If there is one thing that makes me stop scrolling and genuinely lean into my screen, it is a beautifully styled Regency-era hairstyle. I have always believed that hair is the crown you never take off, and when I first discovered the breathtaking world of Bridgerton, I felt like someone had reached into my imagination and put it on screen. The curls, the braids, the pearl-adorned updos, the soft romantic waves — everything about those hairstyles speaks the language I have dedicated my life to: beauty as a form of self-expression. As a celebrity makeup artist and beauty educator based in Los Angeles, I spend a lot of time studying how historical aesthetics can translate into modern looks that real people can wear every single day. Bridgerton gave us a masterclass in femininity, elegance, and romantic styling, and I am here to break it all down for you. Whether you have a special event coming up, want to elevate your everyday look, or simply want to channel old-world glamour with a modern twist, these thirteen Bridgerton-inspired hairstyles are your guide. I have personally recreated versions of every single one of these looks on clients, and I am walking you through each one with practical tips you can actually use at home. Let us dive in.
The Classic Regency Updo
There is something about a Regency updo that makes you feel like you have walked into a ballroom and every head is turning in your direction. This is the hairstyle that started it all for me when I think about Bridgerton-inspired beauty. It is regal, structured, and timeless in the most effortless way possible.
Understanding The Regency Updo And Its Origins
The classic Regency updo is a swept-back style where the hair is gathered at the crown or nape of the neck and pinned into an elegant, voluminous shape. It draws from early nineteenth-century fashion, when women wore their hair up to signify social status and refinement. What I love most about this style is that it is not stiff or harsh — it always has a softness to it, with loose tendrils framing the face and a sense of effortless poise. The updo balances formality with femininity, making it one of the most versatile historical looks I have ever worked with in my career.
Who This Hairstyle Suits Best
This style is a gift for women with medium to long hair, especially those with natural volume or texture. If you have thick hair that tends to resist staying down, the Regency updo channels that volume into something intentional and beautiful. I have styled this look on clients with oval, heart, and round face shapes, and the face-framing tendrils work magic on every one of them. It is particularly flattering for formal events, photoshoots, or any occasion where you want to feel elevated and confident without trying too hard.
Tips To Recreate This Timeless Look
Start by applying a light-hold mousse to damp hair and rough-drying it for body. Once dry, gather the hair loosely at the crown and twist it into a soft chignon, securing with bobby pins rather than elastic for a more romantic finish. Pull a few face-framing pieces loose and wrap them loosely around a small barrel curling iron for soft, flowing tendrils. Finish with a light-hold hairspray so the style holds without becoming crunchy. The key is intentional imperfection — do not over-tighten anything.
Braided Crown Beauty
I remember the first time I braided a crown on a client for a garden party editorial shoot. She looked at herself in the mirror and actually gasped. That is the power of a braided crown. It is romantic, whimsical, and carries that Bridgerton fairy-tale energy that we all secretly want in our lives.
What Makes The Braided Crown So Magical
A braided crown is exactly what it sounds like — a braid that wraps around the head like a natural halo, sitting at the top or mid-crown area. What makes it feel so Bridgerton is the combination of texture and elegance. The braid itself adds detail and artistry, while the overall shape frames the face in the most flattering, goddess-like way. Depending on how thick you make the braid and how loosely you weave it, you can go from casual chic to full-on ballroom ready. I have done both, and I can tell you, neither version disappoints.
The Hair Types And Occasions It Works Best For
This style thrives on hair that has some natural texture or wave to it. Completely straight, silky hair can work too, but you may need to add some texture spray beforehand to help the braid hold its shape and volume. I recommend this style for outdoor events, bridal showers, romantic date nights, or any occasion where you want to feel like you have stepped out of a period drama. It works beautifully on long hair and can also be achieved with medium-length hair using extensions along the braid.
Step-By-Step Tips For A Perfect Braided Crown
Divide your hair into two sections, creating a low part in the middle at the nape of your neck. Dutch braid each section upward along the sides of your head, continuing until you can pin the ends together at the opposite crown. Tuck the ends underneath the opposite braid and secure them with pins. Gently pull on individual braid loops to pancake the braid and add fullness. Add small florals or pearl pins along the braid for that authentic Bridgerton finishing touch.
