19 Bridal Hairstyles For Heart Shaped Faces

I’ve spent years testing, researching, and styling hair for brides with every face shape imaginable, and heart-shaped faces are honestly one of my favorite canvases to work with. Between the wide forehead, angled cheekbones, and that delicate pointed chin, there’s so much room to play with volume, waves, and face-framing details. Trust me — I know exactly which bridal hairstyles will flatter you on your big day.

So what are the best bridal hairstyles for heart shaped faces? Soft waves, low buns, and side-swept styles with face-framing pieces work best because they balance a wider forehead with a narrower chin. Avoid styles that add height or volume directly on top, since this can exaggerate forehead width.

Keep reading, though, because I’m not stopping at just one answer. I’ve got 19 gorgeous options below, plus tips on which one fits your hair type, your wedding vibe, and even your veil style.

Why Heart Shaped Faces Need Special Styling Attention

Here’s the thing about heart-shaped faces: you’ve got a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrower, sometimes pointed chin. It’s a gorgeous shape, but certain hairstyles can throw off that natural balance. Too much volume at the crown? That widens your forehead even more. Hair pulled back too tight? That can make your chin look sharper than you’d like.

What actually works is adding softness and width near your jaw and chin while keeping things sleeker up top. Think loose waves that hit around your jawline, side-swept bangs that break up forehead width, or low updos that don’t compete with your cheekbones. I’ll walk you through exactly how to pull each of these off, no matter your hair texture.

1. Soft Side-Swept Waves With Fringe

This one’s a classic for good reason. Side-swept waves cascade past your jaw, softening that wider forehead instantly. Pair it with wispy, side-swept fringe and you’ve got a look that frames your face beautifully without adding bulk on top.

This style works best on medium to long hair with natural texture or curls that hold well. If you’ve got fine hair, use a volumizing mousse before curling with a 1-inch wand. Thick hair? A texturizing spray helps hold those waves longer through the ceremony and reception.

It’s perfect for outdoor weddings, boho themes, or anyone who wants that “effortlessly romantic” vibe. Next up, let’s talk buns — because sometimes less really is more.

2. Low Bridal Bun With Face-Framing Tendrils

A low bun sits right at the nape of your neck, which is exactly where you want the visual weight for a heart-shaped face. Loose, wavy tendrils left out around your temples and cheekbones do the real magic here — they soften the forehead and draw attention down toward your jaw.

This style suits straight or wavy hair best since it’s easier to smooth into a sleek bun. If your hair is curly, flat iron sections before styling for a cleaner finish. Use a strong-hold gel along your part line to prevent flyaways, then finish with hairspray.

It’s a go-to for formal weddings, especially if you’re wearing a veil, since it sits flush against your head without competing for space.

3. Half-Up Half-Down With Braided Crown

I love this style because it gives you the best of both worlds — some hair up, some hair down, with a braid doing the heavy lifting. The braided crown pulls hair away from your forehead while the length underneath stays loose and wavy, framing your jaw.

Any hair type works here, though fine hair benefits from a bit of dry shampoo at the roots for grip during braiding. This look is incredibly versatile for casual garden weddings or dressier affairs — just swap a simple braid for a fishtail if you want something more intricate.

Add small flowers or pearl pins along the braid for extra bridal detail. Speaking of braids, let’s go bigger.

4. Classic Chignon With Deep Side Part

A chignon is basically a fancy, twisted bun, and the deep side part is what makes this one work so well for heart-shaped faces. The asymmetry breaks up forehead width immediately, while the low, twisted bun keeps everything sleek and elegant near your neck.

Straight or slightly wavy hair holds this shape best. Curly hair can absolutely work too — just smooth it out with a light serum before parting. You’ll want bobby pins, a small elastic, and a firm-hold hairspray to keep this in place through hours of dancing.

This is a strong pick for black-tie weddings or church ceremonies where a polished look matters most.

5. Boho Braided Updo

If your wedding has a rustic or outdoor feel, this one’s for you. Multiple small braids woven into a loose updo create texture and movement while keeping hair off your face. The braids near your temples specifically help minimize forehead width.

This works wonderfully on wavy or curly hair since the texture adds to that boho charm naturally. Fine, straight hair can still pull this off with the help of a texturizing spray and some strategic backcombing for volume.

It pairs beautifully with flower crowns or baby’s breath tucked into the braids. Now let’s talk about a style that celebrates natural curl.

6. Voluminous Curls With Middle Part

Big, bouncy curls worn down with a middle part might sound simple, but the middle part is doing important work here — it creates symmetry that balances a heart-shaped face nicely. The volume should sit lower, around your cheekbones and jaw, rather than piled up top.

