- A Bride’s Guide to Finding Your Most Flattering Style
When it comes to choosing your wedding hairstyle, an updo is always a timeless and elegant option. But here’s a secret the pros know: the right updo can do more than just hold your veil in place—it can enhance your natural features and complement your face shape beautifully.
At Bfab On Location Bridal Hair and Beaute Services, we’ve styled hundreds of brides throughout the Bay Area—from San Francisco to San Jose, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Oakland—and one thing’s for sure: matching your updo to your face shape makes a big difference in how you look and feel on your wedding day.
So, what’s the perfect updo for you? Let’s break it down by face type.
Round Face
Goal: Add height and elongate the face
Best Updos:
-High buns or top knots
-Voluminous updos with height at the crown
-Side-swept updos with a deep part
Avoid:
-Sleek low buns that emphasize roundness
-Bang-heavy styles that cover your forehead
Bfab Tip: Adding soft tendrils or face-framing waves elongates the face and adds elegance without exaggerating fullness.
Square Face
Goal: Soften strong jawlines and balance angles
Best Updos:
-Romantic, loose buns
-Low chignons with curls or waves
-Soft braided updos
Avoid:
-Extremely structured or slicked-back styles
-Sharp center parts
Bfab Tip: A side-swept style or textured crown adds softness and draws attention upward. Think relaxed yet refined.
Oval Face
Goal: Lucky you! Oval faces suit almost every updo
Best Updos:
-Low buns, high buns, messy buns—you name it!
-Classic French twists or braided crowns
-Sleek ponytail updos or half-up styles
Avoid:
-Anything too flat—add a little volume to keep things balanced
Bfab Tip: This is your chance to have fun and personalize your look. Our stylists love experimenting with accessories or unique twists for oval-faced brides!
Heart-Shaped Face
Goal: Balance a wider forehead and narrower chin
Best Updos:
-Low side buns
-Updos with volume at the nape of the neck
-Styles with soft side bangs or curtain bangs
Avoid:
-High-volume styles that add height to the crown
-Severe slicked-back looks
Bfab Tip: Keeping a few soft curls near the cheeks creates visual harmony and softens the contrast between forehead and chin.
Long Face / Rectangular Face
Goal: Add width and minimize length
Best Updos:
-Low textured buns
-Side-swept chignons
-Updos with horizontal volume or loose braids
Avoid:
-High top buns or tall styles that add length
-Center parts that elongate the face
Bfab Tip: Incorporating waves and volume around the sides of the face helps add width and visual balance.
Trial Time Is Key
While these guidelines are super helpful, the best way to find your perfect updo is to try it out. That’s why Bfab offers personalized bridal hair trials—in your own home or venue! Our experienced stylists will work with your face shape, hair type, dress neckline, and wedding theme to create a look that’s uniquely you.
The Bfab Advantage
Our team serves brides all across the Bay Area with on-location hair and makeup services. Whether you’re tying the knot in a San Francisco loft, a vineyard in Menlo Park, or a romantic venue in Oakland, we come to you—fully equipped and ready to glam.
Personalized, expert recommendations
Trials available in the comfort of your home
Flattering styles for every face shape and hair type
A stress-free, confidence-boosting beauty experience
Ready to Find Your Flattering Bridal Updo?
Let Bfab help you shine on your special day with a wedding hairstyle that suits your face shape and your bridal vibe.
Book your bridal trial today and let’s create your perfect look—one strand at a time.
Because the best updo is the one that brings out the best in you.