Romantic Loose Waves
Not every Bridgerton look is a structured updo, and that is exactly what I want you to take away from this section. Some of the most beautiful hair moments in that world come from soft, cascading waves that look like the heroine just stepped in from a breezy morning walk through the garden.
Defining The Romantic Loose Wave Style
Romantic loose waves are soft, flowing waves that fall naturally around the shoulders and down the back. Unlike beach waves, which tend to be more tousled and carefree, romantic loose waves have a polished quality to them — each wave is intentional, defined, and moves with grace. Think of the hair moving in slow motion, catching the light as you walk. This style embodies femininity and approachability, and in my experience, it is one of the most universally flattering styles I have ever created in my years working in the beauty industry.
Who Benefits Most From Wearing This Look
This style is wonderfully accessible because it works on almost every hair type, length, and face shape. Fine hair benefits from the added texture and body the waves provide. Thick hair gets softened and controlled. Curly hair can be stretched out into beautiful elongated waves with the right products. I particularly love this style for women who want a Bridgerton-inspired look without committing to a full updo. It is perfect for day-to-evening events, casual brunches, or even everyday wear when you want to feel a little extra special.
Techniques And Tools To Create These Waves
Use a one-and-a-quarter-inch or one-and-a-half-inch curling wand and wrap each section of hair away from your face, leaving the ends slightly uncurled for a modern finish. Once you have curled all sections, allow them to cool completely before touching them. Then run your fingers through gently to loosen the curls into soft waves. Apply a shine serum through the mid-lengths and ends, and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray that allows movement. The goal is shine, softness, and that effortless romantic energy.
Pearl-Embellished Bun
Pearls have my whole heart when it comes to Bridgerton-inspired beauty. They are the jewelry of the hairstyle world, and when you weave them into a bun, something magical happens. I started incorporating pearls into my clients’ bridal and editorial hairstyles years ago, and every single time, the result stops people in their tracks.
The Story Behind The Pearl-Embellished Bun
The pearl-embellished bun combines a classic low or mid-height bun with pearl hairpins, pearl-strung wire, or delicate pearl headbands woven through the style. This look is directly inspired by the Regency era’s love of understated luxury — pearls were considered the ultimate symbol of elegance, femininity, and refinement. What I find so endearing about this style is that the pearls do not overpower the look. Instead, they whisper sophistication. They catch the light just enough to make you glow without screaming for attention.
Ideal Candidates And Occasions For This Style
This hairstyle is perfect for brides, bridesmaids, formal evening events, engagement parties, or anyone who wants to feel like they have stepped out of a love story. It works best on medium to long hair with enough length to create a full, voluminous bun. If you have shorter hair, faux buns or hair doughnuts can help you achieve the same effect. I always recommend this style to clients who want something that photographs beautifully — the pearls catch studio and natural light in the most stunning way.
How To Build And Accessorize This Bun
Begin by prepping the hair with volumizing mousse and rough-drying for body. Gather the hair into a low or mid-ponytail and begin twisting it around the base, securing with pins as you go. Once the bun is formed, begin inserting pearl-tipped bobby pins throughout the bun in a scattered, organic pattern — do not place them too symmetrically or it will look overly stiff. You can also use a pearl string wrapped loosely around the outside of the bun for a more dramatic effect. Finish with a fine-mist hairspray to set everything in place.
The Floral Wreath Braid
If you have ever looked at a Bridgerton promenade scene and thought to yourself — I want to live inside that moment — this hairstyle is for you. The floral wreath braid is essentially a crown braid elevated with the addition of real or faux flowers woven directly into the braid, creating a garden-goddess effect that is absolutely breathtaking.
Breaking Down The Floral Wreath Braid
The floral wreath braid is a variation of the braided crown, but with flowers — whether real, dried, or silk — woven into the braid at intervals to create the appearance of a living floral crown. The flowers can be small and delicate like baby’s breath, or slightly more pronounced like small roses or ranunculus. The result is a hairstyle that blurs the line between nature and art. In my experience, this look photographs like a dream and holds its own in even the most elaborate fashion scenarios.