This style is tailor-made for naturally curly hair, though straight hair can achieve it with a curling iron and the right prep — a heat protectant followed by a curl-enhancing mousse. Avoid teasing at the crown; keep that area smooth and let the fullness happen lower down.

Great for beach weddings or any celebration where you want movement and romance. Let’s move to something sleeker now.

7. Sleek Low Ponytail With Bouffant

Don’t let the word “ponytail” fool you — this is bridal glamour at its finest. A slight bouffant at the crown (kept subtle, not exaggerated) adds height without overwhelming your forehead, while the low, sleek ponytail keeps things elegant.

This works best on straight or straightened hair for that glossy finish. Thick hair holds a ponytail well without extra product, but fine hair will need a strong hold spray and maybe a few hidden bobby pins for support.

It’s a favorite for modern, minimalist wedding themes and photographs beautifully from every angle. Next, let’s braid things up again.

8. Fishtail Braid Updo

A fishtail braid wrapped into an updo gives you texture and detail without looking overdone. Starting the braid slightly to one side and pinning it into a loose updo creates that asymmetry heart-shaped faces love.

This look works on medium to long hair with any texture, though second-day hair (not freshly washed) actually holds fishtail braids better since it’s less slippery. A light pomade helps smooth frizz before you start braiding.

It’s versatile enough for both casual and formal weddings, especially with delicate hairpins or a thin veil attached underneath. Let’s talk waterfalls next.

9. Romantic Waterfall Braid

This braid cascades along your hairline like, well, a waterfall — hence the name. It naturally sweeps hair away from your forehead while leaving the rest down in loose waves, which is exactly the balance heart-shaped faces need.

Wavy or curly hair blends into this style seamlessly. Straight hair works too, but curling the loose sections beforehand gives a softer, more cohesive look. You’ll want small clear elastics and bobby pins to secure the braid discreetly as you work across your head.

This one’s stunning for spring or summer weddings, especially with floral hair accessories woven in.

10. Textured Low Bun With Veil

Simple, elegant, and veil-friendly — this bun sits low on the neck with just enough texture (think loose pieces pulled out for softness) to avoid looking too severe. That texture near your face is key for softening a heart shape.

This style works on any hair type, though thin hair may need a bit of backcombing at the crown for fullness before twisting into the bun. Keep a flexible-hold spray on hand for touch-ups throughout the day.

It’s the go-to choice for cathedral veils or long veils that need a secure, low anchor point.

11. Vintage Finger Waves

For brides going for old Hollywood glamour, finger waves are stunning. The tight, sculpted waves sit close to the head and follow your face’s natural angles, which actually works well to soften a wider forehead when styled correctly.

This look requires straight or straightened hair and a good amount of setting gel plus flat-tooth combs to create those crisp waves. It’s more time-intensive, so factor in extra styling time or book a stylist experienced with vintage looks.

Perfect for Gatsby-themed or art deco weddings where drama and detail matter most.

12. Loose Beachy Waves Down

Sometimes simple is best. Loose, undone waves worn down with no part manipulation still manage to flatter heart-shaped faces because the waves naturally fall around the jaw and add width exactly where you want it.

This works on virtually every hair type — naturally wavy hair needs minimal effort, while straight hair benefits from a texturizing spray and a curling wand used in loose, alternating directions for that “just came from the beach” effect.

It’s ideal for casual, destination, or outdoor weddings where comfort matters as much as style.

13. Braided Halo Updo

A halo braid wraps all the way around your head like a crown, keeping everything neat and elevated while leaving your face shape totally unobstructed and balanced. It’s structured but still feels romantic.

Medium to long hair works best here since you need enough length to wrap fully around. Curly hair should be stretched slightly with a diffuser before braiding for a smoother finish. Finish with shine serum to keep the braid looking polished, not dry.

This is a beautiful option for garden weddings or brides who want an updo without an actual bun.

14. Side-Swept Curls With Flower Crown

Combine loose, side-swept curls with a flower crown sitting slightly back on the head, and you get major bridal charm. The curls fall toward one shoulder, softening the jaw and chin area naturally.

This works on wavy or curly hair types especially well, though straight hair can be curled with a wand for similar results. Keep flowers lightweight to avoid pulling on hair throughout the day — silk flowers are often more practical than fresh ones for long events.

Great for bohemian, rustic, or whimsical wedding themes.

15. Twisted Updo With Volume At Crown (Kept Subtle)

A slight lift at the crown paired with twisted sections pinned into an updo creates dimension without overwhelming your forehead. The key word here is “subtle” — too much height defeats the purpose.

This style suits thick or medium-density hair best since it holds twists more securely. Fine hair will need a volumizing powder at the roots before twisting to maintain shape throughout the day.

