Timeless or contemporary - as seasons change and years go by, we see wedding hair trends rise in popularity while others take a backseat. Only a few years ago, the boho bridal hair look dominated (and is still much-loved!), Hollywood waves followed, and then Sofia Richie's slicked-back wedding day hair inspired an "old money, quiet luxury" trend that is gaining serious momentum. To find out what wedding hair trends are tipped for centre stage in 2024, we consulted the best wedding hair stylists in Ireland to for their expert predictions for both brides and bridesmaids. But it's worth noting that our hair gurus are adamant that there are no rules when it comes to wedding hair styles - it's your day, so wear your hair your way!

Wedding Hair Trends 2024

Sleek Buns

Wedding hairstylist, Claire Barry, is seeing the effect of last year's most influential celebrity weddings - Sofia Richie and Lady Amelia Spencer. Claire says: "We're definitely seeing the trend of sleeker hairstyles coming in for brides. They've been popular with bridesmaids since summertime, but lately, brides are certainly making stronger style choices and the sleek bun, both low and high, is becoming more popular. The best thing is there are so many variations of this style; one of the reasons why I love creating them."

Stylist Dominique Kane agrees, saying: "Smooth sleek low buns like Sofia's are in, with a centre part and a low knotted bun," but if you like this trend but would rather wear your hair loose, she suggests trying "relaxed waves, centre-parted from ear to ear, and secured underneath the hair", which will give that same sleek effect from the front.

The Posh Ponytail

Leading stylist, David Cashman, who has worked with the likes of Cate Blanchett, Nicola Coughlan and Amy Huberman is also predicting a year of slicked-back styles. The one he particular loves is what he calls 'the Posh Ponytail'. "This is a classic and a personal favourite of mine, and it works wonderfully on a bride but also for a bridesmaid.The position of the ponytail is key; it should sit on the crown of the head with some volume around the pony. This style is wonderful as you can still frame the face with some loose hair while keeping the neckline free, especially if that's what the dress requires."

90s Vibes

For something completely different from slicked-back styles and ponytails, there's a serious 90s vibe making its way into wedding hair trends for 2024. David Cashman says: "This trend is one we’re seeing both on red carpets and runways - a loose and relaxed style, concentrating on lots of root lift and body, leaving the ends relaxed and not too curly - think Cindy Crawford! This is a great style option to add a relaxed feel to a formal occasion."

Claire Barry agrees: ''Hair down remains quite popular with brides, but in 2024, we'll see a move towards a more relaxed down style, like effortless-looking blowdries and looser waves."

If your hair lacks the volume for a wedding day hairstyle like this wedding hairstylist Mags O'Brien of Upstyle Funk advises giving your crowning glory a helping hand. "Clip-in extensions are, almost always, a must to add luscious volume and enhance hair-down styles."

The Pammy Updo

"This year we are going to see the return of high updos with plenty of texture," says wedding hair stylist Martina King. "From the French twist to the Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's style, updos are having a renaissance." One particular style she is loving is the 'Pammy Updo' - another iconic 90s look made famous by Pamela Anderson and characterised by hair that's stacked up high on the head, with tendrils tumbling down. "For added length or hold and volume, I always recommend 100% real clip-in extensions for everything from Hollywood waves and ponytails, to half up, half down styles and updos."

Mags O'Brien also predicts we'll see more of this in 2024. "We're seeing celebrities like Kim Kardashian have great fun with the playful high French twist with strategically placed bangs and it's making its way into wedding hair trends."

Accessories and Adornments

Hair embellishments with accessories is one of those bridal hair trends that endures year after year, and flowers still feature big. Mags O'Brien says: "Hair accessories will depend on the venue and time of year. Dried flowers always add a little bit of luxury and are a personal favourite. Although, I love hairbands too and they are very on trend this year."

Martina King also says that in terms of hair accessories, we have seen a lot of pearls, bows and hair pins for wedding hair which can really allow you to create a bespoke look. "I don't think they are going anywhere anytime soon," she says. Best of all hair accessories work really well with these year's hottest haircut - the bob.

The Second Look

The last of our wedding hair trends for 2024 is one that's growing with another big trend - and that's having a second look or dress change for the reception. David Cashman is a big fan of this trend. "So you have one hairstyle for the ceremony, which can be a classic upstyle that works well with a veil and for formal pictures, and then a more relaxed style for the evening reception and dancing." This might involve taking your hair out of a low bun to have it in a low ponytail, for instanvce. "This could be done by the bride, but I always recommend having your hairstylist on standby to amend any required changes," he advises.

Have you chosen your favourite look from our wedding hair trends of 2024? See more hair, skin and makeup features here and follow us on Instagram for more inspiration!