When And For Whom This Style Shines
This style is ideal for outdoor weddings, garden parties, spring and summer editorial shoots, and any event with a romantic, whimsical theme. It works beautifully on longer hair because there is more braid to fill with florals, but medium-length hair can absolutely achieve this look as well. I particularly love it on women who want something unique and unforgettable — something that goes beyond a typical updo and tells a story all on its own.
Creating Your Own Floral Wreath Braid At Home
Braid your hair into a crown following the same steps as the braided crown style, but before securing the braid fully, begin weaving in small floral stems by threading them under braid loops and bending the stem back to secure. Use hair-friendly floral wire to help reinforce any larger blooms. Small pearl pins can fill in any gaps between flowers. If you are using real flowers, prep them the morning of your event and mist them with water to keep them fresh. Spray the finished look lightly with hair spray and enjoy the magic.
Low Chignon With Soft Tendrils
The low chignon is one of those hairstyles that never goes out of style, and I say this as someone who has been working in beauty for over a decade. It is the hairstyle equivalent of a little black dress — always appropriate, always elegant, always perfect.
What The Low Chignon Truly Is
A low chignon is a smooth or softly textured bun positioned at or just above the nape of the neck. In the Bridgerton world, the chignon is almost always accompanied by soft, face-framing tendrils — loose pieces that escape the updo and curl gently around the cheeks and temples. This combination of sleekness and softness is what makes the style so timeless. It communicates refinement without rigidity, and elegance without trying too hard. I have used this style in everything from bridal work to red carpet prep, and it delivers every single time.
Hair Textures And Face Shapes That Benefit Most
The low chignon is universally flattering but works especially well for women with long necks who want to show off that elegant line. It is also brilliant for fine hair because the chignon creates the illusion of density and fullness, and for wavy or curly hair that can be smoothed back elegantly. In terms of face shapes, the face-framing tendrils make this a particularly flattering choice for those with square or angular jaw lines, as the soft curls soften the overall look and add femininity.
Building The Perfect Low Chignon Step By Step
Start with hair that has been lightly blow-dried smooth. Gather all hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure loosely. Begin twisting the ponytail and wrapping it around its base, tucking and pinning as you go. Smooth any bumps with a fine-tooth comb and a little pomade on the surface. Pull out two thin sections from each side at the temples before you start — these will become your tendrils. Curl them loosely with a small barrel iron and let them fall naturally. Set the whole style with medium-hold hairspray.
Twisted Side Updo
There is something about a twisted side updo that feels like it belongs in a painting. It is asymmetrical in the best possible way, drawing the eye and creating movement and drama without ever feeling over the top.
Understanding The Twisted Side Updo
The twisted side updo is a style where the hair is swept to one side and secured in a loosely twisted or coiled arrangement that sits at the nape or behind one ear. The twist itself is what makes this style distinctive — it is not a braid, it is not a bun, it is something in between, with a sculptural quality that looks effortful and effortless at the same time. Bridgerton uses side updos to communicate a kind of graceful asymmetry, and I find that energy so inspiring in my own styling work.
Who This Style Complements And When To Wear It
This style is particularly beautiful on women with longer hair who want something a little different from the traditional center-back updo. It works well for cocktail parties, formal dinners, evening events, and even bridal looks for the bride who wants something unexpected but still refined. I love recommending this style to clients with round face shapes because the asymmetry draws the eye upward and outward, creating a beautifully elongating effect.
Tips For Twisting And Securing This Look
Sweep all of your hair to one side and begin twisting the ponytail upward and inward, gathering more hair as you go. Pin the twist flat against the side of your head or behind your ear, tucking the ends underneath and securing them. Add a few pearl or jeweled pins along the twist for decoration. Pull a few face-framing pieces loose at the front opposite the twist to balance the asymmetry. Finish with hairspray and adjust any sections that need more definition.