It’s a solid pick for formal receptions or black-tie ceremonies where structure matters.

16. Soft Pompadour With Loose Curls

A soft pompadour — not a stiff, exaggerated one — adds just enough lift at the front hairline to create balance, especially paired with loose curls falling around the jaw and shoulders.

This works best on hair with some natural body or waves. Straight hair needs backcombing and a strong-hold spray to maintain the pompadour shape through photos and dancing.

Perfect for retro-inspired weddings or brides wanting a bit of vintage flair mixed with modern softness.

17. Double Braided Bun

Two braids twisted together into a bun creates beautiful texture and visual interest low on the head, which works wonderfully to ground a heart-shaped face without adding competing volume near the forehead.

This style suits long, thick hair best for a fuller-looking bun, though thinner hair can use braiding extensions or a bun-shaper insert for more volume. Secure well with pins since the double-braid structure adds some weight.

Ideal for both casual daytime weddings and elegant evening receptions.

18. Wrapped Ponytail With Texture

Take a simple ponytail and wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic — instant elevation. Add some loose waves throughout for texture, and you’ve got an easy yet elegant bridal style.

Any hair type can pull this off, though curly hair should be slightly stretched for a cleaner wrap. This is one of the lowest-maintenance options on this list, perfect for brides who want something reliable that won’t need touch-ups.

Great for casual courthouse weddings or busy brides-to-be who want simplicity without sacrificing style.

19. Messy Bun With Face-Framing Layers

Last but not least, the messy bun — but done right. Loose, face-framing layers left out around the temples and jaw soften your features while the slightly undone bun keeps things relaxed and romantic.

This works on any texture, though naturally textured or wavy hair achieves that “messy” look with the least effort. Use a texturizing paste to define pieces and a light-hold spray to keep things from getting too flat throughout the day.

It’s a favorite for boho, rustic, or laid-back wedding celebrations where comfort meets style.

Bridal Hairstyle Comparison By Face-Framing Effect And Maintenance

Hairstyle	Best Hair Type	Maintenance Level	Face-Framing Element	Best Wedding Style
Soft Side-Swept Waves	Wavy, Curly	Medium	Side fringe, loose waves	Outdoor, Boho
Low Bridal Bun	Straight, Wavy	Low	Face-framing tendrils	Formal, Traditional
Half-Up Braided Crown	Any	Medium	Braid pulls hair back	Casual, Garden
Classic Chignon	Straight	Low	Deep side part	Black-Tie, Church
Boho Braided Updo	Wavy, Curly	High	Temple braids	Rustic, Outdoor
Voluminous Curls, Middle Part	Curly, Straight	Medium	Lower volume placement	Beach, Romantic
Sleek Low Ponytail	Straight, Thick	Low	Subtle bouffant	Modern, Minimalist
Fishtail Braid Updo	Any	Medium	Side-start braid	Casual, Formal
Waterfall Braid	Wavy, Curly	Medium	Braid along hairline	Spring, Summer
Textured Low Bun	Any	Low	Loose face pieces	Veil-Friendly

Styling Time & Product Checklist By Look Type

Definition list for quick reference:

Loose & Wavy Styles
: Styling time 30–45 minutes. Products needed: heat protectant, curling wand, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray.

Braided Styles
: Styling time 45–60 minutes. Products needed: smoothing serum, small elastics, bobby pins, edge control or gel.

Updos & Buns
: Styling time 30–50 minutes. Products needed: volumizing powder or mousse, strong-hold hairspray, pins, a bun donut if needed.

Vintage & Structured Styles
: Styling time 60+ minutes. Products needed: setting gel, flat-tooth comb, fine-tooth comb, firm-hold spray.

A few extra bullet points worth remembering as you plan:

• Always do a trial run with your stylist at least 2–4 weeks before the wedding.
• Bring your veil or hair accessory to the trial so you can see the full look together.
• Consider your hair’s porosity — high-porosity hair holds curls longer, while low-porosity hair may need lighter products to avoid buildup.
• If you’re getting married outdoors in humidity, anti-frizz serum and a strong-hold spray are non-negotiable.

Wrapping It Up

Picking the right bridal hairstyle for a heart shaped face really comes down to balance — softening that forehead, working with your natural texture, and keeping the visual weight lower near your jaw and chin. Whether you go for loose waves, an elegant low bun, or a braided crown, each of these 19 styles gives you room to personalize based on your hair type, wedding theme, and how much time you want to spend in the styling chair.

At the end of the day, the best bridal hairstyle for your heart-shaped face is the one that makes you feel like the most confident version of yourself walking down that aisle.