pandemic hit early last year—one that embraced natural beauty and style. While bold, glamorous hair and makeup looks still have a stake in 2021 bridal beauty trends, they certainly don’t hold the spotlight as much anymore due to the fact that couples are opting for more intimate ceremonies or foregoing a traditional celebration altogether in order to run off and elope. 

Below—some of our favorite natural, lived-in looks that brides are flaunting in 2021 that we honestly can’t get enough of: 

Natural texture is in! 

Embracing the natural style of your hair is definitely the move for 2021. Whether that means highlighting your beachy waves or amping up the volume of your curls, talk to your hair stylist about ways to bring out the best of what you’re already working with. 

Relaxed, lived-in styles will go a long way to make you look and feel at ease as you make your way down the aisle. And after a long year of finding beauty in the everyday, what better way to highlight this new mindset than to exemplify the down-to-earth aspects of your natural aesthetic?

Retro curtain bangs have our heart.

If you didn’t cut your own bangs during quarantine, did you even live through the COVID-19 pandemic? 

But seriously—70s-inspired curtain bangs are having a major moment right now, and we aren’t mad about it. From Jennifer Lopez to Gigi Hadid, we’ve seen a ton of celebrities opting for this hairstyle. Long curtain bangs are perfect for people who don’t want to commit to blunt bangs but still want a flattering face-framing hair cut. So before you drink too much wine one night and crave some nuance, think about booking an appointment with your fav hairstylist to get curtain bangs and avoid a preventable disaster all together! 

Let’s talk accessories. 

Just because the trends are pointing at minimalism for 2021 doesn’t mean that you have to skip out on hair accessories! Ultra-feminine ‘90s looks are making a huge comeback and with it has brought the resurgence of updos created with big clips. That’s right—think Rachel from Friends kind of clips. This laidback accessory creates a totally chic look as it allows for a few wispy strands to frame your face. You’ll be radiating an undeniably flirty vibe as you make your way down the aisle in this hairstyle, destined to make your partner blush a little harder! 

Don't shy away from a bold lip and statement eye makeup.

Ok, we know we said that beauty should be au naturel this year, but we’re not opposed to making a bold statement on your wedding day in 2021. Amp up the basic beauty styles with a bold red lip or unique eye makeup if you want a more glamorous look to wear as you walk down the aisle. Focusing on one aspect of your face like your eyes or lips will enhance the drama of your bridal style without making your makeup styling look too busy. 

Achieve dewy skin.

If quarantine gave us anything, it was locking down a solid skincare routine. With the help of beauty gurus on TikTok and a lot more free time on everyone’s hands, perfecting the natural make-up look has been a top trend this year. Brighten your natural skin through a Vitamin C cleanser, even it out after washing it with a toner and then lather on that moisturizer. Before you know it, you’ll have gorgeous dewy skin that will make you feel that much more confident as you walk down the aisle. 

Ready to find the wedding dress of your dreams to go with your down-to-earth makeup and hair look? Check out all of the best bridal styles from Martin Thornburg here, and finally say “yes” to your wedding dress.