Cascading Ringlets
Ringlets are one of those styles that immediately transport me to another time and another world. When I first began recreating this look for editorial shoots, I was amazed at how transformative it is — from the very first curl, the whole vibe of the hair changes completely.
What Cascading Ringlets Look Like And Feel Like
Cascading ringlets are tight, defined, spiral curls that fall freely from the crown or gathered roots down the shoulders and back. Unlike loose waves or soft curls, ringlets have distinct coil structure that catches light at every angle and creates incredible movement. In the Bridgerton world, ringlets are often styled half-up with some curls pinned at the crown and the rest falling freely, creating a look that is simultaneously structured and wild. I think of ringlets as the most romantic hairstyle in existence — they belong on someone standing in a garden while the light fades behind them.
Which Hair Types Work Best With This Style
Naturally curly and wavy hair will find this style much more achievable, but straight hair absolutely can achieve ringlets with the right tools and products. The key is using a small-barrel curling iron, around five-eighths of an inch or three-quarters of an inch, to create tight coils. This style requires more patience than loose wave styles, but the payoff is extraordinary. Fine hair may need extra hold products to maintain the ringlet definition throughout the day, while thick hair may need the curls loosened slightly to prevent the overall look from becoming too heavy.
Product And Technique Tips For Long-Lasting Ringlets
Apply a curl-defining cream and a light mousse to damp hair before blow-drying, then curl each section tightly around a small-barrel iron, rolling downward and holding for five to seven seconds. Release each curl carefully and allow it to cool before touching. Once all curls are set, mist with a curl-setting spray and do not brush — only use fingers to separate lightly if needed. For a half-up version, gather the top section gently and pin loosely with decorative pins, letting the remaining ringlets flow freely.
Sleek Center-Parted Updo
Not all Bridgerton hairstyles are soft and romantic — some are sharper and more commanding, and the sleek center-parted updo falls beautifully into that category. This is the hairstyle of someone who knows exactly who she is and walks into every room like she belongs there.
Defining The Sleek Center-Parted Updo
This style features a precise center part that begins at the forehead and runs back to where the hair is gathered into a smooth, polished updo at the crown or back of the head. The sleekness of the front section contrasts with whatever style sits at the back — whether it is a chignon, a braided bun, or a twisted updo. It is the combination of that structured front panel and the more elaborate back that creates such a striking effect. I have used this look in high-fashion editorial shoots when I want the hair to feel like a strong statement piece.
The Right Hair Type And Face Shape For This Look
This style works best on medium to long hair with a relatively smooth natural texture, or hair that can be smoothed easily with products. It is particularly flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the center part creates symmetry and draws attention to balanced features. If you have a very high forehead, you may prefer a slight soft wave at the front rather than an entirely smooth section, just to add a little softness around the frame of the face.
Getting That Sleek, Polished Finish At Home
Apply a generous amount of smoothing serum or cream to dry hair before beginning. Use a tail comb to create a sharp, precise center part. Smooth each side of the front section with a fine-tooth comb and a boar bristle brush, then gather the hair back into a tight low or mid ponytail. From there, create your chosen back style — whether it is a twisted chignon, a braided bun, or a simple wrapped bun. Apply a small amount of edge-control gel along the hairline for ultimate sleekness, and set with a firm-hold spray.
The High Curly Bun
I am a deeply personal fan of the high curly bun. There is something about natural curl patterns meeting a high-set bun that feels both playful and powerful simultaneously — like you could lead a cavalry charge in the morning and attend a grand soirée in the evening.
Everything You Need To Know About The High Curly Bun
The high curly bun is exactly what the name suggests — a bun placed high on the head, usually at the crown, made up of curly or coiled hair that is gathered and pinned loosely to maintain the natural curl texture. Unlike a sleek ballet bun, this style celebrates and showcases texture. Curls peek out from the bun, spiraling in every direction, creating a gorgeous halo effect. In the Bridgerton aesthetic, high curly buns are often adorned with ribbons, pearls, or small florals, adding an extra layer of femininity to the already stunning natural texture.
Who Should Embrace The High Curly Bun
This style is a celebration of natural curl and coil patterns, making it perfect for women with naturally curly, coily, or kinky hair textures who want to embrace their natural beauty in a Regency-inspired setting. It is also achievable on wavy hair with the right products. I always tell my curly-haired clients that this style was made for them — it honors the beauty of natural texture while adding a elegance and intentionality that feels truly special. It is wonderful for formal events, cultural celebrations, and any occasion where you want your natural hair to be the star.
Styling Tips To Make Your Curly Bun Thrive
Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair, applying a generous amount of curl cream and a leave-in conditioner. Define curls using a denman brush or your fingers, then allow hair to dry fully — either air dry or diffuse. Once dry, gather hair loosely at the crown, avoiding pulling too tightly to preserve the curl pattern. Pin in sections rather than using an elastic, which can disrupt the curl shape. Allow some curls to escape and frame the face naturally. Add your chosen accessories after the bun is secured.
Waterfall Braid Elegance
The waterfall braid has never stopped feeling like magic to me. The first time I mastered it was during my early years as a freelance artist, and I remember standing back and thinking — how is this real life? It is one of those techniques that looks impossibly complex but, once you learn it, becomes one of the most joyful things to create.
What Defines A Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid is a partial braid that runs horizontally along the side of the head, dropping strands down at intervals to create the effect of hair cascading like a waterfall. The dropped strands blend into the rest of the flowing hair beneath, creating a seamless transition between the braid and the loose hair below. In the Bridgerton world, this braid carries a sense of effortless grace — it looks like something that happened naturally, as if the hair simply decided to arrange itself this way while the wearer was strolling through a garden. I love it for its ability to be both structured and free-spirited at the same time.
Hair Types And Lengths That Suit This Braid
This style works best on medium to long hair with some natural wave or texture to it, as the dropped strands look more romantic and intentional when they have natural movement. Straight hair can absolutely achieve this look but benefits from some light texturizing spray beforehand to prevent the dropped sections from looking flat. It is ideal for any occasion where you want an intricate-looking style that still feels light and wearable — spring events, outdoor ceremonies, photoshoots, and garden parties all call for a waterfall braid.
A Beginner-Friendly Approach To The Waterfall Braid
Start from one side of the head, near the temple, and pick up three sections of hair as if beginning a French braid. Cross the top section over the middle, then instead of continuing to add hair from the bottom, drop that bottom section and pick up a fresh section of hair from above. Continue this pattern — cross over, drop, pick up new — all the way to the other side of the head. Secure the end of the braid with a small pin or clear elastic. Allow the dropped strands to mingle with the loose hair below for that signature waterfall effect.
Ribbon-Wrapped Ponytail
I started incorporating ribbons into my hairstyles during a period when I was deeply inspired by historical beauty references, and my clients absolutely went wild for it. A ribbon-wrapped ponytail is one of those styles that bridges the gap between the past and the present so beautifully — it is nostalgic and modern all at once.
The Ribbon-Wrapped Ponytail Explained
The ribbon-wrapped ponytail is a polished ponytail, either high or low, in which a decorative ribbon is woven around or wrapped along the length of the ponytail itself. The ribbon adds color, texture, and a delicate Regency-era charm that instantly elevates what could otherwise be a simple everyday style. Velvet ribbons, silk ribbons, and satin ribbons all work beautifully, and the color you choose can either match your outfit or serve as a deliberate, eye-catching contrast. I have used everything from ivory and gold to deep burgundy and forest green, and every single combination works in its own unique way.
Occasions And Hair Types That Make This Style Shine
This style is wonderfully versatile — it can be made as casual or as formal as you need it to be. A messy low ponytail with a loosely tied velvet ribbon reads as effortlessly chic for a weekend brunch, while a sleek high ponytail with a precisely wrapped silk ribbon can hold its own at a formal event. It works on virtually every hair type and length, with medium to long hair offering the most impact since there is more ponytail surface for the ribbon to travel along. I love recommending this style to clients who want something special but do not have a lot of time to spend on their hair.
Simple Steps To Wrap Your Ribbon Perfectly
Gather hair into your chosen ponytail height and secure with a clear elastic. Take a ribbon approximately twenty to twenty-four inches in length and fold it in half, looping the fold around the elastic at the base of the ponytail. Begin wrapping both ribbon ends around the ponytail in a criss-cross pattern, allowing them to overlap slightly at each cross point. Continue down the length of the ponytail and tie the ends into a small bow at the bottom. For extra security, add a tiny dab of hair glue or a tiny clip under the bow. Lightly mist with hairspray to finish.
Soft Half-Up Twist
The soft half-up twist is my personal favorite Bridgerton-inspired style to recreate on clients because it is genuinely achievable for almost anyone, and yet it photographs and wears like something out of a dream. It is the style I reach for when someone tells me they want to look special but still feel like themselves.
Getting To Know The Soft Half-Up Twist
The soft half-up twist is a half-up half-down style in which the top section of hair is divided into two parts, twisted toward the back of the head, and secured together with pins or a decorative clip. The result is a look that is partially gathered and partially free-flowing, combining the elegance of an updo with the softness of wearing hair down. In Bridgerton, this style appears frequently in its most romantic scenes — it communicates a kind of gentle, open-hearted femininity that I find deeply beautiful and incredibly enduring.
The Perfect Wearer And Setting For This Style
This style is ideal for nearly everyone — different hair lengths, different textures, different face shapes all benefit from it in unique ways. For women with fine hair, the twist adds volume and structure to the top section. For women with thick, wavy, or curly hair, it tames the crown while allowing the natural texture of the lower sections to breathe and flow freely. I recommend it for garden parties, daytime events, casual dinners, and any occasion that calls for looking put-together without appearing overly formal. It is also a beautiful everyday style for those who want to feel a little elevated on an ordinary day.
Easy Techniques For A Flawless Soft Twist
Take the top third of your hair from the temples back and divide it into two equal sections. Twist each section individually toward the center back, then wrap them around each other and secure with bobby pins in an X pattern. Allow the ends to tuck underneath or leave them fanned out slightly for a more romantic effect. Pull the top of the twist slightly looser to create a soft, gathered volume at the crown — this is the detail that separates a casual twist from a Bridgerton-worthy one. Curl the remaining loose hair below in soft waves for the full effect, and add a small ribbon or pearl clip at the point of the twist for extra charm.
Conclusion
There is so much I could say about Bridgerton hairstyles, but what I keep coming back to, again and again, is this — these styles are not just about aesthetics. They are about feeling something. When I look at the women in that world and the way their hair is styled, I see confidence, identity, and an unshakeable sense of self. That is exactly what I have always believed beauty should do. I grew up watching my mother transform in front of her mirror before special occasions, and that early experience taught me that beauty rituals are deeply emotional — they are moments of self-honoring, of saying to yourself, “I am worth this care and this artistry.”
The thirteen hairstyles I have walked you through in this article each carry their own energy and their own story. From the structured elegance of the classic Regency updo to the whimsical joy of the floral wreath braid, from the bold simplicity of the sleek center-parted updo to the natural celebration of the high curly bun — each one of these styles offers you an invitation to step into a version of yourself that feels extraordinary. And you deserve to feel extraordinary, not just on special occasions, but every single day.
What I love most about recreating historical beauty looks for modern women is that it forces us to slow down and be intentional with how we present ourselves to the world. In a time when so much of beauty culture is rushed and trend-driven, there is something deeply grounding about looking back at styles that were designed to be truly worn, truly felt, and truly seen. Bridgerton reminds us that beauty is ceremonial — it is a practice, a ritual, and above all, a form of storytelling.
Whether you try one of these styles at home this weekend or save them for a special occasion you are planning, my hope is that you approach the process with curiosity and kindness toward yourself. Not every style will look perfect on the first try, and that is completely fine. The joy is in the experimentation, in learning what makes you feel alive and luminous in your own skin. As I always say, makeup and hair are not about hiding — they are about amplifying. And these Bridgerton-inspired styles give you thirteen magnificent ways to amplify the beauty that is already, undeniably, yours.